Memory Layne: Catawba Island to Chincoteague Island($24.95Value)

Description

With his white beard and red suspenders, his salty good humor, harmonica, and bucket of tall tales, Zeke Layne is one of those memorable characters you can still occasionally find - whether it be a Chincoteague Island waterman or retired Cape Cod fisherman or charter boat skipper in the Florida Keys, or in the case of Memory Layne, Bob Adamov's poignant word portrait, a former Miller ferry boat captain on Lake Erie. Zeke lives with his daughter, teenage granddaughter and golden lab in an old mobile home, built on steel pilings at the Miller Ferry Catawba dock, with a view from his deck of South Bass Island. Alzheimer's and a worrisome heart condition haven't stopped him from his daily routine of entertaining passengers waiting at the Catawba dock to board the ferry or caring for his Chincoteague pony. It's not a bad life, even having to deal with two rapacious stepdaughters and their biker pals. But when the unthinkable happens, Zeke must summon all his fading resources in a madcap dash to a safe haven. Adamov populates his story with a cast of unforgettable characters who teach us about the power of love, and prove, as Hemingway once said, that man can be destroyed, but not defeated. Memory Layne is a thoroughly enjoyable read! – Paul Kemprecos, New York Times best-selling author 'Memory Layne' is a moving story Wooster author Bob Adamov's affecting new novel "Memory Layne" is not part of his Emerson Moore adventure series, so there is no bioterrorism, human trafficking or mob hit men. The enemy here is just as insidious, as Zeke Layne is faced with the cruel prospect of Alzheimer's disease. Like Emerson Moore, Layne is based in the Lake Erie Islands: Moore in Put-in-Bay; Layne, Catawba. Twice-widowed Layne, nearing 80 years old, is a retired captain from the island ferry service. He lives in a cramped mobile home with his dog, his daughter Cathy and his granddaughter Michelle. Layne spends most days entertaining the ferry passengers in the waiting area, telling corny jokes and playing his harmonica. Cathy and Michelle aren't too worried that Layne tells the same stories over and over, but they're quite concerned that he forgets his cardiologist appointments. His card-playing friends are understanding when he forgets what suit is trump, but one night Layne doesn't come home from his euchre night, having forgotten where he lives. "Memory Layne," however, is not only a heartrending domestic drama. Layne has two trashy, ice-cold stepdaughters who are determined to swindle him of his assets. They aren't counting on Cathy and Michelle's devotion, but it will take more than devotion to stop these despicable predators. The stepdaughters' characters are one-dimensional, with no redeeming qualities, but this is mitigated by Layne's moving story. - Akron Beacon Journal New Bob Adamov novel has a realistic tone Local author Bob Adamov goes in a different direction with his new novel, "Memory Layne," about a retired ferry boat captain struggling with memory problems as he battles Alzheimer's disease. Adamov is best known for his series of mystery adventure books starring Emerson Moore, fast-moving tales about an investigative reporter who battles drug gangs and other criminals. But "Memory Layne" is about Zeke Layne, who lives near the Miller Boat Line dock on Catawba Island who likes to entertain passengers waiting to board the ferry with stories about his days as a ferry boat captain. There's suspense in the new book, but it's based on realistic scenarios. Two stepdaughters want to take advantage of Miller's condition, and a recent family tragedy, by getting their hands on his life savings. Adamov, who lives in Wooster but spends plenty of time in Put-in-Bay, said he wanted to challenge himself to write a story that wasn't an adventure novel. Adamov said he usually begins his books with an exciting adventure sequence. Instead, "Memory Layne" opens with Layne, 80, sitting in his deck chair on his front porch, watching seagulls over Lake Erie. The book deals with tragedy and loss but also has plenty of humor, and Adamov says readers told him they have "laughed and cried" while turning the pages. He said the new book has been his fastest-selling book. As in past books, "Memory Layne" mixes fictional characters with real people, although in some cases details of the person have been changed. And many of the book's incidents are based on real life. "I've had a lot of friends or family members go through Alzheimer's," Adamov said. In one incident, Layne walks out of a barber shop and reports his vehicle as stolen because he's forgotten where he parked it. Adamov said that really happened to his uncle. "I enjoyed doing this. Some people want me to do more of this kind of book," Adamov said. Those readers apparently will have to wait. Adamov said his next three books will put Emerson Moore back into action. Adamov's previous novel, "Assateague Dark," ended with a cliffhanger. Moore's aunt in Put-in-Ba