Monday, December 13, 2010

The Collectibles-James J. Kaufman

The Collectibles
James J. Kaufman
Downstream Publishing, Jan 4 2011, $14.95
1908 Eastwood Rd; Suite 324; Wilmington, NC 28403
ISBN: 9780982587300

The son of Manhattan high societye Preston Wilson grew up with a platinum spoon. On the other hand orphaned as a child Joe Hart was raised by his working class Uncle Howard and Aunt Lettie with a sterling silver spoon. Whereas Preston has an extremely easy path to success; Joe works his way through the US Navy, college and law school.

They met as teens when Joe saved Preston's life in the Adirondacks. Years later, a distraught Preston is in deep financial trouble and needing a lawyer. He asks Joe to represent him; Joe agrees on the stipulation that Preston owes him a debt that one day he will collect. Preston accepts the strange terms. Not long after reluctantly agreeing to help, Joe saves his client from financial ruin. The attorney demands remittance. He directs Preston to obtain the trust of Joe’s friends “The Collectibles”; as he expects Preston to care for these troubled people when he soon cannot. He explains he helps them as homage to his uncle helping him. Johnny is a mentally challenged dishwasher; Missy is a domestic abuse victim waiting tables; Tommy is a gambling addict; Harry is a bipolar photographer and Corey is a carpenter suffering from early Alzheimer's.

This is a character driven inspirational tale that makes a case for people to select and help “Collectibles”. The key to this strong message is that each of the Collectibles contains different personalities and woes. Joe shows first hand by example to Preston that life has no meaning if you fail to, as his uncle said,” … help the other fella”. This work is si thought provoking, readers will reflect on who their “collector” is and who their “collectibles” are.

Harriet Klausner

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