A COOKIE for PUPPY GIRL
Pre-Ordering Available Now: June 12, 2026 (Release Date)
This book is inspired by those toxic individuals who seem to disrupt the vibe for everyone else at a This book is inspired bythose rare, kind souls who put others ahead of their own wants and needs. Perhaps it is someone who offers up their seat on a crowded airplane to accommodate a frazzled parent traveling with young children. Maybe it’s a professor, boss, partner or mentor who inspires you to be your best, especially when failing can be so devastating that it is easier to just play it safe. It can be as simple as stopping to help a stranded motorist or as life-changing as donating a kidney to a total stranger. In any case, we have learned that emotions can be fragile and a mood can swing from negative to positive in a moment such that anxiety can turn to excitement, sorrow can turn to joy and so on. Sometimes the actions are accidental, other times the actors are just selfless, but in either case, it only takes one to elevate the mood for all, once again demonstrating that Kindness Does Matter, ALWAYS!
The book opens in 1986 with me as an excited, but apprehensive 30-year-old, moving from Oregon to San Francisco to finally begin a career in biotechnology. From the outset, the story is impactful as I quickly discover that not everyone has my best interest at heart, beginning with a (seemingly) loving girlfriend who inexplicably makes some sketchy decisions, and in the process, not only destroys our friendship but also places me in an impossible living arrangement until I can recover. Brace For Impact!
A TURD in THE PICKLE JAR
This book is inspired by those toxic individuals who seem to disrupt the vibe for everyone else at a gathering. Maybe it’s that simpleton sitting next to you on a trans-continental flight who holds everyone around him hostage by sharing his business much louder on his phone than is necessary, as if we care. Maybe it’s the contrarian who always takes exception with everyone else’s ideas at a company meeting. Maybe it’s the unseemly couple locked in an intimate embrace while sitting in front of you and your children in a movie theatre. Maybe its the stranger who (intentionally) takes your phone charger when you accidentally leave it unattended to for two minutes in a shared space or maybe its the overly-friendly neighbor who allows his dog to do his business in your yard when he thinks your away. As we all know, emotions can be fragile and a mood can swing from positive to negative in a moment, such that amusement can turn to anger, attraction can turn to disgust and so on. Sometimes the actions are intentional, other times the actors are just oblivious, but in either case, it only takes one to ruin the mood for all.
The story opens up with James as an entering freshman at the University of Oregon (UO) in 1974. His story is impactful from the start as we learn that his profound joy of attending major college football games with his family is, in part, an ‘escape’ from his confounding upbringing in a home filled with love but the ever-present terror of a devoted father who is both a World War II hero and a victim of severe PTSD representing an existential threat to their way of life.
As promised, the author presents a compelling and emotional roller coaster journey ranging from light humor and joy interrupted by times of sorrow, embarrassment and failure, with occasional normalcy mixed in for an 18-year-old starting college. His story is riveting, and at times inspiring with a ‘never-quit’ attitude that will keep you wanting more.
REFLECT with JAMES
(Volume 1): Book Excerpts from ‘A TURD in THE PICKLE JAR’
A promotional supplement entitled ‘REFLECT with JAMES (Volume 1)’, provides ‘Book Excerpts from A TURD in THE PICKLE JAR’ my recently published reflective memoir, as well as ‘Related Discussions’ from my accompanying, weekly Newsletter also called ‘Reflect With James’, introducing the reader to my writing.
I encourage you to explore this material further or visit my website at ReflectWithJames.com.
