April 1996, Hyperion

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The inventiveness and exuberance of this book remind me of Tom Robbins and William Kotzwinkle. It says some very moving things about families: how they come apart and how, sometimes, they can be pulled back together. It manages to be heartwarming without being too sentimental."
--Corey Flintoff, All Things Considered

 

"Tom Bodett's gentle wit is a welcome gift in these ungentle times. "
--Merle Kessler, aka Ian Shoales, Duck's Breath Mystery Theater

 

In this epic drama from beloved radio personality Tom Bodett, a host of unforgettable characters from The End of the Road - Alaska - venture to the lower 48 to discover an America they barely recognize. The first to arrive is Ed Flannigan, who has one arm, no job, and not a clue about how to get on with his life. Webster Cummings, a statistical research analyst, survives a fall from a commuter plane to bring together these strange and wonderful characters for an unexpected revelation that alters all their lives.

 

From Chapter 16 (page 139)

…Zowat accepted a plate of burger and bun which she held at a comfortable distance to her while Ed feasted on his own. "Ed, do you ever get a sense of what you were in other lives?"

Ed squinted thoughtfully and swallowed his bite. "Nope."

"Don’t you ever dream about your other lives?" Zowat held Ed’s eyes with the force of her penetrating gaze. Ed gave it right back.

"No, I don’t dream about other lives, and I don’t believe all of you kooks were ever crustacean generals and human sacrifices, either. I mean, where did all the normal people go when they died? How come none of you were dirt farmers or blanket weavers? Everybody was great and wise and gladiators and wizards. I think it’s a little fishy that the only people who come back to life can find themselves in a storybook. I think you’re all hallucinating."

Zowat’s composure did not falter. She tilted her head slightly to one side and reached out to Ed’s good arm. "Do you believe in anything, Ed?"

"Yes." Ed pulled away. "I believe I’ll have another beer."….

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