Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Can a man improve his appearance without losing everything good inside him?

 

Oliver has always been obese and suffered from a negative body image. He’s tried diets before, failing time after time, but he vows this time will be different. As he begins an exercise program, his confidence increases—and so does his interest in his friend and coworker Benjy. Though they bonded long ago over a love of online gaming, it takes a lot of courage for Oliver to share his new body and be intimate with another man.

 

A passionate romance blooms, but as Oliver nears his goal, it seems he doesn’t need Benjy—with his chronic anxiety and troubled past—now that he’s made attractive new friends at the gym. But not all relationships are equal, and Oliver realizes that Benjy, who loved and supported him when no one else did, is more than a reminder of his old life.

 

A pleasing appearance means nothing when it hides a lonely, empty heart, and if Oliver cannot decide what’s truly important, he’ll lose what he cherishes most.

 

Book Review

There are some books, at least for me, where the main point is not liking the characters or even the story. These tales still need to be told, and I can still learn from them, but it isn’t necessarily an enjoyable activity. ‘Slim Chance’, for me, is one of those cases. It is an excellent novel for many reasons: it has two flawed characters with multiple issues, the growth each of them goes through is as painful as you’d expect, and Oliver, the narrator of the story, is so realistic that is was almost scary. The central theme focuses on self-image and acceptance and is relevant for many people who are not seen as “perfect” by society (which is actually most of us!). It’s a very topical subject, and with Oliver struggling with his weight and Benjy fighting social anxiety, there are plenty of obstacles between them as they explore a relationship.

“Appearance is everything” may be a way many people think, but in Oliver’s case, it has led to a lot of unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. He has always been on the heavy side, can’t seem to lose the weight but is gaining several pounds a year, and he hates his body. His inner monologue has turned totally toxic, and with his self-image destroyed through years of bullying and being treated with disdain, his self-confidence is about as low as it can get. Finally, when he sees the danger to his health, he begins to turn the corner and starts to lose weight in earnest.

On his way to a “better” self, he starts talking to his coworker, Benjy. Benjy is shy, but their friendship develops rapidly and, as Benjy opens up, Oliver discovers “shy” is an understatement. Benjy struggles with social anxiety and needs a lot of support – which Oliver is unable to give because he can’t see beyond his own issues.  I wanted to smack him upside the head more than once for being so self-centered and not seeing how much he hurt Benjy with some of what he said. Benjy is such a giving person and I hated to see him hurt.

But even when Oliver reaches his target, he is not happy. He still focuses more on his mistakes than his achievements, and he is still trying to gain acceptance from the “beautiful” people. It takes a rather brutal event for him to get a real clue and to start focusing on more than external attributes. It is a very hard-earned lesson, but one that is utterly realistic and - sadly – has to be learned by many people. When Oliver finally does realize what’s what, it is almost too late to rescue his relationship with Benjy, but I kept hoping they would figure it out – they are a totally adorable couple.

If you like stories with realistically flawed characters who make a lot of mistakes before they get a clue, if you want to know what it’s like to be overweight/obese and struggle to lose the excess pounds, and if you’re looking for a read that may not be enjoyable (well, except for the ending!) but that is insightful, thoughtful, and has a much-needed message about the need for self-acceptance, then you will probably like this novel. It is rather remarkable in the way it offers some poignant observations about human nature in general, and some of our Western societies’ issues in particular.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 200 pages/62379 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	26-June-2017
Price	$6.99 ebook, $14.99 paperback, $14.99 bundle
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/slim-chance-by-jeff-erno-8613-b