Fractalization and Thought

by Bob Mustin

Mickey Hawkins is seeking a doctorate degree, but first he has to decide on a specific subject matter. He's fascinated with the nature of thought, but that leaves him open to more philosophical complications than he feels able to handle alone. He discusses the subject with friend, Corrigan Emery, who holds a PhD in math.But this eventually leaves him caught between Corrigan, academic advisor Holcomb Norwell, and Mickey's comfort with university culture. The book is a tour de force portrayal melding intuition and intellectualism in a rapidly evolving world of ideas.

 

174 pages, Paperback

Published January 31, 2025

About the author

I've had a brief naval career and a longer one as a civil engineer in Georgia. During the early '90s, I was the editor of a small literary journal, The Rural Sophisticate, based in Georgia. In 2003, I was a North Carolina Writers Network writer-in-residence at Peace College under the late Doris Betts' guiding hand. My work has appeared in The Rockhurst Review, Elysian Fields Quarterly, Cooweescoowee, Under The Sun, Gihon River Review, Reflections Literary Journal, and at thesquaretable.com, raving dove, Sport Literate, The Externalist, Language and Culture, and R.KV.R.Y in electronic form. I also have two novels and one novella to my credit. A collection of connected short stories will be published late in 2012 or early 2013.

Reviews

[Christoper Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Fractalization and Thought through my Book Club Group, and it’s turning out to be one of the most intellectually engaging reads I’ve picked up this year. Bob Mustin takes a deep dive into the intricate relationship between thought, intuition, and academia through the eyes of Mickey Hawkins, a PhD student wrestling with both his thesis topic and his own philosophy of mind.

The story explores the tension between reason and intuition, student and mentor, idealism and practicality all wrapped in an elegant, reflective narrative. Mustin’s writing style feels both cerebral and deeply human, offering philosophical insight without losing emotional resonance.

I’m still working my way through it, but I already appreciate how it challenges the reader to think about how we think.

[Allyson Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Fractalization and Thought through Anjola Book Exposure, and it immediately caught my attention with its unique premise. The novel follows Mickey Hawkins, a doctoral student navigating the complex world of academia while trying to define the nature of thought itself. Torn between his mathematical friend Corrigan Emery and his advisor Holcomb Norwell, Mickey’s intellectual journey becomes a mirror for the reader’s own process of reflection.

What stands out is how Mustin merges philosophy and storytelling he doesn’t just describe ideas, he dramatizes them. It’s both a psychological study and a meditation on consciousness.


I’m still reading, but so far, it’s a fascinating, mind-expanding experience that feels both modern and timeless.

[James Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard about Fractalization and Thought from Anjola Book Exposure, and I’m so glad I picked it up.

Bob Mustin presents a fascinating story centered on Mickey Hawkins, a doctoral student wrestling with the elusive nature of thought itself. Torn between intuition, intellect, and the pressures of academia, Mickey’s conversations with mathematician Corrigan Emery and his advisor Holcomb Norwell spiral into profound reflections on consciousness, logic, and human understanding.

What stands out most is how Mustin fuses philosophy, mathematics, and psychology without losing the emotional thread. The prose is polished yet accessible, and the pacing keeps you intellectually engaged. For readers who enjoy a blend of story and deep thinking this book delivers beautifully.

[Olivia Haye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book through our book club, and it exceeded expectations. Bob Mustin’s Fractalization and Thought isn’t just a story it’s a study in how we think, how we reason, and how our inner worlds shape reality.

Mickey Hawkins’s academic journey becomes a metaphor for the evolution of human understanding. His interactions with Corrigan Emery and Holcomb Norwell expose the friction between intuition and analysis, emotion and intellect.

Mustin’s writing is elegant, deliberate, and rich with meaning. Every dialogue feels like a step deeper into the mind’s labyrinth. It’s the kind of book that invites re-reading not because it’s hard to follow, but because it’s too rewarding to rush through.

[Sabrina Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard about Fractalization and Thought through my Book Club Group and I’m genuinely intrigued. The story follows Mickey Hawkins, a doctoral candidate wrestling with not just academic choices but the very nature of thought itself. His search for a thesis topic leads him into complex intellectual territory with the influence of his friend, mathematician Corrigan Emery, and his academic advisor Holcomb Norwell. This book seems to explore how intuition and intellect collide in the pursuit of knowledge. The premise feels both philosophical and human. Can’t wait to read the whole book and dive deeper into this world of evolving ideas.

[Carole Race · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by my Book Club Group, this book instantly caught my attention. Bob Mustin crafts a thoughtful narrative around Mickey Hawkins, a graduate student torn between academic expectations and his personal journey of intellectual discovery. The conversations around consciousness, self-awareness, and academia are rich and compelling. The dynamic between Mickey and Corrigan introduces a deeper look into how we structure our own thoughts. The themes feel timely, especially in a world shaped by constant information and innovation. Can’t wait to read the whole book and see where Mickey’s intellectual struggle leads him.

[Ethan Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book club chose Fractalization and Thought for this month’s discussion, and it sparked one of our most engaging conversations yet.

The novel follows Mickey Hawkins, a PhD student searching for his research focus, only to become entangled in philosophical debates that blur the line between logic and emotion. Mustin does a brilliant job capturing the intellectual restlessness that drives academic and creative minds alike.

While some sections feel dense, the payoff is worth it the narrative mirrors the fractal complexity of thought itself. It’s a book that rewards patience and reflection, leaving you with questions long after you close it.

[Maestro Laycon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about this title from Anjola Book Exposure and I’m currently reading it. So far, Bob Mustin delivers a refreshing blend of philosophy, psychology, and academia wrapped into a character-driven story. Mickey Hawkins’s search for a dissertation topic becomes a metaphor for deeper human curiosity how do we think, and why does it matter? The narrative doesn’t rush and instead allows space for contemplation. Loving the detailed intellectual conversations and how Mustin tackles the complexity of thought.

[Olivia Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovered through Anjola Book Exposure, and I’m currently reading it. The writing is eloquent, layered, and surprisingly emotionally engaging. Mickey is more than just a student—he’s a thinker at war with the limits of academic structure. The tension between him, his mentor Holcomb Norwell, and Corrigan Emery creates an engaging triangle of influence that pushes Mickey in conflicting directions. This book doesn’t shy away from tough questions about identity, purpose, and intellectual honesty. A brilliant read so far.

[Candy Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thoughtful Journey into the Mind” Review by Leah Grant (via Anjola Book Exposure)
Thanks to Anjola Book Exposure, I found this hidden gem. The book dives into the intellectual chaos of trying to define thought itself, but it’s grounded in a compelling story of friendship and ambition. Some parts are dense, but that’s what makes it rewarding it demands your attention. For readers who enjoy academic settings and reflective storytelling, this one stands out.

[Cassie Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for Book Clubs and Deep Discussions” Review by Tolu A. (via BOOK CLUB GROUP)
Our BOOK CLUB GROUP picked Fractalization and Thought for last month’s read, and the discussion was unforgettable. Every member interpreted Mickey’s inner conflict differently, which speaks to the book’s depth. It’s the kind of novel that grows on you after each chapter full of questions about intellect, purpose, and belonging. Bob Mustin has written something truly timeless.