“Diner Conversations” eavesdrops on the customers of a fictitious diner as they speak openly about love, life, illness, death, finances…social security, education, health care, politics, immigration, Iraq and more.
In addition to taking a poignant look at the everyday challenges that confront the average American, “Diner Conversations” also exposes their most cherished dreams and worst fears. The conversations depicted could be occurring anyplace in America where people are concerned about their lives and their country’s future. Albeit a work of fiction, “Diner Conversations” brings to light the real issues that real people must deal with everyday.
Excerpt
Probably more than any other public forum, the local diner is the place where real life American drama is continuously on display. Each and every day its patrons deal with a myriad of issues which confront most honest and hard working people.
While one couple talks of separation and divorce, two lovers in an adjacent booth may be stating their undying commitment for their future life together.
There are those visibly shaken souls who are obviously distraught over a tragic event, while others a few feet away celebrate one of life’s small or large successes.
There are individuals who prefer to be alone with their thoughts, while groups seated nearby are delighted to be in the company of friends and relatives.
Some anguish over a child being shipped off to a war zone, while other parents rejoice at the return of a son or daughter from Iraq. An individual will mourn the passing of a loved one, while someone else celebrates the prospect of meeting someone new or in the birth of a child.
Old, young, calm, agitated—they are all at a busy Diner on any given day.
People from different ethnic, religious and economic groups routinely congregate with Republicans, Democrats, Liberals, Conservatives. Good guys, bad guys along with simple honest folks and ruthless complex S.O.B.’s.
People who look to their future and its challenges are seated next to others who feel a sense of hopelessness and find themselves overwhelmed by everything. The expressions on their faces along with their mannerisms often tell their stories.
As deafness, illness, and demonic forces close in around him, Ludwig van Beethoven must summon his faith and genius to complete the Missa Solemnis—a sacred masterpiece he believes could bring divine light into a darkening world.
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