BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade

Subject: BS: Amos' Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 16 May 13 - 05:36 PM

I have today released Beyond the Cascade into the maw of BookBaby, which means it will show up on Amazon in two to four days. This is really exciting and a bit nerve-wracking for me, as it is all new territory.

I will post a link to it as soon as it appears there. It will show up after a little more lead time on Apple, Barnes and Noble, and other book distribution sites. Here is the teaser announcement on FB, which shows you the stunning book cover designed by my foster-son, Tony. I think he did a fine job.

The book itself has received enthusiastic reviews by all those who have read it, including some of our most discriminating Catters! You can catch their drift from thereviews on this page if so inclined.

For those interested in this new world of self-publication, I will keep you updated on my adventures here. If you happen to get a copy of it, please bask in my beaming thanks! Feel free to throw reviews up on Amazon when it comes out. The more noise the better, I say, as anyone knows who has spent a long night singing in the Peace Cabin . :D

Exciting times!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 16 May 13 - 07:00 PM

When it does roll out, it will gradually appear in:

iBookstore (Apple)

Sony

Amazon Kindle

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Baker & Taylor

Copia

Gardner's

eBookPie

eSentral

Scribd

some of which I do not even recognize. But you should be able to find it somewhere, if you want to. I recommend it as a terrific beach read, for example, if you do that sort of thing of a summer. Or an unusual gift, or something to stay up late with sipping brandy!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 May 13 - 09:08 PM

Hey, man! Sounds interesting. And the cover is wonderful, captures what reviewers have said about it. I will be looking for it.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 May 13 - 01:47 AM

Good work!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Elmore
Date: 17 May 13 - 09:11 AM

Looks impressive. I'm certainly going to read the novel, and wish you the best of luck with it.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 17 May 13 - 09:34 AM

Looks good to me. Waiting with baited breath for the Kindle release. As long as it is no more than three and a half pence of course. Us Gnomes are notoriously guarded with our gold... ;-)

Probably get round to actually reading it the book after next - Which I have had since Christmas!

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 May 13 - 09:54 AM

So...I can and am actually encouraged to post reviews, huh? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 17 May 13 - 10:13 AM

Well, in your case, Rapparree, I might make an exception! :D

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 17 May 13 - 12:40 PM

I may not buy it soon Amos, as just yesterday I received the seven volume box set of 'Song of Ice and Fire' (wordy version of HBO's Game of Thrones) for my birthday and on top of rereading War and Peace it's quite a few words to work through, but having read your philosophical and esoteric posts on this forum, I am definitely intrigued. I'd also like to congratulate you on getting your work out there!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: gnu
Date: 17 May 13 - 02:35 PM

I haven't read many books since the accident and I have one in progress and a fair few in que but I shall endeavour to acquire said literary masterpiece (after reading Rap's reviews on another thread... not that I ever doubted your ability, A) and set it on top of the pile. I mean the pile at bedside.... THE pile.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 20 May 13 - 01:21 PM

Well, it's working its way through the digestive tract of the Book Baby file conversion system, while I sit and quietly chew my nails until the review copy comes back.

There have been a lot of reviewers over the years while I was evolving and polishing. Some of their comments can be found on this temporary website (you have to scroll down a bit) if you're curious about what readers have had to say about it.

More news when it happens!!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 21 May 13 - 03:28 PM

Here's a synopsis:

Beyond the Cascade is a marriage between Gulliver and The Celestine Prophecy, between Robert Ruark, or Papa Hemingway, and Bridge Across Forever. It goes further than these in some dimensions, if less far in others, and it could be thought of as an educated Jennifer Livingston Seagull. Except that Beyond the Cascade is not about birds. It is about humans. Human souls, human language, minds and hearts, and the battles they cause. It offers its own unique perspective in the weaving of these things. It is, as far as categories are concerned, a "literary and spiritual adventure novel" focusing on the soul of a woman. It is sometimes ungentle, but it is never unkind. The tale is richly featured with sub-plots and explorations into linguistics, anthropological quirks and some fine cuisine. It even explores, in the course of its development, the mystic legacy of the Grail legends beyond the Arthurian clichés and other distortions.

Beyond the Cascade follows the adventures of Suzannah Grant, an unstoppable American Alpha Chick in her mid-thirties who is beginning to reach the pinnacle of success in her career as a linguistic anthropologist, and who finds herself unexpectedly hitting a black, cold wall of clinical depression. Her usual solutions to hurdles do not avail, and her search for medical help produces nothing of value. Her psychiatrist, running out of other solutions, sends her off with the mandate to "learn new things". While fumbling around trying to do so, she finds herself picking up an antique journal from a Victorian explorer in which she encounters a description of a remote tribe whose unusual culture and language set off distant bells in her foggy thinking.,

Picking up the threads of the explorer's trail, she finds herself being more and more determined to resolve the mystery of the people of the fabled Cascade, their culture and their mysterious atypical language. Exhuming long buried manuscripts in old university archives, digging into legends obscured by centuries, and finally throwing herself into a full-blown trek into the hinterlands of Africa, she finds herself in the hands of two remarkable men: a guide called Muhaybee and a leathery ancient witch named Doc. The travails and discoveries of her path ultimately bring her to the Cascade, and a great deal further, leading to dramatic changes in her mental perspective and an explosive intensely spiritual culmination which goes beyond the expected and the known to a bit more than that.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 28 May 13 - 03:15 PM

Well, the folks at Book Baby sent me the review of the epub file and I found some flaws, so I rejected it. I will be sending int he revised file today. I have to say Book Baby's phone support is excellent, but they have a neurotic robomailer who keeps sending me emails about the epub file. The human support gal kindly suggested I ignore them. :D

So the new file goes in by end of today, new and improved!

Sorry for the delay. I'll announce the new release date as soon as I know it.

Regards,

A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 28 May 13 - 10:25 PM

All righty, then! The final-final file is safely ensconced in the dank interior of BookBaby's gigantic server. As soon as they can process it, we will get it blessed and delivered-- to Amazon firat, others following according to their lag.

I owe a great deal of thanks to many Mudcatters for their encouragement in getting this very large project through to completion, in particular to the benevolence of WYSIWIG and the fiery insight of Jen Oaks, whose presence int hese halls is sorely missed. Some of you may vaguely recall when I swore I was dropping out of Mudcat to concentrate on this book, a vow I could not bear to keep. That was many years back, and the book is scarcely recognizable after all the improving it has undergone since then.

But now it is done and on its way to the world, and we shall see how fertile the ground on which it doth fall. :D

Thanks,


A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: gnu
Date: 28 May 13 - 10:54 PM

I am sure it will fall, take root and grow. Good on ya. Congrats.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: EBarnacle
Date: 29 May 13 - 10:19 AM

In an effort to maximize your income and object to Amazon's labor policies, can we order dircet from you?

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 29 May 13 - 10:25 AM

What an interesting idea! The thought never occurred to me.

I will have the electronic versions available on my web site with an ecommerce link, yes. I'll post when they are up and available.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: GUEST,arkie
Date: 30 May 13 - 10:02 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: gnu
Date: 31 May 13 - 07:26 AM

Now that a lot of the BS artists have seen this thread, perhaps it should be moved above the line? It is about fine literature n all eh?

BTW, how will you autograph these books, A?

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: GUEST,Chongo Chimp
Date: 31 May 13 - 01:36 PM

I want my copy of "Beyond the Cascade" autographed by Amos in blood. Nothin' less will do.

- Chongo

p.s. I mean his blood, okay? Not mine.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 01 Jun 13 - 01:47 PM

Sure thing, Chongo. Send me a pint in a bottle so I can practice using my nib, eh?

The hard copy version has been processed and a galley proof is on its way for blessing, We shall see. The e-book should be blessed next week sometime or after I get back from Alaska. I will be cavorting around Juneau with La Belle Chanteuse K.T. !! Whoa!

So shortly after the 13th all the distributions will begin showing up. Yay us!

The great thing about this, after all this time, is my plate is suddenly about to be clear to start on a long-deferred CD and a second book. Whoof, whoof, whoof!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 12:50 PM

Well, I tweaked the e-book and it is undergoing delivery to umpty-ump distributors. They lag as follows:

iBookstore        Delivered 06/12/2013        Your eBook should be up for sale in approximately 3-6 weeks from when we deliver to them.
Sony        Delivered 06/13/2013        Your eBook should be up for sale in approximately 3-4 weeks from when we deliver to them.
Amazon Kindle        Delivery in Process 06/12/2013        
Barnes & Noble        Delivered 06/13/2013        Your eBook should be up for sale in approximately 2-4 weeks from when we deliver to them.

Kobo        Delivered 06/12/2013        Your eBook should be up for sale in approximately 2-3 weeks from when we deliver to them.

Baker & Taylor        Delivered 06/12/2013        Your eBook should be up for sale in approximately 2-3 weeks from when we deliver to them.

Copia        Delivered 06/12/2013        We do not currently have an estimate for eBooks going live at Copia. We are delivering eBooks to them but there is a delay in their process for making a delivered ebook available for purchase on their site.

Gardner's        Delivered 06/12/2013        Your eBook should be up for sale in approximately 3-4 weeks from when we deliver to them.

eSentral        Delivered 06/12/2013        Your eBook should be up for sale in approximately 2-3 weeks from when we deliver to them.

Scribd        Delivered 06/12/2013        Your eBook should be up for sale in approximately 2-3 weeks from when we deliver to them.

Even though Amazon is listed as "delivery in process", whatever that means, they will probably be the first up for public access.

It's been an interesting process, and a long long journey, I must say,

The hard copy had some tweaks to be done but I have now uploaded the final improved version. It will end up costing about $10 more than the e-book, worth it for those who love the feel of real bookstuff in their hands. I hope you get it, one way or the other, and enjoying the many threads and colors in it.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 02:42 PM

It's just the beginning, Amos. Soon your name will be a household word, and you won't be able to venture out on the street without being hounded by autograph hunters and weird, skinny, freckled girls in Birkenstocks who gush, "I'm your biggest fan!" I'll hear other people talking about your book at coffee shops, and I'll casually say, "I know him. He's an old friend of mine. we chat on a daily basis." Yup, this oughta be good. I can't wait for it to start happening.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 02:55 PM

Just to clarify the bit about the skinny girl fans who will be pursuing you...what I had in mind was something like the woman you'll see in this Annie Hall clip just after the 7:43 mark:

clip from Annie Hall movie

She knows Bob Dylan's lyrics too, so you know she's gotta be cool. ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 13 Jun 13 - 03:02 PM

Oops! Sorry. I should have said at the 5:14 mark not the 7:43 mark. It ends at 7:43. Go to 5:14 in the clip and watch for the next 2 minutes and you'll see her.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 14 Jun 13 - 01:27 PM

Amazon Kindle is now "delivered", so it should show up there by Monday. The print version is under final check by CreateSpace.


I like your vision, LH, but would you mind remodeling the Woody Allen riff? I left New York for good reason!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: GUEST,Chongo Chimp
Date: 14 Jun 13 - 01:41 PM

Me too. There was this primate gang there that was gonna kill me after I decided to switch sides and start workin' for the law. I figgered better to start out fresh in Chicago.

- Chongo

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: gnu
Date: 14 Jun 13 - 02:16 PM

How does the e-book signing tour work?

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 14 Jun 13 - 04:45 PM

You only have to show up virtually. I have a new hologram machine that does this for me now. I go all kinds of places virtually. They've got warrants out for my virtual self now in Mecca, the Vatican, the Pentagon, Buckingham Palace, the Kremlin, and Schenectady...partly because the machine isn't programmed right yet and it keeps sending me places without my clothing. I need to get a patch to fix the program.

Subject: RE: BS: NOW IN PRINT: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 14 Jun 13 - 05:10 PM

BEYOND THE CASCADE is now in print!

The URL for the printed version is https://www.createspace.com/4291541.

Flood CreateSpace! ;>) I am all cattywhompus with delight, I don't mind telling ya!


Hugs,


A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 14 Jun 13 - 05:46 PM

I love the bio, Amos!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jun 13 - 06:38 AM

Awwww, lad! Ya done good! I hope yer face hurts from smilin.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jun 13 - 06:44 AM

Oh, yeah, in my excitement I forgot to ditto LH on the bio.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Jun 13 - 10:03 AM

Are there bug-eyed monsters in it? It can't be a good novel without BEMs.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 15 Jun 13 - 10:20 AM

I originally suggested that there should be a talking Chimp in the story as well, but I fear my suggestion has fallen on deaf ears.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jun 13 - 10:26 AM

There are bug-eyed monsters AND monkeys in it, gentlemen. You will just have to read it.

It is available NOW on Amazon for Kindle and on CreateSpace in hard copy. Don't delay!

Young Will, who thought Barbara was luvverly,
Fell ill with no chance of recovery.
   He said "I'm besotted",
   But she said "Get knotted";
Which they did, when they died, with some shrubbery.

(From an obscure website covering limericks written about Childs ballads)


A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Jun 13 - 02:55 PM

The BEMs eating the monkeys and any chimps that are around? That would be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cool!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 15 Jun 13 - 07:06 PM

Yeah, but then Chongo arrives and blows the BEM away with a well-aimed burst of .45 cal ammo. Even coooooooler!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Jun 13 - 08:21 PM

BEMs have a force field around them. I'd have thought you'd know that.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 15 Jun 13 - 10:07 PM

Yes, they often do in the old sci-fi movies, but how often do they encounter a Chimp with a Thompson Gun?

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jun 13 - 10:26 PM

I shall delay until such time as I am able to insert it into my bedtime reading lying in bed with a book I can FEEL. I have not done so in four months as I am distracted with other things, especially with an environmental and social cause. Alas, I have just taken on another. This one shall be even far more challenging as the people up in arms over it are more concerned with their arms than addressing the big picture in a logical and thoughtful approach while the corporations and politicians push their buttons and smoke and mirror them. Sigh. So sad when ya gotta fight ignorance on YER OWN SIDE ta get anywhere against the other side. Nobody ever said being a social reformist and environmental hero would be easy but this shit is gettin me down.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 19 Jun 13 - 12:10 AM

You can order the har4d-copy at once, sir. No delay is required. Go to AMazon.com and see for yourself. Click here for paperback.

Click here for Kindle.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: GUEST,Chongo Chimp
Date: 19 Jun 13 - 10:41 AM

You got 4-dimensional hard copies of it? That must be somethin' to see.

- Chongo

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 19 Jun 13 - 01:22 PM

I just bought it on Amazon, Amos. I'm looking forward to reading it soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 19 Jun 13 - 01:46 PM

Thanks, George!!

ANyone who wants an electronic copy can have one for free in exchange for an agreement to post an honest review at Amazon.

Email me at ahjessup1ATgmailDOTcom, and let me know if you want an epub or PDF version.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 19 Jun 13 - 04:02 PM

Heh! The Scottish side of me is reeling now with the knowledge that I coulda got it for FREE!!! Heh! Just kidding. I prefer the tactile nature of a real book that I can take to the coffee shop with me...I don't have a laptop, iphone, etc...so I am absolutely computer-free whenever I leave the house.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jun 13 - 04:05 PM

FreeRush

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Monique
Date: 20 Jun 13 - 04:21 PM

It's already crossed the ocean, I'll get it next week.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 20 Jun 13 - 10:22 PM

Eb:

PDF, epub or mobi? I don't think I have your email addy, though. PM me!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Rapparee
Date: 20 Jun 13 - 10:34 PM

Well, I looked. I wanted to read that delightful novel beyond the Cascade. I took all of it off the shelf, the powder type and the tablets and all, and piled it on the floor.

No novel, delightful or otherwise.

So I emptied all the boxes, in case it was beyond that. No novel, but I don't think they'll ever let me back into Walmart.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 20 Jun 13 - 11:27 PM

Try Amazon.com, sir. Your inestimable discernment and intellect will be (if possible) benefited thereby.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 24 Jun 13 - 10:04 AM

If you haven't found it yet, but yearn to buy the book, go toTHIS page! Flood Amazon!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: gnu
Date: 24 Jun 13 - 11:27 AM

A... if ya... WHEN yer next at the PO shipping out a truckload a hardcopies, please enquire as to charges to Moncton, New Brunswick (E1C 4L4 if that makes it easier for the clerk... don't want anyone goin postal on yer ass).

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 24 Jun 13 - 05:23 PM

It's HERE!!!!!!!!! Just arrived at the front door by UPS.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 25 Jun 13 - 06:40 PM

I am delighted to report that Beyond the Cascade is now available through Barnes and Noble on-line.. It can beordered there in paperback or in Nook format for those using the Nook e-reader.

Thanks for your help -- this has been a long, long task!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: gnu
Date: 26 Jun 13 - 05:33 AM

Nooky? My interest has perked up. What will they app next?

Oh... more tea I guess. Nevermind.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 26 Jun 13 - 10:40 AM

It's also on Kobo, now. So there's no excuse not to own this rich adventure story!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: GUEST,Chongo Chimp
Date: 26 Jun 13 - 11:59 AM

Just got yer book right here, Amos, and I am shocked to see that it's openly admitted to be a work of fiction! That means it's just a buncha lies! I expected better from you, mister.

Still, I paid for it, so I guess I'll read it. Lies, after all, can sometimes be worth readin' just for the entertainment value, right?

Hmm. The dedications... Who are these people? And how come I am not on the list of them you are profusely thankin' for providin' support and inspiration?

Oh, I get it. You left me off coz of it bein' a buncha lies, right? Didn't want to embarrass me by association, right? Okay, then.

Hmmm. Well, here we go...Chapter 1.

- Chongo

p.s. I like the cover art.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 26 Jun 13 - 06:01 PM

Chongo:

Unfortunately, as a recurring impediment you did not quite qualify as an inspiration. But enjoy it anyway. I suppose you are reading Little Hawk's copy? Too cheap to buy your own?

A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 26 Jun 13 - 06:16 PM

No, he must have bought his own. He hasn't been here in 3 weeks. Hey, I'm up to chapter 16, and it's great! Very good yarning, my friend. Suzanna is a wonderful character. I think Chongo will also enjoy it. He'd have to be an idot not to.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 27 Jun 13 - 10:39 AM

Glad you're enjoying it! Write a customer review on Amazon for me!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 27 Jun 13 - 10:57 AM

Yes, I'll do that after I finish it.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 28 Jun 13 - 10:29 AM

Up to Chapter 22 now. Very good.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 28 Jun 13 - 09:42 PM

Still progressing on this read. This is a seriously good book, because it takes on a far more illuminating and important subject than is generally the case in novels and adventures, and does it very well. I am really looking forward to reviewing it on Amazon.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 29 Jun 13 - 02:50 AM

Go, man, go!!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: open mike
Date: 29 Jun 13 - 03:09 AM

i saw mention of yeat another book you have created....Fables from the 21st Century...have any cats read this one? any reviews?

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Monique
Date: 29 Jun 13 - 12:26 PM

I've just finished it. What a wonderful initiatory journey (or however you word "voyage initiatique" in English)!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 Jun 13 - 12:42 PM

Initiatory sounds right to me.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 29 Jun 13 - 01:07 PM

The Fables book is still cooking. Thanks for your kind remarks! Please feel free to post them at Amazon.com.

Reviewer Deborah Jensen has kindly posted the first review:

Once you start to read A.H. Jessup's "Beyond the Cascade" do not make any other plans because you will not be able to put it down until the very last page. This is a major journey in the Indiana Jones genre but with so many other layers of knowledge and education. The visual images are spectacular and yet familiar. You will be scratching your knuckles on walls of rock at the same time you are learning entirely new concepts of both thought and language. This is a must addition for your library.

Sweet-oh!!! Makes my heart skip a beat, in sooth!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 Jun 13 - 01:54 PM

She's wrong about only one thing. I have managed to put the book down several times to...

eat

go to the washroom

sleep

mow the lawn

feed the birds

take a shower

etc.

However, she's definitely on the right track. ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Jun 13 - 12:44 PM

Hold on tight...

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Jun 13 - 03:41 PM

Congratulations, Amos! When will the film be released?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Jun 13 - 03:56 PM

Hmm. Well, there's a brief report today in the Manitoulin Expositor, a small newspaper that is based in Little Current, not far from Blind River. Their Arts page reports that Shane McBride will shortly complete a memoir entitled "Beyond Drunk and Disorderly". It's scheduled to be published sometime next Spring, and Shane is presently soliciting funds in the form of a grant (plus private donations) to assist in that endeavour and generate some useful pre-publication hype.

Should make for quite a read, eh?

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Jun 13 - 04:07 PM

"Beyond Drunk and Disorderly"? As seen from the inside of a cell, eh?

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Jun 13 - 04:21 PM

Not just that, Ebbie. Also...facedown in the alleyway, on yer knees in fronta the john, swimming upward from a rapidly sinking snowmobile that just went through thin ice, from the back of a police cruiser, lying on a filthy and sheetless mattress in a strange room you don't remember next to the ugliest woman(?) you've ever seen or even imagined, nekkid and totally lost in the woods amongst 25 million ravenous mosquitoes, barreling down the highway half-nekkid in a "borrowed" beer truck with the cops hot in pursuit...

Etc.

But, yes, I think Shane is writing his book while in the Joint. That will help generate interest and public sympathy, a la Hurricane Carter, Eldridge Cleaver, Leonard Peltier, Nelson Mandela, etc. This is how Shane sees it. He is a societal martyr, condemned to an unjust fate by organized tyrrany and politically motivated profiling.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 30 Jun 13 - 06:10 PM

Well, I applaud his efforts, but judging from his previous exercises in literacy on this Forum, he has miles to go before he sleeps.

Here is the link on customer reviews if you have read the book and care to write one. These reviews on Amazon are the little gold stars the author collects as his reward.

Little Hawk, I am waiting for Chongo's, as he seems to have bought his copy fair and square and is thus entitled.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Jun 13 - 06:17 PM

Yes, I expect he will. He seems to be enjoying the book, says Suzannah reminds him a lot of his girlfriend, Renata (the one he can't marry till the laws are changed), because they're both so feisty, smart, and determined.

I'll get around to doing a review just as soon as I finish the book, probably in 3 or 4 days from now.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 01 Jul 13 - 04:11 PM

Beyond the Cascade has just received another five-star review at Amazon:

Not to be missed ...
By B A Rasmussen on June 30, 2013
Format: Paperback Amazon Verified Purchase

Confession: I almost didn't buy this book. The synopsis, which spoke of discoveries of the human spirit, made it sound a bit much for my overtaxed mind, which begged at that moment for entertainment of a banal and obvious variety. Perhaps I should just watch a few episodes of mind-numbing reality TV, I mused, rather than read a book that might challenge me. Something though, compelled me to open the teaser copy. By the time the first two paragraphs were read, I found myself unable to put it down until finished. In short order, the full version was purchased, and I began to devour it, long into the night - several nights, as a matter of fact.

Normally one who reads at a fair clip, I found myself encountering thoughts that begged to be re-read, their meanings distilled, absorbed and savored. It was difficult to concentrate on much else, until the book was finished, and this vortex I had been sucked into, spit me out the other side, shell-shocked and contemplative. Far from overtaxing me, the challenges presented by Beyond the Cascade allowed me think in ways I hadn't dared to in many years, and left me feeling uplifted. This is truly a book that everyone should read. I cannot recommend it enough.


I am all frissons, bouleversée. I expect sooner or later some less delighted readers will post less delighted reviews, but I am nopt complaining so far!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Jul 13 - 06:10 PM

Good review. If word gets around, and I expect it shall, this book ought to sell like hotcakes. I'm going to see if I can interest several of my friends around here into giving it a look.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 02 Jul 13 - 01:28 AM

Mudcat friend Monique has graced the Amazon page with a much appreciated review. Merci, Monique!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Monique
Date: 02 Jul 13 - 05:28 AM

Tout le plaisir a été pour moi! ("My pleasure!" for the non French speakers)

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Jul 13 - 03:31 AM

I haven't yet ordered a copy but I shall. Looking forward to it.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 03 Jul 13 - 07:02 PM

KT's gonna buy one. Eb's gonna buy one! Rapparee is even gonna buy one!! So is Gnu!! And I gotta tell you ALL of the Mudcat should read this book!! Don't delay!! :D

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 05 Jul 13 - 04:56 PM

Chance Shiver now has his e-pub version for review. I am hoping that those who read it among the 'Cat will spread ripples of infectious enthusiasm. It is also available in Eu and UK via Amazon and BookDepository.

Amazon page here.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 07 Jul 13 - 11:53 PM

I am delighted to report that Beyond the Cascade is now available from Apple's iTunes Bookstore for the delight of iPad and Mac readers everywhere.

You can download it here . Give it a try! iTunes also offers a free sample for the wary.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Ebbie
Date: 08 Jul 13 - 10:31 PM

*g* One reason I have put getting my own copy is that I'm enjoying reading others' reactions. Great reviews, Amos!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 11:54 AM

Readers in the UK can also order "Beyond the Cascade" from independent bookstores through this link:

http://www.hive.co.uk/search/A.+H.+Jessup/mediatype/all/

Don't hesitate!!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 10 Jul 13 - 10:29 PM

Wow! Just got past the part about being "all things...no thing", don't want to spoil it for people by saying more.

You are voicing so many of my own thoughts in this book, Amos, that I kind of wish I'd written it myself... ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 12 Jul 13 - 02:03 AM

To some degree, perhaps you did!! :D


A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 12:23 AM

Rapparee is getting a copy and Sandrolin just finished reading it.

I still have no idea how many e-books have been downloaded because the distributors lag so much in filing their reports with BookBaby. A real drag.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 10:45 AM

Okay, I finished the book. Great work, Amos. I think you ended the story in the right fashion, although Hollywood would probably not agree.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 12:22 PM

Thanks, LH! Post a review up on Amazon if you like.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 12:32 PM

Will do presently.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 Jul 13 - 03:08 PM

What I'm wondering now is...can a Dachshund go beyond the Cascade? And has any Dachshund ever managed it? (they'll do almost anything for food...)

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 01:35 PM

Beyond the Cascade has received several more very nice reviews. I was especially touched by George Coventry's remarks:

"Beyond the Cascade" is a simply marvellous book, a great adventure story, and a philosophical-spiritual journey that gives the reader a great deal to think about. Suzannah is a totally believable character, a woman of great strength and determination, an original thinker who is ever intent on extending her horizons and not afraid to take on great risks in doing so. Every location in the story from New York City to the interior of Africa is depicted in beautiful clarity, and every character, major or minor, is interesting, colorful, and convincing. You grow to love some of the people in this tale, and that's what keeps you reading above all else. Who will enjoy "Beyond the Cascade"? Anyone who likes a cracking good adventure tale, anyone who sees life as a spiritual journey, anyone who yearns to go beyond mere surface appearances and find a greater Truth...with a capital "T". This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. How do I sum it up? By saying: I wish I'd written it. - George Coventry

A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 06:28 AM

That is an absolutely lovely review!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 05:55 PM

The Dachshund is actually an integral part of the Cascade, and I doubt that a dachshund on his own could get pas t the conundrum of mortal identity...

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 01:48 AM

Probably not in most cases, Amos...but I did know one Dachshund who was pretty mystical...and one night when very old he went out and simply vanished. No trace of him has ever been found.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Janie
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 09:33 PM

Have been asleep at the wheel and missed this news entirely until now. Confess I have only skimmed the thread, but knowing you and your talents, Amos, I trust that I will find it a good read.

Amazon tells me I will have the paperback version by the middle of next week.

Hope you don't use too many big words I don't understand *grin*

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Little Hawk
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 12:18 AM

I saw a handful of rare words that made me scratch my head, Janie, but on the whole it was very readable, so fear not!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 11:13 PM

Janie, I am pretty confident you will be comfortable with the language; if there are a few technical words you don't know just grap a cellphone/tablet/computer and voila!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 11:15 PM

IF you use the "Daily Literary Quote" widget that runs on iGoogle pages, keep your eyes peeled for some quotes from A. H. Jessup in the next week.

You can also see the daily entries at:

http://www.dailyliteraryquote.com/.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 29 May 14 - 04:04 PM

An unexpected and embarassingly positive review from a Belgian reader has appeared on Amazon. Really, you should read this book this summer!

"A stylish, wise and passionate novel, May 21, 2014
By Bob Van Laerhoven - Belgian novelist - See all my reviews
This review is from: Beyond the Cascade (Kindle Edition)

As a professional Belgian(Flemish) author for more than 20 years, I can - in all humbleness - say that I've read quite some novels in quite some genres, styles and topics. In that huge pile of books, A.H. Jessup stands out, just as Kafka, Curzio Malaparte, André Baillon, Flaubert, Malcolm Lowry and other great writers stand out. In my eyes, a synopsis doesn't give this multi-layered novel enough credit, so I'm going to pass that. Others on this review page have done their best in that department.
I was deeply impressed by the wisdom of this novel but also by Jessup's style and the scope of his story, not to forget the originality of the theme(s). It is truly beyond me that "Beyond the Cascade" apparently hasn't been published by a quality Publishing House. Maybe Jessup didn't want that, knowing that the current book market tends to be more a fairground - vampires or zombies anyone? - than an outlet of the great art of literature. Well, this is literature, no way around it.
When a reader loves a novel, the author has done a very nice job. When a fellow author - a colleague and, yes, in a way, a competitor - loves a novel, the author truly has done an outstanding job...

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 May 14 - 09:55 AM

Good Lord! A non-Mudcatter said something nice about it!

Well...it is a pretty fair read, even at the beach or in the sauna. If you haven't read it you probably should. You might even get something out of reading it. But be warned: the author uses big words like "I" and "the" and "you" and uses them correctly, so some of you might have trouble with it. Face it: this isn't you're everyday "Dick and Jane" reader.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 30 May 14 - 05:32 PM

On the other hand there are more than enough "everyday Dick and Jane" books out there for anyone's needs, such as "Reefer Madness", "Death in the Axolotl Way", and "Under Summer Skirts". Too many, in fact.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 May 14 - 09:46 PM

I should admit that not only did I purchase a printed copy of the book, but I found it to be quite good. Yes, I can recommend it! Read it; you will enjoy it.









(Amos, you know where to send the check.)

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: gnu
Date: 31 May 14 - 11:09 AM

I'd also add a flippant remark but it would be an extreme falsehood no matter the gravity of the slight regardless of any possible humour contained therein. It's all it's cracked up to be.

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 25 Jul 14 - 11:47 AM

There's a remote possibility that you have not read Beyond the Cascade yet.

This is a most regrettable situation, but you can remedy it this very week by acting promptly!

Just click here! and follow the link to Amazon! You will not regret it!

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 08:51 PM

A Belgian author has recently posted an enthusiastic review of Beyond the Cascade out of the blue:

Bob Laerhoven's review Aug 13, 14
5 of 5 stars
Read in May, 2014

"As a professional Belgian(Flemish) author for more than 20 years, I can - in all humbleness - say that I've read quite some novels in quite some genres, styles and topics. In that huge pile of books, A.H. Jessup stands out, just as Kafka, Curzio Malaparte, André Baillon, Flaubert, Malcolm Lowry and other great writers stand out. In my eyes, a synopsis doesn't give this multi-layered novel enough credit, so I'm going to pass that. Others on this review page have done their best in that department.

I was deeply impressed by the wisdom of this novel but also by Jessup's style and the scope of his story, not to forget the originality of the theme(s). It is truly beyond me that "Beyond the Cascade" apparently hasn't been published by a quality Publishing House. Maybe Jessup didn't want that, knowing that the current book market tends to be more a fairground - vampires or zombies anyone? - than an outlet for the great art of literature. Well, this is literature, no way around it.

When a reader loves a novel, the author has done a very nice job. When a fellow author - a colleague and, yes, in a way, a competitor - loves a novel, the author truly has done an outstanding job..."

Pass the word. If you haven't read it, it's not too late!! See the link upthread.

Regards,

A.
First Vowel

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 10 Jun 15 - 11:03 AM

A few recent reviews on Beyond the Cascade:


Karen Evans on April 29, 2015

This book should be on the best seller list and probably would be if it had a publisher working the hype. Great read!!!

Jim Evans on April 12, 2015

This book is wonderful! It's an adventure in the mode of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" while at the same time being a philosophical statement by the author. The style is exciting and the development of the story and characters is perfect. The highest recommendation to Jessup for this tour de force. Thanks for an exciting reading experience.


Ellen Swaim on September 9, 2014

Beautifully written, binding the reader along the writer's and characters' journeys toward universal secrets about elemental forces like nature, self, thought, time, war, reality/untruth, grief, love, life, will, and transcendence. Tantalizingly ambitious, full of layered meaning you will only catch through repeated readings, this is a page-turner -- it hooks the reader along on its journey and sweeps one away in the plays of light on the path through use of language. The use of language is multi-dimensional, and not to be missed. A. H. Jessup has crafted a brilliantly complex allegory which connotes simplicity, turning layered rock into layered meanings that flow like water, until the reader flows along too.

If you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for? :D

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 13 Oct 15 - 11:44 PM

A reader describes "Beyond the Cascade":

"Beautifully written, binding the reader along the writer's and characters' journeys toward universal secrets about elemental forces like nature, self, thought, time, war, reality/untruth, grief, love, life, will, and transcendence.
Tantalizingly ambitious, full of layered meaning you will only catch through repeated readings, this is a page-turner -- it hooks the reader along on its journey and sweeps one away in the plays of light on the path through use of language.
The use of language is multi-dimensional, and not to be missed. A. H. Jessup has crafted a brilliantly complex allegory which connotes simplicity, turning layered rock into layered meanings that flow like water, until the reader flows along too."

Subject: RE: BS: Delightful Novel: Beyond the Cascade
From: Amos
Date: 12 Sep 17 - 10:28 AM

I still expect you to get the book if you haven't read it yet!