What’s Of Dan's Design About?
People always ask about the book. They wonder what it’s about and I answer with a lot of stuff. They don’t ask about the book cost, if I have kids to feed, or how my pancreas is doing—all those things I can answer in a fairly straight-forward manner—they just want to know what it's about.
So I dance—answering with vague details and flailing my arms for distraction's sake. I become a sweating mass of "uhhhhh's" and "well you see's," so for everyone’s sake, I’m going to write it down… what “it’s about” that is.
Of Dan’s Design was written by a man who has seen things. A man at the end of many ropes, securing his ankles and wrists, attempting to pull him apart. Ropes like that old torture device with the horses and whatnot. You know the one. That being said, the story is about struggle.
We all struggle to a certain degree, whether rich or poor, black or white, male or female—and most of us do it silently. Dan struggles as we do, until he gets tired—becoming more and more aware that he is a part of a broken machine—a machine pulling him apart. He’s stressed, guilt-riddled, and lonely. A mediocre insurance salesman with nothing going on but the rent, he sets sail for the wilds of North Shadyton, leaving structured life behind.
Dan chases his childhood dream of selfless sacrifice and living harmoniously with nature, but the virus of humanity won’t make fulfillment of said dream easy. He encounters violent citizens, a mysterious hobo, corrupt cops, and discovers ultimate truths about what it means to be human. His journey catalyzes a string of events that—to put it lightly—end in bloody murder, explosive revenge, vigilante justice, tragedy, heartbreak, and eternal damnation. And one more thing: Diversity through the lens of a 90’s wild child author.
It’s a fun read.
Inside you may/will find subjects that are uncomfortable, many subjects if I’m honest. Drugs, sex, rock and roll, and all that aforementioned stuff. This story, as odd and extravagant as it may seem, is two things:
-Based in reality
-Based in a reality unimaginable for the “comfortable”
-Thought-provoking
-Written by a proud Gen-X’er who is bored and mostly doesn’t care about stuff he doesn’t care about
Lastly, the author does care that you, whoever you are (left, right, black, white, alien, indigenous) enjoy the book. He crafted it with love and truly in the spirit of entertainment. The cover artwork was painstakingly drawn by world-class tattoo artist Melissa Storm hailing from New Zealand. This book is many things, and Melissa must not be overlooked in its totality.
Lastly, keep in mind reviews matter. If you enjoyed the book leave some kind words on one of those blood-sucking corporate book sites that we all hate and love and need and hate. If you don’t like the book, suck it up. Bury your feelings deep down inside where they can fester. Let those feelings motivate you to lie in bed all day, eat pints of Häagen-Dazs, and dwell in a cavernous pit of depression. Don’t worry, the suffering is endless.
And that’s what Of Dan’s Design is about.
Priced to sell at 5.99 eBook, 12.99 paperback, 19.99 hardcover… just in case you thought to ask.
Oh, and don’t worry, my pancreas is fine.
—Rex
