The World As He Sees It by A.M. Arthur

The World As He Sees It by A.M. Arthur


Review by Lauren

The book is released tomorrow! 


Source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own


Official Summary: Gabe lives a double life. As Gabriel Henson, he works multiple jobs to
support his remorseless, alcoholic mother. As Tony Ryder, he does
internet porn for extra cash and regular safe sex without
complications.Yet when he encounters a scared young man freaking out in a
night club, he’s compelled to reach out. Ever since then, the memory of
that young man has haunted him.Tristan Lavelle lives his life thirty
minutes at a time. After a traumatic brain injury three years ago, he
gets through his day recording his life in spiral notebooks and sticky
note reminders.A month after Tristan’s embarrassingly public meltdown,
another chance meeting with Gabe sparks a warm, emotionally fulfilling
email relationship. Both men crave more, but fear of the next step
stands between them.Until Tristan gets the opportunity to take part in a
clinical trial that could improve his memory—if the side effects don’t
kill him. But for Tristan, the possibility of a real life with Gabe is
worth any risk…

Review: It’s really easy to fall for both of these men. Gabe is trying to take care of his alcoholic mother, even though he could easily forget about her and go live with his two dads. He does porn to help earn a lot of his money, which he doesn’t mind doing, but it’s not something he wants to make his long-term career. As for Tristan, him and his best friend were attacked a few years before and now his short-term memory only lasts for about thirty minutes at a time. He remembers everything before the attack, but after that, he has to keep track of things via notebooks.

I loved that Gabe would email Tristan when their relationship is first starting out. Tristan prints out all of them so he can go back and remember Gabe and what they talked about. It gives Tristan something to hold on to apart from his best friend who was attacked with him, because Tristan’s parents have all but written him off after finding out he was gay.

The World As He Sees It is tough in parts as it’s quite an emotional novel, but it’s also full of sweet moments, as well as humorous ones as Tristan is quite a playful guy when he’s not being attacked by depression. I thought the clinical trial that Tristan went through was interesting. He’s desperate for any chance to get better, even if it means seizures or the chance of not working at all. He’s a strong guy though and willing to try it if it means he may have more of a “normal” life.

There are plenty of sexual situations, as I like to point out when reviewing romances in case that bothers someone. It’s nothing that takes over the whole story though. There is plenty going on without those moments, and that’s the main thing when it comes to me and romance. Overall, this is a good read and I would recommend to those interested!