Outskirts Press Book Publishing Presents Fragments

Fragments
by Lesly Auerbach

Print on Demand Publisher
Ordering Information
5.5 x 8.5 Paperback
ISBN: 9781598004205
$12.95    
 
 
Instant e-Book Download
 
 
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Book Information
Genre:
FICTION / General
Publication:
Mar 31, 2006
Pages:
136
 
Books by Lesly Auerbach
How often have you felt like you just couldn't get anything right? If like most of us, you said something along the lines of "all the time," then this is a story and character you'll be able to identify with.

From the back cover:

“A screw-up you can root for... yep, that’s me. Looking back on three decades of my life, I can see that, in spite of being given quite a few opportunities to succeed, ya know, have that so-called “perfect life?” Well, I blew it in more ways than I care to remember. But at least I keep tryin'. C’mon, don’t most people love an underdog? You’re gonna make your own mind up about me anyway, so why not hear my side of things first? Not excuses, just some fragments of what happened... or didn't happen. Hey, maybe you’ll even recognize a little of yourself in my story.

--Adam Lewis”




Reviews:


The story of Adam is so well written that I feel like I am there with him in his shoes. Reading his story makes you less likely to cross the street to avoid the next homeless guy on the street. You definitely want to root for him! Very much a good-for-your-soul read!

- Julie Wiseman March 2008



I found this Authors writing style unique yet hard to follow. Just when you really got into a section of his life the fragment ended leaving you wondering how that particular scenario affected the main characters over all life. I prefer books that take me away and keep me there. The best part of the book was how much you had to work to stay in the story. This is not a book you take to bed and read sleepily. In order to enjoy the true benefits of this book you need to get comfortable and concentrate. It’s worth the effort.

Luana Henry, Wrightwood, CA. January 2008


I have just finished reading Fragments, I have to tell you that I loved it. In the begining I wasnt really sure, but as the story went on I could not put the book down By the end I could not get enough of Adam. I can not wait for the sequeal.

Mickey Ray 9/07
****************************************


An interesting take on a guy most would consider a
bum. I laughed at Adam, I cried for him and wanted
to smack some sense into him all at the same time.
Written in a unique style, it lacks the typical
structured chapters, rather fading in and out of
those “fragments” of memories that make up the main
character. Once used to the writing style, I was
loathe to put the book down, as I wanted to continue
to find out the next “scene” that was to unfold in
the life of Adam. An easy read, I’ll look around for
another book by this author.
K. Seleznoff 4/07
********************************************
[I]ts engaging...fairly fast read...took me about 5 hours to finish the entire thing front to back. Book is about a guy named Adam...and Adam is your typical guy...with his typical [messed] up life...broken relationships, drinking problems, denial of needing help...its all here

Id honestly suggest this to anyone of you that has ever had a black spot in your life and maybe you can relate...and realize that your not alone (thats the impression i got) ...its actually really good.

anywho...go buy it...go read it....go enjoy it.....go write your own review so more people can know about it

Cory Brotherton 7-06


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lesly Auerbach writes about a fictional character, Adam Lewis–the biography of a screw-up. The story is not unique . . . it could be any man’s life, and that’s the key. However, she clearly relates her insight into the dynamics of contemporary marriage and relationship problems.

What is unique is her style of writing which does not conform to all the rules and guidelines writers are supposed to follow to make it easier for the reader to follow the story. There are no chapters . . . just detached fragments . . . jumping from place to place, and the reader needs to pay attention.

In a book I read by Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter, What If?, there was a chapter on 'Transitions' which suggested that ‘White Space Does Not a Transition Make’. However, the author makes her reader work, and the story is worth the effort. As one reads on and gets used to her style, it’s quite evident that there is purpose and she has something to say about contemporary relationships.

It is also quite evident that Adam Lewis has a serious drinking problem and may well be an alcoholic, which certainly would add to his general "screw-up" behavior. Do you think the author is telling us in her closing paragraph that Adam has finally found AA?

"Now what? I sit here drinking black coffee, smoking maybe my millionth cigarette–I can’t give up everything–telling you fragments of my life, knowing that some of you will think they make up my whole story somehow. The problem with that, though, is that it’s never the whole story."

To whom would I recommend this book? . . . to readers looking for an interesting writing style, to readers interested in contemporary relationship dynamics, to readers interested in real life.

Lesly Auerbach is an honest writer and whether you like the subject matter or her style of writing, her honesty shines through–the heart of a great writer. She lives and writes in Southern California, and Fragments is her debut novel–an exceptional first effort. She is currently working on her second novel and a poetry collection.

Reviewed by Kaye Trout - May 19, 2006 - Copyright



 
“I want you out, Adam.”
“What are you talking about?” The sunlight from the window behind Catherine was blinding his bloodshot eyes. “Hey, close the drapes would you?” He tried to bury his head under one of the pillows but she grabbed it from him and hit him in the face with it.
“I said I want you out, you jackass!” She started pulling the dresser drawers open and throwing underwear, socks, T-shirts, anything she put her hands on, into a pile at his feet.
“What the hell’s your problem?!” Adam was out of bed and trying to hold her back from the bottom drawer.
“Let me go, you son-of-a-bitch!” She pulled her arm out of his grip and went into the bathroom.
“Leave my mother out of this. C'mon, what’s goin’ on? Tell me, Catherine.” He ducked as his electric razor flew past his ear and landed on the floor next to the bed. “Hey, damnit! Knock it off already!”
“Oh, I’ll knock something off!” She charged him, throwing his toothbrush and hair brush at him before hitting him on the jaw and shoulder.
Adam grabbed both of her arms and held them behind her. “Catherine! Stop! I don’t know what the hell your problem is, but you better stop hitting me. Now calm down.” He held her tighter as she tried to get loose.
“Let... go!”
He released his hold and she fell forward onto the bed. “Bastard! Get your shit and get out.” Her voice switched to a growl before she started muttering under her breath while emptying the bottom drawer onto the growing pile. “Stupid. I can’t believe... why did I wait so long? Why?” She turned to yell at him, “Why? What did I ever do to you?” Turning to the closet she resumed muttering, “stupid. It’s not like I didn’t know... I thought he’d stop... I thought....”
“Talk to me, Catherine. I’m not going anywhere so stop with the clothes.”
She stopped and turned back to him, staring at him without talking. Her jaw clenched and unclenched but she stayed quiet for about a minute. When she spoke, her voice was steady on the one word she said: “Danielle.” Catherine waited for Adam to respond and when he didn’t, she walked out of their bedroom and out the front door, leaving him with the silence.


About Lesly Auerbach

Lesly turned an early love of writing into a degree in English from the University of California. She lives in Southern California and is currently working on several projects, with a poetry and short story collection due out in 2007.


Check out my website at www.popcornunderwear.com for more info.

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