The Pendulum's Path

About the Book

David Shields has crafted a brutally honest novel of family, religion, and relationships. This story transcends the boundaries of the Salt Lake Valley where it’s set, ultimately soaring above and beyond the towering peaks of the Wasatch Front. The themes woven through The Pendulum’s Path will resonate with readers of all cultures.

In this novel, Tom Lewis becomes aware of a dark family secret as the result of chance meeting with Martin Crump, a man he thought to be his uncle. Tom discovers this at a time when his life is already chock full of obligation. Foremost among them are the preparations for the birth of his first child. His wife´s discomfort regarding Martin complicates things. She begs Tom to stay away from the old man.

Tom, however, can´t help being drawn to the mystery of his own origins. He´s dragged in by tiny increments, until he finds himself so involved that pieces of his present day life begin to show signs of serious neglect. Still, the almost magnetic attraction to discover who he really is will not release him.

The result is a pair of interwoven stories, one the saga of the family he was born to, and the other, his present day life and growth as a man against the backdrop of the day to day failures and triumphs of his grandparents and their three children.

Eventually, both Tom and Martin learn great lessons about the value of relationships while together climbing Mount Olympus, the peak that soars above their Salt Lake Valley homes. At journeys end both men find themselves forever changed.

About the Author

I’ve always loved writing, always known it would play an integral part in my life. For years I wrote freelance articles for a variety of local and national publications. Then, on my wife’s encouragement, I decided to write a novel. The Pendulum’s Path is the result of two years worth of writing after work and on lunch breaks, followed by three more years of increasingly intense revision. When I started this project I had no comprehension of its complexity, or of how many elements are involved in creating an entire novel. I’ve been lucky, because skilled authors have been willing to lend a hand as my story has progressed. What a journey it’s been.

The reactions of early readers have made it all worthwhile. I’m delighted when I learn that people laugh in the right places, I’m happy when they sympathize with my characters, and I’m pleased when they find meaning in my story. I’ll never forget the first time a reader told me my words brought tears. I knew in that moment I’d experienced the closest thing to telepathy I’ll ever be capable of-- creating images, scenes, and emotions in another persons mind when we’re miles apart.

Breaking through as a new novelist these days is a daunting task. Contrary to what some people say, good books will not rise to the top on their own. Each aspiring author must convince readers, one by one, that spending time with their words will be worth a large investment of the world’s scarcest resource... time. Until thousands upon thousands of people believe in the ability of a given author, he or she is unlikely to get the backing of the publishing industry. Only those with incredible marketing savvy can accomplish this task.

More than ever, authors need your help. By buying books, sharing opinions, and writing on-line critiques, you cast your vote for the continuation of the world’s second oldest profession, storytelling. I’m thankful Xlibris has given me the ability to share my tale, and I hope you enjoy it. If you’d like to learn more about me or my book, please visit www.daveshields.com.