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Medicine for the Blues #1
Acquaintance
Acquaintance , Book 1 of the trilogy Medicine for the Blues As a young surgeon, Carl Holman experienced the horrors of World War I and the loss of his lover, a fellow officer. Back home after the war, he befriends a young jazz musician who he hopes will become his life companion. But this is the Ku Klux Klan is gaining influence, homosexual acts are illegal, and such a relationship will jeopardize Carl's promising medical career. Musician Jimmy Harper has his own dreams for the future and his own obstacles to overcome before he will allow himself to accept Carl's love. Acquaintance is a deep dive into gay and lesbian history based on extensive period research. The trilogy is a work of LGBT historical fiction that explores the complexities of gender and sexuality through the lens of the early 1920s, a time when jazz was becoming popular, Freud was all the rage, social mores were shifting, liquor was illegal, and women had just gotten the vote. The trilogy tells a touching love story set against the dramatic backdrop of this influential era.
275 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2018
7 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Stookey
3 books7 followersExploring the lives of Carl Holman and Jimmy Harper, I had to learn to see through eyes that were not familiar with a post-Stonewall world. These characters were figuring out homosexuality, just as I had in the 1950s, growing up in a small town in rural Washington State.
I studied literature, history, and cinema at Occidental College, and then got a BFA in Theater from Fort Wright College. In 1992 I retrained in medical lab work and later in medical coding, and I worked for many years with pathologists, trauma surgeons, and emergency room reports. This medical background led to the creation of Carl Holman MD, while a deep dive into gay history and Oregon’s past shaped much of the rest of the trilogy. A novel writing class at The Attic Institute, A Haven for Writers, and a year with a creative writing group helped me bring this story out of the closet.
I have lived in Portland, Oregon, for many years with my longtime partner, Ken, and our unruly garden. Acquaintance is my first novel and Book 1 of Medicine for the Blues.
I studied literature, history, and cinema at Occidental College, and then got a BFA in Theater from Fort Wright College. In 1992 I retrained in medical lab work and later in medical coding, and I worked for many years with pathologists, trauma surgeons, and emergency room reports. This medical background led to the creation of Carl Holman MD, while a deep dive into gay history and Oregon’s past shaped much of the rest of the trilogy. A novel writing class at The Attic Institute, A Haven for Writers, and a year with a creative writing group helped me bring this story out of the closet.
I have lived in Portland, Oregon, for many years with my longtime partner, Ken, and our unruly garden. Acquaintance is my first novel and Book 1 of Medicine for the Blues.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 25, 2019
I had a great time reading “Acquaintance” by Jeff Stookey. Riveting historical drama and an engaging romance kept me involved in the lives of the doctor Carl Holman, and jazz Pianist Jimmy Harper--and the others-- from start to finish. The writing was excellent, although I would have preferred more dialogue tags throughout as sometimes I’d lose track of who was speaking. There are also a few minor proofing things on occasion, but nothing too terrible. I was impressed with the accuracy of how society was back then that helped to shed some light on the lives of people during this time, especially gays and homosexuals… or anyone ‘different’. It is a romantic story with two men, yes but so, so much more. While many of these books simply focus on relationships or sex, and that certainly is here too, it just has much more of an emotional journey with the backdrop of exploring one (homo)sexuality in a time where it was not accepted or approved, and could even be deadly. In a way it is nice to see just how far things have come from those days, but it is also a sad reminder that some of those horrible attitudes still exist today. Powerful and eye-opening, “Acquaintance” crosses genres and can appeal to a wide audience of open-minded readers.
October 8, 2019
This is a really interesting story! It takes place in Portland in 1923, and is narrated by Carl, a doctor who can’t be open about loving men. He meets Jimmy, a jazz pianist, and starts falling for him. I learned a lot about Portland in the 20s while reading, and the book is full of speakeasies and less appealing things, like the KKK's presence in town. I didn't realize how many different people the Klan targeted, and the author did a great job of conveying the tension and fear that they created. He also really illustrated the secrecy around being gay before Stonewall.
This book is full of thoughtful writing about love and being true to yourself. I particularly loved this line: "Like water, love and desire go where they will." I also loved Jimmy and Carl's getting-to-know each other scenes. The dialog is very natural and full of fun 1920s language. And of course, I adored Carl’s friends Gwen and Charlie (two single ladies who live together, if you know what I mean), who help him get closer to Jimmy.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book and seeing where the characters go!
This book is full of thoughtful writing about love and being true to yourself. I particularly loved this line: "Like water, love and desire go where they will." I also loved Jimmy and Carl's getting-to-know each other scenes. The dialog is very natural and full of fun 1920s language. And of course, I adored Carl’s friends Gwen and Charlie (two single ladies who live together, if you know what I mean), who help him get closer to Jimmy.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book and seeing where the characters go!
February 23, 2019
I’m a huge fan of historical romance and literary dramas and read them all the time. Unfortunately, after a while many of them start to feel the same, like many authors, especially new ones, are using the same recycled plot over and over again. But I like trying out new authors and thought the premise of “Acquaintance” by Jeff Stookey sounded interesting. I liked that it focused on gay characters (male and female) and had the relevant elements of Post war era – the 1920’s in Oregon, but was so astutely based on lives of characters who feel so real and with real events/situations-- like a mix of fact and fiction. But while I fully admit I didn’t have the highest expectations going in…well, consider me blown away! I read “Acquaintance” in a few short nights, quite a feat considering how long it is and that I have no free time. Jeff Stookey is a natural writer, and I marveled at the way he weaved dynamic, sympathetic characters of Carl and Jimmy (and the supporting cast is wonderful as well) and twisted storylines/backgrounds together to create an addicting story that I couldn’t put down until the final, bittersweet (sad) conclusion. Highly recommend for fans of literary LGBT fiction and I can’t wait to read “Chicago Blues” next.
February 26, 2019
4.5 stars
Amazing! This novel by Jeff Stookey is poignant, provocative, entertaining, and even heartbreaking. And the way that Mr. Stookey infused this well-researched story with authentic, flawed, relatable characters and a compelling storyline – makes it feel that much more memorable. I liked his writing style-- the conversations with the characters really show us the story, but mostly we are in Carl’s perspective as this is told in his first-person POV. It works well here, and it seems like Mr. Stookey has really done his homework, as the level of cultural and historical detailing is certainly impressive. It was fairly evenly paced, but it does start off a little slow, and sometimes there are episodes of small-talk/chit-chat that didn’t add much and could be trimmed some. Each of the different characters really bring something special to the table (Gwen and Charlie) and I even feel liked I learned some things about this era – Stookey delves into an array of themes and topics here, from sexual identity and discoveries, oppression, KKK, Medicine, Music (the jazz scene), friendships, bigotry and persecution and discrimination… all wrapped around an emotionally engaging love story that is beautifully written and solidly-executed. Recommend for adult fans of gay romance.
Amazing! This novel by Jeff Stookey is poignant, provocative, entertaining, and even heartbreaking. And the way that Mr. Stookey infused this well-researched story with authentic, flawed, relatable characters and a compelling storyline – makes it feel that much more memorable. I liked his writing style-- the conversations with the characters really show us the story, but mostly we are in Carl’s perspective as this is told in his first-person POV. It works well here, and it seems like Mr. Stookey has really done his homework, as the level of cultural and historical detailing is certainly impressive. It was fairly evenly paced, but it does start off a little slow, and sometimes there are episodes of small-talk/chit-chat that didn’t add much and could be trimmed some. Each of the different characters really bring something special to the table (Gwen and Charlie) and I even feel liked I learned some things about this era – Stookey delves into an array of themes and topics here, from sexual identity and discoveries, oppression, KKK, Medicine, Music (the jazz scene), friendships, bigotry and persecution and discrimination… all wrapped around an emotionally engaging love story that is beautifully written and solidly-executed. Recommend for adult fans of gay romance.
August 18, 2022
Acquaintance is a breathtaking novel, the first in a series of three, that I could not put down, and had no intention to. I was blown away by this perfect start to this LGBT historical fiction series.
📖Carl Holman is a young surgeon with a promising medical career, post World War I. Despite the trauma and immense loss he experienced in the war, he is open to companionship. When Carl meets musician, Jimmy Harper, he believes he is someone that he could share his life with. But in the 1920’s, homosexual acts are illegal and acting on love could bear dire consequences for Carl.📖
The amount of research that must have went into this novel is awe-inspiring. It explores sexuality and gender, WWI, jazz, the influence of the KKK, and medical practices, all while showcasing a beautiful romance. The relationship developed in book 1 is one of my favorites I’ve read recently. Besides all that, there are some truly wonderful secondary characters in Charlie and Gwen, that I hope to see more of!
Looking forward to Chicago Blues and Dangerous Medicine.
July 14, 2022
All three novels of the series are Excellent -- true 'period feel', & excellent characterization.
Because of this, the sympathetic characters were very appealing. The unsympathetic characters were brutally corrupt, and very scary, particularly in there interactions with the good characters (whom one comes to love & empathize with!).
This creates great tension -- in all three novels, which is heightened by the real facts of 'good vs. evil' in the plots. This makes for challenging reading, for which the reader is rewarded.
I could not put the books down -- reading right through all three!
In the end, all is resolved, good vs. evil. I won't tell you who wins.
Mark E. Dennen, Goshen, Kentucky
Because of this, the sympathetic characters were very appealing. The unsympathetic characters were brutally corrupt, and very scary, particularly in there interactions with the good characters (whom one comes to love & empathize with!).
This creates great tension -- in all three novels, which is heightened by the real facts of 'good vs. evil' in the plots. This makes for challenging reading, for which the reader is rewarded.
I could not put the books down -- reading right through all three!
In the end, all is resolved, good vs. evil. I won't tell you who wins.
Mark E. Dennen, Goshen, Kentucky
February 27, 2019
to be honest, it took me some time to get into this book, after the very enticing beginning – which sets the atmosphere and tone for the time period perfectly— it seemed to sink into a period of ‘setup’ and even backstory as we get to understand the characters better and get to know their day-to-day lives – I do appreciate thorough world-building, especially in a historical fiction where the setting is just as important as the story is, but I still wish there would have been more of a dramatic ‘hook’ or inciting incident sooner to really grab our attention. But then the more I read the more I got into it, and then by halfway I was hooked. The author Jeff Stookey is really good at creating some complex, unforgettable characters and bringing the ‘past’ to life in a way where we feel like we really know Carl and Jimmy, we can feel the chemistry, the tension, the fear and uncertainty, and the emotional connection they share, like we are going through their relationship with them in real time. I was so curious to see how it would all work out, but it did…. in a way. I loved the ending, even if not the ‘ultimate happily ever after’ one would hope for at least we know it’s not the end of both Carl’s and Jimmy’s stories, as we will see both of them in the next books as well (yay!).
April 3, 2019
4.5 stars
what an incredible experience! “Acquaintance (Medicine for Blues Book 1) by Jeff Stookey wasn’t all flash with no substance – he touches on some very deep and profound subject matters here. Mr. Stookey hones in on so many aspects of the human condition that applies to everyone (gay, straight, something else…) and tells this multi-layered story in a way that was intimate, respectful, but also real…shows a different side of people’s lives during a time that is very different from now nearly a century ago… but in many ways is still very similar. I actually never knew the KKK was so homophobic (just thought racist) and the spread of influence from churches to politics and society in general to make it a terrifying prospect to be a gay man or woman, especially one who is ‘out’. Some of the worst of human nature, but also some of the best. The last pages did make me want to reach for the next book immediately! (after I wiped away the tears, of course). Overall very well done and I’d recommend this to mature readers of historical lit/gay fiction without hesitation.
what an incredible experience! “Acquaintance (Medicine for Blues Book 1) by Jeff Stookey wasn’t all flash with no substance – he touches on some very deep and profound subject matters here. Mr. Stookey hones in on so many aspects of the human condition that applies to everyone (gay, straight, something else…) and tells this multi-layered story in a way that was intimate, respectful, but also real…shows a different side of people’s lives during a time that is very different from now nearly a century ago… but in many ways is still very similar. I actually never knew the KKK was so homophobic (just thought racist) and the spread of influence from churches to politics and society in general to make it a terrifying prospect to be a gay man or woman, especially one who is ‘out’. Some of the worst of human nature, but also some of the best. The last pages did make me want to reach for the next book immediately! (after I wiped away the tears, of course). Overall very well done and I’d recommend this to mature readers of historical lit/gay fiction without hesitation.
May 3, 2023
Thought provoking
As I was reading this I thought a lot a out what to say in a review. The book made me think of so many things. One is how hard it is to learn about LGBTQ+ history. Little was ever record. It was always censored. Another thought was the word "gay" did not exist in the 1920s. I cannot imagine self identifying as "homosexual." Another thing is learning the Ku Klux Klan was a threat. The Klan is opposed to what they consider "sexual deviants." I did not know that. The fear the characters had to live with is much greater than today. I thought my life was hard. I have a whole new respect for those before me. I have a better vision of how the closet came to be.
As I was reading this I thought a lot a out what to say in a review. The book made me think of so many things. One is how hard it is to learn about LGBTQ+ history. Little was ever record. It was always censored. Another thought was the word "gay" did not exist in the 1920s. I cannot imagine self identifying as "homosexual." Another thing is learning the Ku Klux Klan was a threat. The Klan is opposed to what they consider "sexual deviants." I did not know that. The fear the characters had to live with is much greater than today. I thought my life was hard. I have a whole new respect for those before me. I have a better vision of how the closet came to be.
March 9, 2018
Eye-opening read about a time in history I really didn't know anything about. Wonderful debut!
January 25, 2018
A thoughtful, informative book about so many issues. One forgets about the impact of Eugenics, the Ku Klux Klan, and life in the closet back almost 100 years ago. Yet, these issues seem to be still near the surface in this "modern" age we occupy. The characters seem so real and palpable. I was surprised by Doctor Holman's bravery and fortitude, and by the extreme prejudice ever present. I look forward to the second book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews