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White Coat and Sneakers
Transported to a surreal landscape, a young trauma surgeon is called into action as a priest and asked to help save the great-grandson of a slave in 1938 New Orleans. In doing so he throws his entire future into the balance.A fascinating and thought-provoking journey from modern Los Angeles to turn-of-the-century Louisiana, Hillary Chollet’s debut explores the infinite nature of the human soul. His felicity for time and place—for portraying vastly different cultures, life views, and societal constructs—is nothing short of a revelation, while bristling dialogue and a keen eye for detail serve only to add greater depth and complexity. A moving novel of insight and raw emotion, White Coat and Sneakers exposes the core of our being with delicacy and reverence as it unspools the mysteries of life as we know it.
296 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 1, 2014
This book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review by Smith Publicity. The opinions below are my own. Spoiler alert: If you do not want to know specifics about the book please read the book and not my review.
This book starts out a little slow and there are some parts that read like an English paper (what is going to happen, it's happening, it happened). However, the main style of writing that follows and surrounds these things is comfortable and enjoyable and well worth reading.
I do prefer a more fast paced book, but that would have been completely out of place in the setting of this book. The story is mostly set in the French quarter of New Orleans, which is nothing if not inviting and moves to the beat of it's own drum. I wouldn't ask for it to be any different.
This story was inspirational, heartfelt, and imaginative. Most of the story is autobiographical, but it also has an interesting twist of rewriting history to include time travel, an afterlife encounter and technically a possession.The main thrust of the story is religious and has a powerful message.
I'm not a giant fan of sports and some of the play by play was boring to me, but at the same time it didn't overshadow the main thread of the story, it just was part of it.
I would recommend this to someone who enjoys a story that encourages team work, community, and hope.
This book starts out a little slow and there are some parts that read like an English paper (what is going to happen, it's happening, it happened). However, the main style of writing that follows and surrounds these things is comfortable and enjoyable and well worth reading.
I do prefer a more fast paced book, but that would have been completely out of place in the setting of this book. The story is mostly set in the French quarter of New Orleans, which is nothing if not inviting and moves to the beat of it's own drum. I wouldn't ask for it to be any different.
This story was inspirational, heartfelt, and imaginative. Most of the story is autobiographical, but it also has an interesting twist of rewriting history to include time travel, an afterlife encounter and technically a possession.The main thrust of the story is religious and has a powerful message.
I'm not a giant fan of sports and some of the play by play was boring to me, but at the same time it didn't overshadow the main thread of the story, it just was part of it.
I would recommend this to someone who enjoys a story that encourages team work, community, and hope.
September 10, 2016
Starting a touch slowly, and taking time for me to adjust to Chollet’s writing style, that is detailed (perhaps a touch more than necessary) yet evocative of the place and time in which his character exists.
Starting as a fairly newly minted trauma surgeon, Chollet presents the tension, action and a sense of responsibility held by Henry, our main character. Written with the tone that I would expect from a medical professional, the characters are a bit matter-of-fact: while we are learning about their struggles and actions, there isn’t a great deal of emotive inclusion, giving the reader a reason to like, or dislike them.
All of that does change, however, when the “shift’ happens, and he is thrust back in time and place and attempt to use his skills, often reliant on modern-day technology, to save a life. This is no ordinary life, in 1938 New Orleans, segregation and racial separation and tensions are running high, and the life he is working to save, while absorbing the flavor, sights and sounds of the infamous city is not one that would normally be provided with extensive treatment.
The story winds through New Orleans, often detailing minutia that seems to serve no purpose but display the research the author has done to capture the city in feel and sound, while I would have preferred to see more of a shock with his newly discovered situation and the societal constraints that were at war with his own beliefs.
What emerges is Henry’s growth and learning about people, their motivations, their prejudices and just how they justify their own faith beliefs with often abhorrent behavior and attitudes to those who differ from them. There are clearly lines that manage to inform the present day Henry’s beliefs and actions, perhaps more solidly than before the time-travel, but it was difficult to ascertain spoken beliefs from deeply held convictions, mainly due to the lack of emotional depth and language given to the characters.
This was, however, an interesting story that managed to give a sense of a current day medical professional’s life, and the turmoil and tension they encounter each day: even in the days before advanced procedures. My sense is that this serves as a lovely testament to the need for accessible and quality healthcare for all – but that may be placing a political spin on the story that was unintended by the author.
I received an eBook copy from Smith Publicity for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Starting as a fairly newly minted trauma surgeon, Chollet presents the tension, action and a sense of responsibility held by Henry, our main character. Written with the tone that I would expect from a medical professional, the characters are a bit matter-of-fact: while we are learning about their struggles and actions, there isn’t a great deal of emotive inclusion, giving the reader a reason to like, or dislike them.
All of that does change, however, when the “shift’ happens, and he is thrust back in time and place and attempt to use his skills, often reliant on modern-day technology, to save a life. This is no ordinary life, in 1938 New Orleans, segregation and racial separation and tensions are running high, and the life he is working to save, while absorbing the flavor, sights and sounds of the infamous city is not one that would normally be provided with extensive treatment.
The story winds through New Orleans, often detailing minutia that seems to serve no purpose but display the research the author has done to capture the city in feel and sound, while I would have preferred to see more of a shock with his newly discovered situation and the societal constraints that were at war with his own beliefs.
What emerges is Henry’s growth and learning about people, their motivations, their prejudices and just how they justify their own faith beliefs with often abhorrent behavior and attitudes to those who differ from them. There are clearly lines that manage to inform the present day Henry’s beliefs and actions, perhaps more solidly than before the time-travel, but it was difficult to ascertain spoken beliefs from deeply held convictions, mainly due to the lack of emotional depth and language given to the characters.
This was, however, an interesting story that managed to give a sense of a current day medical professional’s life, and the turmoil and tension they encounter each day: even in the days before advanced procedures. My sense is that this serves as a lovely testament to the need for accessible and quality healthcare for all – but that may be placing a political spin on the story that was unintended by the author.
I received an eBook copy from Smith Publicity for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
October 2, 2013
I read this book through NetGalley.
I will generally read any book, fiction or non-fiction, that is set in a hospital or deals with doctors. I also like time travel stories, so I was excited to read a story that combined medicine and time travel. But - this book was a disappointment to me; after reading 50 pages, I had enough and gave up. I just couldn't get past the bad writing. The sentences were choppy and did not flow, the characters flat, unlikeable and unbelievable, and the story was not interesting. I didn't get to the time travel portion of the story, but what I did read of this book was pedantic and dull.
I will generally read any book, fiction or non-fiction, that is set in a hospital or deals with doctors. I also like time travel stories, so I was excited to read a story that combined medicine and time travel. But - this book was a disappointment to me; after reading 50 pages, I had enough and gave up. I just couldn't get past the bad writing. The sentences were choppy and did not flow, the characters flat, unlikeable and unbelievable, and the story was not interesting. I didn't get to the time travel portion of the story, but what I did read of this book was pedantic and dull.
September 28, 2013
The author begins this story having us experience (in remarkably great detail) the fearless and debilitating life of young trauma surgeon Hillary Chollet.
While trying to save the life of a gunshot victim in present day Los Angeles Hillary is transported to 1938 New Orleans where he is a priest and asked to help save the great-grandson of a slave.
He begins a fascinating journey exploring the vast nature of the human soul.
"White Coat and Sneakers" is inspiring and well written with great attention to medical and historical detail.
While trying to save the life of a gunshot victim in present day Los Angeles Hillary is transported to 1938 New Orleans where he is a priest and asked to help save the great-grandson of a slave.
He begins a fascinating journey exploring the vast nature of the human soul.
"White Coat and Sneakers" is inspiring and well written with great attention to medical and historical detail.
September 11, 2013
I received this book as an ARC. The beginning of the book was wonderful. The story of a trauma surgeon visiting the "other side" while trying to save the life of a gun-shot victim. Great insight into the thought process and mind as it is tested during extreme stress. I felt that the middle of the book was extremely long and somewhat transparent. You knew what the outcome was going to be so it was somewhat anti-climatic. Decent read.
October 12, 2013
This is a very interesting book. Hillary Chollet is a surgeon while running a code on a dying patient Hillary is electrocuted and instead of dying he is taken back in time to 1938 where he becomes a Priest and his Grandfather's football coach. There are many interesting people you will meet, some will humble you and some will leave you hoping for the best for them. This book was hard to put down and the ending is all you could hope for.
May 8, 2014
I liked the beginning of this book, it held my interest and I was really enjoying it. Then, the book got weird for me, jumping into a flashback sequence. Basically, I would have given this book 4 1/2 stars if it were not for this progression. The book had a little bit of everything in it and Hillary is a very inspiring man, I just wished the book was more chronological.
April 6, 2014
I can't believe how much I loved this book. So unbelievably good. What a story. God works in mysterious ways. I could easily enjoy reading this one over and over again.
January 30, 2021
A great story about white light moments
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews