REFLECTIONS OF MICHAEL
by
L.J. Ambrosio
Literary Fiction / Coming of Age
Publisher: Film Valor
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SYNOPSES:
A Reservoir Man, critics have hailed this explosive and timely work as “a must-read coming-of-age story of 2022.
”Twists and turns further pull the reader into Michael’s action-packed tale, with powerful themes, from betrayal and family to secrets and identity. “Be sure not to blink because you just might miss a pivotal moment in Michael’s rousing, larger-than-life story.”
-- R.C. Gibson, Indiestoday.com.
“This book is a dream, a gamble, a utopia, even.”
-- Kalyan Panja, Bookmarkks
Michael's story continues from A Reservoir Man (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protege and journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and Europe, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship and discovery.
In this final chapter, Ron's story concludes from Reflections on the Boulevard (2023). Michael's wish was for Ron to exile himself in the heart of Paris with its beautiful culture and citizens as they protest and fight for the soul of the city. Ron's journey is met with life-affirming friendships and lessons along the way. The final book in the Reflections of Michael Trilogy, which started with A Reservoir Man (2022).
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READ AN EXCERPT:
Excerpt from Reflections on the Boulevard
“How long will the trip last? I thought I would be in Transcendental amazement by now.”
Michael was a little shocked. “Ron, we have only been driving for 2 hours.”
Michael explained to him that they would drive US 80 until they reached the borders of Nebraska and Wyoming, so he had to settle in. The corn fields were right down the road. Passing the corn fields, Ron observed how peaceful everything was. Michael suggested they pull over and park the car for a while.
While just sitting in the car, Ron saw two figures in the field, a man, and a woman. They suddenly disappeared among the corn and, from above, you could see the corn stalks shake violently. Ron chuckled.
“Oh God, looks like those people are doing it! It almost looks like he is doing it to the corn stalk!”
Michael tried to change the subject, “Look at those birds” he said, quickly. Ron was still caught up in his imagination. A few moments passed as Michael tried to rest his eyes and prepare for the next stretch of road. Suddenly he heard Ron crinkling a wrapper to a candy bar, which jarred him back to the moment. Michael sat listening to Ron crunch; he nearly threw it out the window.
“Can you not chew so loud, Ron?”
“Sorry. I love these things.”
A moment passed; the corn stalks were calm now.
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR:
Author L.J. Ambrosio was very kind to sit down and answer a couple of questions I had after I had read the REFLECTIONS OF MICHAEL Trilogy and participated in the book tours for each of his book launches. To Louis: Thank you so very much.
You have mentioned in previous interviews that the books in the trilogy are based on your life experiences. With that in mind ...
Were any of the characters more representative of you than someone you knew? I wondered if the main characters were representative of you at different points in your life?
Michael has very close links to my life, but there is Louie, the dreamer, the partisan, very much my instincts. As for Ron – the emotional. I feel Ron's pan every day in my thoughts of the past. Lily is like all the women in my life. They cared for me and protected me from those reservoir men. Lily encompasses beauty both in and outside. I can never thank all the great women/girls in my life. All of them tender. As Louie cuddled with Lily in the bookstore during the riots – that security so many ladies gave me. They are all me, and I hope you find something of them in yourself.
Your books feature a lot of travel, so where are some of your favorites or more memorable places to travel?
Paris, but America in the west is magnificent. Grand Canyon desert, Yosemite, Grand Tetons. I love America and all its beauty, but Paris holds the number one spot.
Were there any scenes in your books that were cathartic or therapeutic for you to finally write down and tell someone about - perhaps that you hadn't ever shared previously?
Throughout the entire three books, I can go from chapter to chapter pointing to moments and the people who tried to use me, and who did use me. I took lessons from them – that is life. I learned you have to keep walking and emotionally touching those around you as you go on. Don't obsess about the reservoir men. Just walk on in your purity, whatever purity means to you.
Now that the trilogy is done, do you have plans to write more?
I need to rest. I almost died and was in a semi-coma. I want to see the face of god again. I want to touch the dew on the leaf again. I want to sit in the forest or on the beach just thinking of whatever comes to my mind. To hug my dog, to watch all the birds I feed, and the blind homeless cat we feed and love every night.
Maybe I will continue the relationship and growth in one more book of Ron and Louie surrounded by Michael's memory.
I want to revisit Rhonda at the banks of Walden Pond and say goodbye as the dragonflies take her soul. I still miss the fourteen dogs I had who passed on and who I loved so much. I remember their smiles, their barks, and their cuddles when the storms approached. Animals are our cousins. They understand us if we love them. We don't even kill bugs in the house; we just chase them outside.
Having published three books now, did you encounter any surprises in the process of becoming a published author?
I can spell and write. Even though I have my terminal degree, I was never able to write in college, but I explain very well.
Thank you for these questions. They made me feel great. I have to say I love life and pity the reservoir men. I love to get up in the morning, always at 7 AM and look for the adventure.
And I would like to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Best wishes!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at seven universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card, a print copy of the book, or a dragonfly necklace to three randomly chosen winners.
We appreciate you featuring this series and author today.
ReplyDeleteSounds so good! Thank you for the excerpt & the interview! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading this series. Thanks for sharing and hosting this tour.
ReplyDelete