What do you think?
Rate this book
Different Names for the Same Thing
The last time Joël Paquet was in New York City, he nearly died. Too distracted by his problems, he didn’t look when he crossed the street and was nearly made into a pancake by a transport truck in the downtown core. The only saving grace of this trip, other than the cute person working as a living statue who saved him and then took him out for coffee, was the fact that his near-death experience finally gave him the courage to come out as trans.
Five years later, Joël Paquet is one of the most in-demand horror writers in North America. Going to New York City from his current Montreal home for the Black Markets Horror Con should be exciting, but when he gets an email that uses his birth name, he nearly cancels the trip altogether. The only thing that keeps Joël going is the thought of that living statue who saved his life once before.
Five years later, Joël Paquet is one of the most in-demand horror writers in North America. Going to New York City from his current Montreal home for the Black Markets Horror Con should be exciting, but when he gets an email that uses his birth name, he nearly cancels the trip altogether. The only thing that keeps Joël going is the thought of that living statue who saved his life once before.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2016
115 people want to read
About the author
Francis Gideon
50 books43 followersFrancis Gideon is an editor and writer. He has appeared in Microscenes, Gay Flash Fiction, and JMS Books. He lives in Canada.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 10, 2016
I won a book of my choice from the publisher, so I took a chance on this short story by a new to me author. Having no review obligations is nice when you don’t know whether you’ll like a book or not and with contemporary romance I’m less sure anyway.
I’m happy to say that I really liked this well written trans romance and I’ll be looking for more books by the author as well. The short format is convincing with the right amount of detail and complexity. The pacing is good—even the flashback works really well here—and the characters have depth and their issues seem real and understandable.
There is a strong focus on the written word—be it poetry or prose, horror or love—and how it can both help us understand ourselves and evoke empathy for others. That’s really lovely. And quite often I could build a connection with the characters because the most simple things let me relate to them.
The romance between the protagonists is really sweet and it’s easy to imagine that they can build a meaningful future together. There’s just something real between them. The kissing… Hmmmmm :) Lovely! And the sex… wow, um… really hot. Loved that a lot!
Also cats, OMG! This one scene is the cutest thing ever. What a great idea!
I have to say, I often find it hard to comment on the portrayal of trans characters, because, really, I don’t feel like I’m especially well suited or anything, being that I’m cisgender, but I think the author handled it with care and understanding. The misgendering and use of Joel’s dead name is already explained in the blurb and makes sense regarding the premise. I think it’s realistic, but there is also not a major emphasis on it ,and it happens because of ignorance and not hostility, just to clarify and give you some more information here.
I can definitely recommend this shortie. I think it has great trans and pansexual representation and also, just as important, is well written and enjoyable to read.
____________________________________
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story
Tags: M/M Pairing, Trans Characters, Pansexual Characters, Transitioning, Writing/Poetry/Convention, Cats
Content Warning for: Misgendering, Use of Deadname
Blog: Review for Just Love Romance
I’m happy to say that I really liked this well written trans romance and I’ll be looking for more books by the author as well. The short format is convincing with the right amount of detail and complexity. The pacing is good—even the flashback works really well here—and the characters have depth and their issues seem real and understandable.
There is a strong focus on the written word—be it poetry or prose, horror or love—and how it can both help us understand ourselves and evoke empathy for others. That’s really lovely. And quite often I could build a connection with the characters because the most simple things let me relate to them.
The romance between the protagonists is really sweet and it’s easy to imagine that they can build a meaningful future together. There’s just something real between them. The kissing… Hmmmmm :) Lovely! And the sex… wow, um… really hot. Loved that a lot!
Also cats, OMG! This one scene is the cutest thing ever. What a great idea!
I have to say, I often find it hard to comment on the portrayal of trans characters, because, really, I don’t feel like I’m especially well suited or anything, being that I’m cisgender, but I think the author handled it with care and understanding. The misgendering and use of Joel’s dead name is already explained in the blurb and makes sense regarding the premise. I think it’s realistic, but there is also not a major emphasis on it ,and it happens because of ignorance and not hostility, just to clarify and give you some more information here.
I can definitely recommend this shortie. I think it has great trans and pansexual representation and also, just as important, is well written and enjoyable to read.
____________________________________
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story
Tags: M/M Pairing, Trans Characters, Pansexual Characters, Transitioning, Writing/Poetry/Convention, Cats
Content Warning for: Misgendering, Use of Deadname
Blog: Review for Just Love Romance
October 29, 2016
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Joel knows who he truly is on the inside, but he hasn't yet voiced it to anyone, but himself. Joel is saved by a Statue of Liberty performer after almost being flattened like a pancake while attending a horror book convention in NYC. A brush with death puts things into perspective for Joel and he knows it's time to come out as transgender. He has to leave "Violet" behind and truly become Joel.
This was a quick and enjoyable read. I've been very curious about books with trans characters and just with the subject matter in general. It's fascinating, but very confusing as well. There are so many questions I have about the matter, but it's such a delicate subject, I can't just ask the questions I really want to know. I'm not sure if this book alleviated any of my curiosity or if I walked away a bit more curious and with a few more questions.
What I do know is It took a long time for me to work up the courage to read a book on the subject matter, but I absolutely loved both Joel and Theo. We only see the very beginning of their relationship, but they had a really good chemistry and connection. The story is well-written, I just wish it had been more detailed and explained a bit more. Neither Joel or Theo have had bottom surgery, and during the sex scene I couldn't picture it really, so I had to google it. I'll admit my co-bloggers tried to help, but the information on post-hormones, pre-surgery seem to be very limited or maybe we just aren't looking in the right places. Haha
The ending is left pretty open. If the author had explained things in a bit more detail and given me a few more chapters, this could have been a solid 4.5-5 Star read. As it is, I'm giving it a very recommendable 4 Stars!
August 28, 2020
I want to read all of Joël's books and Theo's poetry. I have many feelings for this short little book, not entirely coherent. The importance of words, using the right ones, on the page and in speech, how we build our worlds out of words and so having the right ones means so much (and being able to read the right ones) to make sure we find ourselves in the world and we are safe in ours.
And Joël's description of horror as a place to make the awful (ugly, grotesque) beautiful. Makes me think of Pizarnik's line "Palabra para palabra, yo escribo la noche." (Word by word, I am writing the night.)
And then Theo's words, "That's freedom... not in the winning, but in the saving."
CW: Lots of misgendering in this story (not between the MCs).
Francis Gideon's work has disappeared off of Amazon and elsewhere which is a shame - I've read a lot but not all, and would love to have print copies of some of them, this one in particular.
And Joël's description of horror as a place to make the awful (ugly, grotesque) beautiful. Makes me think of Pizarnik's line "Palabra para palabra, yo escribo la noche." (Word by word, I am writing the night.)
And then Theo's words, "That's freedom... not in the winning, but in the saving."
CW: Lots of misgendering in this story (not between the MCs).
Francis Gideon's work has disappeared off of Amazon and elsewhere which is a shame - I've read a lot but not all, and would love to have print copies of some of them, this one in particular.
October 26, 2016
REVIEW @Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Different Names for the Same Thing was my first book by Francis Gideon and it deeply conquered me. I found it to be well done and the writing so good. In just fifty pages the author kept my full attention on the MCs’ thoughts and desires. I followed Joël and the struggles with his fears and anxieties, I was able to emphasize with him on some level and that was a great success for my reading. Plus this is a second chance at love story. Double winner!
The first time Joël and Theo met, they spent a couple of hours in a bar talking about books and writing. Both of them were at an important point in their lives, still both of them were not who they wanted to be on the outside. Five years later neither of them has forgotten that chat. Surely Joël can’t forget the living statue who saved his life. The same that captured his interest even if it was called Tracy and he was still Violet. The second time they meet is the right one and the freedom and happiness they are experiencing is evident and it warmed my soul. I enjoyed their moments together, especially the ones spent with a hordes of cats. And the ending was unexpected but so beautiful and deserved.
I feel to recommend Different Names for the Same Thing to everyone who is looking for a light but poignant second chance at love story, a quick reading that will leave you with a smile on your face.
I like the cover art by Natasha Snow, well done.
Different Names for the Same Thing was my first book by Francis Gideon and it deeply conquered me. I found it to be well done and the writing so good. In just fifty pages the author kept my full attention on the MCs’ thoughts and desires. I followed Joël and the struggles with his fears and anxieties, I was able to emphasize with him on some level and that was a great success for my reading. Plus this is a second chance at love story. Double winner!
The first time Joël and Theo met, they spent a couple of hours in a bar talking about books and writing. Both of them were at an important point in their lives, still both of them were not who they wanted to be on the outside. Five years later neither of them has forgotten that chat. Surely Joël can’t forget the living statue who saved his life. The same that captured his interest even if it was called Tracy and he was still Violet. The second time they meet is the right one and the freedom and happiness they are experiencing is evident and it warmed my soul. I enjoyed their moments together, especially the ones spent with a hordes of cats. And the ending was unexpected but so beautiful and deserved.
I feel to recommend Different Names for the Same Thing to everyone who is looking for a light but poignant second chance at love story, a quick reading that will leave you with a smile on your face.
I like the cover art by Natasha Snow, well done.
October 22, 2016
☆҉‿➹⁀☆҉☆
☆҉‿➹⁀☆҉☆
As the gale force winds blew against the windows, I listen to the trees sway and howl. Like a hurricane, she pounces, beats and tries to destroy. As I lie in bed, unable to sleep, I pick up my Kindle for something comforting. I had several books up for review, but this book chose itself. As I read, Hurricane Matthew rages outside. I am surrounded by darkness and think, like the storms outside, how different do you feel locked away, unable to express the terror and the pain? Imagine being trapped, nowhere to go, wanting to scream, "let me out!" Imagine the suffering. The hurt. The pain. Wondering, when will it all be over?
As I read the story of Joël, I thought about his struggles, his fright, his pain. The thought of being trapped and wanting out. The freedom to be and to be believed. Wanting others to see him for what was on the inside struggling to get out.
This poignant tale of self discovery and making the world see that if we close our eyes, we are all just human. One body wanting to be free.
As Violet, already in the throes of transitioning, Joël met Tracey and his life changed. There was an instant connection, but also a palpable awkwardness and lingering desires. Tracey had saved Violet in more ways than imaginable. And in return, saved herself.
Five years later, they meet again. Joël, still struggling with his public persona as an author is constantly trying to get others to accept that he is trans. On meeting the tall, blue eyed familiar man, Joël soon realises that this was a person he had known once before. Tracey had become all Joël was looking for. And one night together seasoned their minds to looking toward forever.
Two persons, so different from when they had first met, were still the same after all, just with different dressings. I will not lie. The synopsis barely prepared me for the meat of this book. Colour me surprised. Yet, the author handled this story line so intelligently, I was singing "Born This Way" throughout the storm.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from NineStar Press
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
☆҉‿➹⁀☆҉☆
As the gale force winds blew against the windows, I listen to the trees sway and howl. Like a hurricane, she pounces, beats and tries to destroy. As I lie in bed, unable to sleep, I pick up my Kindle for something comforting. I had several books up for review, but this book chose itself. As I read, Hurricane Matthew rages outside. I am surrounded by darkness and think, like the storms outside, how different do you feel locked away, unable to express the terror and the pain? Imagine being trapped, nowhere to go, wanting to scream, "let me out!" Imagine the suffering. The hurt. The pain. Wondering, when will it all be over?
As I read the story of Joël, I thought about his struggles, his fright, his pain. The thought of being trapped and wanting out. The freedom to be and to be believed. Wanting others to see him for what was on the inside struggling to get out.
This poignant tale of self discovery and making the world see that if we close our eyes, we are all just human. One body wanting to be free.
As Violet, already in the throes of transitioning, Joël met Tracey and his life changed. There was an instant connection, but also a palpable awkwardness and lingering desires. Tracey had saved Violet in more ways than imaginable. And in return, saved herself.
Five years later, they meet again. Joël, still struggling with his public persona as an author is constantly trying to get others to accept that he is trans. On meeting the tall, blue eyed familiar man, Joël soon realises that this was a person he had known once before. Tracey had become all Joël was looking for. And one night together seasoned their minds to looking toward forever.
Two persons, so different from when they had first met, were still the same after all, just with different dressings. I will not lie. The synopsis barely prepared me for the meat of this book. Colour me surprised. Yet, the author handled this story line so intelligently, I was singing "Born This Way" throughout the storm.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from NineStar Press
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
December 22, 2016
This review and much more can be found at The Novel Approach
Joël Paquet is attending a Horror Con in New York for the second time, but it’s the first time he’s attended the con as his authentic self. Flashback five years, and his first attendance was certainly memorable, more for the craziness of his near-death experience, and the mysterious connection he unexpectedly finds with his savior—a cute girl working as a living statue. They have some real moments while sharing a coffee, and he wishes he’d gotten her number. His epiphany includes his confession to his agent that he’s trans, and he’s grateful for her support as well as his publisher’s.
The second time around, there is a glitch in the program and his birth name shows up on a panel list. While his agent takes care of that, there are a few other minor hiccups that he’s able to handle. In his downtime, though, he goes looking for the long lost human statue who saved his life those years ago, even though he’s limited in ideas of where to start.
After his panels are over, he’d like to just relax, but a stranger approaches and asks him to sign something. He realizes that he recognizes the “stranger” as his savior, but things have changed there as well. The question is, can they connect again, or has too much changed in the last five years?
Different Names for the Same Thing is the second really engaging story I’ve read in the last month with trans main characters. I am so happy that these stories are being written and that the characters are multi-layered with desires and wants and insecurities and fears. I like that the author did not shy away from them expressing their sexuality as well. I think the authenticity of their portrayal allows the reader to connect on an emotional level and empathize with the anxiety that everyone feels in a new relationship. I definitely recommend this story for anyone who is interested in exploring a thoughtful trans romance.
Joël Paquet is attending a Horror Con in New York for the second time, but it’s the first time he’s attended the con as his authentic self. Flashback five years, and his first attendance was certainly memorable, more for the craziness of his near-death experience, and the mysterious connection he unexpectedly finds with his savior—a cute girl working as a living statue. They have some real moments while sharing a coffee, and he wishes he’d gotten her number. His epiphany includes his confession to his agent that he’s trans, and he’s grateful for her support as well as his publisher’s.
The second time around, there is a glitch in the program and his birth name shows up on a panel list. While his agent takes care of that, there are a few other minor hiccups that he’s able to handle. In his downtime, though, he goes looking for the long lost human statue who saved his life those years ago, even though he’s limited in ideas of where to start.
After his panels are over, he’d like to just relax, but a stranger approaches and asks him to sign something. He realizes that he recognizes the “stranger” as his savior, but things have changed there as well. The question is, can they connect again, or has too much changed in the last five years?
Different Names for the Same Thing is the second really engaging story I’ve read in the last month with trans main characters. I am so happy that these stories are being written and that the characters are multi-layered with desires and wants and insecurities and fears. I like that the author did not shy away from them expressing their sexuality as well. I think the authenticity of their portrayal allows the reader to connect on an emotional level and empathize with the anxiety that everyone feels in a new relationship. I definitely recommend this story for anyone who is interested in exploring a thoughtful trans romance.
December 22, 2016
Joël Paquet is attending a Horror Con in New York for the second time, but it’s the first time he’s attended the con as his authentic self. Flashback five years, and his first attendance was certainly memorable, more for the craziness of his near-death experience, and the mysterious connection he unexpectedly finds with his savior—a cute girl working as a living statue. They have some real moments while sharing a coffee, and he wishes he’d gotten her number. His epiphany includes his confession to his agent that he’s trans, and he’s grateful for her support as well as his publisher’s.
The second time around, there is a glitch in the program and his birth name shows up on a panel list. While his agent takes care of that, there are a few other minor hiccups that he’s able to handle. In his downtime, though, he goes looking for the long lost human statue who saved his life those years ago, even though he’s limited in ideas of where to start.
After his panels are over, he’d like to just relax, but a stranger approaches and asks him to sign something. He realizes that he recognizes the “stranger” as his savior, but things have changed there as well. The question is, can they connect again, or has too much changed in the last five years?
Different Names for the Same Thing is the second really engaging story I’ve read in the last month with trans main characters. I am so happy that these stories are being written and that the characters are multi-layered with desires and wants and insecurities and fears. I like that the author did not shy away from them expressing their sexuality as well. I think the authenticity of their portrayal allows the reader to connect on an emotional level and empathize with the anxiety that everyone feels in a new relationship. I definitely recommend this story for anyone who is interested in exploring a thoughtful trans romance.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach
The second time around, there is a glitch in the program and his birth name shows up on a panel list. While his agent takes care of that, there are a few other minor hiccups that he’s able to handle. In his downtime, though, he goes looking for the long lost human statue who saved his life those years ago, even though he’s limited in ideas of where to start.
After his panels are over, he’d like to just relax, but a stranger approaches and asks him to sign something. He realizes that he recognizes the “stranger” as his savior, but things have changed there as well. The question is, can they connect again, or has too much changed in the last five years?
Different Names for the Same Thing is the second really engaging story I’ve read in the last month with trans main characters. I am so happy that these stories are being written and that the characters are multi-layered with desires and wants and insecurities and fears. I like that the author did not shy away from them expressing their sexuality as well. I think the authenticity of their portrayal allows the reader to connect on an emotional level and empathize with the anxiety that everyone feels in a new relationship. I definitely recommend this story for anyone who is interested in exploring a thoughtful trans romance.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach
January 1, 2019
4.5 stars
This started out kinda rough but then turned really beautiful.
Content warnings include:
I was a bit wary of some interactions between Joël and his agent Kathy at first, or specifically how Kathy reacted to microagressions against Joël. At times I couldn't tell who's side she really was on, but Joël himself didn't seem to have a problem with it and consider Kathy's actions as appropriate and what he needs.
Aside from Kathy I adored this novella. The blurb describes the plot perfectly, and can be summarized as a horror author going to a convention, where he hopes to run into someone he met there 5 years before.
I really liked almost all aspects of this novella. The romance subplot, Joël's worries and nervousity about the convention, Joël as an author, the prose and poetry featured, discussions about horror as a genre and how it appeals to the writer and the reader, and the trans rep felt well done to me aside from the stuff with Kathy that I mentioned above.
This started out kinda rough but then turned really beautiful.
Content warnings include:
I was a bit wary of some interactions between Joël and his agent Kathy at first, or specifically how Kathy reacted to microagressions against Joël. At times I couldn't tell who's side she really was on, but Joël himself didn't seem to have a problem with it and consider Kathy's actions as appropriate and what he needs.
Aside from Kathy I adored this novella. The blurb describes the plot perfectly, and can be summarized as a horror author going to a convention, where he hopes to run into someone he met there 5 years before.
I really liked almost all aspects of this novella. The romance subplot, Joël's worries and nervousity about the convention, Joël as an author, the prose and poetry featured, discussions about horror as a genre and how it appeals to the writer and the reader, and the trans rep felt well done to me aside from the stuff with Kathy that I mentioned above.
November 15, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a really good short story. It is engaging from the very beginning and I read it in one sitting, as I had to know what happened. I rather wish it were longer, as there was so much more I wanted to know. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the time gap, but it was done really well, and the twist in the story was beautifully played out.
I will definitely be looking out for more stories from Mr Gideon.
This is a really good short story. It is engaging from the very beginning and I read it in one sitting, as I had to know what happened. I rather wish it were longer, as there was so much more I wanted to know. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the time gap, but it was done really well, and the twist in the story was beautifully played out.
I will definitely be looking out for more stories from Mr Gideon.
July 1, 2018
Honestly, I connected so much with the protagonist that a lot of things that would usually grate on me or bore me, didn’t. - Matt
I adored Joël, he was an amazing MC, and I could empathise with him from the beginning. - Laura
Read our full review here
I adored Joël, he was an amazing MC, and I could empathise with him from the beginning. - Laura
Read our full review here
July 7, 2023
this left me with such a good, happy feeling. i don’t really know how to explain it. the understanding and support between joël and theo is just so....lovely and pure. i’m honestly a little bit in love with this story. joël is a queer (bi or pan, it isn’t said, just that he’s been with men and women) trans man, who mentions having social anxiety. theo is a pansexual trans man. there are lots of cats in this, just a big old cat love fest and i’m here for it. give me all of the cute scenes with cats, please and thanks. there is some ableist language, and the use of the term “baby queer,” which just rubs me the wrong way. but overall, this is wonderful.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews