Disappearance of Innocence
by
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Ever notice how sometimes visions of past events can run through your mind at the speed of light?
I remembered the taste of horse manure . . .
I remembered the beatings I had taken . . .
I remembered Clifford and
I remembered the feel of Atomic Balm on my skin . . .
I remembered what Shannon Rainey had told me . . .
That and more went through my head in no time at all.
- from Disappearance of Innocence
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About the Book
Some kids grow up fast. Some don't, and some never do. It's usually not the kid's choice. It's just the way things go.
Mickey viewed the move to rural eastern Oregon as a new adventure, and indeed it was. Deer and rabbits to hunt, fish to catch, and horses to ride. Learn to operate a tractor and drive a car? As close to heaven as most 12 year old boys can get. Oh yes, and those "adult" things: whiskey, beer, chewing tobacco and cigarettes.
Of course there were also the schoolyard bullies, but almost every kid has to put up with them, right?
Tragedies and near tragedies. Sexual awakening. Young love, and the thrill and heartache that goes with it. Learning life's lessons: Some, taught by two extraordinary young women, were tender and gentle; other lessons learned were vicious and cruel.
It's all a part of growing up.
But then Mickey witnesses a horrifying crime and is forced to make choices that few men of any age will ever have to make.
This is his story.
About the Author
Michael Heath was raised in rural eastern Oregon and lived a life very similar to the one portrayed so vividly in his first novel, Disappearance of Innocence. He attended a one-room grade school - Sodhouse School, and a publicly operated boarding school - Crane Union High School.
Mike subsequently received a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, spent four years in the U.S. Navy, and later earned a Master's degree from Golden Gate University in San Francisco.
Then to work, helping his beautiful wife raise two terrific kids. First as an accountant, then accounting manager, then controller, and finally vice president of administration.
Mike and his wife Cathy also owned and operated several restaurants in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area.
Happy to get away from accounting and restaurants both. Putting fingers to keyboard has been a very rewarding experience, bringing back memories of events that had been long forgotten.
Mike and Cathy currently reside in Las Vegas, Nevada, gamble a little, enjoy the sights on the fabulous Strip, and visit with their son and daughter not nearly often enough. They thank their lucky stars that both kids, now grown, are responsible, successful, and caring adults. Who could ask for more?
Mike is currently working on his second novel, tentatively titled Pen Pals.