THE BOOKS
Fighting Gravity
When everything you've built falls apart,
do you have the courage to start over and find love again?
What happens when a successful plastic surgeon discovers that he can fix
everyone's face but can't repair his broken marriage?
​
Dr. Nick Jordan thought he had it all figured out—a thriving practice in New Orleans, a beautiful wife, and a life that looked perfect from the outside. But when his twenty-year marriage crumbles and his practice begins hemorrhaging money, Nick finds himself facing a terrifying question: at fifty, is it too late to start over?
Stripped of the identity he's built over decades, Nick feels like a stranger in his own life. The confidence that serves him so well in the operating room abandons him completely when it comes to modern dating. Every swipe, every first date, every awkward conversation reminds him of how much the world has changed since he was last single. The dating apps are brutal, the expectations unclear, and Nick can't help wondering if he's too old, too set in his ways, and too emotionally damaged to find love again.
Dr. Michael Godin draws from his own extensive experience as a facial plastic surgeon to create an authentic and compelling portrait of the medical world. Having navigated both the professional challenges of running a practice and the personal journey of rebuilding life after major transitions, Godin brings rare insight into the intersection of medicine, midlife, and modern romance. His medical expertise and understanding of human nature combine to create characters that feel genuinely real and deeply relatable.
Will Nick find the courage to be vulnerable again, or will his fear of another heartbreak keep him isolated forever? When unexpected romance arrives in the most surprising package, Nick must decide whether he's willing to risk his carefully reconstructed life for the possibility of genuine happiness. Can a man who spends his days lifting faces learn to lift his own heart?
Join Nick on his heartfelt and hilarious journey through the modern dating landscape as he learns that sometimes the most crucial reconstruction project is rebuilding your capacity to love. Fighting Gravity will make you laugh, make you cry, and remind you that it's never too late for a second chance at happiness—if you're brave enough to fight for it.
A Note to Motion Picture, Television, and Theatrical Executives and Those Who May Know Them…
Most everyone who reads this story inevitably comments on what a good movie, TV series, or play it would make. If you’re in the business and are interested in procuring the rights to this novel, please reach out to me today.
I WILL take YOUR call!
M.G.
Fiction
Look Inside
You are invited to read a Few Chapters of Fighting Gravity simply by inquiring below.
Launching Soon
You may purchase Fighting Gravity through Amazon and other fine retailers and bookstores globally soon.
Retailers may purchase through Ingram.
YOUR REVIEW
As social proof is vital for authors to get our books into as many readers' hands as possible—I welcome and encourage you to share your thoughts with other readers via a review at the retail outlet the book was purchased at along with GoodReads.
Please also feel free to reach out to me today to share your review as well as I would love to hear your thoughts to help me perfect my craft.
Praise For Fighting Gravity
“Fighting Gravity goes down as smoothly as a Sazerac. The novel’s snappy dialogue, finely drawn characters, and compelling plot will capture your imagination and hold your attention until the end. Laissez les bon temps roulez with Fighting Gravity! I highly recommend it—I could not put it down!”
—Heath Hardage Lee, author of The League of Wives and The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon
“In this rare look at divorce from the male perspective, Michael Godin takes readers on a heartfelt and humorous journey of one man’s struggle to rebuild his life after heartbreak. As he stumbles through the ups and downs of the online dating scene, Nick’s hilarious escapades reveal the challenges—and unexpected joys—of moving on.”
—Ashley Farley, USA TODAY Bestselling Author
“The perfect follow-up to Godin’s debut hit, The Big Prick, the novel Fighting Gravity delves into Nick’s life twenty years later, exploring the trials and tribulations of divorce, single life, and dating…an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the world of plastic surgery, and a perfect balance of conflict, suspense, humor, and love. Falling in love with Nick’s character is inevitable…”
—Autumn Woods, author of Nightshade and His Secret Gift
“Fighting Gravity is a smart, heartfelt take on midlife romance from a man’s point of view. Think chick flick charm viewed through a guy’s desperate and hilarious perspective.”
—Joni Davis, author of Feng Shui Love
“Fighting Gravity is a funny and sexy romp which takes the reader from the consultation room to the bedroom of a successful but emotionally scarred New Orleans plastic surgeon as he attempts to the lift the lives of his patients with the best part of himself—his big heart.”
—Irene Ziegler, author of Rules of the Lake and Ashes to Water
​
“An entertaining novel about second chances in life and love. Godin narrates Nick’s adventures in warm, observant prose that captures the indignities of dating in middle age. This gentle, breezy novel has much to offer.”
Our verdict: GET IT
—Kirkus Reviews
“Godin crafts a compelling protagonist in this delightful romcom…a refreshing change of pace for the genre. Comparable titles: Nick Hornsby’s High Fidelity, Lucy Score’s Forever Never”
—BookLife Reviews
“Fighting Gravity is a thoughtful and entertaining reflection on resilience, second chances, and the unpredictable nature of human relationships. Michael Godin is a brilliant writer! He makes Nick an interesting, relatable protagonist all readers will root for. The narrative is engaging and sharp, striking a perfect balance between humor and emotional depth.”
Rating: FIVE STARS
—Rabia Tanveer, Reader’s Favorite Reviews
“Raw, unfiltered, and tragically hilarious…A brilliant story that examines the human cost of maintaining a façade—and the grace required to drop it. Godin’s latest novel is a darkly funny, emotionally honest portrait of a man on the verge…The book’s pacing is deliberate, and humor is in abundance.”
—The Prairies Book Review
“Michael Godin delivers a sharp and funny take on modern dating, while managing to keep things light without ever being cynical or mean-spirited. I found myself laughing out loud more than once. Nick it a great character—this book has a lot of heart. What makes this book stand out is how it balances comedy with deeper emotions. Fighting Gravity is a fresh, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt look at mid-life reinvention that I recommend.”
—K.C. Finn for Reader’s Favorite Reviews
“Godin has a sharp eye for psychological insight. What elevates this novel is its cast of finely etched supporting characters, rendered with intelligence and autonomy. The narrative balances forward momentum with frequent introspective pauses, allowing readers to breathe deeply into Nick’s world. Lovers of fine literary fiction, taut medical drama, and character studies will find much to admire.”
5-Star Review
—BookView Review
“Godin’s attention to detail shines through…a profoundly relatable origin story. I found Fighting Gravity captivating and highly recommend it to readers seeking a romantic drama that breaks from convention.”
—Essie Asian for Reader’s Favorite Reviews
“…subtle, witty, and engaging…a dynamic reading experience…a relatable and enjoyable reading experience that resonates with the audience.”
Rating: RECOMMENDED
—Amanda Hanson for The US Review of Books
The Big Prick
In the face of a new and terrifying pandemic, Dr. Nick Jordan and
his young colleagues must find the strength to save their patients and themselves.
It's June 1986, and Nick Jordan has just graduated medical school in New Orleans and
is headed west to sunshine-blessed San Diego to start a one-year surgical internship.
Medical science has no answers for the newly discovered Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which will wreak havoc among his patients. An accidental stick from a knife or a needle could mean infection and an agonizing death for the young doctor.
The specter of this new and incurable disease haunts Nick's internship with fear and uncertainty sooner than he anticipates. The heaviness of this reality is counterbalanced by the excitement, exuberance, and goofiness of Nick's fellow interns - all young adults who have suddenly been given real responsibility and power to effect change in their patient's lives. Working alongside Holly Spencer, a gorgeous colleague who might just be the love of his life, Nick faces his patient's dire circumstances with trepidation and grace.
As he rotates through various hospital services, including his desired head and neck surgery path, Nick encounters the extremes of human behavior and experience. The venture is often surreal - simultaneously bizarre, devastating, and sometimes even funny. Overwhelmed by the rigors of medical training in this stressful and dangerous time, Nick must develop the skills to persevere or quit.
Nick and his fellow interns' empathy, patience, physical endurance, and emerging medical skills are tested beyond reason. Through the crucible of a terrifying new pandemic, they forge friendships that help them find the strength to continue. Their journey is one of romance, humor, and courage. Together, they struggle to survive and find the emotional strength to heal their patients in the face of misanthropic supervisors and overwhelming odds.
The Big Prick will transport you to a time of joy and horror—and may even teach you how to surf….
​
"Riveting! Godin hits an out-of-the-park home run with his debut novel. I'm eagerly awaiting more from the charismatic Nick Jordan."
- Ashley Farley, USA TODAY Bestselling Author
A Note to Motion Picture, Television, and Theatrical Executives and Those Who May Know Them…
Most everyone who reads this story inevitably comments on what a good movie, TV series, or play it would make. If you’re in the business and are interested in procuring the rights to this novel, please reach out to me today.
I WILL take YOUR call!
M.G.
YOUR REVIEW
As social proof is vital for authors to get our books into as many readers' hands as possible—I welcome and encourage you to share your thoughts with other readers via a review at the retail outlet the book was purchased at along with GoodReads.
Please also feel free to reach out to me today to share your review as well as I would love to hear your thoughts to help me perfect my craft.
Look Inside
You are invited to read a Few Chapters of The Big Prick simply by inquiring below.
Praise For The Big Prick
“Riveting. I enjoyed every minute of The Big Prick. I found the behind-the-scenes look into a medical internship fascinating and loved the surfing scenes. Godin hits an out-of-the-park home run with his debut novel. I’m eagerly awaiting more from the charismatic Nick Jordan.”
—Ashley Farley, USA TODAY bestselling fiction author
“With scores of medically themed dramas available, The Big Prick is a standout…some of the patients’ stories will always stick with me…beautifully written, Godin has produced an amazing story that should not be ignored; this is an author everyone should look out for. It’s a great read and I loved it.”
—Trisha Dawn, Readers’ Favorite Reviews
“We all know size doesn’t matter, but The Big Prick puts the motion in the potion, conjuring up a delightful mix of real-life experiences of medical interns with a sprinkle of romance and adventure. Add it to your reading bucket list today!”
—Joni Davis, author of Feng Shui Love
“The Big Prick is a powerful, in-your-face, medical treatise that will confront you at every turn. Author Michael Godin pulls no punches with his descriptive and colorful writing. Every reader will come away from the experience with a deeper respect and empathy for the people who put their lives on the line during this torrid time. This is a great read and one I can highly recommend.”
—Grant Leishman, Readers’ Favorite Reviews
“No doubt Godin drew upon his background to pen this novel because the authentic medical details and fine-tuned attention to setting go above and beyond what research and imagination can yield. Tight writing, wry humor, and savvy character development keep the entertaining story moving at a comfortable clip…Godin handles the rollercoaster of Nick Jordan’s and his colleagues’ internships with resolve but a light touch. Recommended.”
—Kate Robinson, US Review of Books
“Michael Godin takes on a brave task indeed by finding humor, pathos, and hope within such a frightful time in recent human history. He triumphs with it in this surprisingly light-hearted and enjoyable read…I recommend The Big Prick to fans of medical dramas and original, thought-provoking writing.”
—K.C. Finn, Readers’ Favorite Reviews
RHINOPLASTY:
CASES AND TECHNIQUES
This textbook on cosmetic nasal surgery was written by Michael Godin and published by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. in 2011. It was well-reviewed and was a popular seller world-wide. A second edition is planned within the next 1 to 2 years.
Read Now
You may purchase Rhinoplasty: Cases and Techniques through Amazon along with other fine retailers and bookstores globally.
Retailers may purchase through Ingram.
NonFiction
SURGERY SURVIVAL GUIDE:
A MANUAL FOR INTERNS AND PRECOCIOUS MEDICAL STUDENTS (1st – 3rd Editions)
This handbook was published by The Bluebelle Medical Company in 1988, 1991, and 1993. It was well-reviewed and sold well at medical school bookstores throughout the United States and Canada. It is currently out of print. If you happen to be a surgical intern, resident, or graduate physician who is interested in co-authoring an updated version, please reach out to Dr. Godin today.
