A Gathering of Dreams
Mount Taishan, China 1486 BCE

Humans have marked the tales of destiny and fate on the walls of caves since time began. But surprisingly, the first evidenced comet, Lao-Tien-Yeh 老天葉 is not documented until 1486 BCE. By estimates today, the comet was four times brighter than the full moon. So it was not unusual that only the scholars in China recorded it for posterity.

An old monk climbs Mount Tai to greet the new star. An insignificant reunion with something along the way introduces the monk to what will become the base tenets of Universal Truth. Principles that later become the foundation of Buddhism. He will not have the chance to tell anyone though, for an ancient force has also awakened with the nightless day.

It takes a thousand years for the Buddhist doctrine to be discovered again.

Hanalei Bay, Hawaii Three Days Ago...

While caring for a recently rescued kitten, an accident occurs that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Every imaginary friend that ever visited Calvin in dreams has come home. Every Grumpmuffin, Gigglemonk, Cuddlemonk, Ticklemonk, and Adamsville Fairy expect to have their say. It has been a long time since a human has been in a position to have a conversation, and they intend to make the most of it.

Calvin's childhood promise weaves through time. It collects an old man, a grandfather, a ragged old cat... Clotho is the sister to the Fates who spins the threads of life and destiny. This time she has placed a single strand to connect them all. Harsh questions will be asked. Secrets will be shared. Truths will be revealed. But, like the Chinese monk before him, Calvin won't have the chance to tell anyone. Once again, an ancient force stirs.

Although Twain, Tesla, Barrie, Warhol, The Apollo 12/Intrepid Landing Module, Perun-the Slavic God of Thunder, Some Quantum Foam, and just a wee bit of lost faith all make appearances; they may not be enough to change a destiny long ago set in motion.
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A Gathering of Dreams
Mount Taishan, China 1486 BCE

Humans have marked the tales of destiny and fate on the walls of caves since time began. But surprisingly, the first evidenced comet, Lao-Tien-Yeh 老天葉 is not documented until 1486 BCE. By estimates today, the comet was four times brighter than the full moon. So it was not unusual that only the scholars in China recorded it for posterity.

An old monk climbs Mount Tai to greet the new star. An insignificant reunion with something along the way introduces the monk to what will become the base tenets of Universal Truth. Principles that later become the foundation of Buddhism. He will not have the chance to tell anyone though, for an ancient force has also awakened with the nightless day.

It takes a thousand years for the Buddhist doctrine to be discovered again.

Hanalei Bay, Hawaii Three Days Ago...

While caring for a recently rescued kitten, an accident occurs that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Every imaginary friend that ever visited Calvin in dreams has come home. Every Grumpmuffin, Gigglemonk, Cuddlemonk, Ticklemonk, and Adamsville Fairy expect to have their say. It has been a long time since a human has been in a position to have a conversation, and they intend to make the most of it.

Calvin's childhood promise weaves through time. It collects an old man, a grandfather, a ragged old cat... Clotho is the sister to the Fates who spins the threads of life and destiny. This time she has placed a single strand to connect them all. Harsh questions will be asked. Secrets will be shared. Truths will be revealed. But, like the Chinese monk before him, Calvin won't have the chance to tell anyone. Once again, an ancient force stirs.

Although Twain, Tesla, Barrie, Warhol, The Apollo 12/Intrepid Landing Module, Perun-the Slavic God of Thunder, Some Quantum Foam, and just a wee bit of lost faith all make appearances; they may not be enough to change a destiny long ago set in motion.
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A Gathering of Dreams

A Gathering of Dreams

by James Qualls
A Gathering of Dreams

A Gathering of Dreams

by James Qualls

Paperback(B&n ed.)

$14.95 
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Overview

Mount Taishan, China 1486 BCE

Humans have marked the tales of destiny and fate on the walls of caves since time began. But surprisingly, the first evidenced comet, Lao-Tien-Yeh 老天葉 is not documented until 1486 BCE. By estimates today, the comet was four times brighter than the full moon. So it was not unusual that only the scholars in China recorded it for posterity.

An old monk climbs Mount Tai to greet the new star. An insignificant reunion with something along the way introduces the monk to what will become the base tenets of Universal Truth. Principles that later become the foundation of Buddhism. He will not have the chance to tell anyone though, for an ancient force has also awakened with the nightless day.

It takes a thousand years for the Buddhist doctrine to be discovered again.

Hanalei Bay, Hawaii Three Days Ago...

While caring for a recently rescued kitten, an accident occurs that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Every imaginary friend that ever visited Calvin in dreams has come home. Every Grumpmuffin, Gigglemonk, Cuddlemonk, Ticklemonk, and Adamsville Fairy expect to have their say. It has been a long time since a human has been in a position to have a conversation, and they intend to make the most of it.

Calvin's childhood promise weaves through time. It collects an old man, a grandfather, a ragged old cat... Clotho is the sister to the Fates who spins the threads of life and destiny. This time she has placed a single strand to connect them all. Harsh questions will be asked. Secrets will be shared. Truths will be revealed. But, like the Chinese monk before him, Calvin won't have the chance to tell anyone. Once again, an ancient force stirs.

Although Twain, Tesla, Barrie, Warhol, The Apollo 12/Intrepid Landing Module, Perun-the Slavic God of Thunder, Some Quantum Foam, and just a wee bit of lost faith all make appearances; they may not be enough to change a destiny long ago set in motion.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780998846859
Publisher: James Qualls
Publication date: 05/01/2018
Edition description: B&n ed.
Pages: 268
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.57(d)

About the Author

This book is the completion of a promise I made to Cugh Meek, my Grandfather. I gave him my word in the summer of 1966 after he bought me a journal to inspire my creativity. He wanted me to write for him a truly tall tale. Adamsville, Tennessee had other adventures planned for us though, and I never got to it. This is that promise fulfilled. This is that story.


Author’s Note:

I wrote a book, a simple fable. I wrote about what I knew, of caring for kittens, of Buddhism and life, of karma and debt, of right and wrong, of memories long unused. I wrote of dreams and desires, ignorance, and insight, of those I loved, of those I lost; of those I missed. I wrote a story of hope; of facing the day and overcoming the challenges of life that randomly stalk us all. I wrote of the serendipity; of the coincidences that led me to write a book. I wrote about my friend, Leo. I bounced the story between timelines. I allowed a monk to speak Cantonese in the opening chapter, knowing that the pay off would be worth the wait. I hid Easter eggs, seemingly misspelled words, dialogue from Saturday morning cartoons... In this version are links posted on the Copyright page that tie the book to the reality that has been my life. In the digital versions, I also included hyperlinks to information, pictures, and videos. I worked hard to fulfill a promise I had made more than fifty years ago as a child. A promise made to a grandfather who loved me more than life. This is who I am now, who I've become, thanks to him. I taught myself to write, edit, and publish. I tried to remember the rules of grammar and failed. Still, despite my shortcomings, I poured everything I‘ve ever loved about reading into my little fable. I love what it became. I showed you my heart. I gave you all that I have. The mistakes are truly mine, and for that, I apologize. Now that you’re here though, please come inside. I would love for you to read what I have written for this is only the beginning...
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