"A Real Hero for Cancer"
Along with the release of C.J. Pumpkins novel The Dream Stowaway comes another title with a different theme. “Michael’s Wonderful World,” is C.J. Pumpkins’ second novel, and its content is sure to touch the hearts of everyone.
The hero Michael Oliver Wimbledon wants nothing more than to be left alone. Living 24-7 in a hospital room is enough to turn anyone into a recluse, least of all a young boy who has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. For Michael, the only escape is through drawing cartoons – quite literally. It is these cartoons that finally get Michael Wimbledon out of his sick bed and into a world where anything is achievable. The possibilities are endless when you’re the one drawing the scenes.
A chance meeting with aged illustrator William Gatsby leads Michael to discover the existence of a map. Although he has started it, trembling hands and ravaging cancer mean that the old man needs a new cartographer if the map of his imaginary world is ever to be finished. And who better to sketch the ideas that Mr. Gatsby still has than the boy who spends his entire waking days with a pencil in one hand and sketchbook in the other?
Although the two build a wonderful friendship, it isn’t long before the sober realities of hospital life hit Michael again. Facing the effects of his illness, pressure from doctors wishing to try out the latest procedures and his friend being taken ill, Michael struggles to deal with it all. His only distraction is the map which by now depicts a whole world. However, what seems like an agreeable pastime turns into a harsh reality when Michael finds himself inside the map.
This work of magical fiction reads perfectly well as a straight adventure, but also provides a positive role model for children who are ill with cancer or have friends who suffer from the disease. Filled with likeable characters, an element of humor is maintained throughout which keeps the tone light even when dealing with some serious subject matter. This wonderful piece of fiction is sure to place C.J. Pumpkins in a world of his own…
The hero Michael Oliver Wimbledon wants nothing more than to be left alone. Living 24-7 in a hospital room is enough to turn anyone into a recluse, least of all a young boy who has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. For Michael, the only escape is through drawing cartoons – quite literally. It is these cartoons that finally get Michael Wimbledon out of his sick bed and into a world where anything is achievable. The possibilities are endless when you’re the one drawing the scenes.
A chance meeting with aged illustrator William Gatsby leads Michael to discover the existence of a map. Although he has started it, trembling hands and ravaging cancer mean that the old man needs a new cartographer if the map of his imaginary world is ever to be finished. And who better to sketch the ideas that Mr. Gatsby still has than the boy who spends his entire waking days with a pencil in one hand and sketchbook in the other?
Although the two build a wonderful friendship, it isn’t long before the sober realities of hospital life hit Michael again. Facing the effects of his illness, pressure from doctors wishing to try out the latest procedures and his friend being taken ill, Michael struggles to deal with it all. His only distraction is the map which by now depicts a whole world. However, what seems like an agreeable pastime turns into a harsh reality when Michael finds himself inside the map.
This work of magical fiction reads perfectly well as a straight adventure, but also provides a positive role model for children who are ill with cancer or have friends who suffer from the disease. Filled with likeable characters, an element of humor is maintained throughout which keeps the tone light even when dealing with some serious subject matter. This wonderful piece of fiction is sure to place C.J. Pumpkins in a world of his own…
