An Ember and a Drop in Time by Steven Shelton

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An Ember and a Drop in Time is the often harrowing, often comical, and ultimately uplifting coming-of-age chronicle of Elton Marlon Smith. Growing up in impoverished southern Kentucky in the 1980s and 90s, Elton blossoms through the racism, bigotry, and misogyny of his home to ultimately claim his life on his own terms. In doing so, Elton stakes his claim as a triumph among the youth of American literature. His father, Wayne, is a brutal man despite being an honorably-discharged Vietnam veteran. His mother Roellen, is a dutiful servant and wife to Wayne above all else, while Elton and his siblings serve as pawns in the chaos and power plays, finding themselves in a world of extreme indifference. Friends, art, and the attention of a few caring souls guide Elton through near-death experiences and multiple unexpected turns, leading to a grand catharsis of pathos and beauty. Based on true events, this fictional tale runs the gamut of emotions without failing to deliver the reader to a satisfying, choose-your-own-understanding conclusion.