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C. (Comment, don't blank click reviews).'s Reviews > Do You Realize?

Do You Realize? by Kevin A. Kuhn
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it was amazing
bookshelves: riedel-titles-2021

I seldom read science fiction but Kevin Kuhn’s first, much loved novel of 2017, offers a gentle introduction. When I eventually sought a copy, I was startled by how uncannily I related to it. Reading this story in March was healing. I felt like these personages were reciprocally sympathetic to me. A simple portrait of a common family with a dollop of science fiction intrigue, rose to five star depths for me. All readers can recognize a member of the central family. This whole novel contains an impressively subtle variety of intricacies to savour. I wonder how long it took Kevin to work out and weave its plotlines.

On the surface, an office manager with seniority wrestles with the risk of seeking a better career, or settling for the one with a benefits package he needs. In the USA, doctors and hospitals are not free, for some baffling reason. We hope George will dare to challenge an uncreative superior. Two hospitalizations elevated the emotional atmosphere. By the time the mysteriousness of otherworldly elements emerged, I was invested. It was a year after my Mom ascended and two months since a dear cat ascended from cancer. Another precious kitty ascended from kidney disease three months later. This novel was a release and balm for me that I could not have predicted. My viewpoint differs only in counting on reuniting with them in the afterlife, instead of in parallel worlds.

I marvel at how well “Do You Realize?” is written. Its logistics are well planned, outcomes surprise us outside an A or B box, there are valid questions worth posing, and we are treated to song title guessing games heading each chapter. I knew nearly every one. For me, “What Is Love?” can only be the song that is by Howard Jones!
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Reading Progress

March 18, 2021 – Started Reading
March 18, 2021 – Shelved
March 18, 2021 – Shelved as: riedel-titles-2021
March 18, 2021 – Shelved as: to-read
March 19, 2021 –
page 100
24.04% "One-hundred pages were well absorbed: pretty good progress for a first reading session of a new author. I am certainly eager to continue the story tonight."
March 20, 2021 –
page 200
48.08% "Another engaging reading session that clopped along until I fell asleep."
March 21, 2021 –
page 330
79.33% "Suddenly we are discussing cancer: what it is in one paragraph, why it is harder to stop and cure than other ailments. What needs to be done to cure it. By God, let's get cracking doing that. It is a concern and prayer for the world overall but had not entered my radar personally until January. I suddenly found out a cat who is a son to me had stomach cancer. He died at home two weeks after. A well timed book."
March 21, 2021 – Finished Reading

Comments Showing 1-12 of 12 (12 new)

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ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ This sounds really interesting, Carolyn! I just love "alternate reality" stories.

PS, sorry about your cat 😢


C.  (Comment, don't blank click reviews). You can imagine that condolences mean a lot to us at this early time of loss. Spirit is on my lap in my photo: humanlike and a son if there ever were one. We and our other cats thank you, Ange! You & I missing our Moms is quite enough in a year, isn't it? Usually she comforts me. Now, I picture Mom having greeted Spirit.


message 3: by Cheri (new)

Cheri Carolyn, I hope you are doing well! I loved reading your notes along with your progress on this, and continue to hope that before this year is over, that things will improve. Hugs to you and yours!


message 4: by C. (Comment, don't blank click reviews). (last edited 14 avr. 2021 00:26) (new) - rated it 5 stars

C.  (Comment, don't blank click reviews). Hi Cheri dear! This is the first time anyone has remarked upon my progress notes. I appreciate that. I am having a tough time with alcoholism of my spouse, who has made a few efforts in receiving help but needs to embrace other resources to really get a hold on it. The less negativity or stress the better, while grieving Spirit.

This dear baby's service will be another two weeks, in a late season snowfall and frozen soil. I am dealing with Mom's ascension okay. She is a Mom who prepared us well for "Someday, when I am not here" and I can feel how well it has paid off. Friends like you are just the thing too. I truly appreciate your care, Cheri dear. Xoxo, Carolyn.


message 5: by Adrian (new) - added it

Adrian Sorry to hear about Spirit. We lost Scotty from our family 3 weeks ago, so know what you’re feeling. Maybe they’re running through sunny countryside together without a care in the world.


message 6: by C. (Comment, don't blank click reviews). (last edited 14 avr. 2021 15:21) (new) - rated it 5 stars

C.  (Comment, don't blank click reviews). Oh Adrian, thank you for this! Not only the care of saying something about our loss of dear Spirit but of pointing out and offering the solidarity of understanding how major this is.

Oh my, which one is Scotty? I am so very sorry for you as well! Your cats aren't as old as we all pray they could be either. I must leave a word on your on profile, where you can keep and draw comfort from condolences of your own.

I do indeed feel sure oru loved-ones introduce themselves to the families of their parents' friends. Spirit would indeed welcome Scotty, saying "Hi! I am Carolyn's son, who knows your Dad from the internet. Let's go and play"! Your friend, Carolyn.


message 7: by Kevin (new) - added it

Kevin Kuhn Carolyn, I'm so glad you connected with this novel and were able to take some solace in it's themes. Write is a lonely business and I can't tell you how much it means to me to receive this kind of response. The Howard Jones option might have been a better choice based on the lyrics, but that Haddaway song echoes around in my mind for hours! Again, thanks for the wonderful, well-written review!


message 8: by C. (Comment, don't blank click reviews). (last edited 12 sept. 2021 22:46) (new) - rated it 5 stars

C.  (Comment, don't blank click reviews). Kevin, you are very welcome. It is a gift and honour to read an author I found compelling and have the means to tell you so. You & I are among the generations who saw no media about favourite authors of old, nor had we a way to contact the likes of Phyllis A. Whitney, Howard Engel, Charlotte MacLeod, Dorothy Eden. I am happy to sinch the circle whereby your lonely writing phase leads to gratifying reception and acknowledgement of your work.

Personally, you reached me at a time when everything hit upon poignant troubles: spouses in a slump, the passing of a parent, fatal cancer in a cherished son cat, and unbelievably losing a younger daughter cat to early onset kidney disease 5 months after.... Your novel furnished overall empathy to an unprecedented degree. Seeing how others get over losses and struggles helps us all.

I loved your special touches and creativity too. I myself when I worked outside the home, was never paid what I am worth. In needing to confront noisy neighbours, I know the feeling of having to politely request respect but dreading how daring to do so might be received. I rooted for all of your characters, loved your twists, and speculative ideas too. The pleasure is mine, which I am happy is a reward to you. Sincerely, Carolyn.


message 9: by Kerri (new)

Kerri Wonderful review, Carolyn! This sounds like a great book, but also perfectly timed for you as a reader.


C.  (Comment, don't blank click reviews). Kerri, bless you. I had wanted to read Kevin Kuhn's science fiction story and short story compilation, which he was generous enough to give me from Minnesota for my birthday last year. I waited and suddenly, it seemed like the right time to tell him of my interest and eventually opened the novel.

I was surprised by how much I related to it and seeing how fictional people handled illness, fear of loss, and grief was balm to anyone's hurts. Perhaps it does you good to read of or watch how much other people love their horses. I am not alone in grief, this sacred last year that our babies lived.

Did I tell you that I photograph the last sunset of the last year one of my loved-ones lived? It started with Love in 2014. It was so hard to let go of him, so young and healthy until that day, something spurred me to photograph the last light of the last year he was alive with us on the Earth. I did it for Mom last year, even though it was cloudy. This year two loved-ones need to be honoured with sunset photographs. Perhaps you would feel good about doing the same.


message 11: by Celia (new) - rated it 5 stars

Celia TY for inviting me to read this Carolyn. You know I agree with your assessment whole heartedly.


message 12: by C. (Comment, don't blank click reviews). (last edited 10 mar. 2022 16:56) (new) - rated it 5 stars

C.  (Comment, don't blank click reviews). We do both love the sensitivity of this story, Celia. I wanted you to see that in a tough 1.5 year, my Mom and two precious cats all went to the aftrelife recently. Any positive book like this helps and I related to it more than I wanted to.


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