I downloaded and read this book, partly because I wanted to hear what pseudonyms were assigned to Gary and Frank. But after the first teaser chapter, the story goes in a slightly different direction. The plot is tighter, taking place in far less time than our real-life drama, and the book was more or less competently written. Every now and then I mentally edited the sentence order in a paragraph, and I found one ecclesiastical detail improbable, but otherwise the book was not only a page-turner but ultimately an uplifting and even redemptive experience, which I wasn't expecting. I thought the author did a good job of balancing his characters' desire for revenge—surely bad for anyone's spiritual health—with a wonderful vision of the best of Mississippi, both natural and human. I think that vision is good enough to allow the book to outlive its immediate occasion, and I hope the author does well with sales.

Jameela

empty...@fts wrote:

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Take a look at the book cover. Very well done. We have seen it.

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Thanks for calling attention to the cover.  It reminds me of an early moment in Branagh's film of Henry V.

Invictus wrote:

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Going beyond the obvious & obviously second-guessing Dr. Manly, I propose an extension of this thread to match the names with the names. Recognizing that "This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the imagination of the author, or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental," let's list 'em as we thinks they is. And I'll start with: Dr Clyde Folker = Dr Claude Fike

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This is a great idea Invictus. I'll lag a little bit -- I decided I actually wanted to get a printed version of the book since I think it will be an excellent "artifact" of the period -- plus I think Dr. Manly deserves a material expression of my thanks for his contribution to keeping the pot stirred.

But i hope folks will pick up on this suggestion . . . . inquiring minds want to know.

LVN wrote:

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If we get too precise in our identification, is there any potential for creating legal problems for the author?

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Because we, as readers, have overactive imaginations?  Don't think so.

Invictus wrote:

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stephen judd wrote: This is a great idea Invictus. I'll lag a little bit -- I decided I actually wanted to get a printed version of the book since I think it will be an excellent "artifact" of the period -- plus I think Dr. Manly deserves a material expression of my thanks for his contribution to keeping the pot stirred. But i hope folks will pick up on this suggestion . . . . inquiring minds want to know. I also ordered a hardcopy but sprung the extra four bucks for the downloadable version. I guess I'm just another "instant gratification" guy. But yeah, I think the hardcopy will be a collector's item among the cognoscenti. And it really is a fun read. Kent Mellon? Gray Rimes? Melissa Redam? Purely coincidental.

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You are making me anxious to get my little hands on the book . . . . but I'm going to resist because I have a longing to sit down with book in hand, a bottle of excellent bourbon and access to plenty of ice on a warm spring evening --

Received my copy and I am well into the story. It does not go in the direction that you might anticipate. Manly's fiction has some interesting characters and some good intrigue. The "game" is quite a game.

I know it takes several days for a site like Lulu.com to get a book to you. I also know that you will enjoy the story that Manly has told. (if you have ordered it). Downloaders have a real advantage on everybody, they probably already know the story.

I understand that the author sent emails to a cross section of usm and other education oriented email addresses announcing the novel. It remains to be seen how many of those emails were received by the intended recipients. I received an email last week but not at a usm email address. I hope that if one was sent to you that you received it.

Let's try to wait til we have the book in hand before we comment too much about it.

I suggest that you move this book to the top of your summer reading list. I'm on vacation and was glad my copy came before I left.
stateliner wrote:

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Yes Jameela, the book is uplifiting. The characters in the book that "take a stand" for what is right reminds me of some good people I know.
Jameela Lares wrote:
I downloaded and read this book, partly because I wanted to hear what pseudonyms were assigned to Gary and Frank. But after the first teaser chapter, the story goes in a slightly different direction. The plot is tighter, taking place in far less time than our real-life drama, and the book was more or less competently written. Every now and then I mentally edited the sentence order in a paragraph, and I found one ecclesiastical detail improbable, but otherwise the book was not only a page-turner but ultimately an uplifting and even redemptive experience, which I wasn't expecting. I thought the author did a good job of balancing his characters' desire for revenge?surely bad for anyone's spiritual health?with a wonderful vision of the best of Mississippi, both natural and human. I think that vision is good enough to allow the book to outlive its immediate occasion, and I hope the author does well with sales.

Jameela

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I wonder who is the professor/department head that hits on his students and wears cowboy boots/  Thomas Unmanly

GCT, did anybody call this person's reputation to the dean's attention before the present appointment was made?

stephen judd wrote:Stephen, hope you got your printed copy of QFTM. If not, I hope you enjoyed the bourbon reading something else that you enjoyed. Let me know what you think about this work of fiction.

Invictus, you are so astute. Using Eli's name for Peyton...I bet Olivia and Archie got the GOLDen boys mixed up every once in a while. I will correct my error, along with another one that I know I made. I failed to give crecit to my cover designer...Brian Zoll. Just google that name for a look at an excellent artist.

Also, Invictus, your comments related to Lulu's printing is something that others should heed. I am very pleased. My first exposure to Lulu was throught Matt Basham, from St. Petersburg College. Check out what he has done through Lulu. Avenues, such as Lulu, offer educators an opportunity to market what they have developed, with NO financial investment on their part.

Jameela, thanks for your comments. For a guy that barely got out of freshman english, when you use any words close to competently written, you become my new best friend. I know that you know that right will eventually prevail.

My initial announcement of the release of my novel was sent to many email addresses in Mississippi. Inlculded were: the IHL, selected personnel at all universities and community colleges, and others. The initial announcement seems to have been successful. A follow-up announcement was blocked at one institution. Guess where? Got over the moat once, what else should I expect? I sent it right to the top at all institutions.

I welcome critics of my attempt at fiction. I also understand that I will have those that will not like what I have written. I can live with that and what they may have to say about me. I know myself, and I know the truth.

I will not try to use this board, beyond this point, to promote my work. But remember, as of now, I have a single source distribution for the novel:

lulu.com/content/303149

I need your help in getting the word out about my novel.


Best wishes to all of you as you accept the challenge of rebuilding your institution. Remember, what I have written is fiction, you have had to face reality.

tman in TS

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Invictus wrote:
stephen judd wrote: This is a great idea Invictus. I'll lag a little bit -- I decided I actually wanted to get a printed version of the book since I think it will be an excellent "artifact" of the period -- plus I think Dr. Manly deserves a material expression of my thanks for his contribution to keeping the pot stirred. But i hope folks will pick up on this suggestion . . . . inquiring minds want to know. I also ordered a hardcopy but sprung the extra four bucks for the downloadable version. I guess I'm just another "instant gratification" guy. But yeah, I think the hardcopy will be a collector's item among the cognoscenti. And it really is a fun read. Kent Mellon? Gray Rimes? Melissa Redam? Purely coincidental.
You are making me anxious to get my little hands on the book . . . . but I'm going to resist because I have a longing to sit down with book in hand, a bottle of excellent bourbon and access to plenty of ice on a warm spring evening --

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An IHL member knew of old Therron's history and he resigned during the Shelby Search.  The glass house will get you every time.

Gulf Coast Teacher wrote:

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An IHL member knew of old Therron's history and he resigned during the Shelby Search.  The glass house will get you every time.

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Hey. GCT, with what we have been through with Katrinia, do you not have anything better to do? State your case or go to bed. And, don't be afraid to be revealed. Don't think you can hide benind the "soon to be failed group". stbfg