Academic Leave
From King's Row to Smokey Row
by
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The main character of this book set in 1910, Ralph Hammer, is thrown out of the university just before graduation for a major indiscretion that, in our day and age, would not even be considered an indiscretion. Bitter at life's unfair treatment of him, he is forced to work the rest of his life in a blacksmith shop that he, as the eldest son, inherits upon his father's death. His life is turned around by his godly wife and by commiting his life to Christ, but his faith is severly challenged when he allows old resentments and bitterness to get the upper hand. He ends up going to prison, but is released and pardoned by the very man who was responsible for sending him there. He ends his life fully restored to God and society and , in the end, marries the woman he had always loved.
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About the Book
Confronting the issue of our society’s worship of success, the author tells the story of a man who fails in society’s eyes but ultimately succeeds in God’s eyes. Walk through life with the main character as he learns the true meaning of success and life and learns how to forgive himself for his unexpected failures and others for failing to live up to his expectations.
About the Author
The author grew up in a family where academics were highly stressed. In spite of the honor of obtaining a BA in English from Cornell University, the author realized that he had not yet discovered the missing piece of the puzzle of life. He turned his life over to Jesus in 1992 and has known the joy of walking with the one who is the way, the truth, and the life. He has been a writer and journalist most of his life.