The Genie in Ferry Park

About the Book

Writer F. Scott Fitzgerald once remarked, "In a real dark night of the soul it is always three o'clock in the morning, day after day." In a long life, much of it devoted to his fellow man Darrell Manley had experienced more than his share of soul searching 3:00 AM vigils. But haven't we all at one time or another? That is, found ourselves in these days of unequalled change, often questioned our own roles and purpose in the chaotic scheme of things? Like so many of us, Manley too, gropes through a world in constant flux. Like us, inevitably showered with such a richness of questions—and poverty of answers! Many may answer life's call by simply fleeing for answers to yoga, meditation, the mall, even Monday night football for consolation. For Darrell Manley, relief came in an entirely different package.

About the Author

Author William White refers to himself as a blatant curmudgeon much like his protagonist in "Genie." His many years as a humanist celebrant or counselor may indicate otherwise. For example, officiating at weddings, memorials, hole-in-one ceremonies, and other important Homo sapiens rituals. He and wife, Isabel (Bell), have resided in North Florida for four decades. Also like Darrell Manning, with some adjustment difficulties he hopes to overcome eventually. "Hope's Fool," an earlier work by White, was written as the millennium rolled in, and he's quick to comment that it could have been written last week. Events flash by in a blur, he says, and people tend to leave heel marks across the pages of time. In "Genie" he's spun a tale reflecting this strength and vulnerability.