John Smith, a recently divorced man as average as his name implies, arrives home from his job at a rubber band factory to find a ticket for a cruise ship vacation in his mailbox. The mysterious note with the ticket simply says: "It's Time."
During seven days of various Caribbean destinations and sea days, John meets a diverse blend of passengers and crew who influence his life in monumental ways. Each new day brings new experiences, pleasures, challenges to overcome, and tantalizing clues about the source of the ticket. Ordinary and typical John Smith's life-changing vacation, where the average baggage is anything but, will challenge you to take stock of your own life.
Whether you are one of the 20 million people who cruise each year or someone who rarely even takes a vacation, this vivid work of fiction feels like the real thing.
About the Author :
Andrew Harkless was born in Orange, California in 1970, but raised in central Pennsylvania. He currently resides in coastal North Carolina. Many typical luxuries were put on hold in exchange for devoting unbridled time to writing with the ultimate goal of becoming a successful literary author along the caliber of his idol, John Irving-inarguably one of the greatest contemporary American storytellers. Andrew writes coming-of-age stories (regardless of the age) about Everyman characters who reach extraordinary crossroads where change is the only path. No matter how average a person may seem at first glance, everyone holds a remarkable story inside. His goal is to write stories for the Everyman, about the Everyman. Writing is an outlet for his innate passion-aka "inner dragon"-a love, and like any love, frustration accompanies. But, even love agitated by frustration seeks an audience.... "I wish to work for you in a way that you might discover how extraordinary you are in ways previously unrecognizable. And I want to write for you, to entertain you. Really think about it: the Everyman isn't inside the magazine at the grocery store check-out. Many of the people we idolize inside those magazines (in my opinion) would gladly exchange their fame for, at the very least, anonymity, and, if honest, a chance at the life of an Everyman."
Review :
"...a delightful romp through the Caribbean with a diverse group of interesting characters, this novel shows deep insight into their character and life philosophies. Keeps the reader on tenterhooks until the very end for the final revelation. A compelling, entertaining read!" -- Maripat Wright, Chairperson of the Carteret County Library Board of Trustees
"I just finished reading your wonderful book, I really think you have a best seller. I enjoyed your book so much, it was wonderfully written. I am recommending it to my book club and all my friends. Please continue writing, you have a gift." -Karen Cavan
"...also includes insider information about the cruise industry. If you're looking for a true literacy excursion, then hop aboard U Got to Have U Some Fun and enjoy the ride!" -Megan Robinson, Alexandria VA
"Have you ever felt like life is passing you by and there are so many things left to experience? Are you just working through the challenges life has thrown at you and not really living? Do you need an "AHA Moment" to make yourself go out of your comfort zone and have some fun? For anyone that has been on a cruise ship, or someone like me who has never taken a cruise, the book vividly describes the back scenes of the ship and the diverse backgrounds of the employees. Do they like working on the ship? Are they making a good living? It includes the actual description of the living quarters, employee relationships, and employers' expectations. Add in an array of interesting vacationers--their struggles with death, injury, and personal relationships--and you will be captivated to read the story about a group of people who meet for a week trying to forget everyday challenges and have some fun. The story will allow you as a reader to experience the various island destinations and the unique characteristics each has to offer, whether it is snorkeling, high speed jet skis, bungee jumping, or sampling exotic food. The often-dissimilar characters start to form a bond through their connection on the luxury liner in their quest to live life and not let it go sailing by!" -Jackie Robertson
"A heartfelt story that reminds us of the importance to live life to the fullest no matter what challenges or sadness we may have to endure. Finding our inner dragon can help us fight our fears and like the metamorphosis of a butterfly, change our lives forever." -Lynne Eisel
"...light and enjoyable read. It takes place on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. I felt like I was actually on vacation with this eclectic group of characters all searching for happiness. Mostly it's about the main character, John Smith's quest to learn to live with peace and happiness after losing his son, Carson, to war. This book is about overcoming survivor guilt and your inner fear...and enjoying life while you can. It's about learning to deal with loss and life in general. As John Smith reinvents himself he realizes 'nothing belongs to us, we usually earn what we get.' He sets out to earn love and happiness, take some chances and listen to his heart. It's part redemption story, part love story, part escape fantasy. Overall it was a fun read. On a side note, the book was written by someone who worked for the cruise industry and you learn little bits and pieces of insider information about the inner workings of the industry. I knew that it wasn't a lucrative career path, but had no idea how hard the staff really works. With that said, it made me want to go on a cruise once I finished it." -Carol Norris
