"Becoming Stardust" is a work of fiction that is pure entertainment! It is an endearing literary "romp" that features murder, mayhem, justice, astronomy, young love, quirky museums, and mystical dream sequences involving native peoples.
When Judge Thaddeus Nathan sentences a crazed killer to life in a federal prison, no one could imagine that Curly Algol would escape, seeking revenge on the Judge and his young neighbor, Wade Henry, causing tragedies and heartache from the cornfields of Indiana to the final scenes in the majestic Canadian Rockies. "Becoming Stardust" is an intriguing story whose major purpose is to entertain the reader with an adventure that pits good against evil, while portraying two men, one age 18 and the other age 70, as they embarck on a "walk-about" of sorts across North America to find their futures after suffering devastating losses.
While the focus of this novel is entertainment, there are several elements that make the reader want to read more: The killer is such a despicable character that you really love to hate him! Judge Thaddeus Nathan is a wise, revered man attemtping to recover his life after his wife's brutal murder. Her does this by befriending his neighbor, Wade Henry, who lost his father in the same brutal attack. Together, they drive across America's northern plains toward Alberta, Canada; asking questions about life and stargazing, fishing, and avoiding crazy Curly Algol who is hell-bent on their demises.
In addition to the intrigue of the chase, "Becoming Stardust" is filled with fanciful dream sequences and magnificent astronomical images, including those of Australian Aborigines and Native Americans. The novel is also a story that young adults will enjoy because of the tender relationship that Wade develops with Kayla; plus his coming to grips with college and adulthood. For recently retired Judge Thaddeus Nathan, it is a story that speaks of justice, loyalty, and living life on one's own terms as much as possible.
The visual images that the book creates are stunning and worthy of cinematic production. The exciting conclusion in Maligne Canyon near Jasper, Alberta is testimony to the strength of two friends as they stick together in fending off pure evil. As Judge Nathan says, "In the end we are all becoming stardust. It's how we live our lives that defines our legacies."
