Backbeat: A Novel of Physics

by J. Frederick Arment

Overview

A very human tale of love, betrayal, and quantum uncertainty, "Backbeat: A Novel of Physics" is a traditional orphan's tale told in the language of energy. Thanks to Einstein and his colleagues, this innovative novel has the advantage of a world teeming with virtual particles and collapsing probability waves in which orphans can reconcile their past and change the future. Juxtaposing the anarchic lives of New York runaways with the stoic world of physicists, "Backbeat" tells the story of Romey Argasti, a New York runaway who inherits a $2 billion estate, with one stipulation. He must find a lost piece of music written by his mother, a cellist who died soon after his birth. This heartfelt and compelling story is enough to attract any reader, but Arment puts significance into this inspirational novel with a philosophic undercurrent that is both deep and accessible. Skillfully threaded through the mystery and adventure facing the young protagonist are five epiphanies, or intuitive insights, gained from viewing the human condition in the clear light of physics: possibility, connectivity, uncertainty, probability, and spontaneity. Yet for all its attention to science, "Backbeat" is a traditional, character-driven novel with a surprising climax and fulfilling end. With the 100th anniversary of Einstein's theories upon us (in 2005), this innovative novel can shed light on how the new laws and speculations of physics can affect our motivations, actions, and fates. Don't miss this breakthrough work of fiction!

Product Details

BN ID:	2940014415125
Publisher:	Blue Hot Books
Publication date:	05/11/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	271
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

J. Frederick Arment lives with his family and friends in Yellow Springs, Ohio. After an early career as a teacher, Arment founded a successful writing and marketing firm and began lecturing at Wilberforce College and Wright State University. His novels include the philosophical orphan's tale, "Backbeat: A Novel of Physics," and a political thriller, "The Synthesis." His nonfiction work, "The Elements of Peace: How Nonviolence Works," is included in the McFarland Academic Publishers' catalog of peace and conflict resolution selections.

In his not-for-profit work, Arment works in Ohio and around the world with organizations that foster a positive approach to community revitalization. He is one of the founders and served as the first director of the Dayton International Peace Museum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to nonviolent alternatives to community and worldwide conflict. He now serves as the founding executive director of International Cities of Peace, a member association of cities of peace dedicated to encouraging safety, prosperity, and quality of life as consensus values for families, neighborhoods, and nations.

Arment has also served as a first reader for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize and on the steering committee for the Salem Avenue Peace Corridor vitalization initiative. He is an adviser for the Unitarian Fellowship of World Peace and their art gallery, the Missing Peace Art Space, which will be hosting the AthensArt International Art Festival, 2014. Recently, Arment was tapped to provide strategic positioning consultation for the Honolulu-based international Center for Global Nonkilling.

Arment was a board member of the Antioch Writers' Workshop and associated with several publishing companies specializing in fiction, including FictionNet and Blue Hot Books. After earning a bachelor of science degree in history education at Wright State University, Arment received a master's in humanities with a focus on the eighteenth-century American and French Enlightenment period. His post-graduate study and publications have focused on the integrated disciplines of philosophy, peace, physics, and community redevelopment.

Editorial Reviews

Physics aside, this is a wonderful, well written story with loveable characters. My favorite was Violet. I couldn't put it down. It's a coming of age story, a love story and a mystery all in one book. I encourage anyone to read this book. Backbeat also changes the way you look at the world and your physical environment. It makes you realize the impact of energy on our every day lives. These were things I had not thought about before.

J. Ruhkamp

"Brilliant in concept, a page turner, at times a tear jerker, 'Backbeat' is breathtaking. A real WOW."

Suzanne Clauser

"This is a story that demonstrates real writing power; ...a fascinating tale about people you'll care about."

Bill Adkins

"It's so damn original. Superimposing a murder mystery atop Romey's odessy for family... is very exciting."

Ed Davis