The Reader's Bar discussion

Please post your comments/questions about this book below.

Denise and the Reader’s Bar,

Thank you so much for picking my book as your October read. I am equally flattered that you asked me to be part of your discussions.

Unlike my first book – Rerun, written as a fun read, in A Selfless Man I try to elicit emotions making it very difficult to write. You’ll see as you read.

The book deals with extremes: envy, spite, unconditional love and irrational hatred.

And then there’s Roland Moses.

Enjoy,

Shawn

Shawn wrote: "Denise and the Reader’s Bar,

Thank you so much for picking my book as your October read. I am equally flattered that you asked me to be part of your discussions.

Unlike my first book – Rerun, wri..."

Thank you for your willingness to participate in our discussions next month. I am looking forward to reading your book and discussing it with you.

Is this on kindle only?

Yes. But I think there's an app to put a kindle book on other formats. Book is also in paperback.

Has anyone started reading this one? If you have, what are your first impressions?

5 STARS! I read the book already. One of the best I've read in a long time. See my review. I have some questions for the author, but I'll wait until others have read the book. Don't want to spoil it.

Athena wrote: "5 STARS! I read the book already. One of the best I've read in a long time. See my review. I have some questions for the author, but I'll wait until others have read the book. Don't want to spoil it."

I have finished the book also. I felt that it was an inspiring read.

I finished the book. The characters were likable and the story drew me in from the beginning until the end. Can't wait to talk about the book with you all!

Tracy wrote: "I finished the book. The characters were likable and the story drew me in from the beginning until the end. Can't wait to talk about the book with you all!"

Great! I am looking forward to discussing with you.

What did you think of the author's writing style?

Did you think the title of the book fit the story?

I enjoyed his writing, crisp and to the point. Unlike some authors whose chapters are slow and drawn out, this author kept me reading. No dead spots. The characters were well established and real.

As for the title it was on target for the story. It showed a normal man acted a little better then most. I suspect that the selflessness extends from Roland's mother. Like many mothers they do what they have to for their children.

I felt that the author created a strong storyline that kept me engaged. The characters were likable but damaged by their environment. The author was very strong in those two areas. I also loved the twist at the end.

The author's strengths helped me work through the grammatical errors which could be corrected by proofreading. A few times it slowed me down because I had to figure out the message.

The title was appropriate because it accurately describes Roland. He was a man that fought for others almost to a fault. He did not think of himself as he fought for others. He fought on behalf of his mother, Lesinda, Lucy, and the warden. When he went back to football he was attempting to win his son over from heroin.

Do you think that this book would make a good movie?

What do you think of Roland's mother and the life lessons that she shared with him?

Yes it's ripe for a movie-distinctive characters, fast paced and timely. It has a compelling topic and jerks your heartstrings.

Roland's mother had a simple grace even though she made her own mistakes but tried to make up for them through her son. I think she saw how easily a young man brought up in Harlem could fall prey to its vices.

You always want your kids to do better than you.

What did you think of Lesinda? Why do you think that she blamed Roland for her bad fortune and turned his son against him?

Were you happy with the ending? Were you surprised by anything that happened?

Lucinda is weak, an addictive personality, that only can see what benefits her only. She blames Roland because she recognizes his strength, and is jealous of it. She is unable to see her own faults.

Athena wrote: "Lucinda is weak, an addictive personality, that only can see what benefits her only. She blames Roland because she recognizes his strength, and is jealous of it. She is unable to see her own faults."


I was surprised by the ending, didnt expect it. Was hoping for more time together for the characters.

Athena wrote: "Athena wrote: "Lucinda is weak, an addictive personality, that only can see what benefits her only. She blames Roland because she recognizes his strength, and is jealous of it. She is unable to see..."

Me too!. I thought that it kind of ended abruptly.

Athena wrote: "Lucinda is weak, an addictive personality, that only can see what benefits her only. She blames Roland because she recognizes his strength, and is jealous of it. She is unable to see her own faults."

I think that she did not like living in his shadow. Also, while she lived in NC she was having a hard time using her usual tactics to get what she wanted.

Do you think that Sasha should have told Roland about his son sooner?

Sasha made a promise to her friend,she felt a loyalty a commitment. Once Lucinda was gone she felt the commitment ended.

I can see your point Shawn. Still don't know if I would have carried it through. Both Roland and Reggie needed each other, and Sasha as a friend would have seen that. Just an example of everyday tragedy.

Athena wrote: "I can see your point Shawn. Still don't know if I would have carried it through. Both Roland and Reggie needed each other, and Sasha as a friend would have seen that. Just an example of everyday tr..."

I agree with you. I think that I would have done what was best for Reggie since his mom did not seem to be going in the right direction.

I feel that Lucy, Lucinda and the mother were female characters that played the victim well. Roland had a need to save those in danger/trouble which created a codependency which was unhealthy but entertaining. The need to save everyone in danger/trouble was as addictive to Roland as the heroin Lucinda took. I feel the author drove home the fact that in order to move forward we have to be willing to move out of our comfort zones and into a different environment.

I also liked the end when we find that his son turned his life around. Any thoughts about creating a second book?

What inspired the story?

I wrote the book with my own person experiences in mind. My father left us when we were little. Being so young and not understanding I accepted it. Years later when I had my own son it all came rushing back and I couldn't understand how my father could have left and never seen us again. No matter what happened to me or my marriage, I would never be without my boy. I guess I had to create a champion for these kids.

Champion indeed Mr. Shawn. My library don't have your book but I have been enjoying reading the discussion. Sounds like a good one. I wish you much success for the future and will be on the lookout for the new releases.

Thank you so much MsG,

I would like to send you a copy of the book, but I don't know how the Goodreads policy works as far as mailing addresses and such. You and the rest of the group have been so gracious to me. Maybe our moderator could advise if this is possible.

Again, thank you for your kind words.

Shawn wrote: "Thank you so much MsG,

I would like to send you a copy of the book, but I don't know how the Goodreads policy works as far as mailing addresses and such. You and the rest of the group have been so..."

Shawn

Thank you for participating in our discussion this month. We can't wait to read your next book! Do you have any questions for us?

I think this is possible. I do not know of any Goodreads' policy that prohibits you giving MsG a copy of your book. I would just work out getting the shipping information directly from MsG in a private message.

No but I want to thank the group for their interest and enjoyed interacting with you.

And yes, I'm halfway through my third book which is similar to my first. It's a terrorism novel in line with my old profession. I'll let you know when it's published, probably around the first of the year.

Best wishes to all,

Shawn