Roger B. Thomas Libri

The tales in The Last Ugly Person and Other Stories explore these and other themes using a variety of mythological settings. Both entertaining and thought provoking, these short stories are novellas written from an unapologetically Christian viewpoint. Awash in hope, yet fully recognizing the agony of sin and destruction, these stories avoid both sugary unreality and bleak pessimism, weaving instead a rich and intricate tapestry that reflects the complex ways in which man responds to the call of Christ. These are very well told stories that are enjoyable to read, and at the same time incarnate Christian truths in a way that is genuinely literary and quite believable, while indirectly delving into the deeper meaning of the human personality, the mystery of evil, and the goodness of God. Book jacket.

What does heroism look like? When does friendship become too costly? Do we ever truly touch one another, or are we doomed to walk alone forever? Can love survive trials, or does it inevitably wither and die? The Accidental Marriage is a contemporary story that explores these questions through vibrant, sympathetic characters whose struggles and triumphs illustrate that love doesn't always look like you would expect. Scott and Megan are friends who live and work in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. Mostly contented with their jobs and same-sex relationships, they meet for lunch and sympathetic conversation from time to time. When Megan's partner wants a baby, Scott offers to help. The ensuing complications force Scott and Megan to grapple with how much they're willing to sacrifice for friendship and for the child they've conceived. When Megan's situation unravels, Scott must step up to responsibilities he's never assumed before. Then his circumstances start to crumble, and a series of misfortunes strip them of everything but each other.