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In Search of the Fuller Brush Man
Sean Marcum is driven to find the meaning of his mother’s swan song. The last words she wrote in her journal were, "Fuller Brush Man". She always communicated life’s most important lessons via riddles, and he is convinced this is her finale. Sadly, Sean was never good at solving riddles, and his quest turns into an obsession, nearly costing him his marriage, and his life.
Sean’s high school sweetheart, Kim, had a special bond with his mother. She was also a master at riddles. The one-time lovers have been married to others for more than 30 years. Kim’s marriage has been picture perfect, Sean’s not so much. Upon Kim’s death from breast cancer, Sean receives a memoir she penned celebrating their failed relationship. Her book, The Road to Monticello, contains the secret to a long, happy relationship for which Sean so desperately searches. It is a lesson all of us should take to heart.
Sean’s high school sweetheart, Kim, had a special bond with his mother. She was also a master at riddles. The one-time lovers have been married to others for more than 30 years. Kim’s marriage has been picture perfect, Sean’s not so much. Upon Kim’s death from breast cancer, Sean receives a memoir she penned celebrating their failed relationship. Her book, The Road to Monticello, contains the secret to a long, happy relationship for which Sean so desperately searches. It is a lesson all of us should take to heart.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2010
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43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 29, 2018
Excellent Book
A fine read...wry plot twists. Kept me in suspense till the end. Also a good story. I would urge you to read it.
A fine read...wry plot twists. Kept me in suspense till the end. Also a good story. I would urge you to read it.
March 3, 2012
Sean Marcum is in a lot of trouble. To begin with, he has an obsession that is a constant annoyance to his beautiful wife. It has to do with a note left to him by his mother on her deathbed. Only three words--"Fuller Brush Man"--but what did it mean? He's convinced there was a secret message in those words and he's spent the last twenty years trying to find out what.
There are other pressing conflicts as well in this debut novel by Douglas B Carlyle. Marcum's wealthy, authoritarian, father-in-law, who is also his boss, hates him and, in spite of his good record with the company, would do anything to make him look bad. Added to that, his eighteen year-old daughter is beginning to rebel against his authority and his attractive personal assistant has romantic designs on him.
It took me quite a few pages before I really began to feel any sympathy towards the protagonist. There's a lot of family bickering--some of it rather confusing. However, by Chapter 5, it all comes together and I was glad I had hung in there. From that point on, it's a very compelling and interesting story with well-drawn characters. The narrative voice becomes more and more professional as the writer proceeds. And reading along, you find yourself hoping everything will work out well for the beleagured Sean.
It's a modern story and there are plenty of sex scenes. The novel pulls no punches but it is certainly well written and full of surprises.
There are other pressing conflicts as well in this debut novel by Douglas B Carlyle. Marcum's wealthy, authoritarian, father-in-law, who is also his boss, hates him and, in spite of his good record with the company, would do anything to make him look bad. Added to that, his eighteen year-old daughter is beginning to rebel against his authority and his attractive personal assistant has romantic designs on him.
It took me quite a few pages before I really began to feel any sympathy towards the protagonist. There's a lot of family bickering--some of it rather confusing. However, by Chapter 5, it all comes together and I was glad I had hung in there. From that point on, it's a very compelling and interesting story with well-drawn characters. The narrative voice becomes more and more professional as the writer proceeds. And reading along, you find yourself hoping everything will work out well for the beleagured Sean.
It's a modern story and there are plenty of sex scenes. The novel pulls no punches but it is certainly well written and full of surprises.
January 1, 2014
An oddball bunch of characters that make up dysfunctional families and business owners. Nothing that will go down in the annals of fine literature, but an easy little read with a surprise ending. Belonging to so many free ebook sites, I don't always choose the most intellectually stimulating books on the market, but that word "free" is enticing and many are well worth the trouble.
July 19, 2014
I will be honest. This isn't a book that I would normally read. But the writer is local, from Urbana, Illinois, and that peeked my interest. It turned out to be an enjoyable story. Not great literature. But a well written story.
December 18, 2013
This is a puzzling book. Not particularly well written, not quite a mystery or love story nor a character study but somehow it gets you interested in Sean Marcus and his problems. Decided to quit the book a number of times, but "I'll read just a few more pages"...so I did finish it.
August 13, 2012
We are proud to announce that this books has been honored with a B.R.A.G.Medallion signifying it is a books well worth a readers time and money!
January 4, 2014
Eye opening
very good story of a man attempting to work out problems in his life and trying to do it alone. in the end, no one can do it alone. Always have a support team.
very good story of a man attempting to work out problems in his life and trying to do it alone. in the end, no one can do it alone. Always have a support team.
January 11, 2015
This book kept my interest. Was loosely based on where I, as well as the Author, grew up..but not so much in that area. As to the storyline...it was very good.
March 16, 2021
Good read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews