marcoujor: Reviewing the Works of Michael Friedman

marcoujor

Childhood memories

I loved to watch The Waltons as a child of the 1970s. I never found it corny, even saying "Good Night, John Boy"  along with every show's ending.

Forty years have passed since those days on Walton's Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The story was set in the 1930s during the Great Depression, so Mom had much to contribute from her own childhood memories.

Feeling at home

I met Mike Friedman on another writing site, quickly recognizing a masterful writer with a unique voice. As I started following Mike's work as mckbirdbks,  I saw frequent and mysterious references to Emerald Wells Cafe. I knew I had to find this place and visit it soon. 

I entered the story line of Emerald Wells Cafe at Chapter 19: The Wedding Invitation. As romance is right up my alley, I quickly became entranced with the characters, bonding with them like family. I guarantee you would as well...!
 
Like starting a beloved television serial in the second season, I backtracked as time permitted, reading the preceding chapters. I continued to enjoy keeping up with the ongoing action of these small town friends, until it came to a fulfilling and brilliant conclusion in Chapter 48: First Christmas.
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The Emerald Wells Cafe

Over the course of this book, Mike takes us back in time to 1955 - 1956 to Emerald Wells, just off the crossroads and Highway 27 - Texas. The Cafe itself is the hub of all the town's action, where each Chapter begins and each beloved character enters and makes their memorable impact on the story.
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All the Gang at the Emerald Wells Cafe

Earl, the man behind the griddle and the newspaper, a cowboy with quiet passion.
The Townsend brothers, named Blake and Henry, as opposite as night and day.
Carl, auto mechanic, with a penchant for a double scotch in his ice and Coke.
Harold, truck driver, salt of the earth - has a son with music in his blood.
Em, greets everyone at the Cafe with coffee, a delectable breakfast, and a smile.
Gabby, 'Let's Dress Up' is a way to sew for others, lacing her longing with smiles.
Rose, a creator, from mouth watering pastries to eloquently penned poetry for Speakeasy nights.
Dale is the Sheriff, with a heart as big as Texas.
Richard, a song in his heart, wants to be his own man.
Alturo Alverez, friend of Richard, pulls heart strings with his guitar.
Boots Copler, mechanic who came to town, broken down, with his sister.
Lee Ann, worked in a bakery, feels at home with Rose, arriving in town with her brother.
Mary Ann, sweet and young, ready to help with the babies or a broom.
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What are you waiting for?

Do you ever find yourself thinking about when you were young, when times were simpler and kinder?

Do your parents tell about their childhood that make you wish you could step back in time?
Do you enjoy getting immersed in a good story to put the day's stressors behind you?
 
Purchase this e-book, step back in time with your favorite beverage and remember the nostalgia, peacefulness and heartwarming memories of times past.

Emerald Wells Cafe is available now through Amazon.

Author: Michael Friedman
Publisher: Mockingbird Books
Publication date: 6.22.13

Mockingbird Books

A sweet sampling of poetry by Rose

(A Senryu)

I cook for you dear
Spice makes all the difference
Your smile feeds my heart 
The kitchen is warm
The center of our small house
We share our life here
We safely sit here
The scent of bread in the air
Wine served with hot soup 
The dishes can wait
We break bread and laugh tonight
Near the fireplace, please. 
(Michael Friedman )

The Branson Resolution (A Dystopian Tale)

Michael spins a futuristic tale of fiction that leaves a haunting taste of reality in the reader's mouth.

The story starts out in 2018, when 'anyone who is anyone' wants to reserve their spot on one of the Branson Arks for a one year intergalactic flight.

Yeah, the price is 'out of this world' but a return to a world cleansed of poverty, collapse and repression seemed well worth the investment...or was it?

Read` "The Branson Resolution". 

You will be riveted to your seat from the first word to the last.

Mockingbird Books

I Should Have Died For My Country (A Dystopian Tale)

​"I Should Have Died For My Country", a Dystopian tale, is an apocalyptical story written Michael Friedman style.

If you have not yet indulged in reading this author's talent, imagine a setting in what we know today as the Arizona border, gone completely wrong because of the actions of the New Territorial Committee.

The hero, a mix of Nostradamus and Clint Eastwood, might just have you cheering in your seat! 

Mockingbird Books

Murder Once Done (A Short Story)

​Michael Friedman is a master story teller, with a compelling and intriguing style all his own. 

Murder Once Done is a supreme exemplar of his work.

Once you read this tale, I guarantee, you,ll be back for more...

Mockingbird Books

A Trilogy of Dark Flash Fiction

​Written with Michael Friedman's tight and gripping and intense style, these three stories stand independently as outstanding examples of dark flash fiction.

"Ohio Tom"; "The Knock on the Door" and "Theodore Shade" each leave a lasting impression of heroism, the paranormal and suspense.

Mockingbird Books

Braids Angel's Field

​Braids - Angel's Field is a journey to recover the guardian angel of a child named Hope. It is a journey for all of us who need Hope restored and secure. This is an adventure and a metaphor of undaunted courage.

I know Mike has only just begun to inspire us with his talents...in writing, illustrating and so much more.  Check out his website, Mockingbird Books, for yourself to see what I mean...

Thanks for stopping by Inspiration Station.

Until next time, 

mar