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A Dignified Exit
by
John J Asher
Monroe Colson, a successful children’s book illustrator living in small-town Texas, baffles family and friends when he unceremoniously announces he’s moving to Mexico, ostensibly to paint.
In Mexico, the true nature of his mysterious behavior not only comes to light, but takes an unexpected turn when he runs into a vibrant young American woman who has been abandoned, pennil...more
In Mexico, the true nature of his mysterious behavior not only comes to light, but takes an unexpected turn when he runs into a vibrant young American woman who has been abandoned, pennil...more
Kindle Edition, 316 pages
Published
(first published December 14th 2011)
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I generally read commercial fiction, mysteries and thrillers for the most part, so it's a rare day that a book like John J. Asher's 'A Dignified Exit' finds its way onto my book shelves. And to provide full disclosure, the author is a friend of mine for whom I have the greatest respect as a writer and artist.
Before purchasing the paperback edition, I'd read bits and pieces, including a broad overview as I helped format his manuscript for an eBook. And it is safe to say that nothing in those "sn...more
Before purchasing the paperback edition, I'd read bits and pieces, including a broad overview as I helped format his manuscript for an eBook. And it is safe to say that nothing in those "sn...more
Monroe Colson, a not-very-successful painter in his late fifties who has managed to make a good living as an illustrator of children’s books, abruptly departs the small Texas town where he lives and works, leaving behind his numerous friends, and his painfully estranged family, and drives to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico to spend a quiet year doing what he loves most. A chance encounter with a young woman, as might be expected, upends his carefully prepared plan. They establish an uneasy plato...more
I think the question this book attempts to answer is when is your life really over? Monroe Colson gets a diagnosis of cancer that will kill him in a year. Thinking to spare his family (mostly estranged) and friends, he takes off to Mexico to spend the rest of his days painting. He gives up his existence as a vital member of a close group of friends in his small town to seek out solitude and to face death alone. But then he meets Angelina and, against his will, develops a new friendship that is p...more
Consider John J. Asher a Master Wordsmith.
Totally captivated by "A Dignified Exit". Main characters are truly memorable and likeable, even if flawed. Well developed minor characters. I don't want to offer any spoilers, but will admit that my heartstrings were deeply "plucked". The writer impressed me as a master craftsman/wordsmith. He displays an artistic mastery of the written word. Became obvious that this writer has a deep understanding of sketching, painting and fine art. Reflecting that kn...more
Totally captivated by "A Dignified Exit". Main characters are truly memorable and likeable, even if flawed. Well developed minor characters. I don't want to offer any spoilers, but will admit that my heartstrings were deeply "plucked". The writer impressed me as a master craftsman/wordsmith. He displays an artistic mastery of the written word. Became obvious that this writer has a deep understanding of sketching, painting and fine art. Reflecting that kn...more
I really loved almost everything about this book. In some ways it was a bit predictable but it was gentle, warm, and life affirming. Basically, a man, an artist, who knows he has terminal cancer leaves his home, friends, and family to move to Mexico in order to die alone. In a "twist of fate" he meets a young woman who has just been left penniless by her fiance. She ultimately has an extraordinary influence on him. Along the way, she teaches him the importance of friends and family even though s...more
Wow. I just finished this book and immediately started writing a review while my feelings are fresh in my mind. This is a very sweet love story really, love between a father and a son, love between a man and a woman. I won't go into actual details of the story as so many have already done that in prior reviews but I have to say the book captured me around page 100 and I couldn't stop reading until I finished it. My eyes are red and I am snuffling so much that I look like I have a cold so this is...more
I opened this book to refresh my memory of what it was about. I was thinning the books on my Kindle, and thought this might be one to send to the archives for a while. I didn't stop reading until I finished it.
Monroe moves to Mexico, leaving his friends and family behind, including an estranged ex-wife and an adult son who resents him, and he plans to cut all ties and live a reclusive life. Despite himself, he doesn't succeed, particularly when Angelina, a young American left stranded by her na...more
Monroe moves to Mexico, leaving his friends and family behind, including an estranged ex-wife and an adult son who resents him, and he plans to cut all ties and live a reclusive life. Despite himself, he doesn't succeed, particularly when Angelina, a young American left stranded by her na...more
I read this book because it was free on my Kindle and it didn't stir strong feeling of repulsion. I can't say the book changed my life or that I will even remember having read it in 6 months, but it did the job. Not unlike eating plain oatmeal....satisfying enough that you finish it, but not particularly special.
I will say that Asher painted a rather romantic view of Mexico which was rather surprising. I think of Mexico and unfortunately my mind conjures up drug lords, beheadings, poverty and di...more
I will say that Asher painted a rather romantic view of Mexico which was rather surprising. I think of Mexico and unfortunately my mind conjures up drug lords, beheadings, poverty and di...more
When downloading a freebie I do not expect anything above average. Happily this does not always hold true as I found this book to be very entertaining. The author weaves together several story lines- deep friendship,a Spring-Winter romance,how an artist works,a visit to Mexico,family ties,and dealing with death- in a light,coherent satisfying way. The characters were lovable,funny,people you would want to hang with. The ending was emotionally satisfying even if you guess the conclusion.
I think...more
I think...more
Overall, A Dignified Exit was an enjoyable read. However, I felt that the story became drawn out and a bit predictable at some point. The characters were pleasant enough, but I just never felt the emotional attachment to them that I thought I should have with this story. I won't elaborate too much because I hate spoilers. I just expected more emotionally from this story and somehow it fell short. I don't have complaints about having spent my time reading A Dignified Exit. It was entertaining to...more
A DIGNIFIED EXIT kept me reading from beginning to end. John J. Asher has a gift of writing beautiful prose that rarely is seen in today's commercial fiction. Think Barbara Kingsolver, Pat Conroy, or Tom Clancy.
The story has all the elements of a great read: interesting characters, an action filled plot with lots of unexpected twists and turns, and heart. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes good literary fiction.
Retired I.T. Manager/ Author
The story has all the elements of a great read: interesting characters, an action filled plot with lots of unexpected twists and turns, and heart. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes good literary fiction.
Retired I.T. Manager/ Author
I admit I wasn't sure what to expect from this intriguing title. What I found was a charming, occasionally heartwrenching tale of all the ways we try to love one another and find our true selves in the process.
Very different from what I generally read, but I really enjoyed it. I liked the pace and the feel of story - made me want to simplify my life and enjoy my time with my husband, friends and family.
Amazing details - I love the way his words paint the pictures. If you love art, love Mexico, and love a wonderful story - this is it. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Good story. Starts off slowly and draws the reader in slowly but surely. Good characters that are well written and believable. Enjoyed the animals being a part of the story. Loved the author's note at the end explaining a bit of the process.
A charming and thoughtful read. Some may find it too somber as it touches on the end of life and how one may wish to control or manage it.
One of the best books I've ever read in my entire life. Absolutely marvellous and highly recommended.
Captivated by the characters...a heart wrenching look at life. Excellent use of my time!
Likable characters that I wanted to read more to see how it turned out.
This is a surprise! Great read, well written, thoroughly enjoyed!
very sad & somewhat predictable. After a slow start, I enjoyed it.
Just a good read about life, love, and loss.
heartwarming story, beautiful descriptions of Mexico.
Enjoyed the book
This is a good book worth a sadly predictable ending.
I simply could not get hooked. I read the first few pages over and over again but my interest was necer sparked.
Although there were sad parts, this book made me feel really good. The views of Mexico were great and quite a contrast to what we usually hear about going there these days.
May 17, 2013
Jim Carlson
is currently reading it
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