Escaping the unbearable memories of his past, Guy Bismarck has buried himself in office work. A twist of fate shakes up his world. Layers of delusion and placation crack, ending his long dormancy. Fame, wealth, love, and beauty, of a greatness and vastness that could never have seemed possible, blossom. Will this lead to the happiness that long-eluded Guy, or will the reality he had long hid from come back to haunt him, putrefying his world and sending him permanently back into the ground?
Author David Ring III was born in MA, in 1983. After an atypical upbringing that left him with a negative mindset, he began to seek freedom from his pessimistic thoughts. With very little interest in the corporate world, he left university in 2006, and began travelling the world. There was no reason to travel; it was just what people aspired to do. For David, he was living life and searching for happiness.
From 2007-2010, he settled in central New Hampshire. After buying a large, beautiful Victorian house in Franklin, NH, the economy went into recession. He began his first business venture, turning this home into a family business, a bed and breakfast. After a few years of this slow and simple living, it was time for him to move on.
Upon coming to Thailand in 2010, he begin writing his first novel, Bound Before the Morrow, hoping to portray his own personal journey out of negativity and to inspire others to do the same. During the five years it took to write, his views changed slightly, and spirituality entered the mix. The book still maintained the original message, but a new way of life had opened for David.
David still bases himself in Thailand. He avoids the heat by escaping into air conditioned coffee shops and plunging himself into writing. In this way he gently and articulately shares his philosophical beliefs.
Whatever happens and whoever you are today, you are bound before the tomorrow that life makes you go through. The title of the book is justified by the journey that the author takes you through, of a man who falls into the deceiving trap of money, fame, desires, and miseries. Disdained thoughts of his failed promotion and life’s valleys of sorrow, Guy decided to bow down before the final darkness of life, hoping to find the light after the frozen soul. But something strange, a miraculous force saves him from falling and gives a sharp U turn to his seemingly lifeless soul. Distinctly planned four envelopes lay in front of him ready to take charge of his fortune, promising him of a wealthy life. Keeping away his predicaments, he followed the exact instructions crafted in the envelopes. Call it a miracle or fate waiting to happen, the good fortune came running to him like a dog running to the bone. Millions of dollars showered on him with the love of his life. Now he spent flirtatiously on anything and everything he liked. Fans flocked to see him, wanting him to love them. But this fame, the materialistic desires and the thought of getting everything he wanted actually gave a disastrous turn to his happy happenings. The fourth envelope got lost, his wife estranged because of the miscommunication and misconceptions and in this process, they met with an accident where both lost their original beauty and vitality. The important message that the author tries to give through the character of Guy is that no one can escape what the destiny has written for them. There would be times when you would be scared that the past of darkness might follow you and create distress in the happy life, and this is where people need to conquer their fears and learn to live in the present. It is imperative that people understand the importance of the things they have at present and value the people around them. In the book, I would have liked the author to mention the reason of the miracles and the secret behind it. This will always be a lingering question in my mind.
3.5 stars. The first half of the book starts extremely strong. I loved the initial characterization and the overall premise. What would happen if someone who is down on their luck, everything going disastrously wrong, decides to end their life... but is subsequently saved by a mysterious being that leaves them a briefcase granting them their 2 biggest desires.
Guy Bismark's character and his innocuous rages at everything from dog poop on his lawn to bad drivers... endearing quirks I suppose. Reminds me of a guy I knew once with a fiery temper to match his fiery red hair. Also reminds me of Junior Cain in the Dean Koontz novel "From The Corner of His Eye." Or at least that's how I pictured Guy, though not much physical description is given.
Guy's subsequent descent into the depths of full-blown douchebaggery through the second half novel disconcerted me. At the end you'll most-likely end up hating both main protagonists. Also... the mysterious being that rescues him never returns to imbue any further lessons on Guy. Which I feel strongly that Guy required a few more pointers in life. Unless the being's intent was to save Guy only to screw with him a bit more, push a few more buttons, etc. In which case well-played sir!
I can see the bits and pieces of the message the author intended to convey, however, the novel is short and ends abruptly. I don't feel like the message buried below the surface was given enough room to be excavated to its fullest potential.
So while the story didn't strike me it was written so well I found myself finishing it in 2 days. I look forward to seeing more from this author, his writing is superb.
This book was quite good. I had a hard time putting it down. I am always trying to get ahead in life so I totally understand this book. I think it was very well written and worth I read. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
When Guy Bismarck feels that his world is just falling apart, he gets the chance to change everything. However, the changes come with a price.
David J. Ring III amplifies the old adage, "good things come to those who wait." "Bound Before the Morrow" take a man, one who's life is just falling apart. Guy not only loses his mother to cancer, but a job promotion to a sleaze ball. Thinking that his life is completely over, he is locked on the roof of his office building overnight. After breaking his toe trying to kick the door open, he decides that the only thing left to do is to take his life. But wait, he can't even do that right.
Ring's story is beautifully written, very well descriptive and the characters can carry themselves throughout the story. Their development becomes the story; their lives become the plot.