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A Closed Door
Outted at thirteen, Orin Merritt left home after high school hoping to escape the hell his life had become. Ten years later when a tornado destroys his childhood home and kills his parents, Orin finds himself in an entirely new nightmare. One he can't run away from.
Blaming himself for failing the two people who always loved and supported him, he returns home and confronts his past in the person of his one-time best friend, Thomas Kennett. Thomas not only rejected him when Orin came out, he led the group that tormented Orin into leaving.
As he struggles to deal with his grief, Orin also labors to fulfill the pledge he made to his parents before their death. In the process, Orin learns that sometimes when you go away to find yourself, you leave the answers you're looking for behind.
Blaming himself for failing the two people who always loved and supported him, he returns home and confronts his past in the person of his one-time best friend, Thomas Kennett. Thomas not only rejected him when Orin came out, he led the group that tormented Orin into leaving.
As he struggles to deal with his grief, Orin also labors to fulfill the pledge he made to his parents before their death. In the process, Orin learns that sometimes when you go away to find yourself, you leave the answers you're looking for behind.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2014
1 person is currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Q. Gordon
22 books122 followersAfter a minor in creative writing in college, Andrew Q. Gordon decided to become old and stodgy and went to law school. At the urging of his partner, he returned to creative writing almost two decades later . Still working as a lawyer, he and his husband of seventeen years and their dogs live in the DC area. In 2011 they welcomed their daughter into their family. Andrew still manages to write after the last diaper is changed and he unwraps himself from his daughter's little finger.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 10, 2015
I have mixed feelings about this one. It started out as a solid 4 star read especially seeing how Orin grieved for his parents and came face to face with his childhood friend Thomas. Of course it was hard for Orin to face Thomas, remembering how he turned against Orin when they were teenagers. The story then went on to explore how Orin was dealing with his grief and loss, and how Thomas revealed his feelings for Orin.
Then just after the half way point the story seemed to collapse into some weird kind of situation where both men were just so emotional that they couldn't see the wood for the trees. At this point I felt a bit irritated. Both these grown men were agonising over something one of them did at 13. Thirteen years old!! Who acts sensibly at 13? I know much of this was affected by grief but really?
At that point the story became 3 stars for me and I found both men irritating to say the least. I didn't know why Thomas waited 15 years and until a major tragedy occurred before he could apologise to Orin for the past. Why wait all those years? Why couldn't Thomas write to Orin and apologise years earlier when he had finally grown into adulthood and seen the error of his ways. If your childhood wrong doing stays with you over the years why not seek forgiveness?
Orin's emotional state I could excuse in some ways because of his grief but I found this bit of the story to be a bit unrealistic.
Then Jeanette steps in!! Hooray for a clear thinking and bold female who calls both men to order and tells them that 'they are both too stupid for words'.
Hear!! Hear!!
'Yes' I wanted to shout, 'yes they are'. Jeanette's part in the story was a bit like watching the calvary ride in to rescue the day, rescue the story and rescue the relationship.
Thank goodness for women playing cupid or at least giving both men a good kick up the backside and making them think again. That's what we all need - clear thinking friends who can give us a well aimed kick when needed.
So in the end 3.5 stars.
Then just after the half way point the story seemed to collapse into some weird kind of situation where both men were just so emotional that they couldn't see the wood for the trees. At this point I felt a bit irritated. Both these grown men were agonising over something one of them did at 13. Thirteen years old!! Who acts sensibly at 13? I know much of this was affected by grief but really?
At that point the story became 3 stars for me and I found both men irritating to say the least. I didn't know why Thomas waited 15 years and until a major tragedy occurred before he could apologise to Orin for the past. Why wait all those years? Why couldn't Thomas write to Orin and apologise years earlier when he had finally grown into adulthood and seen the error of his ways. If your childhood wrong doing stays with you over the years why not seek forgiveness?
Orin's emotional state I could excuse in some ways because of his grief but I found this bit of the story to be a bit unrealistic.
Then Jeanette steps in!! Hooray for a clear thinking and bold female who calls both men to order and tells them that 'they are both too stupid for words'.
Hear!! Hear!!
'Yes' I wanted to shout, 'yes they are'. Jeanette's part in the story was a bit like watching the calvary ride in to rescue the day, rescue the story and rescue the relationship.
Thank goodness for women playing cupid or at least giving both men a good kick up the backside and making them think again. That's what we all need - clear thinking friends who can give us a well aimed kick when needed.
So in the end 3.5 stars.
October 20, 2014
Sweet little story from one of my favourite men Andy Gordon. First love, unrequited love, bullying as a defence mechanism.... 4 stars.
Orin battles his past and the terrible memories that it evokes, but the dreadful event that calls him back home brings him into contact once again with his former best friend and first love Thomas, who as the sheriff of their home town, tries to convince Orin that he is nothing like his teenage self and that he is worth taking a chance on. Loved the cover too.
Orin battles his past and the terrible memories that it evokes, but the dreadful event that calls him back home brings him into contact once again with his former best friend and first love Thomas, who as the sheriff of their home town, tries to convince Orin that he is nothing like his teenage self and that he is worth taking a chance on. Loved the cover too.
November 16, 2014
I’ll preface this review by saying Andrew Q Gordon is a friend and that I am a fan of his work. His Purpose is one of my favorite books.
I was intrigued by A Closed Door for a number of reasons, not least of which is its gorgeous cover. The title really captivated my interest: A Closed Door. And I was curious to see how Andrew would handle short fiction. I’m a fan of the short story. In fact, I started out writing short stories, so I understand and am intrigued by the challenge of telling a story in short form: what do you include? what do you leave out and up to the reader’s imagination?
Andrew’s writing style is very different from mine but his is one I admire very much. He writes with a restraint that is almost militarist in its discipline, never telling too much, always holding back just a little. His prose is crisp and to the point. His characters are well drawn but always a little withdrawn so you get the impression there is a lot they are not telling.
This restraint in a story whose central theme is doors—doors that are closed, doors that open slowly but only a crack—makes perfect sense to me.
Sure, I was left wanting more. I especially wanted to know what happened at that first dinner Orin and Thomas go to after reconnecting, but its absence only added to the intrigue, for what outsider can ever explain the attraction between two people, the love that springs out of nothing?
I was intrigued by A Closed Door for a number of reasons, not least of which is its gorgeous cover. The title really captivated my interest: A Closed Door. And I was curious to see how Andrew would handle short fiction. I’m a fan of the short story. In fact, I started out writing short stories, so I understand and am intrigued by the challenge of telling a story in short form: what do you include? what do you leave out and up to the reader’s imagination?
Andrew’s writing style is very different from mine but his is one I admire very much. He writes with a restraint that is almost militarist in its discipline, never telling too much, always holding back just a little. His prose is crisp and to the point. His characters are well drawn but always a little withdrawn so you get the impression there is a lot they are not telling.
This restraint in a story whose central theme is doors—doors that are closed, doors that open slowly but only a crack—makes perfect sense to me.
Sure, I was left wanting more. I especially wanted to know what happened at that first dinner Orin and Thomas go to after reconnecting, but its absence only added to the intrigue, for what outsider can ever explain the attraction between two people, the love that springs out of nothing?
October 9, 2014
3.5 stars
I wanted to love this book. I dropped everything I was doing to read it. The synopsis and the excerpt I read had me prepared for an emotionally charged read. I got my emotion, but the story itself missed the mark. Not because it wasn't emotional, but because crucial parts of the story were skipped over. I wanted to be present for Thomas and Orin's 1st dinner together, after 15 years of being estranged. Orin says let me go get dressed and the next paragraph is at least 4 days later. Then Thomas is offering more than friendship suddenly. I missed it. I want to be a part of these crucial moments.
These are just some of the missed opportunities. This story had great potential, but things were missed. I also found at times I was lost. Like the characters were speaking about things the readers weren't made privy to. They had conversations and chunks of time without the readers involvement. I still have no clue exactly what Orin did for Thomas' parents. I have an idea, but I was never told.
With a few more chapters these things could have been addressed. I wanted to be a part of Thomas and Orin's reconciliation, but the relationship was brushed over, so there was no time for us to get to know Thomas and Orin as a couple. No time to form a connection with them. Even though this was a shorter story, these moments could have been added to the book.
It wasn't a bad book. The characters were likable, the story was a great idea, it just needed more.
I wanted to love this book. I dropped everything I was doing to read it. The synopsis and the excerpt I read had me prepared for an emotionally charged read. I got my emotion, but the story itself missed the mark. Not because it wasn't emotional, but because crucial parts of the story were skipped over. I wanted to be present for Thomas and Orin's 1st dinner together, after 15 years of being estranged. Orin says let me go get dressed and the next paragraph is at least 4 days later. Then Thomas is offering more than friendship suddenly. I missed it. I want to be a part of these crucial moments.
These are just some of the missed opportunities. This story had great potential, but things were missed. I also found at times I was lost. Like the characters were speaking about things the readers weren't made privy to. They had conversations and chunks of time without the readers involvement. I still have no clue exactly what Orin did for Thomas' parents. I have an idea, but I was never told.
With a few more chapters these things could have been addressed. I wanted to be a part of Thomas and Orin's reconciliation, but the relationship was brushed over, so there was no time for us to get to know Thomas and Orin as a couple. No time to form a connection with them. Even though this was a shorter story, these moments could have been added to the book.
It wasn't a bad book. The characters were likable, the story was a great idea, it just needed more.
October 12, 2014
Can't pinpoint why, but this didn't really work for me. Sorry, book!
September 5, 2015
This beautiful story really tugged at my heartstrings, beginning with the aftermath of a horrible tragedy. Orin, the main character, returns to his home town after his parents' death. They've been killed by a tornado that took out their house. And Orin not only faces the devastation and grief from such a monumental loss, but also much face some of the horrors of his past. He comes face-to-face with his childhood best friend, Thomas. But after they got to high school, they became estranged. Orin came out of the closet and everyone at school discovered he was gay. Thomas not only dumped him, but also turned on him and became his enemy and his bully.
Now Orin must deal with Thomas all grown up. And he's a police officer. He must decide if he can find it within his heart to forgive him. And he must decide whether or not to pursue an unrequited love from years past.
Now Orin must deal with Thomas all grown up. And he's a police officer. He must decide if he can find it within his heart to forgive him. And he must decide whether or not to pursue an unrequited love from years past.
November 8, 2014
This was a well written story that I read upon recommendation of Lane Hayes; one of my favorite authors of this genre. I was not disappointed. It was short but moving and the characters are very likable and real. I always like characters who have been wronged that don't forgive at the drop of a hat. They show backbone and strength in their believes and respect for their self in demanding that others respect them as well. The antagonist should work for forgiveness and be worthy of the hero's love and heart. This author knows how to write a believable and well paced short story of this journey to forgiveness and love.
November 16, 2014
This was a whim purchase for me as I was visiting the various authors at GRL 2014 and what a surprise little gem! It was short, but really packed a punch of feeling and believability. And despite the short length, I got a good sense for Orin’s history and everything that happened to him. I was glad that he didn’t jump right on the forgiveness bandwagon; Thomas had to work to earn it. Very happy I picked this one up – loved it!
July 24, 2015
Reviewed by Brandilyn for Prism Book Alliance. A Closed Door by Andrew Q Gordon was just the kind of story I needed. Sometimes I need a sweet second chance romance. One were the main characters figure out they things aren't exactly how they thought they were. Find the whole review at http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
December 21, 2016
A Closed Door by Andrew Q Gordon is a short story published by Wayward Ink Publishing. When Orin Marritt was involuntarily outed at 13, his best friend went from protector to predator rather quickly. Thomas Kennett was Orin’s best friend who had not only rejected him when Orin came out but led the group that ridiculed the young man. With peer pressure being bad during middle and high school anyway, it’s even worse when you live in a small town and everyone knows everyone else’s business.
Orin ended up leaving town right after high school in hopes to escape that same ridicule that would follow him the rest of his life should he stay in the small town. Unfortunately, a decade later, the forces of nature called Orin back by not only leveling his parent’s home with a tornado but killing them in the process. Grief stricken and blaming himself for their deaths, Thomas returns home only to have to confront the past as well as trying to fulfill his pledge that he made to his parents. Thomas on the other hand, had been burying his sexuality since childhood due to the same peer pressure that comes from not only school but living in a small town and a father that would have denied him at best.
A Closed Door is an amazing read that I must say I enjoyed very much. There was so many emotions that went into developing this story as well as the characters. Those same emotions were pulled out of me right from the very beginning. I found myself cheering both Thomas and Orin on while wanting to not only hug them both at times and smack them upside the back of the head at others. Then there was the secondary characters of Jennette, who was Orin’s lawyer, and her wife who I would absolutely love to see their story being told as well.
There is only one issue that I had at the end of A Closed Door and it wasn’t anything bad. That was the fact that I wanted more of everything!!! I wanted to read about Thomas and Orin’s first date, their first dinner together, their first… Well their first everything as a couple. Please Please tell me that this is going to be made into a full novel or novella? I highly recommend A Closed Door to anyone who loves a sweet second chance romance story. Double thumbs up and a five star rating.
Orin ended up leaving town right after high school in hopes to escape that same ridicule that would follow him the rest of his life should he stay in the small town. Unfortunately, a decade later, the forces of nature called Orin back by not only leveling his parent’s home with a tornado but killing them in the process. Grief stricken and blaming himself for their deaths, Thomas returns home only to have to confront the past as well as trying to fulfill his pledge that he made to his parents. Thomas on the other hand, had been burying his sexuality since childhood due to the same peer pressure that comes from not only school but living in a small town and a father that would have denied him at best.
A Closed Door is an amazing read that I must say I enjoyed very much. There was so many emotions that went into developing this story as well as the characters. Those same emotions were pulled out of me right from the very beginning. I found myself cheering both Thomas and Orin on while wanting to not only hug them both at times and smack them upside the back of the head at others. Then there was the secondary characters of Jennette, who was Orin’s lawyer, and her wife who I would absolutely love to see their story being told as well.
There is only one issue that I had at the end of A Closed Door and it wasn’t anything bad. That was the fact that I wanted more of everything!!! I wanted to read about Thomas and Orin’s first date, their first dinner together, their first… Well their first everything as a couple. Please Please tell me that this is going to be made into a full novel or novella? I highly recommend A Closed Door to anyone who loves a sweet second chance romance story. Double thumbs up and a five star rating.
November 6, 2014
A horrible tragedy brings Orin Merritt back to his hometown in order to settle the affairs of his parents. Not only must Orin deal with his grief, but he also had to face the town that brings back bad memories of bullying and abuse by his fellow classmates. When his former best friend, Thomas Kennett, reappears and tries to atone for his mistakes of the past, Orin is suspicious. He just wants to get things in order and move on his life, but Thomas and memories better times, make it harder and harder.
I really enjoyed the emotion Andrew Q. Gordon poured into his characters. The pain and loss Orin experienced and the suffocating guilt from Thomas were palpable. So often I wondered if there could be any sort of resolution between the MCs because there was just so much pain, shame and regret in their pasts.
A couple of times throughout the novella I thought I'd missed some important information. One minute Orin and Thomas are talking about meeting up for a friendly meal and then a couple pages later, discussions about being more than friends arise. I had to go back to make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped a few pages. Because of that, I felt that the progression of the relationship seemed unfinished because readers missed out on integral moments.
Overall, I thought this was an interesting, emotionally-charged novella.
I really enjoyed the emotion Andrew Q. Gordon poured into his characters. The pain and loss Orin experienced and the suffocating guilt from Thomas were palpable. So often I wondered if there could be any sort of resolution between the MCs because there was just so much pain, shame and regret in their pasts.
A couple of times throughout the novella I thought I'd missed some important information. One minute Orin and Thomas are talking about meeting up for a friendly meal and then a couple pages later, discussions about being more than friends arise. I had to go back to make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped a few pages. Because of that, I felt that the progression of the relationship seemed unfinished because readers missed out on integral moments.
Overall, I thought this was an interesting, emotionally-charged novella.
October 11, 2014
I loved this story! It had me on the brink of tears for the most part, yet I couldn't put it down. This is a story about love, loss, and most of all the walls we build, and the door through them that we stubbornly close behind us. When you've lost everyone you love, breaking down those defense mechanisms can be difficult. Fear reminds us there is no guarantee, we might get hurt again, and protecting ourselves becomes the most important thing. That often leads to hiding who we are or rejecting a new chance at love. Seeing these two men deal with the past and the obstacles of the present was a beautiful journey!
to-read-asap
October 13, 2014But the cover is so pretty...amazon-->A Closed Door: Sometimes when you leave to find yourself, you've left the answer behind.
November 13, 2014
2.5 stars. I would have liked this to be longer so we could see the changes in Thomas rather than read about them, so we could see the MCs getting to know each other again rather than the rushed reconnection we got. I would have liked to see Thomas earning forgiveness for his past behaviour because he really didn't do much at all other than a lot of talking to show he deserved it.
November 13, 2014
Nice quick read. Sweet story.
October 24, 2015
Short MM romance.
December 29, 2015
Read as part of Love, Loss, Laughter & Lust Anthology.
October 31, 2014
Cute second chance story.
January 2, 2015
good short read
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews