Arts & Leisure
Former writer for The Independent publishes first book
Moser, 1986 graduate of York High School, former local resident and longtime reporter and columnist for The Independent, has published the book as a sometimes surreal - but raw -look at generational conflict since the sixties.
"The Vanished Messenger" is a ghost story, metaphysical journey, memoir from a generation accustomed to living under the spell of the 1960s, and a wake-up call for a generation addicted to cynicism as anesthesia.
A debut party for the book is scheduled for April 13 at the Barley Pub in nearby Dover, N.H., featuring a reading by Moser and entertainment by area musicians Dan Blakeslee, Zach Howard of Conifer and Pine Tree State Mind Control - a music project by Moser's fellow York High School alumni Eric Ewing and Mike Conlon.
Acclaimed sociologist and author Mike Males has described "The Vanished Messenger" as "Gen X's first shot to the gut" of the Baby Boomer generation.
"Invoking Cobain, Leary, Godzilla and Holden Caulfield, while threading them together with a CB-channeled ghost, Moser makes us think, hell - maybe we will make it to Generation Z after all," Males wrote of Moser's book.
The novel follows the characters Matt and Dirk as they unwittingly stumble into a metaphysical journey through the heart of post-1960s America. Along with them on the wild ride are a ghost trapped inside a CB radio, the spirit of Kurt Cobain, Holden Caulfield, The Purple Man and the king of the monsters.
Published by 1195 Press, "The Vanished Messenger" is Moser's first novel.
Moser worked as a reporter for The Independent from 1999 through 2006.
During that time, his pan of Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" elicited threats from some readers, but earned him an award from the Maine Press Association.
He is the author of many published works of poetry and fiction, features and news stories.
Moser says, however that a freelance writing career has kept him cloaked in obscurity and poverty.
He now lives in Asheville, N.C., with his wife and a brood of ferrets.
"The Vanished Messenger" is now available at www.amazon.com, and limited edition copies will be available for sale at www.vanishedmessenger.com.
