This One Thing

“. . . an absorbing read especially recommended to readers of gay fiction, but also to anyone who has ever sought love in a lonely and hostile world, regardless of their sexual orientation.”
–Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

“. . . Maher capably handles pacing and suspense . . . a solid balance of drama, sex, and romance.”
–Kirkus Reviews

“There is no love in the gay world!” Daniel is told. “Be a servant in the world of cocks! That’s our religion! Cock is our God Almighty!”

Daniel cannot accept this philosophy. He longs for more.

Growing up in the absence of his emotionally unstable mother, Daniel suffers at the hands of his cold and rejecting father and his second wife. His childhood insecurities deepen with the early recognition that he is gay, and he soon realizes that, because he is different, answers will have to come from within. He conceals his inner truths but secretly goes to the porn cinema and soon finds himself alone in a world of erotic fantasies. Although he fervently yearns to find true love, his insecurities propel him to choose solitude and the pleasures of anonymous sex, which so reliably protect him from being hurt and disappointed by others.

With the magic of an unexpected encounter, Daniel’s life begins to change. Although he has to face seemingly intractable prejudices—and even overt homophobia—the most difficult battle of his life is overcoming his own self-protective defenses as he tries to find love.

This One Thing documents with great subtlety and nuance Daniel’s determined odyssey of self-discovery and growth in a world where being gay remains a challenge. It will contribute to the legacy of insightful and heartfelt novels depicting experiences shared by gay men the world over.

Feedback from beta readers:

• I found the delicacy and sensitivity and astuteness with which you describe the subtle shifts in the characters’ interactions with each other to be unparalleled. My pace slowed down as I neared the end . . . I did not want to let go of these characters and the world you had created.

• A life of a gay man is depicted as it is. Exactly. It is amazing how you succeeded in putting my life, my feelings, and my thoughts into words. In a way you confirmed my existence. I found myself in Daniel’s story. I will remember your book when questions arise in my life.

• Enriching. I will read this again, for inspiration. I want more . . . What about Tonio’s return?

• Edgy and spectacular descriptions of sexual identity development. Alone in the porn world!

• Fresh and rich in observations, with interesting characters. I also liked the hot sex scenes.

• Strong story, complex and authentic depictions of characters and interactions among them.

• I laughed and I cried with Daniel. Couldn't put it down.

• Incredibly insightfully described how Daniel grows and outgrows himself. I learned a lot.

• Beautifully written. Tenderness is an overarching emotion. I liked the poems. I will remember the atmosphere and the feeling in this book.