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The Mountain Of Miracles - Cleous Young
The Mountain Of Miracles
Cleous Young
ISBN: 9780615234229
Cleous Young & Associates
Reviewed By Latonya Franklin
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Young David and his grandfather, on their daily trek to find medicine to treat his grandfather’s worsening illness, suddenly stumble upon a thriving, prosperous village one day. Filled with warm, personable individuals, the village is rife with the spirit of community and shared responsibility, and the two of them are instantly welcomed. Fitting right in, over the next few years the village ultimately becomes their new home, and all of them – David, his grandfather, and the villagers alike – couldn’t be happier.
Eventually, everyone becomes aware of a special anointing on David’s life: his gift of artistry. After amazing everyone with his ability to draw anything in precise, expert fashion, he accepts their request to become the lead art teacher for the community. It isn’t long, though, before greed gets the best of David, and he begins charging fees for his teachings and services – which completely violates the communal spirit of the village. Though he is eventually shunned and ostracized for his actions, David refuses to relent, and his selfishness soon brings gloom and despair to everyone around him.
In light of the tragic circumstances that ensue, David is confronted with a life-altering decision: either amend his self-serving ways out of respect for his divine gifts, or live the rest of his life in self-imposed isolation, from which no one benefits in the end.
In The Mountain Of Miracles, author Cleous Young does a commendable job of presenting the reader with the very real consequences of unchecked selfishness. In simple, straightforward – yet powerful fashion, Young uses the allegory of David’s life to highlight the all-important virtue of humility, as well as what happens when it is trampled under the weight of self-seeking greed. Ostensibly a children’s book, The Mountain Of Miracles is sure to enlighten readers of all ages with its timely lessons, as well as its ability to connect with minds and hearts across all races, creeds, and other supposed divisions.
An engaging read with a strong central message, Cleous Young’s touching narrative is an inspiring literary treat.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Cleous Young (The Mountain Of Miracles)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Cleous. We're looking forward to learning more about your book and other efforts.
Cleous Young: Thanks for providing me with such a wonderful opportunity.
AR: What inspired you to craft this tale?
CY: It was originally crafted from a love poem that I wrote for a former dear friend of mine several years ago entitled, “The Prophetic Artist.” That is why the character David became what he is in the story. So the book was inspired through love, which is one of the things that is causing it to prosper.
AR: In light of how warm and naturally giving everyone in the village is, what compels David to believe that it's OK for him to charge for his gift/services?
CY: David was not originally from the village; therefore, when he started charging for his gift/services, it was something he saw or learned from his old community, which goes to show you that children do pay attention to what adults do. So, even though his heart was in a new community, his mind still relapsed to his prior upbringings.
AR: When the little boy that he's drawing falls off the rock and becomes paralyzed, why does David not even budge to help him?
CY: At that point, I wanted to fully drag the reader’s emotions into the story, which I successfully did. Because, now that you mentioned that scene, I realized that this scene is a very touchy one because others also emphasized on it, too.
AR: The theme of the dual power of humility & forgiveness figures prominently in the book. Is that the main message that you'd like readers to take away from the story?
CY: Not really, although those are two powerful messages. I want the readers to take away the concept of how just one dose of greed could lead to an addiction that causes a person to lose everything they possess - and I mean everything, as did one of the characters in the story.
AR: Also highlighted in the book is the detrimental impact that our own personal selfishness can have in the lives of others. Is this something that you've personally experienced and can attest to?
CY: No, it’s not something that I can attest to. One of my writing styles is mixing subliminal real life truth with fiction. That was just one of the highly impacted examples of the many that are in the story.
AR: Please share more with our readers about why you decided to publish your book on CD, as opposed to publishing it in the traditional style (print).
CY: The first concept was offering something different to the market and being the first author to put together such a package. Then, I realized that this concept also went well with the fact that I am becoming more interested in being eco-friendly, as I learn the things that are required to be in that state of mind. So the CD-Rom is about offering differences, as in style and creativity, along with more options of elements and being eco-friendly.
AR: In addition to the book itself, what extra features can readers look forward to on the CD?
CY: They can look forward to the Audio Version, a theme Song, a theme Poem, and the theme Puzzle. Plus, there are options to print the PDF versions of the EBook, the poem, the puzzle, and the individual illustrations for the book. They can also copy the Song, the Audio version, and the audio Poem to a portable device like a MP3 player for on-the-go purposes. Also, as a complementary treat of being a teacher, I made available some resourceful educational websites for parents who want to help their child’s academic progress. So the CD-ROM offers a variety of things that the print book alone wouldn’t offer.
AR: What kinds of reactions have you gotten to the story thus far?
CY: The readers love the story. I had a father who told me that his daughter cried after reading it, which he recommended several publishing companies. Unfortunately, they couldn’t put together the package I was looking for. But now that the CD-ROM is here, the readers are more fascinated over the entire package on how the different elements add to the impact of the story. Its five different stories being told with the same theme, which is good because I at this point of my life I didn’t just want to tell a story (print book). I wanted to tell a story and offer a difference at the same time, using one stone to capture two birds. So the reactions have been encouraging for me to continue doing what I do, along with opening up the opportunity to bring out the other elements of The Mountain of Miracles.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your company, Cleous Young & Associates.
CY: I wasn’t able to find a company that could put together the entire package (CD-Rom), so I outsourced for the individual elements that I needed to get it done. After putting it together, I realized that it had become my baby with all the hard work and sacrifices that I had to make. At that point, I also realized that it would be a good product to start a publishing company with; hence came forth Cleous Young & Associates, which is currently just publishing my works because it’s a baby company. But the vision that I built behind the foundation of the company is to publish a multitude of different authors who share a similar vision, along with producing different elements than just books. As it is said, “Man shall not live by bread alone”; so, my vision is not only to publish books with CYA.
AR: What's next for you?
CY: My motto is to create valuable things for those who are less fortunate. So, even though the package is at a price that many can’t believe, I am still willing to make it more affordable by breaking up the package. Therefore, if someone is just interested in one element out of the package, they can purchase it off an upcoming website in a downloadable format. Also, I’m working on the eco-friendly version of the print book - now that I completed the CD-Rom, which was more of a challenge – for those who are not feasible to a computer. Plus, I am up to thirteen elements of The Mountain of Miracles. So far, there are only five elements that have been released on the CD-ROM; therefore, I’m looking forward to introducing the other elements to the market.
AR: Where can our readers learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?
CY: They can go to the following websites:
www.cleousyoung.com
www.myspace.com/cleousyoung
www.myspace.com/hopefullfountain
www.facebook.com/cleousyoung
A new website will be coming soon with all the changes that I mentioned earlier.
AR: Also, please share your contact information, just in case they'd like to reach you directly.
CY: I can be reached at area code (215) 715-2323 or email at youngcleous@yahoo.com
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
CY: Yes; the world is looking for hopeful changes that will make it a better place both in people (President Barack Obama) and products (all digital television); I am glad to see that I am standing firmly ON the bridge of both changes. And I can really validate the phrase, “Yes, We Can!” with The Mountain of Miracles. Yes, we can achieve whatever our mind and heart desires…
AR: Thanks again, Cleous, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
CY: Thanks, it was a pleasant experience working with such a great staff.
Cleous Young
ISBN: 9780615234229
Cleous Young & Associates
Reviewed By Latonya Franklin
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Young David and his grandfather, on their daily trek to find medicine to treat his grandfather’s worsening illness, suddenly stumble upon a thriving, prosperous village one day. Filled with warm, personable individuals, the village is rife with the spirit of community and shared responsibility, and the two of them are instantly welcomed. Fitting right in, over the next few years the village ultimately becomes their new home, and all of them – David, his grandfather, and the villagers alike – couldn’t be happier.
Eventually, everyone becomes aware of a special anointing on David’s life: his gift of artistry. After amazing everyone with his ability to draw anything in precise, expert fashion, he accepts their request to become the lead art teacher for the community. It isn’t long, though, before greed gets the best of David, and he begins charging fees for his teachings and services – which completely violates the communal spirit of the village. Though he is eventually shunned and ostracized for his actions, David refuses to relent, and his selfishness soon brings gloom and despair to everyone around him.
In light of the tragic circumstances that ensue, David is confronted with a life-altering decision: either amend his self-serving ways out of respect for his divine gifts, or live the rest of his life in self-imposed isolation, from which no one benefits in the end.
In The Mountain Of Miracles, author Cleous Young does a commendable job of presenting the reader with the very real consequences of unchecked selfishness. In simple, straightforward – yet powerful fashion, Young uses the allegory of David’s life to highlight the all-important virtue of humility, as well as what happens when it is trampled under the weight of self-seeking greed. Ostensibly a children’s book, The Mountain Of Miracles is sure to enlighten readers of all ages with its timely lessons, as well as its ability to connect with minds and hearts across all races, creeds, and other supposed divisions.
An engaging read with a strong central message, Cleous Young’s touching narrative is an inspiring literary treat.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Cleous Young (The Mountain Of Miracles)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Cleous. We're looking forward to learning more about your book and other efforts.
Cleous Young: Thanks for providing me with such a wonderful opportunity.
AR: What inspired you to craft this tale?
CY: It was originally crafted from a love poem that I wrote for a former dear friend of mine several years ago entitled, “The Prophetic Artist.” That is why the character David became what he is in the story. So the book was inspired through love, which is one of the things that is causing it to prosper.
AR: In light of how warm and naturally giving everyone in the village is, what compels David to believe that it's OK for him to charge for his gift/services?
CY: David was not originally from the village; therefore, when he started charging for his gift/services, it was something he saw or learned from his old community, which goes to show you that children do pay attention to what adults do. So, even though his heart was in a new community, his mind still relapsed to his prior upbringings.
AR: When the little boy that he's drawing falls off the rock and becomes paralyzed, why does David not even budge to help him?
CY: At that point, I wanted to fully drag the reader’s emotions into the story, which I successfully did. Because, now that you mentioned that scene, I realized that this scene is a very touchy one because others also emphasized on it, too.
AR: The theme of the dual power of humility & forgiveness figures prominently in the book. Is that the main message that you'd like readers to take away from the story?
CY: Not really, although those are two powerful messages. I want the readers to take away the concept of how just one dose of greed could lead to an addiction that causes a person to lose everything they possess - and I mean everything, as did one of the characters in the story.
AR: Also highlighted in the book is the detrimental impact that our own personal selfishness can have in the lives of others. Is this something that you've personally experienced and can attest to?
CY: No, it’s not something that I can attest to. One of my writing styles is mixing subliminal real life truth with fiction. That was just one of the highly impacted examples of the many that are in the story.
AR: Please share more with our readers about why you decided to publish your book on CD, as opposed to publishing it in the traditional style (print).
CY: The first concept was offering something different to the market and being the first author to put together such a package. Then, I realized that this concept also went well with the fact that I am becoming more interested in being eco-friendly, as I learn the things that are required to be in that state of mind. So the CD-Rom is about offering differences, as in style and creativity, along with more options of elements and being eco-friendly.
AR: In addition to the book itself, what extra features can readers look forward to on the CD?
CY: They can look forward to the Audio Version, a theme Song, a theme Poem, and the theme Puzzle. Plus, there are options to print the PDF versions of the EBook, the poem, the puzzle, and the individual illustrations for the book. They can also copy the Song, the Audio version, and the audio Poem to a portable device like a MP3 player for on-the-go purposes. Also, as a complementary treat of being a teacher, I made available some resourceful educational websites for parents who want to help their child’s academic progress. So the CD-ROM offers a variety of things that the print book alone wouldn’t offer.
AR: What kinds of reactions have you gotten to the story thus far?
CY: The readers love the story. I had a father who told me that his daughter cried after reading it, which he recommended several publishing companies. Unfortunately, they couldn’t put together the package I was looking for. But now that the CD-ROM is here, the readers are more fascinated over the entire package on how the different elements add to the impact of the story. Its five different stories being told with the same theme, which is good because I at this point of my life I didn’t just want to tell a story (print book). I wanted to tell a story and offer a difference at the same time, using one stone to capture two birds. So the reactions have been encouraging for me to continue doing what I do, along with opening up the opportunity to bring out the other elements of The Mountain of Miracles.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your company, Cleous Young & Associates.
CY: I wasn’t able to find a company that could put together the entire package (CD-Rom), so I outsourced for the individual elements that I needed to get it done. After putting it together, I realized that it had become my baby with all the hard work and sacrifices that I had to make. At that point, I also realized that it would be a good product to start a publishing company with; hence came forth Cleous Young & Associates, which is currently just publishing my works because it’s a baby company. But the vision that I built behind the foundation of the company is to publish a multitude of different authors who share a similar vision, along with producing different elements than just books. As it is said, “Man shall not live by bread alone”; so, my vision is not only to publish books with CYA.
AR: What's next for you?
CY: My motto is to create valuable things for those who are less fortunate. So, even though the package is at a price that many can’t believe, I am still willing to make it more affordable by breaking up the package. Therefore, if someone is just interested in one element out of the package, they can purchase it off an upcoming website in a downloadable format. Also, I’m working on the eco-friendly version of the print book - now that I completed the CD-Rom, which was more of a challenge – for those who are not feasible to a computer. Plus, I am up to thirteen elements of The Mountain of Miracles. So far, there are only five elements that have been released on the CD-ROM; therefore, I’m looking forward to introducing the other elements to the market.
AR: Where can our readers learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?
CY: They can go to the following websites:
www.cleousyoung.com
www.myspace.com/cleousyoung
www.myspace.com/hopefullfountain
www.facebook.com/cleousyoung
A new website will be coming soon with all the changes that I mentioned earlier.
AR: Also, please share your contact information, just in case they'd like to reach you directly.
CY: I can be reached at area code (215) 715-2323 or email at youngcleous@yahoo.com
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
CY: Yes; the world is looking for hopeful changes that will make it a better place both in people (President Barack Obama) and products (all digital television); I am glad to see that I am standing firmly ON the bridge of both changes. And I can really validate the phrase, “Yes, We Can!” with The Mountain of Miracles. Yes, we can achieve whatever our mind and heart desires…
AR: Thanks again, Cleous, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
CY: Thanks, it was a pleasant experience working with such a great staff.