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A LIFE INTERRUPTED

by Michael P. Langelaan

212 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #03-1135; ISBN 1-4120-0767-4; US$19.95, C$23.95, EUR16.50, £12.00

Engaging story of a young man's struggle to discover who he is amidst a tumultuous upbringing. His poignant journey clearly illustrates how parents' choices can dramatically impact children's lives.

"Excellent reading and a meaningful look into one's own soul.  I recommend reading this book at least twice, like I did." 

Joseph A Mayer

ADR Supervisor, Pretty Woman  

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about the book      about the author      sample excerpts or Table of Contents      catalogue info

About the Book Michael Langelaan's first book, "A Life Interrupted" explores the sometimes-stormy relationship between parents and their children. It is the story of Alex Fray, a troubled man who had been given up at birth by his biological parents. It would be an understatement to say that there were challenges during Alex's early years, which include two sets of adoptive parents, encounters with the law, experimentation with drugs, and poor school grades; however, the author cleverly utilizes the character's foibles and inadequacies to form the basis for a compelling tale of courage and determination. Alex is faced with emotional and physical obstacles in his quest to find the love and acceptance he so desperately seeks, but his journey eventually leads him home, culminating in a bizarre twist of fate that reveals his true identity. "A Life Interrupted" underscores the impact that parents' words and behaviour have on their children's lives, and demonstrates how some parental decisions can lead to dire consequences. Please visit home.cogeco.ca/~imaginecreations/ for more information.

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About the Author Michael P. Langelaan was born January 15, 1969, and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. After graduating, he enlisted in the Canadian Air force and served three years in Saskatchewan. He has two nine year old children and now resides back in his home town with his girlfriend Kelley. Using his creative skills, he has completed his first novel and is currently working on his next script.

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Sample Excerpts or Table of Contents

I wasn't interested in talking to the guys. I was fourteen and becoming curious about the younger women on the floor. As it turned out, I didn't need to look very far at all.

One evening I was sitting at my desk with my back to the half-opened door, when I heard a voice.

"Hi." I turned to look. "I'm Megan. You're Alex, aren't you?"

She invited herself in and closed my door behind her. My God, she was beautiful! Her smile was amazing, just like Caroline's. And she squinted her eyes when she grinned. Her wavy hair was pulled back into a long ponytail that was held together by a rolled-up bandana. Her body was petite and delicate, and my sexual curiosity was aroused. All I was able to muster up for her question was, "Yeah."

"I've seen you before, you know," she said. "You're the one that always looks sad. So what's your story?"

She sat on my bed, tapping her hand on the mattress as an invitation to join her. Her openness was very inviting, so I decided to tell her everything. I'm not sure why. After all, I'd only known her for a total of five minutes. But I was awestruck the instant I turned around to see who was at my door. She was the first person I had ever completely opened up to since I had been abandoned, and it felt great. I even told her what I had planned to do a few weeks earlier. We both sat there on my bed and she listened while I told her my story. Moved by what had happened in my life, she put her arm around me as I continued.

"I was going to kill myself a few weeks ago," I said with my head down.

"What stopped you?" I shrugged my shoulders.

"That's not an answer, Alex. If you do it, they win."

Uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was heading, I turned to her.

"So why did your parents abandon you? Were your grades not up to par, or did your Mom get pregnant and decide to sell you off?" I said sarcastically.

"They didn't get rid of me, Alex. Actually, they fought to keep me."

"I don't . . . "

"No," she interrupted, "they didn't get rid of me. They beat the living shit out of me instead."

I felt like crap. I was so naive and was so consumed with myself that I had assumed everyone who was at Fairview was a result of rejection.

"Why?" I asked.

"Why not?" she responded. "I was their punching bag when things didn't go right."

Again, I was at a loss for words. I couldn't identify with what she had gone through. Sure, my father had hit me one time, but I was never an abused child - physically, anyway.

"The day I had finally had enough, when I came here, my father had punched me in the face for leaving the phone off the receiver."

I told her right then and there how beautiful I thought she was, and that if she were mine, I'd never hit her and, in fact, would cherish her. I couldn't believe the words were coming out of my mouth, but as I said, she was so open I felt like I could say anything. Megan smiled her beautiful smile and replied, "Well, if you were mine, I'd never let you go."

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Catalogue Information

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