The Walking Man

by Wright Forbucks

Now and then a story comes along that changes the way you look at life and love, such is the tale of "the walking man." Loosely based on a true story, this novella presents a powerful and original narrative about the value of persistence. Set in a mythical hospital filled with comic characters THE WALKING MAN delivers intense moments laughter and heartbreak within an amazingly original plot. Written in a purposefully direct and easy-to-read style, THE WALKING MAN is a modern day fable with an inspirational message for one and all: never give up!

Fiction. 41,000 words.

Genres: Contemporary, Humor, Fiction, Romance

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 25, 2011

About the author

Wright Forbucks writes dark comic fiction. His works feature a wicked sense of humor and plots involving spiritual quests. In addition to the critically acclaimed, THE WALKING MAN, Mr. Grist has written three other novels, including BILLY GRIST, EVEN STEVEN and THE GENERAL STORE. In addition to writing Mr. Grist is an inventor. He is married and the father of three young boys. He also has a degree from a school that begins with "H" that is located Cambridge, MA. So, he really isn't an idiot :)

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my, what a read! You cannot not read this! From cringeworthy moments, to laugh out loud moments. From moments of giving up, to moments of perseverance.
Love, hate, friendship....

Full review found here.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different book and a pleasant surprise. I'm not fond of books about "the triumph of the human spirit". You know, the books about how one overcomes being born without knuckles or whatever other malady you may have and then you go on to climb mt everest or win olympic gold. I hate that stuff, but that is exactly what this book is about and i loved it, mostly for its sense of humor. This is the story of a quadriplegic who ends up in a very nice hospital and falls in love with one of the girls who comes in to read for him. To say any more would give too much away. If you read it i want you to enjoy the surprises as they come along.

[Melissa Hinton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

Started out sad but then got weird at the end.
It was ok, it just went in a direction that I didn't expect it to.

[Wendy Cartmell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe is meant to help any author, whether they are traditionally published or self-published. This book is designed to encourage and inspire authors in their craft, and give creative ideas that can improve sales and grow an author platform. (Author description)

The Indie Author's Guide to the Universe by Jeff Bennington is another `how to' book for self published authors. But instead of flowery padding and buzz words, here is a book that tells it as it is. It is a realistic yet uplifting and encouraging guide to all those wanting to publish their novel. It starts at the beginning with the writing process and ends with the marketing of your finished product. Mr Bennington guides his readers through the whole process with actual examples drawn from his own experience. He shares his marketing strategies as easy step by step guides, giving authors all the information they need should they wish to try them out.

If you are looking to buy a `how to' book for advice on publishing your baby in this new social media era, then this is the only one you will need. Hats off to Mr Bennington for his achievements and for writing such a brilliant book. I am grateful he has shared his strategies, many of which I'm going to use myself!

[David Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Walking Man is a no-holds-barred account of a man who became a quadriplegic in his youth, learned how to cope with it but who never gave up believing that his condition could be overcome. Written using a fast-moving, wise-cracking style, Wright Forbucks (why do I suspect that is a pen-name?) displays an unexpectedly strong literary talent. The writing is at the same time sparse yet compelling, detailed where necessary and often outrageously hilarious. Mr Forbucks has managed to put a difficult subject into a new perspective, perhaps best summarised by one of his characters who comments that the quadriplegic isn't ill, he's just a man who can't move. Quite what it's doing listed on Amazon under Horror/Dark Fantasy I am not really sure, except that it shows up well on the ratings. It deserves to be far more mainstream.The Kindle edition finished with an excerpt from Even Steven which appears to be equally entertaining and which I shall certainly buy. Highly recommended.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

After recently reading Even Steven, I couldn't wait to read more Forbucks and it was with high expectations that I began this book.

A couple of chapters in I wasn't sure if this book would deliver -- in hindsight those chapters were needed to properly set the stage for the rest of the story -- but halfway in the writing style and tone had changed to those that had made me enamored with (or "enamored of" if that is more to your liking) Even Steven.

Forbucks is technical and intelligent without being boring and dark humor is ever present. His characters become real to you and you will find yourself rooting for them as if you were watching Rudy.

Forbucks takes periodic swipes at religion, Republicans and can be crass -- those are the only things that stop this from being a must read for everyone. But if those things match your personality or if your skin isn't too thin, then quickly go about remedying the disservice you have been doing yourself by not having read this book.

[J.J. Toner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I probably see 10-20 "read my book" messages a day from/by indie authors. I ignore them for the most part, because I have so little disposable time. I picked up this book on an impulse and read it. It cost me a day when I should have been writing, but it was worth it. The story is a sort of modern fable, a tale of persistence, self-discovery and redemption. It's a novella (42,000 words) and I found it easy to read and quite enjoyable. I gave it 5 stars for the quality of the writing and the directness of the story. Part of the story reminded me of "Flowers for Algernon", btw.

[Gae-Lynn Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of inspiration, self-discovery, and remarkable achievement in the face of great odds, THE WALKING MAN had my attention from page one. In spite of the dark nature of this story, I found myself laughing out loud at the stark, no-holds-barred style of this novella’s narrator. The author states that the book is loosely based on a true story, and the characters are too bizarre to be anything but completely drawn from real life.

A fast, very enjoyable read that I highly recommend.

[Mary]

teenage boy is inexplicably paralyzed. His family tries to care for him, but tragedy ensues causing the young man to be institutionalized. At Leicester County Hospital, a facility dedicated to excellence in everything it does, our hero learns to deal with his anger, and then finds love when a volunteer stops by to read the New York Times. Despite their spiritual connection, physical desires deter their union forcing 'the walking man' to devise a plan to win back the one he loves...

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written story of a parapalegic who falls in love with a young woman, and his struggle with unrequited love. Although this could be a depressing book, it made me laugh in many parts. The story deals with many emotions that we all feel and although the ending is pretty far fetched, it leaves you rejoicing. It was a good and quick read.

[M. Joseph Murphy]

If you want an example of a great first line, pick this up. It immediately sets tone, scene, and character. All that in the first line. I am not a fan of the cover but get past that to the writing.

After that...hilarious. Fun character who is aware if his racism. Some really nice writing choices.

[Kevin Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was truly an odd one. I am not sure I "buy" the premise and the storyline. But, perhaps that is just me.

You kind of know from the very beginning where this story will end. And that is OK. Because some of the other characters that you meet along the way make it well worth the journey.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't always download a book promoted to me in a Twitter direct message, but this one offered a free download, so I thought, what the heck, I'll put it on my Kindle. I am so glad I did! It was a wonderfully written, witty, and poignant tale of a quadriplegic and his adjustment to life.

[Suzanne Morrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am just not sure.

It was an interesting book, helpful to have something sort of light to read to distract me a bit from my mother's illness, but still just a little odd. I don't care for the ending, too anticlimactic.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Who would've ever thought a book about the life of a paraplegic could be so full of humor? Perfect mix of fun along with serious subject matter. I'll definitely read more books by Mr. "Wright Forbucks". :)

[Jeanette Hornby · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engrossing, unusual, sad, yet humorous story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Recommended.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some foul language. Interesting story of quadriplegic that falls in love with volunteer reader. Quick read.

[Sylvie O'rourke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Humorous but far-fetched. Reads like a biography but as you get into it you realize it is more of a satire. Entertaining but not overly memorable.