Six Bits

by Michael Ringering

Jack London Clarke has just issued a stunning ultimatum to his wife. Following a damaging confrontation over his suspected infidelity, he prepares to flee his suburban Chicago estate when a knock upon the front door delivers a most unlikely character, who sends Jack's personal life spinning out of control.

Consumed by a life of entitlement, excess and temptation, Jack has grown ignorant to his own moral decay and his hardened heart has pushed the three women who love him most to the brink. When his family turns up missing, he is forced to face the reality of his ways, and the realization that the life he once had, but never knew, may be lost forever.

With a rejuvenated thirst for his family's forgiveness and with only a mysterious telegram, improbable email, and antique newspaper as his guides, Jack is thrust into an epic, unsuspecting journey of redemption and self-discovery. Searching in a culture long past, he stumbles upon a group of welcoming strangers who reintroduce him to those things in life which are most important.

Only when Jack confronts the skeletons of his own past and empties his soul of the scars of a debauched childhood can he hope of ever seeing his family again.

640 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 2011

About the author

Michael Ringering was born in Alton, IL, and raised in nearby East Alton. When he was in the third grade at East Alton Elementary School, Michael selected Miriam E. Mason’s Broomtail for a class-assigned book report, and from that moment on, set his sights on wanting to write short stories and other works of fiction.

He graduated from East Alton-Wood River High School in 1984, and in 1989 earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Murray State University.

Following a 14-year career working in media relations and communications in Major League Baseball, he entered the healthcare industry as a specialty practice administrator.

He resides in Southern Illinois with a menagerie of animals.

Reviews

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Jack London Clarke has just issued a stunning ultimatum to his wife. Following a damaging confrontation over his suspected infidelity, he prepares to flee his suburban Chicago estate when a knock upon the front door delivers a most unlikely character, who sends Jack’s personal life spinning out of control.

Consumed by a life of entitlement, excess, and temptation, Jack has grown ignorant to his own moral decay and his hardened heart has pushed the three women who love him most to the brink. When his family turns up missing, he is forced to face the reality of his ways, and the realization that the life he once had, but never knew, may be lost forever.

With a rejuvenated thirst for his family’s forgiveness and with only a mysterious telegram, improbable e-mail, and antique newspaper as his guides, Jack is thrust into an epic, unsuspecting journey of redemption and self-discovery."



What a truly brilliant book- started reading it- and the magnificent writing grabbed me from the start- a unique- deeply affecting read on a life lived solely on self will- and the ache and angst of redemption.

Jack London Clarke a fellow one is not very fond of in the beginning, yet with the outstanding narrative skills of Michael Ringering, the reader truly comes to know Clarke, and in many ways identifies with his reliance on self...and how it has failed him in the most deepest of ways. Michael Ringering is so adept at fashioning facinating characters and plot twists, that Jack's long journey toward self-actualization is both engaging and very touching. The reader,in a very real sense, grows in understanding of Jack's life (past, present and future) alongside Jack, and with the magical as well as lyrical prose of Michael Ringering - this is a journey very well worth taking!

A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ

RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin with a novel that was so spectacular on so many levels? This novel was so emotive, thought-provoking and engaging I was unable to put it down for even a second due to the most original and mesmerizing storyline that I have encountered this year. The fluidity of the writing and use of language was perfect making this tale so atmospheric, realistic and truly believable that you ended up getting lost within. I absolutely loved the elements of surprise that kept you guessing throughout, making it an absolutely griping and thrilling book that takes you on the most exciting and emotional rollercoaster journey. It highlights the most important things in life with love and family VS money and the extreme lengths that one would go to in order to hold onto what is most dear. Each character was so memorable and unique, whom I was able to relate to and empathize with on a personal level with their story and their life that draws you into the storyline of the book. It’s a novel that will overwhelm you totally and one that is now etched within my mind always, being something that I would read again and again. The drama, fast-paced action, mystery and intensity of the plot was thoroughly exciting and so enjoyable, with such a depth and complexity to the storyline that blew me away; indeed the writer’s skill and accomplishment really did astonish me. I connected with the main character instantly and allowed myself to journey with them along their quest, hence experiencing the excitement, danger and emotions with them as if placing myself within the pages. I was deeply moved by such great writing thus I cannot enthuse enough about it, and I do strongly urge to those who have not read this particular novel to do so as it will have a huge impact upon your life and current experiences within literature. It is a book that has expanded the literary boundaries, adding new layers of depth within writing that goes even deeper with each time that you read it hence discovering something new. This has to be my favorite read this year and one that takes pride of place on top of the bookshelf, with a label attached to it saying ‘special’.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmmm....well....the description of this book in no way prepares you for what it's really about although I'm kind of glad it didn't because I never would have downloaded it because I'm not usually attracted to this subject matter in book form. Thank goodness I did. Some of the subject matter will make you uneasy, but hang in there. There is a message. It is 600 pages, so I found it to be way too descriptive and dragging at times. But just when you get that "when will it or how will it end" feeling, it really surprises you and grabs your interest again. This is the first book ever that made me cry. Kind of makes you wonder about fate and where a forgiving heart can bring you. Those days when you long for the presence, though unseen, of that special person who has passed on and you wish it so bad that you could swear you feel them there, this book just might make you stop and believe. The message "God is always there" but maybe not in the ways you dreamed him to be is probably the only sentence needed to describe this book.

[Dana Obuch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confession: I picked this book purely on the fact that it has one of the highest ratings on Goodreads I've ever seen. I trusted my fellow Goodreaders not to let me down. NOT disappointed! Where do I start...first of all, the description on the jacket does this book no justice. There was no mention of the religious overtones that come along later (which I love, but was surprised about). I liken the first part of this book to the TV series "Lost"...you're not really sure what is happening or where the charater is, and the main character is someone who obviously needs redemption. There's even a weird/creepy/nice at first Benjamin Linus character (Jubel). However, near the end I would say the book is a combination of "It's a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Carol". Sure, sometimes the writing was a bit amtuerish, but it is his first novel and the overall emotion of the book triumphs. Terrific, terrific book....probably my favorite of the past year.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Micheal Ringering’s Sixbits starts off with just the right amount of intrigue. The protagonist Jack London Clarke receives a delivery of 2 envelopes from a man who charges “Sixbits”. This mysterious person is clearly someone from another time period who delivers the mail by horse and carriage.

Jack’s life is spiraling out of control and his wife and children soon leave him. At first, he has no idea that his relationship is in such dire straits when he discovers that his family is gone.

The mysterious letter that Jack reads starts off the change in direction of his life. The story uses the fantasy element where Jack is taken back to the past and encounters many who impact his current life. As well, the characters from the past are very religious and they try to make Jack see his shortcomings. For some readers, the strong emphasis on religion that leads to Jack’s redemption may impact their engagement with the story.

Thank you GoodReads for the book.

[Rena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually quite a hard book to rate, so I settled for a middle ground.

On the one hand, it has given me an emotional journey throughout so kudos to the author for that.

Ignoring the very obvious religious undertones of the book, the story itself has a lot of potential. However, the author's writing has made it a very hard book to read as well. I'm not sure if it was the overuse of superfluous words for painfully simple actions, or the pacing of the story which certainly dragged (drugged?) in the first half...but it has certainly disengaged me several times from getting immersed into the story.

That said, the book certainly has a 'moral' story...which can't be a bad thing in the end. But it seems like the author was trying really hard not to be too patronizingly Christian to it's readers that ultimately gets a mixed reaction.



[Disclaimer: Copy received from Giveaway.]

[Michael Kirby]

six bits is an experience everyone will enjoy. The plot grabs the reader and pulls them through many life altering actions and decisions that are quite applicable to the average joe middle aged male. Makes one think about their past, the present, and the future. Also ignites personal actions by the reader to re-evaluate their daily lives and for the reader to search for what is the real meaning of being a good person. Changed me, give the book a look and I promise you will be prompted to conduct a current evaluation of your life and the results of the decisions you make. Great job by the new author, Michael Ringering!

[Penny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm well I can't give it five stars. I bought it based on the reviews and was pretty disappointed. Ok the last part of the book (finally) moves along and sorts the story out but the whole thing is a bit like a combination of a 'saved by religion' story meets Wizard of Oz. A bit too weird for my liking.

I found the first half of the book dragged, and yes the ending did make me cry but I certainly didn't feel satisfaction at the plot, in fact I think I found it odd and rather contrived.

It's not a book I'd actually recommend to my friends, or possibly anyone else, to read. My neighbours might like it as in the end he does right by the Lord.

[Suzanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a giveaway from Goodread. Story was engrossing from the beginning, with vividly drawn characters. Minor mistakes on pg 414 the word "furry" should be fury. On pg 453 the word "and" should be removed from the last sentence on the page. On pg 495 when speaking of the horse's actions it should be "rear" instead of rare. There is a discrepeancy in the interaction between Jack and Darrin, on pg 571 the interaction is described as cordial (like him, golf vacation etc) then on pg 578 Jack claims to like Darrin the least of his inlaws. All the above are minor flaws to an otherwise exceptional book. Look forward to reading more of his works.

[Vincent Anton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first few chapters of this book really had me going; the main character reminded me of the Grinch but that's where the similarities end; the book takes different twists and turns and you kind of get riveted in the story. The author really did some tremendous work. I like the characters Jack and "Roo"; The saddest chapter is 25. The book is about 600 pages but you can read it quite fast. Hope the author writes more about Jack in another novel. Without a doubt it is an excellent book. Five stars

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Six Bits was an incredible and emotional journey. I enjoyed this novel tremendously, as it kept me guessing the outcome all the way to very last sentence. The character development is amazing, and the dialogue will keep you turning the pages. This is one of the best books I've ever read, and if I had to compare it to another book, I would say it rivals John Grisham's best work - A Time to Kill.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take on Dickens' A Christmas Carol brought up to date and bringing in more cotemporary issues.

I found Six Bits to be an interesting tale but a difficult read. The style of writing didn't appeal to me and at times I found it difficult to cope with the use of colloquial american and over liberal and rather forced adverb use (which brought to mind exercises in school english lessons).

[Charlotte Wiegand · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Six Bits" by Michael Ringering. A modern day mystery story with the writting of a Charles Dickens era. Michael's descriptive writting makes you feel the main character's emotional journey. I was hooked from the beginning to the end of a story of hope and redemption. I highly recommend this book. Can't wait for Michael's next novel.

[Jessica Zoop · Rating 1 out of 5]

The heavy handed proselytizing grew tiring. If I want a sermon - I’ll go to church. The prose was long winded with a forced effort to use every 25 cent word in his arsenal – and this is from someone thrilled to have the opportunity to use “proselytizing” in a sentence!

If I hadn’t been reading it for book club, I would have given up before page 50.

[Cindy H. · Rating 1 out of 5]

UGH! I HATED this book. It's been over a year and I'm still pissed I spent $18.95 plus shipping. The premise was so ridiculous and the writing was juvenile and amateurish.
This was a book club selection and the others in our group did not hate the book as much as I did, although all agreed it was underwhelming.

[Donna Morrow · Rating 1 out of 5]

awful..couldn't finish which is rare for me. Didn't like the writing...some scenes went on and on. Can't figure out how this book got 5 stars...it was such a waste of money. I'm perplexed as to the rating as I just did not like the story line or how it played out.

[John Ivory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest - I nearly abandoned this book when it entered deep into the realms of fantasy. However, I'm glad I stuck with this emotional roller-coaster tale of redemption, forgiveness and finding one's real self. I've given it 4 stars but for me it's really 4.5 stars.

[Laurie Bishop · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was a very easy read with twists and turns that you may or may not see coming with everything neatly concluded at the end. If you are solidly spiritual and are open to the supernatural, then you will enjoy this book.

[Dee]

I won this book as a Goodreads First Read.

[Rin]

Excellent read,though I haven't read it yet.

[Steven Iler · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a total waste of time.

[Doug Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Read

One of the best books, I've read in a longtime!
Couldn't wait to get to see how it ended, but then I wanted more.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Subject covered in an immature way