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Author: Scott Semegran
Publisher: Mutt Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 332
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Book Description
2020 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award Gold Medal Winner for Humor 2019 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Winner: Silver Medal for Fiction - Humor/Comedy 2019 Texas Author Project Winner: Adult Fiction This is the story of J. D. Wiswall, a sincere young man from a small town, who joins a state government agency in a data entry department comprised of quirky clerks. Quickly endearing himself to the diverse group in Unit 3, J. D. learns his coworkers have a pact to share the $10,000 prize if they win a cost-savings program for a suggestion that could save the government money, in turn helping them rise above their own personal struggles. A multimillion-dollar cost-savings suggestion is accidentally discovered by J. D.'s supervisor, the goof-off alcoholic Brent Baker. This lucrative discovery catches the attention of crotchety Governor Dwayne Bennett, a media-hungry demagogue, who turns the coworkers of Unit 3 into props for his selfish political reasons. The publicity surrounding the clerks piques the interest of a newspaper reporter, Esther Jean Stinson, whose investigative reporting threatens to reveal the governor's career-ending secret, as well as jeopardizes the prize that the clerks so desperately desire. Along with J. D. and Brent, the lives of the amiable coworkers in Unit 3 are revealed. There is Rita Jackson, the kind matriarch of her large brood, who spends her time outside of work caring for her five struggling children and thirteen wily grandchildren. Then there's Deborah Martinez, a single mother to a felonious son, who struggles to keep her head above her sinking financial woes. There's also Conchino Gonzalez, a quiescent giant of Mexican and Japanese descent, who street races at night to relieve worries about his ailing grandfather in Japan. Finally, J. D. has dreams bigger than his small hometown can provide, and Brent wants nothing more than to drop the bureaucratic routine to become a rock star with his bar band. A few blocks away from the agency that houses Unit 3, Governor Bennett, a smarmy politician who whizzes around the Governor's Mansion on a gold-plated wheelchair, parades the unwitting clerks in front of the local media in an attempt to raise his sagging poll numbers. But reporter Esther Jean sees through the governor's bald-faced motives and uncovers secrets not meant to be revealed. Will her revelations keep Unit 3 from receiving their elusive prize? From award-winning writer Scott Semegran, To Squeeze a Prairie Dog is an American, modern-day tale with working-class folks—part fable, part satire, and part comedy—revealing that camaraderie amongst kind-hearted friends wins the day over evil intentions. "An amusing yet heartwarming romp... To Squeeze a Prairie Dog is an entertaining slice-of-life story that's humorous yet uplifting at the same time. By the novel's last page, readers will be longing for more." — BlueInk Reviews (Starred Review) "To Squeeze a Prairie Dog paints a rollicking story that careens through the office structure to delve into the motivations, lives, and connections between ordinary individuals... an uplifting, fun story." — Midwest Book Review "A comic sendup of state government that remains lighthearted, deadpan, and full of affection for both urban and rural Texas." — Kirkus Reviews "An accomplished tale... a recommended read for fans of humor, drama, and office politics." — Readers' Favorite Book Reviews. 5 stars. "Fascinating and heartfelt." — IndieReader "Semegran is at the top of his game as he crafts this thoroughly engaging read. Written in a crisp, clear prose, this fast-paced novel will delight fans of literary fiction." — The Prairies Book Review. 5 stars. "Semegran lures you in with a combination of sardonic wit and slapstick comedy, but before you know it, you're contemplating issues of money, class, media, politics, the social contract, and the many possible definitions of success... To Squeeze a Prairie Dog concludes on just the right note and contains depths you won't expect." — Lone Star Literary Life
Author: Scott Semegran
Publisher: Mutt Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 332
Get Book Here
Book Description
2020 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award Gold Medal Winner for Humor 2019 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Winner: Silver Medal for Fiction - Humor/Comedy 2019 Texas Author Project Winner: Adult Fiction This is the story of J. D. Wiswall, a sincere young man from a small town, who joins a state government agency in a data entry department comprised of quirky clerks. Quickly endearing himself to the diverse group in Unit 3, J. D. learns his coworkers have a pact to share the $10,000 prize if they win a cost-savings program for a suggestion that could save the government money, in turn helping them rise above their own personal struggles. A multimillion-dollar cost-savings suggestion is accidentally discovered by J. D.'s supervisor, the goof-off alcoholic Brent Baker. This lucrative discovery catches the attention of crotchety Governor Dwayne Bennett, a media-hungry demagogue, who turns the coworkers of Unit 3 into props for his selfish political reasons. The publicity surrounding the clerks piques the interest of a newspaper reporter, Esther Jean Stinson, whose investigative reporting threatens to reveal the governor's career-ending secret, as well as jeopardizes the prize that the clerks so desperately desire. Along with J. D. and Brent, the lives of the amiable coworkers in Unit 3 are revealed. There is Rita Jackson, the kind matriarch of her large brood, who spends her time outside of work caring for her five struggling children and thirteen wily grandchildren. Then there's Deborah Martinez, a single mother to a felonious son, who struggles to keep her head above her sinking financial woes. There's also Conchino Gonzalez, a quiescent giant of Mexican and Japanese descent, who street races at night to relieve worries about his ailing grandfather in Japan. Finally, J. D. has dreams bigger than his small hometown can provide, and Brent wants nothing more than to drop the bureaucratic routine to become a rock star with his bar band. A few blocks away from the agency that houses Unit 3, Governor Bennett, a smarmy politician who whizzes around the Governor's Mansion on a gold-plated wheelchair, parades the unwitting clerks in front of the local media in an attempt to raise his sagging poll numbers. But reporter Esther Jean sees through the governor's bald-faced motives and uncovers secrets not meant to be revealed. Will her revelations keep Unit 3 from receiving their elusive prize? From award-winning writer Scott Semegran, To Squeeze a Prairie Dog is an American, modern-day tale with working-class folks—part fable, part satire, and part comedy—revealing that camaraderie amongst kind-hearted friends wins the day over evil intentions. "An amusing yet heartwarming romp... To Squeeze a Prairie Dog is an entertaining slice-of-life story that's humorous yet uplifting at the same time. By the novel's last page, readers will be longing for more." — BlueInk Reviews (Starred Review) "To Squeeze a Prairie Dog paints a rollicking story that careens through the office structure to delve into the motivations, lives, and connections between ordinary individuals... an uplifting, fun story." — Midwest Book Review "A comic sendup of state government that remains lighthearted, deadpan, and full of affection for both urban and rural Texas." — Kirkus Reviews "An accomplished tale... a recommended read for fans of humor, drama, and office politics." — Readers' Favorite Book Reviews. 5 stars. "Fascinating and heartfelt." — IndieReader "Semegran is at the top of his game as he crafts this thoroughly engaging read. Written in a crisp, clear prose, this fast-paced novel will delight fans of literary fiction." — The Prairies Book Review. 5 stars. "Semegran lures you in with a combination of sardonic wit and slapstick comedy, but before you know it, you're contemplating issues of money, class, media, politics, the social contract, and the many possible definitions of success... To Squeeze a Prairie Dog concludes on just the right note and contains depths you won't expect." — Lone Star Literary Life
Author: Scott Semegran
Publisher: Mutt Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 184
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Book Description
THE BESTSELLING, AWARD-WINNING BOOK WITH THREE CAPTIVATING STORIES 2018 IndieReader Discovery Awards: Winner for Short Stories "The writing is sharp and unpretentiously thoughtful... An endearing collection that deftly captures the need for youthful fellowship." -- Kirkus Reviews These are the stories of three boys living in Texas: one growing up, one dreaming, and one fighting to stay alive in the face of destitution and adversity. There's second-grader William, a shy yet imaginative boy who schemes about how to get back at his school-yard bully, Randy. Then there's Sam, a 15-year-old boy who dreams of getting a 1980 Mazda RX-7 for his sixteenth birthday but has to work at a Greek restaurant to fund his dream. Finally, there's Seff, a 21-year-old on the brink of manhood, trying to survive along with his roommate, working as waiters and barely making ends meet. These three stories are told with heart, humor, and an uncompromising look at what it meant to grow up in Texas during the 1980s and 1990s. The writing of Scott Semegran has been praised by bestselling author / Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Davy Rothbart as "Hilarious, poignant, and twisted." Award-winning cartoonist Emily Flake described the fiction of Scott Semegran as "Funny, sweet, dark, and sad, Scott Semegran's stories create a wholly convincing world of love, loss, and fear. His light touch with heavy subjects is a gift, and his forays into silliness are a delight." "Verdict: With nary a dull moment, Scott Semegran's BOYS features short stories filled with unexpected nuances that draws readers right into the heart of his well-developed characters." -- IndieReader. 5 Stars. IR Approved. Best Reviewed Books of 2017. "Semegran's work is evocative and replete with relatable, recognizable characters... who find comfort in friendship. With its descriptive flair and flashes of humor, Boys offers an engaging read--one short fiction fans are sure to enjoy." -- BlueInk Review "Raising difficult questions of morality, this slice-of-life narrative is as heartfelt as it is entertaining... Boys is compellingly realistic fiction. Its fantastic details, interesting construction, and humor make it worth the read." -- Foreword Clarion Reviews. Clarion Rating: 4 out of 5.
Author: Scott Semegran
Publisher: Mutt Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 361
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Book Description
From Kindle bestselling writer and cartoonist Scott Semegran, Sammie & Budgie is a quirky, mystical tale of a self-doubting IT nerd and his young son, who possesses the gift of foresight. The boy's special ability propels his family on a road trip to visit his ailing grandfather, a prickly man who left an indelible stamp on the father and son. The three are connected through more than genetics, their lives intertwined through dreams, imagination, and longing. Simon works as a network administrator for a state government agency, a consolation after a promising career as a novelist flounders. He finds himself a single parent of two small children following the mysterious death of his adulterous wife. From the ashes of his failed marriage emerges a tight-knit family of three: a creative, special needs son, a hyperactive, butt-kicking daughter, and the caring, sensitive father. But when his son's special ability reveals itself, Simon struggles to keep his little family together in the face of adversity and uncertainty. Sammie is a creative third-grader that draws adventures in his sketchbook with his imaginary friend, Budgie, a parakeet that protects him from the monsters inhabiting his dreams. Sammie is also a special needs child but is special in more ways than one. He can see the future. Sammie seemingly can predict events both mundane and catastrophic in equal measure. But when he envisions the suffering of his grandfather, the family embarks on a road trip to San Antonio with the nanny to visit the ailing patriarch. Sammie & Budgie is an illustrated novel brought to you from the quirky mind of writer and cartoonist Scott Semegran. The novel explores the bond between a caring father and his children, one affected by his own thorny relationship with his surly father, and the connection he has with his sweet son is thicker than blood, going to the place where dreams are conceived and realized.
Author: Scott Semegran
Publisher: Mutt Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 299
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Book Description
"A fantastic coming-of-age thriller." — IndieReader (IR Approved) 2021 First Place for Middle-Grade/Young Adult — Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards 2021 Shortlisted — U.S. Selfies Book Awards 2020 Quarter Finalist for Young Adult Fiction — The BookLife Prize The summer of 1986. Central Texas. William and his friends should be having a blast. Instead, they are hounded by the Thousand Oaks Gang and their merciless leader, Bloody Billy. William found Billy’s backpack. And because of what it contains, Billy desperately wants it back, and he’ll do anything to get it. William hatches a plan for his friends to sneak away and hide in an abandoned lake house, except they become stranded on the lake’s desolate island without food or water. Will their time on the island devolve into chaos? Will the friends survive and be rescued? The Benevolent Lords of Sometimes Island is Lord of the Flies meets The Body by Stephen King, the inspiration for the classic movie Stand By Me. A gripping suspense story with adventure and danger, tinged with humorous banter between the four friends, the middle schoolers face certain death without adults to protect them from the unrelenting natural elements, as well as the wild creatures that lurk in the wilderness around the lake. With a backpack filled with money and marijuana they stole from the merciless gang leader, it’s only a matter of time before the high schoolers come looking for them, too. From award-winning writer Scott Semegran, The Benevolent Lords of Sometimes Island is his eighth book. This novel is Semegran’s response to William Golding’s 1954 novel Lord of the Flies, which was Golding’s response to The Coral Island by R. M. Ballantyne, an adventure novel from 1858. All three novels tackle the premise of boys stranded on an island, with Semegran’s novel taking a decidedly modern view of a group of friends in Central Texas during the summer of 1986 working to survive in a situation filled with danger and desperation with only each other to rely on. "This well-crafted story will appeal to anyone who grew up in the '80s. Fans of Stand by Me will also enjoy this trip back in time. Although at times wistful, it's not a purely nostalgic ode to growing up, but a genuine, moving and irresistible meditation on the value of friendship." — BlueInk Review (Starred Review) “A fantastic coming-of-age thriller that puts a positive spin on troubled adolescence.” — IndieReader (IR Approved) "Scott Semegran stretches his literary muscles in this highly accomplished and well-crafted read... a modern classic." — Readers' Favorite Book Reviews. 5 stars. "A page-turner. With his assured writing, tight plotting, and talent to fill a story with realistic details, Semegran has created another winner... A must read!" — The Prairies Book Review. 5 stars. "Evocative and compelling... a highly recommended, superb example of psychological twists and interpersonal encounters gone awry." — Midwest Book Review, D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer “Sharply drawn characters in an engaging, suspenseful coming-of-age tale.” — Lone Star Literary Life “[Semegran] puts the dynamics of adolescent friendships at the heart of his story... an absorbing, nostalgic, and polished story.” — Kirkus Reviews “Semegran excels at crafting vivid, realistic characters through sharp and nuanced descriptions. The narrator's warmth, humor, and candor is a joy to read.” — The BookLife Prize. Overall: 9.75 out of 10.
Author: Charles Portis
Publisher: Abrams
ISBN: 1590206584
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 174
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Book Description
“[Charles Portis] understood, and conveyed, the grain of America, in ways that may prove valuable in future to historians trying to understand what was decent about us as a nation.” --Donna Tartt, New York Times Book Review Ray Midge is waiting for his credit card bill to arrive. His wife, Norma, has run off with her ex-husband, taking Ray's cards, shotgun and car. But from the receipts, Ray can track where they've gone. He takes off after them, as does an irritatingly tenacious bail bondsman, both following the romantic couple's spending as far as Mexico. There Ray meets Dr Reo Symes, the seemingly down-on-his-luck and rather eccentric owner of a beaten up and broken down bus, who needs a ride to Belize. The further they drive, in a car held together by coat-hangers and excesses of oil, the wilder their journey gets. But they're not going to give up easily.
Author: Ran Walker
Publisher: 45 Alternate Press, LLC
ISBN: 1020001275
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 121
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Book Description
"Tender and strange, startling and lyrical, witty and nuanced, Ran Walker’s stories lingered in my mind long after I finished reading them. His prose is taut, precise, and economical, but each one of these tiny stories is expansive in the way it enlarges the world through an eclectic mixture of distinctive characters and surprising plots. I’m never quite at ease in a Ran Walker story. And that’s a good thing. He's a master of the 100-word form." - Grant Faulkner, Executive Director of NaNoWriMo and Co-Founder of 100 Word Story "Ran Walker is a writer's writer. In Keep It 100, he brings forth so many styles, the reader is virtually assured to experience delight. This book offers a mosaic of lives lived. I will read it again and again and again." - Maurice Carlos Ruffin, author of The Ones Who Don't Say They Love You and We Cast a Shadow "These stories may be brief, but they are so substantial they get deep down into your bones and bubble up into your thoughts as you move through the day. I’m amazed that Ran Walker can stuff so much meaning and power into so few words, but he does it one hundred times in Keep It 100. He's just that talented. To paraphrase Ethridge Knight: Making jazz swing in one hundred words AIN’T no square writer’s job." - Rion Amilcar Scott, award-winning author of Insurrections and The World Doesn't Require You 100-word stories. Drabbles. Short short stories. Whatever you call them, they pack quite a powerful punch for such a small size. In Keep It 100, Ran Walker explores a variety of different genres and themes, from stories inspired by classic literature to stories that tackle current events. Done with the mind of a novelist and the heart of a poet, this collection is sure to resonate far beyond its compact form.
Author: Scott Semegran
Publisher: Mutt Press
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 105
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Book Description
In suburban Wells Port, things are not what they seem: wild animals appear unexpectedly in backyards, raised garden beds produce fruit in days, not weeks, and a mysterious figure lurks across sidewalks late at night. The stories in Starman After Midnight weave an often hilarious and sometimes melancholy spell. Four young boys are terrorized by a wiener dog on their walk to school, but strategize for a safer route. A beer-loving man befriends a likeminded neighbor, only to discover his jovial new acquaintance is a registered sex offender. An elderly Uber driver suspects a young rider is being lured by a night stalker and debates whether he should help her or mind his own business. Connecting these stories are two next-door neighbors—Seff and Big Dave—who couldn't be more different: one a progressive-minded writer, the other a conservative plumber. Their love of beer drinking, backyard philosophizing, and gossiping brings them together. When several pets in the neighborhood wind up missing or worse—dead—Seff and Big Dave monitor their security cameras for the culprit. When they discover a naked man roaming their street late at night, suspicions are raised while hysteria spreads through the neighborhood social media app. What is the connection between the missing pets and this naked man? Seff and Big Dave form a posse of neighbors to find out. Moving between humor and surrealism, friendship and grief, Starman After Midnight is a novel told in stories, a collection that adds up to something greater than the sum of its parts. From the quirky imagination of Scott Semegran, Starman After Midnight packs a comedic punch and uncovers the magic that seems possible in ordinary places.
Author: Murray Fowler
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119949378
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 500
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Book Description
Restraint and Handling of Wild and Domestic Animals, Third Edition offers an introduction to the basic principles of animal restraint and an overview of techniques for vertebrate wild and domestic animals. Fully updated throughout, the third edition also includes new chapters on understanding behavior, training for restraint and handling, and animal welfare and restraint. Now in full color, the third edition of this classic reference is an invaluable tool to recognizing potential danger in restraint and reducing stress in the animal.
Author: Ran Walker
Publisher: 45 Alternate Press, LLC
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 114
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Book Description
Praise for Ran Walker "I’m never quite at ease in a Ran Walker story. And that’s a good thing. He's a master of the 100-word form." ~ GRANT FAULKNER, Executive Director of NaNoWriMo and Co-Founder of 100 Word Story "He's just that talented. To paraphrase Ethridge Knight: Making jazz swing in one hundred words AIN’T no square writer’s job." ~ RION AMILCAR SCOTT, award-winning author of Insurrections and The World Doesn't Require You "Ran Walker is a writer's writer." ~ MAURICE CARLOS RUFFIN, author of The Ones Who Don't Say They Love You and We Cast a Shadow A young boy wrestles with what it means to have long hair. A woman finds herself accepting a relationship she knows is not good for her. A generation of successful graduates places greater value on materialism than love. Aliens and more aliens. Mystery. Intrigue. Love (and love lost). And, yes, Blackness. All in one hundred 100-word stories. In Ran Walker’s latest collection of 100-word stories, he leaves few stones unturned as he pushes the limits of the form in engaging, surprising, and even humorous ways. Welcome to The Library of Afro Curiosities.
Author: Scott Semegran
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780615762029
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 154
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Book Description
Mr. Grieves started as a poke at human nature through the use of talking, narcissistic animals. It has evolved into a full-on assault to your funny bone. Where else will you find rats fighting over cubicles, camels worrying about aging, a parrot talking to aliens, and a lonely water snail longing for a friend? Welcome to the world of Mr. Grieves! Mr. Grieves and other comic strips by Scott Semegran appeared in the following newspapers: The Austin Student The Funny Times The Austin American-Statesman Rocky Mountain Bullhorn Seven Days The University of Texas at Dallas Mercury The North Austin Bee
