Seeking redemption and searching for value in his life, Tommy retraces his youth. He grows up on a farm, develops life impacting complexes, and moves to the city. It's a long hard struggle filled with loneliness and heartache; but with help from several enigmatic young women, he earns his happiness. As Tommy thoroughly chews up his life, he spits out tiny seeds of homespun wisdom and offers Farmboy-style social or political commentary sure to raise some eyebrows.
The Muse is basically a collection of short stories woven together to form one novel. The first part is a character study with random reflections into the past. The second part is a chronological coming-of-age story; and the third is primarily romance, with a little romantic tragedy in the mix. The last section is just one chapter that wraps everything up and clearly states the moral, if it hasn't already hit the reader between the eyes and dragged him down the pages. Tommy Farmboy doesn't mince words and is always directly in your face. The best way to describe the book is to let it talk.
"It smells like you, Tom. I like the way you smell," she explained.... "If you really like the way I smell, I can leave my sneakers and gym shorts out for you, too," he taunted.... he liked her wearing his shirt.... When she slipped it off and gave it back, it was warm and smelled like her.... Tall spires, brick facades, double wooden doors, and large Southern columns seemed to exude an air of wealth and extravagance... completely betrayed by unadorned, semi-empty strip centers lining the outskirts.... Often, these self-important, self-righteous, once-upon-a-time high school nerds were more interested in establishing themselves at a higher level of the political and social stratospheres than in any real legal justice.
Growing up on a farm meant you did a ton of things you didn't want to do... Rover was quite a pig; but like all young boars, his time had to come...The bullet wasn't meant to kill him, at least not instantly.... It was important...that his heart continued beating as long as possible.
Back then he bawled so hard that his chest heaved and convulsed, and both snot and tears ran down his face like the Mississippi flowing to the Gulf ... She was an angel, far too good for Tommy.... Katey teased, "Remember, any girl you go out with is always hot, no matter what the temperature is, and you'll do ok".... (Katey) "You know what I always say, Mom. If rape is inevitable, just lie back and enjoy it."....pointing to the small diamond ring, Julianne replied, "I've had a really nice time in Hampton this weekend (officer). My mother did this, didn't she?"
