This work of fiction highlights four highly successful women in the business world who have been long time friends.  One evening when out together and enjoying a fabulous glass of their favorite wine the topic of conversation turns to the glass ceiling still prevalent in the business world today.  They devise a scheme to attempt to break or at least scratch the thickest glass ceiling of them all, that of the priesthood.  It is the story of their success or failure and the many obstacles thrown in the path of Father James, (Jane).  Does it make a difference? I leave that up to the reader to decide.

 Exerpt from STONE AND MORTAR

     As I lie here on what is to become my deathbed I think back those many years ago when this all started.  Tonight I plan on putting an end to it all.  It was a grand scheme, which we had all hoped would open mankind’s eyes to the inequality of it all.  It began as a dare and is ending tonight as I have decided this deception has gone on far too long.  Only through my death will the truth come to light.  I pray for two things as I lay here waiting for these pills to write the final chapter of my life. Please Lord let someone kind adopt my precious cat and let the truth of my voyage open mankind’s eyes to the unfairness of it all.  I have lived a long life, experienced more than my share of injustices in this world, which I felt at one time, held such grand hope for mankind.  “Please Lord, have mercy on my soul and forgive myself, Rosemary, Cindy and Carol for our transgressions.”

 In 2009, author John W. Parsons began his latest book, UNSELFISH, which is an exposé on mankind’s flaws and failings. Centered on the Civil War,  it is for all intents and purposes historical fiction.  The story revolves around Joseph, his son John, a doctor friend (OLD DOC) and two other faithful friends who answer the call of that period to help end the abhorrent practice of slavery and to reuninte the states of America.  What they thought would be a short-lived adventure turned out to be hell of earth. Lives were lost from bullets, disease and the mental torment of their experiences.  It is their story and meant to solicit thoughts in the readers’ mind on man’s failures.  As Albert Einstein said, “only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.”

Even though the book is for all intents and  purposes historical fiction, it is loosely based on a few letters passed down through the generations, as well as stories that have withstood the passage of time.  Stories concerning the role of the author's ancestors during that period and that can only be described as mankind’s inhumanity to man.

During the writing of this book, Joseph, the lead character, visited the author's home on at least one paranormal occasion. There were also probable sightings of  other characters that are central to the book.  They, along with the author, encourage the reader of UNSELFISH to ponder mankind’s future.

Find out, after reading the book, what OLD DOC’s predictions are by solving his cipher. Learn what he thinks is the future of mankind.  OLD DOC loved to challenge what little brainpower man uses.  After living through this living torment on earth, trying to save those he could from the butchery of man, he put his final thoughts into his code in asking at the end of the book, “ Why isn’t Jesus smiling?”

As Pluto said, “ONLY THE DEAD HAVE SEEN THE END OF WAR.”  This book is meant to be a crossroads between mankind’s present and future. If the wrong path continues to be traveled, mankind will cease to exist.  Time is running out!