A novel about a dysfunctional family reunion that occurs over the Christmas Holidays.
David Blackmore has at thirty-eight years of age just completed the first semester of his second year of law school at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. Following finals, he and his girlfriend, Sammi, are taking the train to Ft. Lauderdale for a Blackmore family reunion. His family: his father, Robert, a salesman; his mother, Adele, a housewife; his brother, Bobbie, a renowned psychologist; his sister-in-law, Julie, a frustrated housewife; his sister, Ellen, brilliant, yet totally clueless; and Ellen's equally as clueless boyfriend, Gene.
Come, join the fun ...
Excerpt
You are probably wondering what I am doing on this train, staring out this dirty window. I am staring at the passing scenery, which might as well be a blur, since my eyes refuse to focus upon anything that would interfere with my thoughts, disjointed as they might be. I am heading home for the Christmas holidays, would be my initial response. Why, you might protest, why take a train, especially since an airplane would be so much quicker. And, if I chose the right airline, it probably would be equally as economical as taking the train.
Why was I taking a train? Why do I, David Blackmore, always insist upon becoming involved in relationships that are totally wrong for me? The reason I ask this is because the answer to both questions is precisely the same. My psychologist, Dr. Steven Franklin (Ph.D., not medical doctor), has opined that the reason I act the way I do is because I am slightly neurotic. Did his diagnosis surprise me? Hell, I was not the least bit surprised. That little revelation, when he finally decided to share it with me, happened to be precisely what I had expected him to say. It was a lot like telling a person with sniffles, aches, and a sore throat that he/she has a cold. To be perfectly honest, I seriously doubt that it would come as much of a surprise to anyone who knows me very well. I know for a fact that neither my family nor my girlfriend would be shocked by this revelation, that is, if I ever decide to share it with them.
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