29 Nov 2007 19:08 Africa/Lagos
A Country Boy's Southern Christmas Story
EL DORADO, Ark., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire/ --
The Red Scarf (August House, Oct. 2007), a debut novel by Richard Mason, is poised to become a Christmas favorite for all ages. Inspired by Mason's childhood in 1940s rural Arkansas, it reminds readers of the joy found in selfless gift-giving.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071129/CLTH079 )
The Red Scarf (www.theredscarfbook.com) follows the adventures of a twelve-year-old boy with a big dream: to buy a $15.00 red scarf for the prettiest girl in his 7th grade class for Christmas. In 1944 Arkansas, that was a huge undertaking. Richard chases those $15.00 with all the passion of a young boy coming of age, encountering swamps, skunks and robbers. The story concludes when Richard and his friend Uncle Hugh -- an elderly descendant of slaves -- share a very special Christmas Eve, marked by a memorable exchange of gifts.
Inspired by the author's life, this cross-generational novel treats you to a cast of unforgettable, and real, characters who populated Mason's hometown in Norphlet, Arkansas. They include: Wing, a one-armed constable who wields a mean billy club; his brother, Peg, a one-legged owner of the local pool hall; and Doc, the old storekeeper who never met a penny that he wouldn't pinch.
As a young boy Mason lived on a small farm in Southern Arkansas, where his interaction with life in the woods, swamps and unique townspeople made for a stimulating childhood of his own creation. His writings reflect a special time of brown sunburned feet, shirtless summers and very special country Christmases.
Mason started writing his memories in the deserts of Libya where he worked as a geologist. Today he is Chairman and CEO of Gibraltar Energy, has one of the largest collections of antique Southern maps, and was a three-term president of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation. He and his wife, Vertis, restored 17 historic buildings in their hometown of El Dorado, which has been designated one of the top 15 Main Street communities in the country by the National Main Street Organization.
A portion of the proceeds from the launch of The Red Scarf (www.theredscarfbook.com) were donated to the Red Scarf Project of the Orphan Foundation of America (www.orphan.org). The project assists foster children with higher education. The Masons are the adoptive parents of two adult children.
For tour and media events visit http://www.booktour.com/author/richard_mason.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071129/CLTH079
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Richard Mason
CONTACT: Mimi Schroeder, APR, +1-404-447-6242, mimi@maxbookpr.com
Web site: http://www.theredscarfbook.com/
http://www.orphan.org/
http://www.booktour.com/author/richard_mason
3 comments:
This book was one of the BEST books I have ever read! The story seems so real, and it makes you laugh hard. It puts humor, dramaticness, and makes a place in your heart. You'll never forget or regret reading this book!
(I give it *****/*****)
Katie,
Compliments of the season.
I am yet to read it.
Cheers and God bless.
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