I am launching starting June 21, 2026, a giveaway of the KDP version of my novel, Phoenix Rising, Lemuria Down. The first 100 interested readers will receive one eBook of this rollicking adventure of humor, mayhem, and surprising deep emotional content with no strings attached to U.S. applicants.

Putting this forward, I was reminded of the first-time hearing Frank Zappa's music, specifically, his Absolutely Free album. I was an early teen. My brother who played in a band brought home a copy of the album borrowed from the band's drummer. At the time, my parents bought a do-it-yourself above ground pool kit, the plan being to construct it Phoenix Rising, Lemuria DownPhoenix Rising, Lemuria DownRod Droughtin the backyard for summer fun.

The kit came and the first stage of construction was to varnish the wood frame and decking for the pool in our basement. My brother kept his stereo in the basement along with his bass guitar and amp so he could practice without disturbing the rest of the family.

As we began to varnish, my brother put on Absolutely Free. Between the dizzying varnish fumes in a poorly ventilated basement and Zappa's hysterical take on American Culture, we were prone to fits of laughter. My mother kept asking: "What is this?" referring to songs about Suzy Creamcheese and Duke of Prunes.

It was the strangest bonding moment I ever shared with my family.

I hope this Absolutely Free offer is another strange bonding moment for future readers and myself.

Enjoy your summer reading!

Rod Drought