"What's what with this ... What About Now? The Secrets of a Rich Man?" That's the question I'm hearing a lot these days in Florida and Jersey. Well, ... maybe that's not quite the way it comes out in Boca Raton. But back at Michaelangelo's Restaurant and The Belmont Tavern on Bloomfield Avenue where Newark and Belleville meet, and where some of my readers dine, that's just the way they blurt it out ... "What's what with this new book, Joe?" (www.njrestaurants.com )
With the easy part of writing the manuscript over now, followed by a great editing job by Mike Finley, the harder business aspect of the project has begun. And while some agents are looking at the work, readers of the edited manuscript are registering in with their comments. Here is the good, bad, and not-so-ugly! After all, all of these people are dear friends, family members, prolific readers, and just folks happy to be a part of this motley array of "first time" readers.
"I'm loving it, especially the summarizations (of the teachings) at the ends of the chapters. I also feel like each of the Jewish characters are my brethren, seeking out new direction. Loved the shorter chapters, but do appreciate every time a new visitor arrives with a new secret. Maybe you need a little more detail on what is really happening behind the scenes between the Sanhedrin, the Romans, and the scattered followers of Jesus." MS, Orlando, Florida.
"This book has really touched my heart. So much so that I have written the Secrets in a notebook that I shall read over and over again." NC, Belleville, NJ
"The characters easily come to life for anyone with familiarity with them. And you walk away feeling you have had the rare opportunity to spend time with some dynamic spiritual teachers. Making sense out of the suffering of Joseph of Arimathea is perhaps the greatest spiritual occupation I can imagine. How comforting for Joseph that he has such an enthusiastic group to come to his aid!" SW, Delray Beach, Florida.
"The 'secrets' provide a road map to follow for people of all ages.It is a true treasure from above. It should be read by all who are looking for eternal peace in this world." JF, Randolph, NJ.
"Hey, Jo-Jo! Where did you find this Fifth Gospel? This should be Mel Gibson's next epic film." SS, Toms River, New Jersey.
"What About Now? is a crafted work of a master carpenter who fashioned it for utility in a pragmatic world. Its truth will never become antiquated any more than the need for 'focusing on the moment' will become obsolete, because the focus is on the 'eternal now.' I stand in line with those in debt to you for such chewable, digestible Wisdom. In fact, reading your manuscript was like eating a pound of Hershey chocolates, with almonds, ... one delightful piece at a time!" DK, Chester, Pennsylvania
"It reads like a 'whodunit' of the first century AD--the only difference is that everyone knows 'whodunit' but Joseph of Arimathea! I like how you brought out familiar, but dusty old names from the gospels, and brought them to life as actual human beings! The book gave me chills. What would it have been like to be part of this amazing story--and be paralyzed by it? ... it gently teaches while it entertains. It reminds me of 'Ben Hur'--it's a tale of Jesus, but seen entirely through the eyes of a second-tier character of the day. And it is full of surprises. Who else has written a book in which Zaccheus, the wife of Judas, and the 'rich, young ruler' are living, breathing characters?" MF, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
"It was very smooth and flowing. I was reminded of Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven. As a Catholic I felt I was reading a historic book, much like the feeling I felt reading The Da Vinci Code. I felt your pen glided along for this book." LP, Belleville, NJ.
"Magnificent! Life-lessons taught within a captivating mystery. Simple and genius!" J.B., Boca Raton, Florida Book Club.
"Mike (Geltude, to whose memory the book is dedicated) would be so proud to be associated with this book." RSF, Point Pleasant, NJ
"Just get the book published. Then when you're ready for the movie, I have a Martin Scorsese-like ending for you." CC, Edgewater, New Jersey.
"I really didn't want (the story) to end. I have been relating What About Now? to quite a few of my friends, and they (are) really interested." DV, Nutley, NJ.
Other reactions will be posted as they come in.
Joe Cervasio
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