Title: The Promise
Author: Cramer Louis Jackson
Publisher:  Toplink Publishing, LLC
ASBN:  BO204203200
Pages: 34
Genre: Fiction, Novella
Reviewed by: Barbara Miller

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When a brutal fight occurs over a dispute for a parking space, Manuel’s father is hurt and rushed to the hospital. After a short time, Manuel is summoned to his father’s bedside when he is asked to fulfill a promise to his dying dad. The promise is for Manuel to work for a man who has shown his dad kindness and support in the past; Manuel assures his dad he would do what he asked. His dad dies soon thereafter, hence the title, The Promise.

This begins the story of Manuel carrying out his father’s last wish. As very strange and fortuitous events begin to unfold, author Cramer Louis Jackson packs an incredible amount of philosophy, psychology and human societal issues throughout what is a rather short novella. I am reluctant to tell you about what specifically happens – on the risk of being a plot spoiler, but I was impressed with some of the secret ways Manuel acted to avoid being noticed by others as to what has occurred. These sequencing of events brings to mind the question; what would you, the reader, do under similar circumstances?

Jackson tells the story with complete third person narration, not having any dialog within the galley text, so readers get a high level view of the actions of the characters without being drawn into their personalities. Readers do observe qualities of integrity, honesty and philanthropic generosity exercised by Manuel without any narcissistic need for self-promotion. This brings the story out of the situation in which the events occur and into the realm of morality. It will teach people ways to improve their own thinking – and if these conditions already exist in readers, then it will strengthen their own internal support of their beliefs.

The Promise is a short book which will leave a long impression on those who read it. In many ways it transcends age groups. Adult readers will enjoy the fast – to the point – sequence of events with a lingering theme; young-adults will enjoy its plot as a teaching experience; and if read to children will convey the moral of doing the right thing which is important. In a way, “less is more” as The Promise will leave readers inspired, I promise.