A USA Today bestselling author
"My grandfather, IBM Chairman Thomas Watson, Jr. was generationally if not vocationally linked to Walter Elias Disney. I have no doubt that these two titans would become absorbed in Daniel Roberts's wonderfully irreverent take on the world's most popular vacation spot!" Ralph Watson McElvenny, author of the New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice biography, The Greatest Capitalist Who Ever Lived
"Ponder is a masterful blend of nostalgia and satire that captures the heart and imagination, and skillfully navigates the fine line between the magical facade of the Disney parks and the real emotions that bubble beneath the surface. Cheese and John's adventures offer both laughter and insight, making this book a must-read for Disney lovers and newcomers alike. It's a brilliant exploration of the joys and complexities of Disney, wrapped in a story that captivates and entertains from beginning to end." Lou Mongello, speaker, mentor, author, and host of WDW Radio Disney Podcast
"One of Roberts gifts as a writer is his ability to evoke empathy amidst the debauchery; Cheese is a nebbish full of fear, and the breakup of his marriage to Florence couldnt be more heartbreaking as it inexorably unfolds over a course of days via BlackBerry messages. ('Only love can stop times advance,' Cheese drunkenly pontificates after going solo at Splash Mountain. 'Thats why its the only miracle in this short life.'" Kirkus Reviews
"Imagine Don Quixote as told by Sancho Panza and set in the Kingdom of Disney, or Gatsby's story recounted from a barstool into a cracked mirror. Ponder is wonderfully weird, and also poignantly funny." Harvey Sawikin, author of Rick Green, Esquire
"A brilliant trip through an alternate reality, another world, Disney World. You dont have to be a fan of the place to love this book. Once the narrator, beautiful loser Murray Cheese Marks, took me hostage (which he did on the first page), I found myself riding the story like it was Kali River Rapids in the Animal Kingdom. The images are indelible, and Cheese is especially memorable. He clings to you long after youve read (and reread) the bracing finale." Janet Capron, author of Blue Money
"Ponder by Daniel Roberts is a witty, deftly written comic adventure that draws rich parallels between the excesses of an American icon in a bloated era and those of hedonistic friends on the cusp of manhood." Indie Reader
"Daniel Roberts takes us on a sublimely written mind tripa laugh out loud page-turner that will make the reader enthusiastically ponder, quite likely with a drink in hand." Michael McKinley, coauthor of A Quiet Life and Willie: The Game Changing Story of the NHL's First Black Player
"The drinks are flowing, the rules are broken, and honestly, all hell breaks loose. With a comedic undertone, Roberts weaves in plot twists and wild scenarios that are sure to leave readers with their mouths wide open, surprised at what in the world just happened and guessing (incorrectly) what will happen next. Both friendships and relationships are tested in odd ways, and Roberts does a great job of weaving in universal truths on human connection throughout." Independent Book Review
"A hilarious, delightful, unforgettable joyride." William Cooper, Newsweek opinion contributor and coauthor of A Quiet Life
"Ponder is a delightful and thought-provoking read. With its unique perspective on friendship, love, and lifes unpredictable twists, it stands out as a gem for readers seeking a story with both heart and humor. Roberts' writing shines, offering a fresh and insightful look at how life's complexities often unfold in the most unexpected places." April Pulliam, assistant editor, Literary Titan
Author Daniel Roberts demonstrates a keen ability to blend dark humor with poignant themes in this unusual novel, and I was most impressed by the central conflict between Cheese and John as a catalyst for utter chaos and big, emotive discoveries. Roberts character development is impressive, with nuanced portrayals that capture the complexities of human emotions and interactions, and strong dialogue interactions that carry the plot forward naturally without the need for spoon-feeding or over-dramatizing in the narration. The novel's unique setting in Disney World adds a surreal twist, enhancing the storys satirical examination of relationships and self-discovery against this broken backdrop of childhood folly, alcoholism, and the desire to be wanted. The sardonic style showcases Roberts distinctive voice and skillful use of humor to explore deeper existential issues. This charm carries us through the peaks and troughs of a well-pitched drama filled with unlikely but realistically drawn characters. Overall, Ponder is an entertaining and thought-provoking read unlike any literary novel Ive encountered this year, and Id certainly recommend it for fans of character-driven stories and accomplished darkly emotive fiction. K.C. Finn, Readers Favorite
