Novels
Both of these books are available in paperback and digital format at Amazon. Chance is appropriate for younger readers (YA) and was written with them in mind. An Ass’s Tale contains language and scenes less suitable for those younger than high school age and wouldn’t be very understandable or enjoyable for them.
The idea behind this book
The Golden Ass, a story about a young man transformed into an ass written by Lucius Apuleius in the second century AD (possibly an adaptation of an earlier Greek work), is one of the oldest works of fiction that can be considered a novel. But it’s not just a venerable piece of literature – it’s a hoot to read. I thought so the first time I read it, and have had that opinion confirmed with each re-reading over the years. see more
Listen to a short reading from the novel
Preview (read an extract)
I wasn’t always an ass. But that’s what I became, to my great sorrow and consternation. No use denying it or mincing words. An ass, plain and simple, is what I was. When I glimpsed my reflection in a muddy pool of water, I saw nothing but a brutish animal. Looking at me you would never guess the complex thoughts percolating through my mind or fathom the intricate workings of my brain. You wouldn’t know what memories I cherished or what hopes sustained me, or have an inkling of my true worth. To you I would be nothing but a thick-skinned, braying, four-legged beast with a shaggy, frazzled tail and pointy ears.
“Whoa! Hold it right there,” I hear you say, a bemused, incredulous smile on your face. “Are you telling us you were once an ordinary person and got turned into an ass?”
I know how absurd it sounds. I didn’t believe it myself – I didn’t want to believe it – so I understand your skepticism. But bear with me and I’ll tell you the whole story from the beginning.
I was a young man in the prime of my life. I’d just completed my studies at the university. It took a while, I admit, but not because of lack of intelligence or diligence. I’m sure I’m not the only one to spend seven years as an undergraduate. It took me a while to find my niche, to locate a suitable field of study. Maybe you had a similar experience yourself. I floundered around for a time, switching majors and universities again and again before I homed in on what I was meant to do with my life. see more
Resources
When the hapless hero of this tale begins his journey he listens to a mixed tape as he drives. In other parts of the novel, characters perform, hear and think about songs. To help readers appreciate the role of the songs mentioned in the novel, YouTube videos of all them have been embedded in this site. They’re fun whether you know the songs or not. see more
The story behind this book
Reading with my kids before bedtime when they were younger was one of the great pleasures of parenthood for me. It gave me the chance to read lots of books that I thoroughly enjoyed and an excuse to catch up on authors that I missed out on when I was younger. Reading together was always more than just reading. There were questions that popped up, explanations about words, places and events, digressions into personal matters and memories stirred up by what we were reading – all of which added immensely to the experience. see more
Listen to a short reading from the novel
Preview (read an extract)
As Jeremy dressed and got ready for school, he was haunted by his dream as well as the strange tingling he had felt in his fingers. He went through his morning routine on auto-pilot, without really paying attention to what he was doing. He ate his breakfast, a bowl of cornflakes, without tasting a morsel of it. As he was getting ready to leave the house, he spent a few minutes looking around for his backpack until he realized that it was already on his back. This did not bode well for his day at school, since he was more likely to do something embarrassing if he was distracted. see more
Resources
This section provides information about poems, songs, people and events that play a role in the novel. Videos, audio clips and texts of matters referred to, from a poem by Frost to the Geneva Conventions to an aria from Rigoletto, can be viewed at the click of a button to promote understanding and enjoyment of the book. see more
Teaching Module
This 5-part module is for teachers and parents who would like to use this book or other works of fiction as a teaching tool. The first section introduces the pedagogical principles underlying the practical and specific activities and strategies presented in the other sections. Click the links below to access the sections.