Poodie James could have lived a pessimistic, reclusive life. He had many obstacles to overcome: deafness, weakness, and inability to speak clearly.  But Poodie had too much love inside of him; love for his town, his friends, and life.  A childhood disease had left an otherwise brilliant man at the mercy of the townspeople, who grew to love him.  He played with the local kids, taught them to swim, worked any job he could--and he thrived.  It seemed only one man in this Pacific Northwest town wanted Poodie gone: the mayor.  Set in a small railroad town along the Columbia River in the '30's and '40's, Ramsey's book reads like a classic.  Perhaps I was so drawn to this book because I've known a Poodie or two myself.  Never underestimate what's underneath an awkward exterior.  Based on a real man, the character Poodie James exuded optimism, love and ambition, even if the majority of the townspeople didn't know his true intellect.  Read this book!   We hope Doug Ramsey's first novel is the first of many to come.