What if you were given a second chance at life? Would you take it? What if you were told that at the moment of death, we were given a second chance at life...would you take it? This is a story about rebirth, starting over, a new beginning, and that time old question. “What would you give to start over”?
Bob Amato was a successful businessman, respected within his community, with a loving wife and two grown children. He has everything to live for, until his life slowly begins to change. Approaching mid-life, he begins to take stock of himself. He realizes that he’s not a young man any longer. Still life has been good to him, he’s living the “American Dream”. However, as in all dreams, nightmares may not be far behind. Slowly his business begins to falter. He begins to take funds out of his personal account. Time and again he withdraws from his life savings. His savings now depleted, he now borrows against his live insurance. In a last ditch effort to save his business he now borrows against his home. On the verge of financial ruin, he realizes that only a miracle can save his business. Unable to face his wife and children, he leaves his failing business behind, and runs away.
Excerpt
AND THUS OUR STORY BEGINS...
Alone in a $45 dollar a week flop house. Bob Amato must now face his most ardent adversary,himself. He will be forced to strip himself of every emotion, he will question each and every value he’s ever held dear, he will even question his very existence. Within this tattered and shabby room, this self-imposed prison, he will be challenged, time and again, his only link to the outside world, an old rotary phone, his only solace are the memories of his youth, his only diversion an open window overlooking a decaying neighborhood struggling to survive. Like a prize fighter, within the confines of his environment, he will be challenged, time and again.
While all the while, a nagging premonition persists, that he's not alone. That someone or something is watching him. The room is hot and muggy, and yet he feels a cold draft gently caressing his face. The phone suddenly rings. The line is open, there’s someone on the other end…then
silence. Sleep comes at odd times. When it does, it’s followed by a reoccurring dream, the dream is always interrupted, before its conclusion. As a thunderstorm rages outside, Bob Amato will lie down and fall asleep,for the last time in this room. He will dream, his dream to its final conclusion. He will awaken, remembering every detail of his dream. Suddenly a numbing pain begins to take hold, at first the pain is more of a discomfort then anything else. Then like a tidal wave the pain comes crashing into his chest…again and again. Slipping into unconsciousness, drifting between the two planes, aware of his surroundings and yet moving into another dimension. The place of suspended animation, where life and death meet. He must now face the ultimate challenge. Within this twilight state, he will meet his
guardian angel, and be given three choices. However, within each choice, there lies a paradox,that only he can solve. He has only 60 seconds to choose. As the seconds tick away, he must figure the hidden meaning of each choice. Now with only seconds to spare, he tries to figure out the hidden meaning of the third and final choice.
Death, rebirth, a second chance take your pick. Journey is a tale of one man’s struggle to survive against overwhelming odds. More importantly it’s a testament to the human sprit and ultimately, of triumph.
Well, your synopsis was enough of a hook to make me buy it, but then I read the excerpt and got downright angry because I'll have to wait until the darn thing arrives! Way to go, Amo!
The synopsis is captivating! The excerpt brings you from a bleak, dreary, chilling room, to a mysterious challenge that leaves you anxious to read more. This one's on my list to read!
This sounds like the start of an excellent story. We all wish we could get a second chance and Bob will be presented with one. I'm sure it's not what any of us expect. Good job.
Reviewed by Mia Ray
12/4/2002
Absolutely riveting, Amo!! I'll look forward to my morning commute.
Reviewed by Dana Matthews
11/26/2002
Intense write up with a gripping plot line. I'm intrigued...highly intrigued.
Ten plus actually.... The first paragraph in this book will make one go to the end... I can feel it! Sounds like a 'page turner' to me! You have one sold here Bob!
Reviewed by Maria Romero
11/19/2002
Intruiging. Leaves you with a hunger for more. 3 choices, a genie with wings. Sounds like my kind of read.
This sounds like my kind of book. Hope you sell a million of em! It does sound like a very interesting piece of work. Good write up here and leaves the reader wanting to know more.
Reviewed by Chris Kincaid
11/18/2002
Hey that sounds pretty good Rob! I like thrillers that are written with a sense of understanding of the character, but leaves you hanging for more detail. Definite read.
Sounds great Amo. What a teaser you've given us. "Journey" is going on my "to buy" list.
Reviewed by Maria Bologna
11/15/2002
I have had the privilege of reading the entire manuscript and was totally captivated from beginning to end. It is, without a doubt ,a most intriguing and thought-provoking book. Can't wait to buy it and read it again.
Reviewed by Lisa Young
11/14/2002
Sounds like a very interesting concept. I love the idea of having a second chance and want to know about the 3 choices he must decide between in 60 secs. Need more.
I would be very interested in reading this. What you have on here is great and interesting. What are the 3 choices and what are the meanings behind them? Making me wonder.
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