Outskirts Press, INC.

Bringing the Unknown to Life

Marvin Lyman's first memoir, Solving for X: Finding the Man Within, tells the intriguing story of one man's amazing discovery while serving as the Treasurer for the newly elected Mayor of Kansas City. For thirty-six years he questioned familial relationships and life experiences but lived contently until the whole truth about his existence was suddenly revealed.

Marvin's world was abruptly interrupted while he tried to make sense of his newfound discoveries. Solving for X chronicles the ensuing battles, his fight to survive, and the many long hidden emotions of the outwardly confident husband, father, son, businessman, and minister. Marvin boldly tells his story of disappointments, surprise, family hurt, complicated faith, love, and triumph with fearless honesty.

Marvin holds nothing back in this well written and emotionally charged memoir where he ultimately provides an inspiring sacrificial example for individuals desiring to face serious issues in their lives and become their best. No stone is left unturned in this book for the ages. This journey to discover will lead many to resolve the unknown in their lives.

"It's raw, it's real, it's candid, and its intensity is unmatched…You will experience the unusual, the unthinkable and the unexpected as his memoir comes to life right before your eyes." Foreword

"I found myself weaving through my experience of the book… engaging with "Marvin" on the pages--this man sharing this very intense and transparent experience…" Shana Moses, M.A.

"…find it engaging, uplifting, and authentic." Dr. Rex Veeder, Ph.D., Professor of English

Excerpt from page 147
I continued my journey home. The miles behind me. The miles behind me seemed less than the miles before me. I could conquer anything. God had given me two fathers, another sister, a spiritual mother, new aunts, new uncles, and a rich legacy of service. All I could imagine was the coming days that would give me greater details of my grandparents, great grandparents and more. I would know where I came from and collect my sense of purpose.
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Excerpt from page 149
..She was still frantic. I told her we would get through this. She continued to cry. She told me no one was with her. I asked what happened and she said, "Edgar died." It felt like someone hit me in my chest with a sledgehammer. The woman was crying and screaming into the phone. I tried to get more information. Then the phone went dead. That's when old man grief hit me. I was paralyzed. This was not the second death, but the third death of my fathers. The tears began to flow from my eyes like rivers. I couldn't breathe. I was hyperventilating. I got out of my vehicle and began to rip my shirt off of me. I fell to the ground in the middle of the exit ramp wailing like a wounded animal...