A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator Book Summary:
Noam Chomsky argues that communication with aliens would be impossible. Stephen Hawking argues that it would be extremely unwise even to try. What if it were absolutely necessary to do so? This question arises with extreme urgency at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, in this time-travel, alternate-history trilogy, A New Birth of Freedom.
Excerpt Link to Prologue:
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.
Robert G. Pielke’s Bio:
Robert Pielke, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, now lives in Claremont, California. He earned a B.A. in History at the University of Maryland, an M. Div. in Systematic Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and a Ph.D. in Social Ethics from the Claremont Graduate School.
He taught on ground and online for countless years at George Mason University in Virginia, El Camino College in California and online for the University of Phoenix. Now happily retired from “the job,” he is doing what he always wanted to do since he wrote his first novel at ten in elementary school. It was one paragraph, three pages long and, although he didn’t know it at the time, it was alternate history.
His academic writings have been in the area of ethics, including a boring academic treatise called Critiquing Moral Arguments, logic, and popular culture. Included in the latter is an analysis of rock music entitled You Say You Want a Revolution: Rock Music in American Culture. He has also published short stories, feature articles, film and restaurant reviews. His novels include a savagely satirical novel on America and its foibles, proclivities and propensities, Hitler the Cat Goes West, and an alternate history, science fiction novel, The Mission.
Most recently, he has updated and revised his book on rock music, which is being republished by McFarland & Co.
He swims daily, skis occasionally, cooks as an avocation, watches innumerable movies, collects rock and roll concert films, is an avid devotee of Maryland crabs and maintains a rarely visited blog filled with his social and political ravings. His favorite film is the original Hairspray; his favorite song is “A Day in the Life”; his favorite pizza is from the original Ledo Restaurant in College Park, MD; and he is a firm believer in the efficacy of “sex, drugs and rock and roll.” Somehow his family and friends put up with him.
Prices/Formats: $16.95 paperback, $4.99 ebook
Pages: 394
ISBN: 9781611605426
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Release: November 1, 2012
Amazon paperback buy link ($16.95):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/
Whiskey Creek Press paperback buy link ($16.95):
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.
Kindle buy link ($4.99):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/
Nook buy link ($4.99):
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
Whiskey Creek Press ebook buy link ($4.99):
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.
Interview Answers:
How much of the book is realistic?
** I hope all of it, but let me sort of refocus the question: how much is accurate? As a work of alternate history – wherein the history that we know is changed and something different takes place. In order for this to be reasonably believable, I must make sure that the references to the existing history are beyond reproach. Otherwise, if I screw up the “true” history, then no reader will buy into the fictional change I create. In this case, except for my protagonist and the aliens, every major character is an actual historical figure. And many of them kept journals and their activates are, in addition, well known. Lincoln is an obvious example, but so is John Hay and Cornelia Hancock. As for “realism” – I take that to mean are my characters “authentically” human and does their behavior ring true.
What are your current projects?
** I’m working on book three of the trilogy: A New Birth of Freedom: The Historian. Plus I’m working with a screenwriter to transform book one into a film script.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
** I don’t’ think so – not at the moment. But it’s always possible – especially in a trilogy. In book three I may want to do something that is not possible given what I’ve done in the first or second book.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
** Probably Ambrose Bierce. His sense of irony and his use surprise makes reading him a delight – even if it’s something I know well. Also, the rhythm of the words in his sentences have the feeling of poetry and music.
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
** I did have to travel back to Gettysburg and Washington, D.C. for matters of research. But after it’s out, book festivals are nice….
Robert G. Pielke’s Web Site:
http://www.robertgpielke.com/
Robert G. Pielke‘s Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/
Robert G. Pielke‘s Twitter:
http://twitter.com/rpielke
Robert G. Pielke‘s YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/
Robert G. Pielke‘s Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/
A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/
Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/
A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator (Book 2) blog tour site:
http://anewbirthoffreedom-
A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor (Book 1) blog tour site:
http://anewbirthoffreedom-
Gina, thanks for helping to spread the word about the second book in Bob’s trilogy.
Thanks from me too!!
Great review, this sounds really interesting!
This is a great review on the the author and book. Thanks for sharing about it, sounds like a book my husband would love.