Set in the desperate turmoil of Germany during the final chapter of World War II, "Paper Boats" by Erndell Scott is an emotionally inspiring, fast-paced experiential read, examining the inevitable crossing of ideology, prejudice and faith amongst the chaos of a decimated post-war culture. As each character strives to find their own safety from enemies and persecution, two nine-year-old boys, Otto and Joseph, the most unlikely of partners with different faiths and beliefs, find themselves saviors for one another. Companions cast in deep personal conflict and entangled on an unforgiving journey, they become bound to each other, forever changing their individual perceptions of mankind, and unbeknownst to them, their very own hearts. The theme of this novel challenges the ideology of tolerance with the belief that in time it decays and builds resentment, which eventually leads to violence. Only through the true acceptance of one another can we as a society find peace and harmony. As on of my reviewers put it, "You will laugh and you will cry, sometimes at the same time."
About the Author: Born and raised in a rural town in New Jersey, Erndell Scott spent his childhood 'imagining it' as he ran around in the woods, built forts, played cowboys and Indians and re-lived episodes of the Saturday morning World War II saga, 'Combat!' with none other than Vic Morrow. "Gosh I wanted to be Vic more than ever. He was the Clint Eastwood of the time, cool, mysterious and tough as nails." Despite studying forestry in college, when career choice time was upon him, Erndell found himself drawn to the bigger, faster, more dynamic world of advertising. He spent years as a copywriter and art director - 'imagining it' as he traveled to captivating places, met interesting people and crafted work that in many cases redefined culture. "There are days during my ad career that are just a blur. There was no difference between working hours and waking hours." However, the celebrity and fast-paced lifestyle of advertising slowly tired, and Erndell found himself seeking an art form where he could create his own work. He turned to fiction writing and hasn't looked back. Today, he uses his imagination to pen work that engages the reader, inviting them on the journeys of his characters, such as his breakout novel 'Paper Boats.' "I am more than a storyteller. My work wants the reader to enter the story, offering them a unique participatory experience." Alternating his time between his rural farm in Indiana and his family home in Vermont, Erndell welcomes the quiet and calm of his career. The little boy of New Jersey is happy, playing in the woods, and 'imagining it.' "My farm is my respite, offering me the ability to breath, giving me clarity to think."