I know who I am. I am damaged.
Damaged goods.
Damaged on arrival.
Breach birth. Cholic. Cried for 5 months.
Mom said, “I almost drowned you in the piss pot.” She didn’t lie about much.
I have zero patience and no tolerance. I don’t suffer Fools, and I repeat myself at high pissed off volume.
I have accepted this and am moving on from any further attempts at changes.
NEW BOOK RELEASE!
Look Them in the Eyes
Dennis Mantin. Friesen Press, 2023
There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.
Jim Thompson
Following the birth of his daughter, Jackie, middle-aged Zach MacIver is determined to stop what he terms “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” from plaguing his family. Over the course of two years, from the time Jackie is eight until she turns ten, Zach recounts his life experiences to her while attempting to navigate the obstacles created by her mother, Tina, who is experiencing her own version of intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction. The story begins during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world and its inhabitants face mounting daily trials and life-altering decisions. From there the narrative proceeds in a non-linear fashion as Zach recounts the roots of his own dysfunction and how his love for his daughter and his desire to be a good father forced him to face his difficulties head on. American author Jim Thompson once wrote, “There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.” This story is a great reminder of that.
Available now to purchase in eBook, paper, and hardcover from Amazon, Friesen Press, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo.
ACCOLADES
Book I wish I could read again for the first time!
Dennis Mantin’s clean characterisation breathes life into the narrative, the realistic portrayal adds to the reader’s understanding of the book’s profound messages on life and people. What’s compelling about the novel is the the Protagonist’s journey, his perspective on “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” and how he’s determined to stop that from plaguing his family. The story is neatly told from Zach’s( the protagonist) perspective. It’s a non linear narrative with characters virtually jumping off the page. The characters, their presentation and Mantin’s unique writing style offer readers a fresh and deep perspective.
—Anuradha Basu, Amazon, November 21, 2023
My mother was of the opinion that if you didn’t have something nice to say, then it was best to “shut up!”
Once we had neighbors, a couple; a man and his wife, whom she didn’t really care much for either of them…
She said, “On the positive side… at least you don’t have to spoil 2 homes with them.”
Two men in their 30’s are talking. Actually, one is talking, and the other is listening:
“What are all the little dogs about? I mean, I can understand if you want a pit bull or a Rottweiler or a German Sheppard for protection… but these little lap dogs… I think they are replacing babies for this generation… this country is fucked man. This place is going in the shitter in a big way. “
We were dreaming of a future.
Where something better came along.
When we could guide the children.
Where we could be that strong.
We were dreaming of a future.
And the future it is here.
And we are all so happy now.
There was so much crap to clear.
We were up against those forces.
In a post Thanos multiverse.
All the heroes, they now know.
To carry makeup in their purse.
Now that that’s been settled.
No more God or faith no more.
Our leaders are busy leading.
No more questions or out the door.
When men feel stress, they process.
When women feel stress, they talk.
Generally speaking, women feel uncomfortable with the men’s process because it happens in silence.
For a man to talk when he’s stressed only increases his stress.
I’ll just leave this here and go away for a while and write…
Talk among yourselves
OR
Process by yourself.
I was rolling in the darkness.
The winter turns to spring.
Not much more than plenty.
I guess I didn’t need a thing.
I see her growth in real time.
Sometimes, I witness all.
Take it in and keep in stride.
And just pray I don’t appall.
The light is on horizon.
I am almost out of bed.
There are reasons to be hopeful.
For less reasons than you said…
Taserface was sleeping in the bedroom on a quilt.
Free from all her suffering and all the pains of shame and guilt.
Her fur was soft and matted from the garden and the birds.
And the shit and dust and blood and mud and things that don’t have words.
Taserface is sleeping, and she twitches like a cat.
We feed and need her lust for greed, but that’s not where it’s at.
In the darkness, she will awaken, and once more, she will roam.
We are moving, and poor Taserface is searching elsewhere for a home.
Dennis Mantin 
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