The Making of a Man

About the Book

A family confl ict provides a superb example of right versus wrong, of moral correctness ultimately triumphing over deceit and corruption. Captivating events that appear to bring only persecution and death reveal an unexpected conclusion as Tomas Zurbriggen’s son is kidnapped by a Columbian drug cartel. Tomas Zurbriggen, the central character in this story, is charming, contemplative, and hard working, while being deceitfully manipulative. Tomas did everything, both right and wrong, with great zeal – a trait that if not harnessed would become his downfall. Tomas had a twin brother, Marcus, who was his polar opposite. Tomas’ perpetual desire to succeed and Marcus’ irresponsible approach to life clashed as a result of Tomas’ scheming tactics. This led to a family estrangement. An exile that continued for many years and wasn’t resolved until an international incident brought the family back together. Opening this book will be like looking in a mirror that causes you to stop, evaluate, and redirect your future. It matters not whether you are male or female, young or old. The characters in this story experience many of the same trials that all of us face as we go about our daily life. The beauty of reading about someone else’s struggles and their impact is that it gives the opportunity to learn from them without experiencing the results of bad decisions. It is the decisions surrounding these events that contribute to . . . . . the making of a man!

About the Author

About the Author Cliff LeCleir’ life began in the simplest of ways, on a Wisconsin farm without electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing. As a youngster, he was constantly involved in creating new ventures in hope of enhancing his savings account at the local bank. He sold pony rides, raised chickens, and used his savings to purchase a cow, selling the milk under his own name. From the sixth grade, he was expected to manage his money in order to provide his own clothes, school supplies, and spending money. After graduating from high school, he spent three years in the Army, half of which was as a topographer in Ethiopia. Returning to Wisconsin and civilian life, he married, began college, had three children, and began his first business, all in five years. At the age of 63 he began the 5th business of his career, calling it “his retirement project.” Recuperation from hip surgery provided him time to contemplate another venture – writing! His writing is plain, down to earth, and from the heart. His first book, From the Outhouse to the Moon, has stories surrounding the early days of his life. The second book, Escape from Tyranny, is an emotional account of a young couple’s escape from Germany in the 1790’s. Book three, The Making of a Man, is a rewrite of a character from ancient Jewish history, but places his character in a contemporary format. Cliff resides in a rural township of Barre near La Crosse, Wisconsin. His hobbies include using his “toys” (a backhoe, bulldozer and dump truck) to create ponds and waterfalls on his land, teaching, and playing racquetball. Now in his 70’s he quips, “I have a plan. When I’m 80, I’m going to slow down – I don’t care what anyone says!”