Something I have learned from the few books of Bryan T Clark, is that he is not afraid of tackling real life issues, without making them the whole story.
For example, in Gideons Wish, HIV+, Homophobia, Coming Out, family peer pressure are a few issues within this story.
Gideon is from Costa Rica, where he has helped his parents run their riverside lodge in the jungle. He loves Costa Rica and the jungle life. But when his Grandma passed away, he took the opportunity to fly to Loss Angeles to renovate the house and ready it to be rented. He also took the opportunity to follow his heart, but it was broken by the other person and one Mistake has cost him dearly. Leaving him with trust issues and self-doubt and low self-esteem.
Isaiah has just left the military and is about to start training at the LAPD’s academy. He is staying at his mother’s, who happens to be Gideon’s neighbour. Isaiah too has trust issues and other baggage.
There is a spark between both characters when they first see each other, but neither is ready for a relationship.
That spark is encouraged by Daisy, Isaiah’s mother aka the local Miss cupid. She has been plotting and preparing the ground with Gideon, with not-so-subtle hints, ready for Isiah’s arrival.
What starts out as no strings fun whilst Gideon is in LA, soon turns into much more.
There are a few standout scenes that really stand out, one is when Gideon finds the courage to tell Isiah his HIV status. The way the author portrays the scene and especially Gideons raw emotion is so well written. But also, Isiah’s reaction, which shows maturity and understanding that many people faced with someone HIV+ would not show. It is refreshing to see such a reaction, and quite informative too.
I also really liked the turmoil Gideon went through in choosing whether to stay in LA and follow his heart, or do what he always has done, and be there for everyone else. Putting his own needs aside. I felt like my heart was breaking when it came to decision time.
Gideon and Isiah are opposites in many ways, but the love they share for one another is felt in every word of the book.
The emotions of the characters are almost tangible, like it is you that is in their situations. You cannot help to fall in love with them both and really root for them throughout their journey.
Gideon’s wish is so well written with all the different issues interwoven and balanced and add to the story. I kind of think of Bryan T Clark as a master baker, he puts all the ingredients into his books and mixes to bake the perfect cake.
