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Dimension M
Alden Frost and Fatimah Ibrahim break into a school in Uzbekistan to raise a "companion flag," a symbol of all that human beings have in common. But this is not just any school. It's the secret repository for the Şahin Diary, an exposé on the Armenian genocide. Following their arrest, it's discovered that the Şahin Diary is missing. If its contents are made public, the Turkish government could collapse, destabilizing the entire Middle East. Forces and interests around the globe are mobilized to find the diary, either to return it to hiding, or to publicize its contents. Alden and Fatimah find themselves in the crosshairs. The job of protecting them falls to American diplomat Len Williams and his close friend, Uzbek Abbas Ahkmedova.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2013
4 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Scott Wyatt
7 books15 followersI was born in Portland, Oregon in 1951 and grew up in Sandpoint, Idaho. I’ve earned degrees from Stanford University and the University of Washington, and have worked—full– or, as currently, part–time—as a lawyer since 1976.
My interest in creative writing predates the start of my first novel, Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge (2012), which was thirty years in the making. At present, I’m pleased to be riding a robust wave of creative energy. It has been a long time coming, but it’s here now, and I feel blessed to have the time and capacity to make the most of it.
As passionate as I am about writing, I am even more passionate about an idea that came to me out of the blue in 1985, following a trip to the former Soviet Union. This is the notion that the moral dimension in human interactions and behaviors—how we treat one another—is shaped as much by “the content of our awareness of other” as by those rules, mores, symbolical thoughts, religious tenets, prescriptions, and what not, that we call our own, or that we embrace throughout our lives. Yes, I know that’s a mouthful! At its core, though, is this idea: that human beings—all of us—are both different and the same (we are made up of both human differences and human “samenesses”); that, when we encounter one another, we are (for very natural reasons) drawn to and mesmerized by the human differences we see in “other” (including some that we share); and that, for a whole host of reasons, we formulate our moral commitments to “other” based exclusively on “difference awareness”: my family, my tribe, my ethnic group, my nation. The content of our awareness of other, in other words, which gives rise to the moral impulse, is difference awareness alone, not a combination of difference awareness and “sameness awareness.” The compassionate impulse, which is the fruit of sameness awareness, is lost.
This is more than can be conveyed adequately in a paragraph. You’ll find this theme developed in Jason McQuade’s closing argument in Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge, and again in “The Sanori Flag Debate,” the appendix to my second novel, Dimension M (2013). It is a dominant theme in my own life, as well. In 1999, I founded the Companion Flag Project to elevate and sustain public awareness of all that human beings have in common, their differences notwithstanding. I have traveled throughout the world introducing the companion flag idea, and the companion flag, a symbol of all that human beings have in common flown below the other flags of the world, has been adopted at schools and universities in over fifteen countries.
I have four children and five grandchildren. My wife, Rochelle Wyatt, is a talented Seattle-area actress. Since 2009, we have lived in a beautiful cabin-like home overlooking Lake Sammamish, fifteen miles east of Seattle in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.
My interest in creative writing predates the start of my first novel, Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge (2012), which was thirty years in the making. At present, I’m pleased to be riding a robust wave of creative energy. It has been a long time coming, but it’s here now, and I feel blessed to have the time and capacity to make the most of it.
As passionate as I am about writing, I am even more passionate about an idea that came to me out of the blue in 1985, following a trip to the former Soviet Union. This is the notion that the moral dimension in human interactions and behaviors—how we treat one another—is shaped as much by “the content of our awareness of other” as by those rules, mores, symbolical thoughts, religious tenets, prescriptions, and what not, that we call our own, or that we embrace throughout our lives. Yes, I know that’s a mouthful! At its core, though, is this idea: that human beings—all of us—are both different and the same (we are made up of both human differences and human “samenesses”); that, when we encounter one another, we are (for very natural reasons) drawn to and mesmerized by the human differences we see in “other” (including some that we share); and that, for a whole host of reasons, we formulate our moral commitments to “other” based exclusively on “difference awareness”: my family, my tribe, my ethnic group, my nation. The content of our awareness of other, in other words, which gives rise to the moral impulse, is difference awareness alone, not a combination of difference awareness and “sameness awareness.” The compassionate impulse, which is the fruit of sameness awareness, is lost.
This is more than can be conveyed adequately in a paragraph. You’ll find this theme developed in Jason McQuade’s closing argument in Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge, and again in “The Sanori Flag Debate,” the appendix to my second novel, Dimension M (2013). It is a dominant theme in my own life, as well. In 1999, I founded the Companion Flag Project to elevate and sustain public awareness of all that human beings have in common, their differences notwithstanding. I have traveled throughout the world introducing the companion flag idea, and the companion flag, a symbol of all that human beings have in common flown below the other flags of the world, has been adopted at schools and universities in over fifteen countries.
I have four children and five grandchildren. My wife, Rochelle Wyatt, is a talented Seattle-area actress. Since 2009, we have lived in a beautiful cabin-like home overlooking Lake Sammamish, fifteen miles east of Seattle in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 12, 2013
Dimension M is a smart, compassionate political thriller. Many books these days are dark and edgy, full of despair. This is not. The overall tone is hopeful, which I found refreshing. It does not suffer from the typical bad book maladies: cardboard characters, poor dialogue, disjointed pacing, or unbelievable plot. If there is anything to complain about, it is that I did not get to spend enough time with the characters. The story could probably have supported additional plot complexity to accommodate this, but what is there is solid. I would recommend Dimension M to any fan of humanity, which is, hopefully, all of us.
It is worth noting that the last third of the book is really an offshoot from the main story, a thought experiment covering the pros and cons of the companion flag concept. If this type of philosophical writing interests you, it is there, but it is not required for the enjoyment of the full length novel that precedes it.
It is worth noting that the last third of the book is really an offshoot from the main story, a thought experiment covering the pros and cons of the companion flag concept. If this type of philosophical writing interests you, it is there, but it is not required for the enjoyment of the full length novel that precedes it.
October 27, 2013
Wyatt’s second effort, Dimension M does not disappoint. This time he intertwines more suspense and adds intrigue, action and twists with a compelling story that leaves you with reason to think. Well developed characters and vivid descriptions put you in the heart of the action.
The Sanori Flag Debate is an outstanding study of the human mind and how we as individuals have an opportunity to unite with commonality. The concepts and arguments are so well written, you can feel the passion and commitment each debater expresses. Don’t pass up the appendix.
The Sanori Flag Debate is an outstanding study of the human mind and how we as individuals have an opportunity to unite with commonality. The concepts and arguments are so well written, you can feel the passion and commitment each debater expresses. Don’t pass up the appendix.
September 29, 2013
I read Scott Wyatt's first book, Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge & couldn't wait for his next: Dimension M! It was both thrilling & insightful! His concept of the Companion Flag project is pretty cool (& a real thing)! I highly recommend both books!
It's great to see an author tackle two different genres in such a capable fashion.
It's great to see an author tackle two different genres in such a capable fashion.
October 28, 2018
Need more stories about unity. Thanks
January 29, 2014
Dimension M opens with a seemingly innocent act of raising a "companion" flag up a flag pole in a school yard of a Middle Eastern country. Unbeknownst to the flag raisers, Alden and Fatima, the school is a secret repository for the Şahin Diary.
This one act is the catalyst for a series of incidents that no one expects and leads the reader down a road of political intrigue, espionage and suspenseful, action-packed events - which culminate in the answers to why this initial act spurs the involvement of many nations across the globe.
Early on in the story, it becomes quite apparent that the security and stability of many nations could be at risk if the diary fell into the wrong hands. At times, the reader is left in the dark in regard to who wants the diary and their reasons why. These questions are answered quite eloquently and in detailed fashion in the second half of the book through the actions of the American diplomat, Len and his friend, Uzbek.
In the end, who has the diary is a rather shocking surprise and will leave the reader with a sense of wanting to know more. No spoilers here, you will need to read the book to find out this and answers to many more questions.
Additionally, the appendix at the back of the book is very informative and is worth reading as well. It goes into greater detail of the symbolism of the companion flag and answers many questions that may not have been clearly answered within the main portion of the book.
Personally, I am a huge fan of self-published novels across many different genres. Sadly, there are a lot of mediocre ones filling the e-book shelves in my Amazon account these days. Refreshingly, Scott Wyatt's new novel - Dimension M - is not one of those aforementioned, mediocre indie books.
It is actually a wonderful read, one that is well thought out, smartly written and draws the reader in from the very first sentence.
If you are a fan of political suspense novels, this book certainly fits the bill.
This one act is the catalyst for a series of incidents that no one expects and leads the reader down a road of political intrigue, espionage and suspenseful, action-packed events - which culminate in the answers to why this initial act spurs the involvement of many nations across the globe.
Early on in the story, it becomes quite apparent that the security and stability of many nations could be at risk if the diary fell into the wrong hands. At times, the reader is left in the dark in regard to who wants the diary and their reasons why. These questions are answered quite eloquently and in detailed fashion in the second half of the book through the actions of the American diplomat, Len and his friend, Uzbek.
In the end, who has the diary is a rather shocking surprise and will leave the reader with a sense of wanting to know more. No spoilers here, you will need to read the book to find out this and answers to many more questions.
Additionally, the appendix at the back of the book is very informative and is worth reading as well. It goes into greater detail of the symbolism of the companion flag and answers many questions that may not have been clearly answered within the main portion of the book.
Personally, I am a huge fan of self-published novels across many different genres. Sadly, there are a lot of mediocre ones filling the e-book shelves in my Amazon account these days. Refreshingly, Scott Wyatt's new novel - Dimension M - is not one of those aforementioned, mediocre indie books.
It is actually a wonderful read, one that is well thought out, smartly written and draws the reader in from the very first sentence.
If you are a fan of political suspense novels, this book certainly fits the bill.
October 15, 2013
I'm glad the story has inklings of relevant modern day events (both from a historic significance and perspective but also communication styles and technology advances). The reader can visualize the scenes and relate to worldly events happening in current times.
The main characters are definitely human (bringing out the best and worst in themselves).
The characters in the story are diverse, from varied backgrounds and cultures. In a truly global sense, the world is far more smaller and lives more connected than ever before.
Maybe the author envisioned the Sanori debate to be a placeholder and harness for all the questions people have raised personally to him about the Companion Flag. And maybe that’s why it is a separate addendum as an appendix. I wish there was more weightage in the main book as well about the companion flag.
Another visually transporting novel by Scott Wyatt.
Wishing the author continued success in literary circles and in the bestseller market!
The main characters are definitely human (bringing out the best and worst in themselves).
The characters in the story are diverse, from varied backgrounds and cultures. In a truly global sense, the world is far more smaller and lives more connected than ever before.
Maybe the author envisioned the Sanori debate to be a placeholder and harness for all the questions people have raised personally to him about the Companion Flag. And maybe that’s why it is a separate addendum as an appendix. I wish there was more weightage in the main book as well about the companion flag.
Another visually transporting novel by Scott Wyatt.
Wishing the author continued success in literary circles and in the bestseller market!
June 28, 2016
Dimension M is an unusual and ultimately worthwhile novel distinguished by the readily apparent idealism and earnest approach of author Scott Wyatt. Wyatt states his intention to avoid the trap of burying the virtues of a novel in details surrounding an ideological theme. Considering how seriously Wyatt takes the ideas associated with his inspiration for the novel (my edition includes an appendix numbering over 100 pages that serves as an exposition of "The Sanori Flag Debate", an idea related to the novel's inspiration important to Wyatt), his achievement of this feat is really quite impressive. What stuck out the most for me was the careful cultivation of three-dimensional characters throughout the book. Indeed, I expected this to be more of a plot-driven read, but I would say this is actually a character-driven story based on my actual experience. Thank you for reading my thoughts; I am grateful to have won my copy of this book in a goodreads giveaway.
October 6, 2013
OK, I'm the college prof who doesn't pass out A's. For me, 4-stars is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed, and would want to read more from the same author. I want to be up-front and say that Scott is a friend, but I'm not the type who would sing the gospel if I didn't believe it. I read Dimension M as a beta reader, looking for typos, etc.... but I kept getting so involved in the story that I kept forgetting to look for stuff like that.
Dimension M is a thriller with an excellent message woven into it. I don't usually read political thrillers, but this is a page-turner. Once I got into, I didn't want to put it down, seriously. I won't give it away, but I love the ending, starting at about chapter 27 with how Scott pulls it all together.
Well worth reading, and I hope to see more from this author.
Dimension M is a thriller with an excellent message woven into it. I don't usually read political thrillers, but this is a page-turner. Once I got into, I didn't want to put it down, seriously. I won't give it away, but I love the ending, starting at about chapter 27 with how Scott pulls it all together.
Well worth reading, and I hope to see more from this author.
October 21, 2013
Dimension M is a book full of excitement, twists and turns and professional and personal feelings from page 2 to the very end. It starts with one man wanting to have the world see that we are all the same by flying a flag under the country he is in below the countries flag on school grounds. He and his partner break into a school to fly the flag and something happens that wakes up a whole lot of people who are willing to lie, cheat and kill if they need to in order to get it.
Friends must work together as lives change and fall but come back stronger in the end. I would recommend this book as it holds your interest from start to finish. I can hardly wait to read another book by Scott Wyatt in the future.
Friends must work together as lives change and fall but come back stronger in the end. I would recommend this book as it holds your interest from start to finish. I can hardly wait to read another book by Scott Wyatt in the future.
November 11, 2013
Both a rivoting novel and a compelling argument for mankind to consider. This book of intrigue and mystery has characters that are realistic and enjoyable. There are several reasons I truly liked about this book, but I think the two main reasons I chose to rate it five stars is first because the story line was exciting and uplifting. And, secondly, the whole concept of the Companion Flag is amazing. I am an elementary school principal and we chose to fly the Companion Flag at our school two years ago. I believed in its concept then, but after reading this book, I even more fully and passionately, support the flying of this flag. Thank you Mr. Wyatt for another compelling story that reflects the goodness in mankind.
November 5, 2013
It was a pleasure to read a book which brings to life the Companion Flag Project; an amazing international project that is near and dear to the author's heart. Dimension M is an international thriller that weaves through cultures, politics, and human emotions and frailties to illustrate that we all have the opportunity to exercise morality and good citizenship to bring about positive change. Creative storytelling takes the reader along with with Alden and Fatimah who express their passion for the concept of the companion flag and proceed to promote their cause. In the process we are all transported into Dimension "M".
Our world today needs this humanitarian approach more than even before.
Our world today needs this humanitarian approach more than even before.
December 22, 2013
When there are morals there is passion
"How can you make a man do good?" He answered, you cannot make a man do good; you can either create conditions under which he will choose to do good."
-Mahatma Gandhi
This suspenseful intriguing thriller held my interest all the way through. The writing was sharp, dialog believable and storyline entertaining. My interest was peaked from the beginning. Enjoyed the unusual adventure with it's real life poignant emotion. Forgiveness is a great message that I took away from this controversial story. I was deeply touched.
"On top of everything else, an international beauty had given up everything to sneak around with this . . . what? Sixty-three-year old itinerant idealist? Len didn't get it. He didn't get it at all."
"How can you make a man do good?" He answered, you cannot make a man do good; you can either create conditions under which he will choose to do good."
-Mahatma Gandhi
This suspenseful intriguing thriller held my interest all the way through. The writing was sharp, dialog believable and storyline entertaining. My interest was peaked from the beginning. Enjoyed the unusual adventure with it's real life poignant emotion. Forgiveness is a great message that I took away from this controversial story. I was deeply touched.
"On top of everything else, an international beauty had given up everything to sneak around with this . . . what? Sixty-three-year old itinerant idealist? Len didn't get it. He didn't get it at all."
October 30, 2013
Boy, am I glad I'm finished with this book . . . now, at last, I can get some sleep! This is a GOOD book . . . very well written with a compelling plot and a wonderful gift to real life in its' original idea for informing moral decisions with awareness of what we humans share in common. This book is entertaining, and really does have an idea that can change how we treat one another . . . its' most revealing parts for me were Len Williams' proposal for solving the Forbidden Gorge Dam dilemma, and the Appendix. Yep, THE APPENDIX.
October 7, 2013
Dimension M came to my mail box when I requested to be a beta reader. Not long after beginning the story I completely forgot about the beta read. The story is fast paced, the characters draw you into their world of hope and belief in a project that is in it's infancy. By the end you are full of sadness and joy, and hope. Now I will go back and do the beta thing and hopefully have some constructive suggestions or find an error, or maybe just enjoy reading a great story once again.
June 22, 2014
I enjoyed, I'm going to say the first part of this book since it had a story line, the characters were believable and entertaining. The ending (the public forum) whereby I felt was too lofty for this novel. Since I've never heard of "The Companion Flag Project" Mr. Wyatt sounds to me to be altruistic in his theory, I'm not convinced it is a good idea. Many flags mean so much to individuals and to add anything to it is almost blasphemy!
November 10, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed Dimension M. The story drew me in before I finished the first chapter and held me until the end. Mr. Wyatt's writing brought me right into the story, for which I am grateful. A theme of people's similarities vs their differences emerges in Dimension M as it did in Mr. Wyatt's first book, Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge, though the story line, settings, and characters here are quite different. I like that I could not predict the outcome.
October 18, 2013
Dimension M was a unique story with a believable cast of characters. The school break-in drew me in very quickly but I soon found myself moving in and out of focus, in part, due to some of the lengthy descriptions. The interaction of people and events stirred my emotions with despair, hope, sadness,and happiness.
January 11, 2014
I thought this book was really interesting. The main character was very realistic and the story flowed really well. Great story!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews