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A Time To...
A TIME TO… is a story about Al Masterson, a baby boomer and a risk manager who worked in the World Trade Center on 9/11. As Tower One collapsed on him and his companions, he was taken away on a mysterious guided tour of his life. He revisited his childhood in the ‘50s when he had a hard time adapting to his New York City home. A teacher had rescued him from a disastrous year so he gave her a special gift; he couldn’t imagine how that gift would later impact his life.In the turbulent ‘60s, he struggled to become a man, but, his attempt to join a street gang led to a terrible loss that would haunt him for years. His life drifted into the ‘70s until he left New York for Ethiopia where he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer. While there, he experienced a world full of fascinating people and situations. In the process, his life had purpose once again.Jobs as a broadcast journalist and a public relations executive in the 80’s gave him a front row seat to social events that defined the times. But, he learned that high-profile glamorous jobs can be more trouble than they are worth. At the end of his journey, thanks to everything he had experienced on it, he learned that love, faith, hope and charity all survived 9/11 and that his life would never be the same again."The Best, Most Original Book I've Read in Years," says Michelle Danko of Faith Filled Family Magazine. "A TIME TO... is a captivating book right from the beginning. The author's use of words draws readers directly into the story and captivates their interest by making them feel as if they were there...Overall, A TIME TO... is well written, and relatable. It is the best, most original book that I have read in years. It is clearly written, and well thought out. I would highly recommend it.""A GREAT new spiritual book!" says Rutherford Card. Johnson, Anglo-Catholic News Service. "I have had very little time for discretionary reading these days, so when I not only read a book, but call it a page turner, that ought to say something. That is precisely what I would call A Time To... by Ronald Louis Peterson. The novel claims to be a baby boomer's spiritual journey, and it is just that. But, the message is one that ought to resonate with every man, woman, and child, no matter what their age.""A TIME TO... is not a book merely to entertain. It is a book that could provide a healing venue for those who lost loved ones on September 11 and the days afterward. Al Masterson represents all the victims of this tragedy… I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a well-written novel intertwined with historical facts," says Tannia E. Ortiz-Lopés (catholicfiction.net) and publisher of "An Engaging Exploration of Faith, Trust and Hope," says Shaeri Richards, author of Dancing with your Dragon. "If you enjoy exploring issues of trust, faith and hope, 'A Time To...' will provide you with many hours of reading pleasure. I enjoyed reading this book, and my soft heart was melted to tears more than once.""A Must Read for Peace Corps Volunteers, Past and Present," says Barbara Henkin, Peace Corps Volunteer (Jamaica, 1969-71). "Being able to reflect on past experiences and then being able to put them into perspective is a rewarding thing to do. Al Masterson's opportunity to do this (albeit frightening) is an inspiration for readers of this book to do the same. The author, through Al, is very skillful in helping us to answer the 'why' questions we all face in our own lives. Lessons learned during the Peace Corps experience do indeed enhance and enrich the lives of those who serve...the old but true adage that material things don't equal happiness; that we need to give back; that life isn't always fair; that we should always try to look at the "big picture"; that taking risks can cause the discovery of unknown talents; that smiles can equal an "international currency"; that it is so important to "listen to your soul"; and many more."
434 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2010
About the author
Ronald Louis Peterson
1 book4 followersRonald Louis Peterson is a college writing instructor and a freelance writer/marketing communications counselor/voice talent. He is an award-winning public relations executive and broadcast journalist. He served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ethiopia during Haile Selassie's last days as emperor.
A TIME TO... draws from his experiences of growing up in New York City and from his professional life. It is dedicated to families and friends who lost loved ones on 9/11 and all those who have called NYC home at one time in their lives.
He shares his thoughts about A TIME TO... on his blog at www.ronaldlouispeterson.blogspot.com where he also welcomes comments from readers.
You can find articles he has written about various subjects online at: www.helium.com/users/521882
A TIME TO... draws from his experiences of growing up in New York City and from his professional life. It is dedicated to families and friends who lost loved ones on 9/11 and all those who have called NYC home at one time in their lives.
He shares his thoughts about A TIME TO... on his blog at www.ronaldlouispeterson.blogspot.com where he also welcomes comments from readers.
You can find articles he has written about various subjects online at: www.helium.com/users/521882
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 16, 2011
A Time To... by Ronald Louis Peterson gives new meaning and perspective on how our reactions to unexpected and uncontrollable circumstances help build our character.
On September 11, 2001 the world witnessed with horror the terrorist attack on the U.S.A. For New Yorkers like fifty-year-old risk manager, Al Masterson, the explosion of the World Trade Center Twin Towers was to be an unforgettable event.
On that tragic morning Al went to work, as usual, at Tower One. Later on, he and others were running for their lives, trying to escape before the inevitable happened-- the creation of a collective grave as the tower collapsed upon them. Al ends up trapped with two others on a staircase. As the building crashes down on him, an amazing thing happens to him: scenes of important events from Al's past start to replay in front of his eyes, as if he were at a theater. Through this experience, Al relives his childhood’s growing pains and feels remorse for the tragic death of one friend and the incarceration of his dear friend, Tommy. He also vividly recalls his years with the Peace Corps in Ethiopia during the reign and collapse of Haile Selassie.
Once the images stopped appearing --as if it was the end of a movie, Al realized that success throughout his life had a steep price: tragedy, envy, disappointments, and betrayal. He is outraged at the outcome from some of the events shown in his visions.
He feels helpless and in despair since there is no guarantee he will make it alive from Tower One.
The author's attention to detail in describing scenery and engaging situations will have the reader join with Al as he wonders what is happening: Is he dreaming? Is he having an out-of-body experience? Is he already dead? What is the purpose of someone showing all these events to him? Will he and the others make it out of Tower One alive? The answer to all these questions will unfold, but with many twists and turns along the way, and a surprising end.
A Time To... is not a book merely to entertain. More importantly, it honors those who risked their lives trying to save others during the rescue attempts after the airplanes crashed into the Twin Towers. It is a book that could provide a healing venue for those who lost loved ones on September 11 and the days afterward.
Al Masterson represents all the victims of this tragedy—those who survived and those who, as in one of his visions, were covered in ashes and waiting for their next "train stop" in the afterlife while listening to the New York Philharmonic playing Gustav Mahler's “Resurrection Symphony.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a well written novel intertwined with historical facts.
Ecclesiastes 1: “There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens...”
On September 11, 2001 the world witnessed with horror the terrorist attack on the U.S.A. For New Yorkers like fifty-year-old risk manager, Al Masterson, the explosion of the World Trade Center Twin Towers was to be an unforgettable event.
On that tragic morning Al went to work, as usual, at Tower One. Later on, he and others were running for their lives, trying to escape before the inevitable happened-- the creation of a collective grave as the tower collapsed upon them. Al ends up trapped with two others on a staircase. As the building crashes down on him, an amazing thing happens to him: scenes of important events from Al's past start to replay in front of his eyes, as if he were at a theater. Through this experience, Al relives his childhood’s growing pains and feels remorse for the tragic death of one friend and the incarceration of his dear friend, Tommy. He also vividly recalls his years with the Peace Corps in Ethiopia during the reign and collapse of Haile Selassie.
Once the images stopped appearing --as if it was the end of a movie, Al realized that success throughout his life had a steep price: tragedy, envy, disappointments, and betrayal. He is outraged at the outcome from some of the events shown in his visions.
He feels helpless and in despair since there is no guarantee he will make it alive from Tower One.
The author's attention to detail in describing scenery and engaging situations will have the reader join with Al as he wonders what is happening: Is he dreaming? Is he having an out-of-body experience? Is he already dead? What is the purpose of someone showing all these events to him? Will he and the others make it out of Tower One alive? The answer to all these questions will unfold, but with many twists and turns along the way, and a surprising end.
A Time To... is not a book merely to entertain. More importantly, it honors those who risked their lives trying to save others during the rescue attempts after the airplanes crashed into the Twin Towers. It is a book that could provide a healing venue for those who lost loved ones on September 11 and the days afterward.
Al Masterson represents all the victims of this tragedy—those who survived and those who, as in one of his visions, were covered in ashes and waiting for their next "train stop" in the afterlife while listening to the New York Philharmonic playing Gustav Mahler's “Resurrection Symphony.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a well written novel intertwined with historical facts.
Ecclesiastes 1: “There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens...”
January 10, 2012
If you enjoy exploring issues of trust, faith and hope, "A Time To... A Baby Boomer's Spiritual Adventures" by Ronald Louis Peterson will provide you with many hours of reading pleasure. Set during the World Trade Center attack on 9-11, this well written novel focuses on the life of one man caught in the towers during the attack. As he faces his death, protagonist Al Masterson is led on an amazing spiritual adventure back through his life and we journey along with him, from his childhood struggles with a school bully, to his days in Ethiopia as a Peace Corps Volunteer, to his career as a television journalist. As Al is taken back to key moments in his past, we see how his life experiences have caused him to lose faith. "How can God allow this to happen?" is a question that comes up often for him. Yet even though his life has many challenges, Al's higher nature continually inspires his actions. In the end, the purpose of even the most difficult events of Al's life becomes clear, as he chooses to respond with faith rather than bitterness, and compassion rather than revenge. I enjoyed reading this book, and my soft heart was melted to tears more than once.
January 15, 2012
I have had very little time for discretionary reading these days, so when I not only read a book, but call it a page turner, that ought to say something. That is precisely what I would call A Time To... by Ronald Louis Peterson. The novel claims to be a baby boomer's spiritual journey, and it is just that. But, the message is one that ought to resonate with every man, woman, and child, no matter what their age.
Ronald Louis Peterson drew on his own experience growing up in New York, working as a Peace Corp volunteer in Ethiopia, and as a media and public affairs professional. This gives the book a great deal of realism. Also, the novel is filled with historical facts from the various periods of Al Masterson's life. While some younger readers might not know about all of these events, I do not believe this detracts from the message of the story at all. Whether young or old, and no matter where you are in your own faith journey, A Time To... will speak to your heart.
Ronald Louis Peterson drew on his own experience growing up in New York, working as a Peace Corp volunteer in Ethiopia, and as a media and public affairs professional. This gives the book a great deal of realism. Also, the novel is filled with historical facts from the various periods of Al Masterson's life. While some younger readers might not know about all of these events, I do not believe this detracts from the message of the story at all. Whether young or old, and no matter where you are in your own faith journey, A Time To... will speak to your heart.
May 1, 2011
Faith Filled Family Magazine says, "A TIME TO... is a captivating book right from the beginning. The author's use of words draws readers directly into the story and captivates their interest by making them feel as if they were there...
..."Overall, A TIME TO... is well written, and relatable. It is the best, most original book that I have read in years. It is clearly written, and well thought out. I would highly recommend it."
Read Michelle Danko's entire review and inspirational stories in the spring edition of Faith Filled Family Magazine:
http://www.faithfilledfamily.com
The Anglo-Catholic News Service says, "A TIME TO... is a GREAT new spiritual book! I have had very little time for discretionary reading these days, so when I not only read a book, but call it a page turner, that ought to say something. That is precisely what I would call A Time To... by Ronald Louis Peterson. The novel claims to be a baby boomer's spiritual journey, and it is just that. But, the message is one that ought to resonate with every man, woman, and child, no matter what their age.
Read its entire review at: http://anglocatholicnewsservice.blogs...
The Midwest Book Review rates A TIME TO... "Five Stars" and says that "It is a thoughtful read."
Read its entire review at: http://midwestbookreview.com/mbw/apr_...
CatholicFiction.net says, "A TIME TO... is a special look at life and the people God places there to help us as we grow in faith, hope, love and charity."
Read Jody Rakis' entire review at:
http://www.catholicfiction.net/2010/1...
..."Overall, A TIME TO... is well written, and relatable. It is the best, most original book that I have read in years. It is clearly written, and well thought out. I would highly recommend it."
Read Michelle Danko's entire review and inspirational stories in the spring edition of Faith Filled Family Magazine:
http://www.faithfilledfamily.com
The Anglo-Catholic News Service says, "A TIME TO... is a GREAT new spiritual book! I have had very little time for discretionary reading these days, so when I not only read a book, but call it a page turner, that ought to say something. That is precisely what I would call A Time To... by Ronald Louis Peterson. The novel claims to be a baby boomer's spiritual journey, and it is just that. But, the message is one that ought to resonate with every man, woman, and child, no matter what their age.
Read its entire review at: http://anglocatholicnewsservice.blogs...
The Midwest Book Review rates A TIME TO... "Five Stars" and says that "It is a thoughtful read."
Read its entire review at: http://midwestbookreview.com/mbw/apr_...
CatholicFiction.net says, "A TIME TO... is a special look at life and the people God places there to help us as we grow in faith, hope, love and charity."
Read Jody Rakis' entire review at:
http://www.catholicfiction.net/2010/1...
May 25, 2011
I was drawn to this book because of its reference to 9/11 but this story only begins there. This is a story of Al Masterson who finds himself buried beneath the rubble of Twin Tower 1 following the plane crash. From there, he enters a dream like stance wherein he is given to recall instances in his life, both good and bad, that helped him become the man he was. This is also a journey of a man finding his spirituality.
A Time To is long, at 422 pages including the prologue and epilogue and I found it difficult to stay with it. The story is good, it just didn't reach out and grab me. I was not spell-bound. There are certain elements within the story that are very good, such as Al's time as a TV news journalist. I was captivated at that point, but the rest, between the 9/11 incident (which is amazingly told!!) and Al's time as journalist and beyond, was a little slow. Ronald Louis Peterson wraps it all up cleanly, though the instances of "running into" people from his various stations in life near the end of the book, seem a bit too much, too coincidental.
A Time To is long, at 422 pages including the prologue and epilogue and I found it difficult to stay with it. The story is good, it just didn't reach out and grab me. I was not spell-bound. There are certain elements within the story that are very good, such as Al's time as a TV news journalist. I was captivated at that point, but the rest, between the 9/11 incident (which is amazingly told!!) and Al's time as journalist and beyond, was a little slow. Ronald Louis Peterson wraps it all up cleanly, though the instances of "running into" people from his various stations in life near the end of the book, seem a bit too much, too coincidental.
April 9, 2011
Peterson has taken us on a tour of the life of Al Masterson. We join him on September and then travel with him as he makes connections with past friends and the way they have affected his life and he has affected theirs. We see things come full circle for him. We see his faith grow and waver, then grow again. This is a trip down memory lane with this spiritual growth attached like a time line. This was a different type of book for me to read but one I still enjoyed.
March 31, 2011
Follow the link below and read my review:
http://shereads-sheblogs.blogspot.com...
~Melissa
http://shereads-sheblogs.blogspot.com...
~Melissa
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews