A to Z Challenge Blogfest - T is for The Third

I just read a really great book, one worthy of telling everyone about. It's called "The Third" by Abel Keogh. Here's the blurb from his website:

When Ransom Lawe, a recycler in the Pacific Northwest, finds out his wife is pregnant with their third—and therefore illegal—child, he’s forced to choose between the government who proclaims a desire to save the planet and his hope for a place where his family can live in freedom. But with the Census Bureau Sentinels closing in on his wife and unborn child, Ransom’s choice will either save his family or tear them apart forever.

Abel Keogh offers a stark and haunting look at a not-so-distant future in this chilling new novel. Crossing lines between good and evil, freedom and oppression, and political and environmental responsibility, The Third is a gut-wrenching tale of intense loyalty and unconditional love."


I had heard about "The Third" from other friends, and I went over to Keogh's website to check it out. I like the dystopian genre, and it sounded interesting, so I read the first chapter, which is available free on the website. I was hooked immediately. The main character, Ransom Lawe, is a flawed everyman. There is not much remarkable about him, other than his above-average height. Honestly, the guy gets his butt kicked fairly regularly by the bad guy. But as soon as he goes to the aid of a stranger when everyone else just watches, he becomes the hero you root for. You have to keep reading, just to see if everything will be okay, because the possibility that everything might not be okay is so strong. "The Third" is a view of what might happen if people allow their government to take away too many basic freedoms in the name of the common good. I was riveted until the end. I hope there will be a sequel, because I really want to know what happens next for Ransom and his family.

So, seriously, if you want a really good book to read, click on the link above, go to Abel Keogh's website, and order "The Third." It's available in both hard copy and e-book format.

"Room for Two" by Abel Keogh

"Sweetie, I'm home." I tried to put as much kindness into my voice as possible. I didn't want to have another argument--at least not right away.

Silence.

"Sweetheart?"

A gunshot echoed from our bedroom, followed by the sound of abullet casing skipping along a wall.

Everything slowed down.



"Room for Two" is the true story of Abel Keogh's struggle after his young wife's suicide, his feelings of guilt that he might have been able to prevent it, and how he was able to find peace and happiness again.

I heard Able speak at a writer's conference and was intrigued enough with his story that I later went to his website to read the first chapter. It was so good I would have run out immediately to get a copy and find out what happened, but everything was closed. I had to wait until the next morning. You can get a copy here. Go ahead. I'll be here when you get back.

Once I had "Room for Two" in my hands I was reluctant to stop reading. I had a pretty good idea how the book would end. (The "About the Author" page in the back is a spoiler.) However, by the second page I was emotionally involved with this story. I stayed up until around 2:00 a.m. to finish it. Yes, it was worth the sleep deprivation the next day.

I guarantee, "Room for Two" is one of those stories you will not easily forget. I'm recommending it to all my bookish friends. (Hey, I wonder if anyone has sent a copy to Oprah?)