Consumer confidence was strong on Black Friday with record sales. Perhaps we are ready for our economy to stabilize, for certainty to return to our lives. Greg Messel explores certainty in his new book, THE ILLUSION OF CERTAINTY:
The Illusion of Certainty follows two parallel storylines. Marc is a successful businessman who seems to have everything-a great job, a beautiful wife, a house in an upscale neighborhood of Portland, Oregon and two great kids who are preparing for college. But something is not right. Marc is unsettled by the sudden change in his wife, Aimee, who seems distant and unhappy. What is going on with her? The second storyline involves a successful young attorney Alexandra Mattson. Alex, as she is called by her friends, meets a handsome young cop, Sean, during an unexpected crisis in her neighborhood. Sean and Alex seem made for each other and begin to merge their futures in a world of uncertainty. The only certainty in life is that we will face uncertainty. Despite all of the technology and controls available in the modern world, sometimes the only comfort comes from the human touch.
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| Sunset over Pearl Harbor |
This is the first time I have read "parallel" stories within one novel. It worked for me. The stories share a common thread - the importance of human touch in our fast paced high tech world. Messel asks the reader to take a a step back from "progress" to see if it actually yields what we need - certainty that our family will be safe and happy. THE ILLUSION OF CERTAINTY was emotionally "heavier" than I expected. But it was a satisfying read with a timely message for the holiday season.
I am giving away a print copy of THE ILLUSION OF CERTAINTY to one randomly selected commenter. This giveaway is open to all readers. Comments are open through Saturday, December 17, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 18.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
To learn more about Greg and his book, check out his website at www.expiationbook.wordpress.com.
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For my part I know nothing with any certainty,
but the sight of the stars makes me dream.
Vincent Van Gogh
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THE ILLUSION OF CERTAINTY looks very interesting & I Love the Van Gogh quote & painting. One of my favorites of his.
ReplyDeletethe story sounds complicated but i'm excited to know what will happen to both of them.
ReplyDeletesalute to Mr. Vincent Van Gogh.
Btw, i love the photo of sunset at pearl harbor ;)
Sounds like a very interesting read. Thanks for the heads up about this one.
ReplyDeleteGlad you could recommend The Illusion of Certainty. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteOh, this book reminds me of several thought provoking movies that have also addressed the subject of certainty. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteVan Gogh rocks!
Sue
This story sounds interesting. I have not read too many novelsl that have parallel stories within one novel. The blurb on both of the stories within the novel makes me want to read it.
ReplyDeleteI have never read a book with parallel stories. Sounds very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI've heard some buzz about this book elsewhere so now I'll have to check it out. Van Gogh's quote is spot on!
ReplyDeleteBarbara
This sounds like a book I would enjoy! Parallel story lines are really interesting. That is one of my favorite Van Gogh paintings.
ReplyDeleteA friend borrowed my copy of The Illusion of Certainty before I could read it, so I'm anxiously awaiting its return!
ReplyDeleteI love emotions in my book. They make them memorable.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very interesting story. I think I like his other painting, Starry Night (I believe this one is Starry Night Over the Rhone).
ReplyDeletecatslady
Thanks for the chance to guest blog. I hope you enjoy "The Illusion of Certainty" Have a great 2012.
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