Idle Essence -Tales Of Marvin
In this collection of short stories and novellas, Lee Mueller examines growing up in the Midwest in the late 1960s and into the early 1970s through the character of Marvin Milstead. Marvin is an only child left to his own devices, imagination, and idleness. Each story explores a different point and event in his life. Chocked full of humor and nostalgia set against the backdrop of the Nixon and Ford years.
‘An insightful set of shorts chronicling life as a child in the 60s and 70s.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Reviews:
‘An insightful set of shorts chronicling life as a child in the 60s and 70s.’ - The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
"Idle Essence" is one of the most-delightful accounts of childhood I've read in some time! Marvin Millstead is as close to an "everyboy" as anyone could imagine. Reading about his life -- from "kiddie garden" to playing pool at 14 with his grandfather -- reminded me that growing up can be fascinating, challenging -- and delightfully instructive! Marvin goes through life with open eyes and an open mind, and we're the better for joining him in his quest to understand that bigger world "out there." I really can't recommend "Idle Essence" enough! - A. Kracht
A charming look through the window that was childhood. The nostalgia the stories invoke make me want to relive snippets of my own memories. If I had known him then, I’m certain Marvin and I would have been great friends. - Laura C. Hercules
Idle Essence is everything but idle. However, it does capture an essence--the essence of childhood. Marvin's coming of age is more than a single child's journey toward adulthood. It is a reminder to all of us of the stumbles, falls, but, ultimately, joys that end up creating the people that we become. It is a story of one child's growth which leads us to review a wealth of memories about our own. A treasure. - Peter Genovese.
This is a wonderful book looking at the world through the eyes of Marvin Millstead. Lee Mueller does a fantastic job of showing us the young boy's world through his young eyes and really does paint a great child's perspective and understanding of that world. Reading it reminds me of my own childhood, and discovering the joy of a good book through the works of Beverly Cleary and her characters - particularly Ramona Quimby.
"Idle Essence" is a great read and I can't wait to dive into the next book in what hopes to be a series - "Street Ends No Outlet". - John Dunlap