One Man's Opus by Boyd Craven

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I'm so pleased that Beth Dumity, proprietor of R&B Used Books in Grand Blanc, Michigan, introduced me to author in residence, Boyd Craven! 

This title is the first in his survival and preparedness series, and it's a gripping read.  I'm not generally interested in reading series' because I don't like to live inside the stress of literary anticipation.  But, Boyd has a new fan in me, and now I have to buy them all.

I don't usually spoil books, but in this case, I think it's important... because, you know, since I was so broken hearted after seeing "I Am Legend" and I simply can't watch it anymore... you NEED to know this...

The Dog Doesn't Die!

Whew!  Okay, that's out of the way.  I feel better now.

Getting back to my experience of reading this book,  I can tell you that this adventure is a nail biter.  The tension is well placed, and there's just the right amount of it to keep you turning the pages.  This read is a comfortable roller coaster ride...  Tension, time to breathe, a few laughs, time to breathe, tension, tears, and a resolution without an ending.  It's wonderful.

Stories about books, libraries, and writers are always my favorites; and this one ranks high among my top picks.  When I met Boyd (he signed my book!) he admitted that this story was indeed semi-autobiographical.  It stands to reason, he was able to portray all the writing scenes so authentically.  He's also a survivalist, which also came out in the story.  But this isn't some nut-case, off the rails macho prepper thing.  This is a true-to-life tale of romance, loyalty, adventure, and intelligence where characters think ahead and plan for the worst, while hoping for the best, day by day.  Boyd's dialogue sounds perfectly natural inside my head; and with the character of Opus (the dog) Boyd takes the Disney concept of animal sidekicks out of the fairy tale and drops him squarely into reality, right where he belongs.

Exciting, smart,  warm, and funny... I'm writing my name on the inside cover of this book because when I loan it out (and I will, because this one needs to be shared) I want it back!

Thank you, Mr. Craven, for a tale well-told.   I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.