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66 MINUTES
66 Minutes by Jeffrey Arnold intricately weaves a tale of rediscovering purpose and rekindling life’s meaning. Within its pages, readers are introduced to the enthralling journey of Mathew and Jen, two individuals propelled by fate to embark on a transformative quest. The serendipitous encounter between Mathew and Jen unfolds as a magnetic pull, drawing them closer with an inexplicable bond.
Jen’s pursuit, leading from the vibrant streets of San Francisco to the enchanting landscapes of Louisiana in her father’s cherished 1967 Fairlane, is recounted through her eyes, delving into the depth of the past. Simultaneously, Mathew’s perspective propels the narrative forward, offering a glimpse into the promising horizon of the future. Both protagonists epitomize the concept of the ‘walking wounded’ souls in search of life’s significance.
The narrative’s unique presentation, alternating between these two distinct viewpoints, injects the story with a delightful array of twists and turns, concealing the true purpose of their expedition. The enigmatic title itself serves as a tantalizing hint toward the quest’s essence. It resonates with a poignant observation from the book that condenses an individual’s existence into a mere 66 pivotal days. The author subtly alludes to the iconic Highway 66, a symbol etched deeply in American culture, signifying freedom, adventure, and the roads less traveled. These intricate layers of symbolism unfurl beautifully as Mathew and Jen traverse through their experiences, leaving readers entranced and curious.
While the narrative seamlessly delves into the profound thematic undertones underpinning the personal odysseys of both protagonists, some readers might perceive Mathew’s character as merely a discontented middle-aged man grappling with a midlife crisis. However, a more nuanced exploration of Mathew’s motivations could have unearthed richer depths, providing a more profound rationale for his impulsive decision to accompany a stranger on this remarkable expedition.
66 Minutes by Jeffrey Arnold is a riveting testament to the power of human connection and the unending search for purpose. Through the captivating journey of Mathew and Jen, readers are swept into a world where fate intertwines lives and the road to self-discovery takes unexpected turns.
Pages: 75 | ISBN: 978-1-7389873-1-3
Humorous Social Commentary
A Little Piece of Heaven follows an eccentric Mayor as he navigates political battles, legal challenges, and quirky characters, all with sharp wit and humor, in an action-packed tale that’s a thrilling ride. What were some sources that informed this novel’s development?
I’ve worked with politicians and in real estate development and investment financing, so I’ve met a lot of rogue characters. I think most of us recognize these people each night on the evening news. You only have to allow the absurdity and humor to overcome your initial frustration with them.
Your characters are exceptionally vibrant and unique. Can you share any insights into how you develop characters, and were any of them based on real-life figures?
Most humor is based on exaggeration. This type of ridiculousness isn’t hard to find today. It’s all around us. Many years ago I wrote humorous social commentary for CBC Radio in Canada. I poked fun at political and social leaders and trends. This is much harder to do today because the lines separating reality from absurdity are blurring. Fortunately, many folks can still see the comedy in it all.
The book seems well-suited for adaptation into a film or mini-series. Have you considered this, and if so, who would be your dream cast for the main characters?
Films and books are very different beasts. Writers create characters, and actors give them life. The people in this book, like all of us, are motivated by a variety of emotions, appetites, and ambitions that are not always disclosed or obvious. Therefore, performers that demonstrate this human quality like Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lawrence, Zoe Kravitz, Simu Liu come to mind. There are many, many other huge acting talents that could breathe life into the book’s people and situations. However, it is not my place to cast films and series. That is the director’s and actor’s world.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Through the coming year I am publishing several books, fiction, and non-fiction, I wrote, and shelved, over the past decade. (Life’s short and I had other stuff to do.)
I am currently completing a second book (Post-Human Apocalypse. December 2023 release.) in a trilogy from my earlier novel Lesbian Vampire College Girls. These books take a humorous, and sometimes uncomfortable, look at life in the 21st Century through the eyes of the protagonist, Jack Knowles.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
A Little Piece of Heaven is an unflinchingly honest, and
abrasively comical look, at the absurd dysfunctionality of
our leaders and institutions today.
Ted “The Turd” Torgeson is the mayor of an Ontario
town. He is embroiled in a real estate development
scandal with Tony Scarpone, an Italian gangster. The
community leaders all end up accomplices, with each
having something to gain and something to lose. Secrets
and plot twists abound. These sometimes comic,
sometimes tragic, characters infuse the story with wit,
insight, and vulnerability.
So, despite all our human frailties, hope springs eternal in
this often outrageous, but disturbingly real, 21st-century
tale.
He’s Not Hard To Find
“Lesbian Vampire College Girls” plunges readers into a journey of fame, self-discovery, and unexpected advocacy, woven within a tantalizing tale that blurs the lines between the erotic and a discourse on gender inequality. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was looking for a topical subject that I could inject into an absurd situation. I wasn’t trying to take a side, I was only hoping to cast a humorous perspective on how we often stampede to judgements without really thinking.
How did you navigate the balance between the erotic elements and the deeper themes that emerged in the novel, especially the unintended feminist championing?
That was relatively easy. I simply took a real subject, introduced it into a ridiculous situation and gave it unwaranted attention and credibility. Then I threw fame and money into the mix. We see this all the time today in our discussions and disagreements on politics, religion, sexual orientation, professional relationships and media. I think today’s generation think that the day of the hard-sell ended in the1950s-60s with Mad Men. Sorry, but I’m afraid that the day of the hard-sell is just beginning.
Jack Knowles is depicted as an enigmatic protagonist with eccentric and whimsical behavior. How much of his character is drawn from your own experiences or people you know?
Let’s just say that I KNOW Jack Knowles, and that I see him everywhere I look in social media, movies and newspapers today. He’s not hard to find. He’s a good and decent guy that just got lost along the way and wants to find his way back. It’s a Faustian Tale in the 21st Century.
The comedic undertones in the novel, particularly with Knowles’ neighbors, add levity to the story. How important was humor in conveying the broader themes of fame, friendship, and self-discovery?
Humor is the glue that holds people together around the world. Humans are the only animal that shares this common bond. It crosses all cultural, religious, political and racial lines. Without looking at each other’s shared absurdities and laughing, this story would serve no purpose.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
at our culture’s worship of celebrity without
consideration of the merits associated with fame.
Basically, we have ceased to care about what the
celebrity contributes to society. In today’s WOKE world
fame and money alone, are all that counts.
We see this first hand through the eyes of Jack Knowles,
a writer of critically acclaimed books, but lacking rock
star fame or money he feels cheated. Dissatisfied with his
life he embarks on a Faustian contract seeking celebrity
and fortune without consideration for the personal
consequences. This leads him to the doorstep of Cyn
Poloski, a celebrated book publicist who knows the sort
of books that sell, and the kind of author Jack Knowles
has to become to become a celebrity. So, with the
seductive lure of unimagined success cast before him
Jack Knowles writes, Lesbian Vampire College Girls. But
rather than it simply becoming a pulp fiction best seller,
it miraculously becomes a critically acclaimed
cornerstone for the women’s movement. Jack Knowles is
seen as the champion for women’s equality. This bizarre
and totally absurd turn of events leaves him in a moral
dilemma; risk losing his newfound fame and fortune by
confronting this case of misplaced adulation, or go along
with it and sacrifice his artistic soul.
Lesbian Vampire College Girls, takes us on an absurd
comic ride making us look squarely at our obsession with
celebrity at any cost.
Lesbian Vampire College Girls
Jack Knowles’ unexpected triumph, “Lesbian Vampire College Girls,” is a transformative tour de force that not only reshaped his career but also redirected the contemporary literary landscape. Known for his eccentricity and pulsating creativity, Knowles incited worry amongst his family circle, who anxiously pondered whether his divergent tendencies had veered towards substance abuse. However, this concern was quickly eclipsed by the meteoric success of his audacious novel.
Teetering on the edge of the erotic, “Lesbian Vampire College Girls” roused a public reception that could best be described as a standing ovation. However, in an unexpected twist of events, the narrative was misconstrued as an illuminating discourse on gender inequality, thus painting Knowles as an unintended advocate for women’s rights.
This unwarranted shift in perception threw Knowles into a profound predicament; torn between revealing his authentic motivations behind the creation of his oeuvre, or embracing the unexpected mantle of a feminist champion. In the wake of his skyrocketing fame, adversity also found him, with a growing cadre of detractors likening his novel to something bordering on the diabolical. “Lesbian Vampire College Girls” invites readers to accompany Knowles on this rollercoaster journey, braving the relentless tide of popularity, eccentric neighbors, personal self-discovery, and complex interpersonal relationships.
Knowles is undeniably an enigmatic protagonist. His whimsical behavior, often credited to the unpredictability of artistic genius, lends depth to his character. Despite sporadic lapses into impulsive decision-making, Knowles emerges as an empathetic figure. The narrative serves as a compelling window into the trials and tribulations of fame, woven with a rich tapestry of friendship, love, intrigue, and humor.
Even though the cast of characters is selective, each one is exquisitely fleshed out. The comedic undertones of Knowles’ neighbors particularly add a touch of levity. This intriguing narrative also offers a unique perspective, encouraging readers to appreciate their own ‘ordinary’ lives, away from the limelight’s glare. The steady pace and lucid storyline make “Lesbian Vampire College Girls” an engaging read that isn’t overly demanding on the reader.
Penned by Jeffrey Arnold, “Lesbian Vampire College Girls” caters to an eclectic audience, particularly those intrigued by fictional narratives that cleverly intertwine elements of vampire lore with sensual undertones. This unconventional literary offering promises to captivate readers, challenging their perceptions and expectations of contemporary fiction.
Pages: 135 | ASIN: B0CDQDQG3J
A Little Piece of Heaven
A Little Piece of Heaven by Jeffrey Arnold is a fun, witty, and engaging read that centers around a city’s eccentric mayor, Ted Torgenson, and the quirky characters around him. Acquiring the oddball nickname “Turd” from childhood, Mayor Torgenson is introduced from the start at city hall, where he faces several battles, including legal challenges. As a political figure, he must navigate between his supporters, staff, and key players in life and at work, to find the best solution while remaining at the top. After remaining in office for several terms, every move Mayor Torgenson makes, along with his associates, is vital to his future success.
Jeffrey Arnold expertly weaves humor throughout the story from the opening paragraph. While he’s sharp and quick, he quickly realizes that his fate lies in the hands of his staff and constituents, especially as he faces the courtroom. The reader is reeled into the mayor’s world during the unfolding of key events, from a determined prosecutor to the campaign funding elite and a street-wise assistant, among many others, who play an integral role in the case.
The story is entertaining for anyone who enjoys a comedic, action-packed tale with a quick pace and witty humor. It’s packed with great character development, plot twists, and unexpected turns throughout the book. While it’s densely written with hour-by-hour, day-by-day narration, this page-turner will be an exciting, enjoyable read that you can finish in a day or weekend!
A Little Piece of Heaven by Jeffrey Arnold is a fantastic read that I highly recommend and I look forward to reading more about the author and his amazing talent for writing a vibrant storyline with unique characters. Jeffrey Arnold’s work is worth considering for a film or mini-series based on the character interactions and layers of intriguing developments in this book.
Pages: 155 | ASIN: B0CDQGLZMX
LITERARY TITAN 