The Reluctant Human

by Douglas Robbins

The American dream failed 28 year-old Scott Bauman. Then again, he never had much faith in it to start. Reeling from the recent death of his mother and abandoned by his girlfriend, Scott is restless and lost. His vibrant past calls to him while his present is filled with regrets and shortcomings from bad decisions. Trapped in a dead end job, Scott is stuck and paralyzed, hiding behind the conventions of a "successful life" while knowing it will never be enough. In his darkest hour is where Scott's journey really begins.

324 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2012

About the author

Doug’s journey as a writer began with a pivotal moment in high school, where a teacher encouraged him to craft a poem, sparking Doug's creativity. This transformative experience laid the foundation for Doug's path as a writer.

Doug has navigated through various jobs throughout his life, contributing to his growth. However, storytelling emerged as his true calling. As a prolific author, Doug explores diverse genres—sci-fi, romance, contemporary literature—while consistently delving into profound themes. Throughout his work, the consistent thread remains—a focus on characters undergoing personal growth, navigating life's complexities, and embracing introspective narratives that resonate deeply with dreamers and knowledge seekers.

His podcast, “The Douglas Robbins Show," extends this exploration. Here, Doug navigates the thematic complexities of relationships, the impact of choices on personal aspirations, and the tapestry of human connections.

Doug's artistic expression stands as a testament to his unwavering belief in an authentic life—a life deeply felt, explored through multifaceted emotions, experiences, and connections, persisting across genres and mediums.


Follow Douglas and his work at www.DouglasRobbinsAuthor.com.

Reviews

[Brandie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is TERRIBLY written. I thought maybe I could power through it, but after seeing an apostrophed pluralization ("on Saturday's") and then "your" instead of "you're", I realized even the author didn't care. I need to stop trying to read stuff just because it's available for free.

[Lucia Maranghello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved "The Reluctant Human"! It’s a quirky, engaging read that pulls you in from the very start. The writing is sharp and witty, which kept me hooked the entire time. I appreciated how the author doesn’t sugarcoat life’s challenges but presents them in a way that is both humorous and thought-provoking. The book never felt too heavy, even when it touched on serious issues like depression and hopelessness. If you’re looking for a book that makes you laugh while also making you think, it is a great choice. It’s a fun read with a deeper message.

[Lauraforero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing


"The Reluctant Human" is a refreshing take on the struggles we all face in life. I appreciated the way the book delves into tough topics like feeling stuck in life and the pressure to find meaning. It’s a book that doesn’t shy away from hard questions, but it does so in a way that is approachable. Overall, I found this read to be unique and engaging. It’s a book that makes you reflect on your own life while enjoying a well-told story. I would recommend reading it

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

"The Reluctant Human" by Douglas Robbins really made me think about life in a new way. What I enjoyed most of it was the mix of humor and seriousness. The book deals with dark topics like depression and feeling lost, but the author balances it with moments that made me laugh. It’s not too heavy, which makes it easy to keep reading. The characters are quirky and interesting, adding depth to the story. Overall, this is a unique book that makes you think about your own journey.

[Rocio · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Reluctant Human" is a story of hope and redemption that really resonated with me. The writing is easy to follow, and the characters feel real. The author does a great job of making you care about Scott’s journey without making the story too complicated. The book touches on serious themes like depression and the search for purpose, but it never feels overwhelming. There’s a balance of humor and seriousness that keeps the story engaging. For anyone who’s looking for a book that’s both entertaining and inspiring, I highly recommend it!

[Bruce Baginski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Bauman lost his passion for life while stuck in a dead end job trying to figure out how he lost his desire for his guitar and the true love of his life. This story captures a turning point where he loses more of himself; and then finds the strength to take back that fire for life he once had. Many of us are always looking for the neon light, pointing for the direction in life that is less painful, easy, and brings us happiness. This story is about that battle between mind and soul; to do what society wants us to do, or what I was meant to do. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover; this brings the reality of what most of us are thinking everyday as we continue living our daily lives. What if I had listened to those messages and turned left instead of right

[Jennifer Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful book that stuck with me long after I was done reading it, and left me eager for more. Not a quick read you want to skim through. This heartfelt story must be read slowly and each word savored to truly appreciate the depth and beauty of the writing. Many authors do not dare go into the deep, dark places where Douglas Robbins casts a refreshing light. This is as gritty, real and honest as it gets. I loved the ending and cannot wait for more from this truly talented author.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story line, interesting and well developed characters and an honest story about a man's search to create an authentic life.
Douglas Robbins hit it out of the park his first time out!

[Xenia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't love it.