|
A TIME FOR CHARITY is a novel that is both a blast from the past, yet timeless as well in its themes of love, loyalty, the meaning of family and the cost of freedom. It is a coming of age story, set in the summer of 1969, replete with sex, drugs, rock'n'roll, murder, mayhem and cross-country manhunts-all the fun stuff. David is on the run from an appointment with Uncle Sam and from what he believes will be the same fate as his best friend: to end up in a body bag at the ripe old age of 19. Vietnam is a war that he does not believe in and signifies only death. Canada seems to be his only option. Along the road he connects with Charity, who is also on the run from deep, dark family secrets and a life that nearly destroyed her. Meanwhile, David's younger brother, Andy, ends up at the center of a police manhunt. He and his best friend, Joey, are the prime suspects in a teenage girl's murder. A twist of fate leads Andy to discover the body. The two boys had been the last to be seen with her alive and they panic, steal a car and hit the road. The paths of the two brothers cross, more dark secrets are revealed, more hard choices must be made. Through a series of twists, David must choose between his own safety and his brother's life. Their once ordinary lives and quiet neighborhood are shattered forever in a heartbreaking yet triumphant climax. No wonder the boomers are nostalgic for the bad old days. At least they were interesting. Coming of age in America in 1969, if not different in kind, was certainly different in degree and arguably unique. A TIME FOR CHARITY reflects that era with an authenticity of voice and detail that an intelligent reader should expect to find in a well-written and well-researched novel. It is fast paced and readable, with themes that are universal and characters that are unique. Their story is told with a fresh and compelling voice. But, hey, judge for yourself. Download the first part of the manuscript, A TIME FOR CHARITY. I was coming of age in 1969. I was a part of the turned on, tuned in and dropped out generation. Read more about coming of age in 1969... |
|
THE WALNUT GROVE is my second novel. Although different in style and in its setting, like A TIME FOR CHARITY it deals with those same universal themes of family and relationships, love, loyalty, courage and betrayal. It is a story about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances... Read on... THE WALNUT GROVE |