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The Page
The Page is a contemporary thriller set in the U.S. Congress when a bright, young page joins his boss with a mysterious agenda.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2016
About the author
Gordon Osmond
6 books14 followersAuthor, playwright,radio show host, lecturer, critic
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 30, 2016
Watch-out, it's easy to become a fan of Gordon Osmond. This witty and perceptive author has written three published novels, guides to sports and the English language, an “unauthorized autobiography,” and eight produced stage plays. And if you like him as much as I do, you can easily become addicted to his work and make a career of reading it.
In his latest endeavor, The Page Osmond spins an animated and moving tale of the Lovett family, Jim, Candy and their son Cameron (Cam), who live in small town America where their once successful fashion manufacturing enterprise, Fashionaire Dress Factory was the source of a good income for themselves as well as some of its inhabitants. The Lovetts had been enjoying la dolce vita (the good life) until one day the Environmental Protection Agency pokes its nose into their business and all hell breaks loose causing complete havoc in their household.
We first meet up with Candy in her cubicle in her once owned factory that has now become part of the Wotan Industries Company. Candy is writing a letter to her son Cam wishing him good luck on his forthcoming interview and inviting him home for Thanksgiving. The scene shifts to Cam who had entered an essay competition set up by Senator Edward Anson of the U.S. Senate who was looking to hire the most suitable candidate as his Congressional page. Anson informs Cam that he was tremendously impressed with his essay that in his opinion reflected a degree of maturity that one rarely encounters in one so young.
He further goes onto explain to Cam that he had experimented with the selection process to avoid the normal patronage system making it “meritocratic,” i.e.based on ability and talent rather than class privilege or wealth. Incidentally, Cam's essay dealt with global warming and the environment which was something dear to Senator Anson and in fact there was even a name plate set on his desk with the following inscription: “TO SENATOR EDWARD 'Mr. Clean' Anson from his many friends at the Environmental Protection Agency.” No doubt, Cam was well-aware of the Senator's influence pertaining to environmental protection legislation and how it had affected his own family's situation.
When Cam's interview is about to end with the Senator, he is asked to tell something about himself that is not on his application or resume and he tells him that he is hoping to go to College at Georgetown and then onto Law School. He also tells him that he is partly on an academic scholarship wherein one of the criteria is financial need as his mother works in a factory and his father is unemployed.
Osmond's scenes switch back and forth describing the Lovetts' comfortable life style, their eventual economic downfall, and Cam's experiences as a page which raise serious questions concerning the nonsense that goes on in Congress. What is really noteworthy is his skillful way of structuring delicious moments that engender unexpected emotions that blend a variety of issues including government legislation that has far reaching consequences than originally anticipated.
And you are also going to love Osmond's lazer sharp eye and astute sense of humor concerning politicians, the financial service industry, and even the legal profession which he was once part of for several years. Not to be left out is the perfectly calibrated development of the satire with rich language and alive dialogue all of which is painstakingly crafted, providing us with a delightful read. Osmond's refreshingly distinctive voice truly deserves our recognition as an accomplished writer and one to look forward to in the future.
Follow Here http://goo.gl/Mzvlln The PageTo Read Norm's Interview With Gordon Osmond
In his latest endeavor, The Page Osmond spins an animated and moving tale of the Lovett family, Jim, Candy and their son Cameron (Cam), who live in small town America where their once successful fashion manufacturing enterprise, Fashionaire Dress Factory was the source of a good income for themselves as well as some of its inhabitants. The Lovetts had been enjoying la dolce vita (the good life) until one day the Environmental Protection Agency pokes its nose into their business and all hell breaks loose causing complete havoc in their household.
We first meet up with Candy in her cubicle in her once owned factory that has now become part of the Wotan Industries Company. Candy is writing a letter to her son Cam wishing him good luck on his forthcoming interview and inviting him home for Thanksgiving. The scene shifts to Cam who had entered an essay competition set up by Senator Edward Anson of the U.S. Senate who was looking to hire the most suitable candidate as his Congressional page. Anson informs Cam that he was tremendously impressed with his essay that in his opinion reflected a degree of maturity that one rarely encounters in one so young.
He further goes onto explain to Cam that he had experimented with the selection process to avoid the normal patronage system making it “meritocratic,” i.e.based on ability and talent rather than class privilege or wealth. Incidentally, Cam's essay dealt with global warming and the environment which was something dear to Senator Anson and in fact there was even a name plate set on his desk with the following inscription: “TO SENATOR EDWARD 'Mr. Clean' Anson from his many friends at the Environmental Protection Agency.” No doubt, Cam was well-aware of the Senator's influence pertaining to environmental protection legislation and how it had affected his own family's situation.
When Cam's interview is about to end with the Senator, he is asked to tell something about himself that is not on his application or resume and he tells him that he is hoping to go to College at Georgetown and then onto Law School. He also tells him that he is partly on an academic scholarship wherein one of the criteria is financial need as his mother works in a factory and his father is unemployed.
Osmond's scenes switch back and forth describing the Lovetts' comfortable life style, their eventual economic downfall, and Cam's experiences as a page which raise serious questions concerning the nonsense that goes on in Congress. What is really noteworthy is his skillful way of structuring delicious moments that engender unexpected emotions that blend a variety of issues including government legislation that has far reaching consequences than originally anticipated.
And you are also going to love Osmond's lazer sharp eye and astute sense of humor concerning politicians, the financial service industry, and even the legal profession which he was once part of for several years. Not to be left out is the perfectly calibrated development of the satire with rich language and alive dialogue all of which is painstakingly crafted, providing us with a delightful read. Osmond's refreshingly distinctive voice truly deserves our recognition as an accomplished writer and one to look forward to in the future.
Follow Here http://goo.gl/Mzvlln The PageTo Read Norm's Interview With Gordon Osmond
January 20, 2016
Growing Up in D.C. – A review of the book ‘The Page’
“You're not to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.” – Malcolm X
Gordon Osmond’s novella ‘The Page’ is a satirical and yet sincere take on the families and businesses affected by the misuse of the Environmental Protection Agencies’ policies. Candy and Jim Lovett run a successful fashion apparels manufacturing business. But they lose all their money when the powers at Washington D.C. propel a new law, making business houses liable to clean up polluted sites near them. That’s when Cameron, Candy and Jim’s only son decides to enlist himself as a page to the senator directly responsible for this misstep.
“Gordon takes a real subject like the EPA’s Superfund and concocts a political farce that’s endearing, cleverly plotted, and leaves a lasting impression…”
If you have read a Gordon Osmond fiction before in your life then you know how good he is at creating life-like scenarios where his characters indulge in reckless and ludicrous behavior. And in ‘The Page’ while the similarity to life-like scenes are plenty with matching emotions to boot, his characters are more mellowed down. The story in ‘The Page’ is precisely plotted like a three act play. The introduction of the characters and the obstacle in their lives form the first segment while in the second part, the protagonist finds a repurpose in his life and finally, a climax that will leave you pleasantly shocked.
His depiction of the people holding the higher offices of government and their work culture is all done tongue in cheek. But it isn’t an out an out satire where the storyline and the characters become wackier by the minute; you will feel an emotional connect with the characters and their story. There’s plenty of self deprecation too, Gordon isn’t content being a distant figure who pokes fun at everybody else; at times he breaks open the fourth wall and ridicules himself as well.
“Gordon is a linguist’s delight, a master wordsmith, and a grammar Nazi all rolled into one; his books are a total delight to read irrespective of the route the narrative takes.”
Gordon’s characters usually are master conversationalists; they spew witty phrases and clever arguments at will. Here also this sort of verbal boxing between the characters can be seen. Candy and Jim Lovett are like the pin-up representation of what a happy, successful American family should look like. Even their descent into bad times and their reaction to it has a stereotypical feel to it. But then again, aren’t most stereotypes only an exaggerated representation of the reality around us?
Cameron or Cam is this young slick fellow with a talented con man like ability to think on his feet. But he’s still immature when it comes to confronting heavy emotions and that’s where the guidance and affection of Candy and Luana comes in. Luana Rosas is the intelligent, knowledgeable woman, who is aggressive by nature. And the sexual tension between Cam and her makes for good reading even though they have only a few scenes together.
‘The Page’ is an entertaining short read that is bound to stir your ethical & moral compass as well.
“The author’s ability to put a smile on your face & induce a LOL moment when you’re least expecting makes ‘The Page’ an absolute must read.”
“You're not to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.” – Malcolm X
Gordon Osmond’s novella ‘The Page’ is a satirical and yet sincere take on the families and businesses affected by the misuse of the Environmental Protection Agencies’ policies. Candy and Jim Lovett run a successful fashion apparels manufacturing business. But they lose all their money when the powers at Washington D.C. propel a new law, making business houses liable to clean up polluted sites near them. That’s when Cameron, Candy and Jim’s only son decides to enlist himself as a page to the senator directly responsible for this misstep.
“Gordon takes a real subject like the EPA’s Superfund and concocts a political farce that’s endearing, cleverly plotted, and leaves a lasting impression…”
If you have read a Gordon Osmond fiction before in your life then you know how good he is at creating life-like scenarios where his characters indulge in reckless and ludicrous behavior. And in ‘The Page’ while the similarity to life-like scenes are plenty with matching emotions to boot, his characters are more mellowed down. The story in ‘The Page’ is precisely plotted like a three act play. The introduction of the characters and the obstacle in their lives form the first segment while in the second part, the protagonist finds a repurpose in his life and finally, a climax that will leave you pleasantly shocked.
His depiction of the people holding the higher offices of government and their work culture is all done tongue in cheek. But it isn’t an out an out satire where the storyline and the characters become wackier by the minute; you will feel an emotional connect with the characters and their story. There’s plenty of self deprecation too, Gordon isn’t content being a distant figure who pokes fun at everybody else; at times he breaks open the fourth wall and ridicules himself as well.
“Gordon is a linguist’s delight, a master wordsmith, and a grammar Nazi all rolled into one; his books are a total delight to read irrespective of the route the narrative takes.”
Gordon’s characters usually are master conversationalists; they spew witty phrases and clever arguments at will. Here also this sort of verbal boxing between the characters can be seen. Candy and Jim Lovett are like the pin-up representation of what a happy, successful American family should look like. Even their descent into bad times and their reaction to it has a stereotypical feel to it. But then again, aren’t most stereotypes only an exaggerated representation of the reality around us?
Cameron or Cam is this young slick fellow with a talented con man like ability to think on his feet. But he’s still immature when it comes to confronting heavy emotions and that’s where the guidance and affection of Candy and Luana comes in. Luana Rosas is the intelligent, knowledgeable woman, who is aggressive by nature. And the sexual tension between Cam and her makes for good reading even though they have only a few scenes together.
‘The Page’ is an entertaining short read that is bound to stir your ethical & moral compass as well.
“The author’s ability to put a smile on your face & induce a LOL moment when you’re least expecting makes ‘The Page’ an absolute must read.”
February 23, 2016
'The Page' is a satire along with an honest outlook on people affected by policies and their being used wrong of the Environmental Protection Agency. The book is very realistic, well written and a short read. It's realistic, because the characters do things that sometimes real people do on impulse. Two characters, Candy and Jim Lovett have a fashion manufacturing business.They are the picture perfect of a family that has it all. When the powers to be in Washington make a new law, the Lovett's lose all their money. Candy and Jim have a son, Cameron who becomes a page to the senator that came up with the law. Cameron is still a child, he hasn't matured yet, but he has some street smarts. He's smart and cunning. He can give you an answer at the blink of an eye. Then enters Luana Rosas, very intelligent, lovely and quite aggressive. Will there be a romance between Luana and Cameron? You will run through a series of emotions while reading this book. Challenges in life along with finding purpose in life. The ending will totally surprise you. The more you read the more you will feel you know the characters at different levels. The author also brings parts of his own life into the book. It's a story of ethics and morals. Not everyone looks at them the same.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Gordon Osmond in exchange for my unbiased view. No other compensation was received.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Gordon Osmond in exchange for my unbiased view. No other compensation was received.
March 18, 2016
Though White House interns became worldwide fodder under the presidency of Bill Clinton, not much is generally known about congressional pages. Author and playwright Gordon Osmond aims to change all that, though, with his skillfully crafted latest offering, The Page.
Readers are invited to view the inner workings of the Senate through the eyes of 16-year-old Cam Lovett, who is chosen to serve as a page (a not-so-glorified intern) to an embattled senator – inspired by his own ulterior personal motives. Though crafted as a satirical farce, The Page offers an eye-opening glimpse into the realities of the American legislative branch. In masterful fashion, Osmond highlights for the reader just why so many people proverbially “love sausage, but hate watching it get made.” Despite its noble, upright depictions in movies, television, and history, the American political system is every bit as flawed as the individuals who espouse it. Though young, Cam deftly maneuvers his way through this system, getting quite the informal “education” along the way.
Engrossingly revealing, The Page is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
Michael Wilson
Apex Reviews
Readers are invited to view the inner workings of the Senate through the eyes of 16-year-old Cam Lovett, who is chosen to serve as a page (a not-so-glorified intern) to an embattled senator – inspired by his own ulterior personal motives. Though crafted as a satirical farce, The Page offers an eye-opening glimpse into the realities of the American legislative branch. In masterful fashion, Osmond highlights for the reader just why so many people proverbially “love sausage, but hate watching it get made.” Despite its noble, upright depictions in movies, television, and history, the American political system is every bit as flawed as the individuals who espouse it. Though young, Cam deftly maneuvers his way through this system, getting quite the informal “education” along the way.
Engrossingly revealing, The Page is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
Michael Wilson
Apex Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews