Dan C. Gunderman
Novelist | Historical Researcher | Journalist
BOOKS
Synod
Paperback: 396 pages
Publisher: Zimbell House (Jan. 9, 2018)
ISBN#: 978-1-947210-04-2
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Synod is the product of a MFA program in Creative Writing. It is a historical fiction novel, set in northern New Jersey in 1829. When a layered but cynical veteran of the War of 1812 is elected the leader of an idyllic religious community, he must deal with the politics of the village, and dogged bounty hunters who are determined to wipe the locale, Synod, off the map of the Underground Railroad. But this setback will not deter a group of villagers motivated by the Second Great Awakening. Characters like Goldfinch (the veteran), Minister Mulvane, Shepherd, Solomon, and the Elder, "One," will all contribute to the sanctity of the village. It becomes a battle for faith and humanity as Goldfinch orchestrates an unorthodox but zealous resistance to the institution of slavery. This is due, in part, to his strange hallucinations and the rhetoric of a peculiar politician attuned to the wild, whom Goldfinch meets on his travels.
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Ashima Shiraishi: Rock Climber
Paperback: 56 pages
Publisher: Lightswitch Learning (2018)
ISBN#: 978-1682655788
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This title, a part of Lightswitch Learning's Make It Happen! series, traces the life of the young Japanese-American rock climber, Ashima Shiraishi, who at sixteen has already scaled some of the world's most challenging climbs. Ashima has also helped change the sport's outlook and looks to put it on the map further when the next Summer Olympics roll around. Ashima Shiraishi: Rock Climber will discuss the climber's upbringing, teamwork abilities, recent feats, and will also focus on student-related activities. This high-low book is geared toward reluctant readers between seventh and ninth grade.
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Alfredo Quinones: Surgeon
Paperback: 56 pages
Publisher: Lightswitch Learning (2018)
ISBN#: 978-1682655818
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This title, a part of Sussman's Make it Happen! series, traces the life of the Mexican-American neurosurgeon, Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, who came to America in the late-eighties, became a migrant farm worker, learned English, and ultimately attended the University of California at Berkeley and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Q, as he became known, went on to have an overwhelmingly successful medical career, and has written an autobiography and does motivational speeches across the nation. This high-low book is geared toward reluctant readers between seventh and ninth grade.
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