MUSH By Clay Morgan Wilson IV

All right my friends, family, and anyone else who is interested.....


I have been getting books from the self-publishing writers to review. The book of poetry, Engaging Thoughts, was one of them. (And if you like poetry, you should get a copy of that one. You will enjoy it.) And there was Scars, a young adult fiction about the end times. You can read both reviews on this site. 


Now I said all of that to say this, I have just finished one of the funniest books I have read in a long time. But first I want to tell you about the author. I hope to have an interview with him as soon as my schedule gets back to something more manageable.


Clay Wilson? Who Is This Guy Anyway?


Clay Morgan Wilson IV, is a dentist, writer and photographer, but not necessarily in that order. His seventh grade English teacher told him he would someday become a successful writer. He shrugged her off. Five years later, he was the primary sports reporter for his high school newspaper, The Aegis.


Upon entering California State University, Sacramento, he initially declared journalism as his major, but switched to psychology because there was too much writing to do in journalism. Little did he know that psychology demanded even more, along with exhaustive research and precise referencing.


Most careers in psychology dictate teaching and research. The latter in particular, involves the unpleasant business of constantly begging for funds. Not having a continuously imploring nature, Clay entered the pre-dental program at Texas Southern University. Here too, was the need for extensive writing skills required for the research assignments that were due every other week. He developed a method guaranteed to have most research papers completed in less than one week, and earn an "A" grade eight times out of ten. (The Write Way to An "A".) He later applied his research methods in dental school at Howard University, graduating in 1983.


Clay, now Dr. Wilson, did not write again for nearly three years when he became a member of Calvary Christian Center in Sacramento. Giving God the credit for the inspiration, he wrote, directed, and performed in the one act play, A Little Understanding, for the Singles Ministry, of which he was vice president.


As a Church Counselor and Master Teacher in Sunday School, he was again inspired to write. Jesus Christ Must Die, is a fictional short story of a two unlikely individuals of opposing values, conspiring to have Jesus arrested. The twist is that the "bad guy" wants Jesus to live. The hero wants Him dead. Clay finished the story in seven days, in between drilling, filling and billing patients.


In 1988 Clay married Linda White. The couple have been blessed with three wonderful sons, Clay V, Jonathan, and Sean, which he chose as the names for three of the principle characters in his first novel, Mush. Also written between patients, it took nearly four years to complete, including edits and revisions. At the time of this writing, Clay has recently finished Mush II, taking a mere six months this time, again between giving injections, extracting teeth (dentists never pull, yank, or snatch) and fitting crowns and bridges. Mush III is also shaping nicely.


Sandwiched between the first two novels, Clay found time to write, edit, photograph and publish the Membership Directory of the Sacramento Chapter of the National Dental Association. Between Mush II and Mush III, he put together a membership directory for the Gold Country PT Cruisers. Most recently he is readying a proposal of a similar book for Joslin's Martial Arts that will celebrate the many outstanding black belts the school has produced. Clay himself has recently earned a black belt. He has also completed several photographic assignments for the Sacramento Observer newspaper, and is currently developing a sci-fi romance. a dental thriller, a series of children's stories based on Jack and the Beanstalk.


Now about the book itself....


MUSH is a book about a father (Clay IV) who is getting on in years and is not allowed to fly. He and two of his sons (Jonathan and Clay V) take a cross-country drive to the third son's wedding (Sean) in a motor-home. During this cross-country journey, which detours along Route 66, Clay IV tells stories to pass the time, as long as his sons humor him with a specific treat that they have to find.


This book is brimming with humor, laughter, fun, and always lessons to be learned and applied within each story Clay IV tells his sons. I had the hardest time reading it in the break room at work and not fall off of my chair laughing. MUSH is the perfect title for a book that is filled with the love of a father for his sons, the love of a father for his daughter, and the love of the Father for His children. 


This isn't a "mushy" book, but it is a tender look that is rarely seen between a man and his sons. It's also a tender look at how a man perceives the love his heavenly Father has for him. 


Beautifully written, MUSH is a book for all ages to read. The stories within the story itself are truly great stories and you will find yourself turning the next page just to find out what else happens in the town of Opportunity, not to mention what's going to happen next with Clay IV and his sons.


I am looking forward to reading MUSH II when it's available. And once you have read MUSH, you will be too. 


MUSH can be purchased through Xulon Press Bookstore. Just click on the link provided.