Ponder: A Novel

An Amazon bestseller A darkly comic tale of love and loss in Walt Disney World at the turn of the millennium Murray “Cheese” Marks and John Apple, his slimmer, richer, more single friend, have chosen the happiest place on Earth for their annual boys’ trip. Disney World may seem like a strange choice for two grown men on a glorified binge-drinking trip; it is. But Cheese has never been, and his wife allows him this expense-free trip. The Magic Kingdom was the last place John saw his parents before they died in a plane crash. John Apple was twelve then and wanted to return before he turned thirty. Cheese and John’s buddy-comedy turns into a love-triangle drama when they meet a beautiful, free-spirited southern Belle named Virginia. John and Cheese quickly fall in love—but Virginia’s parents inexplicably push her not toward the handsome, single millionaire, but toward Cheese. And Cheese can’t help but encourage it—at least until his wife and John’s ex descend on Florida. Ponder is the second novel from Daniel Roberts, author of the USA Today bestselling Bar Maid, and showcases the same sardonic style that Kirkus praised as “old-school, slightly surreal humor [that] has a dash of Barthelme or Perelman.”  

About the Author :
Daniel Roberts’s debut novel Bar Maid was a USA Today bestseller. Prior to becoming an author, he wrote plays: Haunted House which The New York Times called “sparklingly original with characters that stick”; and Brando, of which Time Out New York wrote, “An impressive piece of writing recalling Edward Albee or John Guare.” Vocationally, Roberts works as a private investor and venture capitalist in New York City, where he lives with young daughter.

Review :
A USA Today bestselling author "My grandfather, IBM Chairman Thomas Watson, Jr. was generationally if not vocationally linked to Walter Elias Disney. I have no doubt that these two titans would become absorbed in Daniel Roberts's wonderfully irreverent take on the world's most popular vacation spot!"  —Ralph Watson McElvenny, author of the New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice biography, The Greatest Capitalist Who Ever Lived "Ponder is a masterful blend of nostalgia and satire that captures the heart and imagination, and skillfully navigates the fine line between the magical facade of the Disney parks and the real emotions that bubble beneath the surface. Cheese and John's adventures offer both laughter and insight, making this book a must-read for Disney lovers and newcomers alike. It's a brilliant exploration of the joys and complexities of Disney, wrapped in a story that captivates and entertains from beginning to end." —Lou Mongello, speaker, mentor, author, and host of WDW Radio Disney Podcast  "One of Roberts’ gifts as a writer is his ability to evoke empathy amidst the debauchery; Cheese is a nebbish full of fear, and the breakup of his marriage to Florence couldn’t be more heartbreaking as it inexorably unfolds over a course of days via BlackBerry messages. ('Only love can stop time’s advance,' Cheese drunkenly pontificates after going solo at Splash Mountain. 'That’s why it’s the only miracle in this short life.'" —Kirkus Reviews "Imagine Don Quixote as told by Sancho Panza and set in the Kingdom of Disney, or Gatsby's story recounted from a barstool into a cracked mirror. Ponder is wonderfully weird, and also poignantly funny." —Harvey Sawikin, author of Rick Green, Esquire "A brilliant trip through an alternate reality, another world, Disney World. You don’t have to be a fan of the place to love this book. Once the narrator, beautiful loser Murray “Cheese” Marks, took me hostage (which he did on the first page), I found myself riding the story like it was Kali River Rapids in the Animal Kingdom. The images are indelible, and “Cheese” is especially memorable. He clings to you long after you’ve read (and reread) the bracing finale." —Janet Capron, author of Blue Money "Ponder by Daniel Roberts is a witty, deftly written comic adventure that draws rich parallels between the excesses of an American icon in a bloated era and those of hedonistic friends on the cusp of manhood." —Indie Reader "Daniel Roberts takes us on a sublimely written mind trip—a laugh out loud page-turner that will make the reader enthusiastically ponder, quite likely with a drink in hand." —Michael McKinley, coauthor of A Quiet Life and Willie: The Game Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player "The drinks are flowing, the rules are broken, and honestly, all hell breaks loose. With a comedic undertone, Roberts weaves in plot twists and wild scenarios that are sure to leave readers with their mouths wide open, surprised at what in the world just happened and guessing (incorrectly) what will happen next. Both friendships and relationships are tested in odd ways, and Roberts does a great job of weaving in universal truths on human connection throughout." —Independent Book Review "A hilarious, delightful, unforgettable joyride."  —William Cooper, Newsweek opinion contributor and coauthor of A Quiet Life "Ponder is a delightful and thought-provoking read. With its unique perspective on friendship, love, and life’s unpredictable twists, it stands out as a gem for readers seeking a story with both heart and humor. Roberts' writing shines, offering a fresh and insightful look at how life's complexities often unfold in the most unexpected places." —April Pulliam, assistant editor, Literary Titan “Author Daniel Roberts demonstrates a keen ability to blend dark humor with poignant themes in this unusual novel, and I was most impressed by the central conflict between Cheese and John as a catalyst for utter chaos and big, emotive discoveries. Roberts’ character development is impressive, with nuanced portrayals that capture the complexities of human emotions and interactions, and strong dialogue interactions that carry the plot forward naturally without the need for spoon-feeding or over-dramatizing in the narration. The novel's unique setting in Disney World adds a surreal twist, enhancing the story’s satirical examination of relationships and self-discovery against this broken backdrop of childhood folly, alcoholism, and the desire to be wanted. The sardonic style showcases Roberts’ distinctive voice and skillful use of humor to explore deeper existential issues. This charm carries us through the peaks and troughs of a well-pitched drama filled with unlikely but realistically drawn characters. Overall, Ponder is an entertaining and thought-provoking read unlike any literary novel I’ve encountered this year, and I’d certainly recommend it for fans of character-driven stories and accomplished darkly emotive fiction.” —K.C. Finn, Readers Favorite