Breakthrough author, Sam Blumenthal is thrilled to announce something fresh and exciting for all you book lovers out there! It’s long been known that we humans are wired for stories. Christine Hennebury couldn’t have put it better in Point of View on cbc.ca, “Stories let us share information in a way that creates an emotional connection. They help us to understand that information and each other, and it makes the information memorable. Because stories create an emotional connection, we can gain a deeper understanding of other people’s experiences.”[1]
Now, imagine this: Sam Blumenthal, a retired clinical psychologist with a Ph.D., has taken this wisdom to heart and decided to switch gears from writing a non-fiction account of his life to crafting a collection of short stories. He says, “A short story is like a parable, just one idea, told however you choose—be it a fairy tale, science fiction, or someone’s everyday life.”
Born in a Reform Jewish home in the South and finding faith in Christ in mid-life, Sam began to wonder if fiction might be a more powerful tool for exploring life’s biggest questions about God and His unending pursuit of us.
The result? A captivating new book from Redemption Press called “Once Upon a Time: A Collection of Short Stories for Those Trying to Find Their Way Home.” Sam sees writing as an “act of faith” and believes that these Christian stories can illuminate gospel truths in a unique way. He shares, “I believe that the gospel, especially the call to sanctify ourselves, can be best understood when seen through the lens of a four-chapter story—creation, fall, redemption, restoration.”
With his thirty years of experience as a psychoanalytically-oriented psychologist, Sam brings a unique perspective on the human mind and heart. He hopes readers will see that the gospel, God, and the Kingdom of God are present in every moment of life if we just take a moment to look.
He added, “Stories have always been about us, reflecting our hopes, dreams, and greatest dilemmas. Since the dawn of man, stories have been filled with meaning, much of which has gone unnoticed. But if you’re willing to slow down and listen more closely, stories will meet you where you need them and guide you home where you’ll be healthy and whole.”
Sam Blumenthal’s book, “Once Upon a Time: A Collection of Short Stories for Those Trying to Find Their Way Home.” will be available to download for free for five days through July 29, 2023. “Once Upon a Time” has launched with rave reviews.