Before I Wake

Blurb

Nurse's aide Jonesy is drawn to Michael, the comatose victim of a hate crime whose homophobic parents have rejected him. Jonesey sits with Michael, reads to him, and encourages Michael to wake up. Jonesy may not be the smartest guy in the world, but he knows Michael needs him. And if he also thinks Michael is the most beautiful thing he's ever seen, well, Jonesy knows better than to hope for things that can never happen.

Michael is lost in a dungeon, a dark and terrifying place. His only comfort is the sound of a man's voice. Can Michael come back? Does he want to? Maybe Jonesy can convince him that some things are worth living for.

Review

Before I Wake by Eli Easton is a tender and emotional journey of unrequited love in the face of tragedy. Michael is the recipient of a gay bashing and is on life support with little prospects of recovering. Jonesy is the nursing assistant assigned to the floor Michael is on. Jonesy immediately feels a connection to the broken young man and makes it his duty to care for the coma-ridden patient.

Under the vigilant supervision of Jonesy, Michael is cared for until his family decides to remove him from life support. What occurs is non-other than miraculous as Michael shows signs of emerging from the coma through the tender guidance of Jonesy.

Ms. Easton demonstrated spirit and faith in her story as both Jonesy and Michael waded thru murky waters. The simplicity written into the story gave meaning as Ms. Easton permitted the attendee and patient to grow in their abilities and in their eventual love.

The sentimentality illuminated the pages and endeared me to both men. The book was not about sex but the qualities that are looked for in a significant other when faced with adversity. For this, Before I Wake deserves a four-handcuff review.