First Chapter Review: The One Percenters by John Podgursky

This is another first chapter that has been submitted to the blog directly from the author. It is listed as a psychological thriller novella and was released by Damnation Books.

BLURB: Natural selection has become unnatural. Having dealt with the vicious murder of his wife, Edward Caine takes his rightful place as a One-Percenter, eliminating those not fit for the human race. He must fight his instinct to use his role for revenge; he is after those who live on only because of money and medicine. The weak-gened are not fit to breed, and it's the job of Edward and his brethren to see that they don't. But can he finish the job before his own mind betrays him? He is an agent of the Earth. He is a One-Percenter.

COVER: Not my favorite, but definitely appropriate for the genre. The skull inside the capital O is a nice touch and speaks to the death aspect of the book. I would glance at the back cover blurb after seeing this book on the shelf to find out what it is about.

FIRST CHAPTER: Narrating this story is an unnamed male who has tied Samantha Jones to a tree in the forest. He tells the reader some details of how they came to be where they are. Carefully dropped clues provide information about him and Samantha's fate.

KEEP READING: I'm definitely intrigued. The style of this opening chapter is unique in that author John Podgursky has created a character who has a very calm, friendly manner. He reminds me of a serial killer or a person who massacres a bunch of people one day and the news reports from those who knew who claim he was such a nice, quiet guy. Though we don't know the male character's name in the first chapter, we can assume by the first person narrative that it is Edward Caine who is speaking. The reader also doesn't know his history yet, so Podgursky has quickly created a scenario where she is eager to discover why Edward has Samantha tied to a tree. Even though it is assumed no good can come out of this event, Edward admits he doesn't know what he is going to do with this young woman. His personality is one that doesn't create a sense of anger or hatred on the part of the reader, which is smart, because in psychological thrillers there is much to be gained in getting inside the main character's head and creating a sense of empathy for him.

I would continue reading The One Percenters for a bit to see how it evolves. The book blurb doesn't indicate a story I would generally be interested in, but the first chapter is well-written and has captured my attention. I might be pleasantly surprised by the rest of the book.

• Paperback: 166 pages
• Publisher: Damnation Books, LLC (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 161572012X
• ISBN-13: 978-1615720125
• SRP: $15.25
• Also available in a Kindle edition. 

The author submitted the first chapter of this novella to me via email, so I can provide my honest opinions. I received no monetary compensation for this first chapter review.

Interview with John Podgursky, Author of The One Percenters

Joining us today is John Podgursky, author of The One Percenters.

John lives in Brooklyn. He’s spent the last 15 years traveling the U.S. of A., trying to make sense of it all. He’s still confused, but sleeps well at night knowing that nobody else knows any better, and in the end
we’re just going to die anyway.

Welcome to The Book Connection, John. Can you tell us where did you grow up?

I was raised on Long Island, but I have the travel bug. At one point, I lived in 8 states in 13 years.

When did you begin writing?

I won $5 in a writing contest in first grade. I wrote about a magical zebra. It was a very inspiring moment in my life!

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

I need my writing environment to be eerie. Nighttime by candlelight. I can't write in a cafe.

What is this book about?

Edward Caine survives his beloved wife, the seventh victim of a cunning serial killer. During the grieving process, he notes that modern medicine and distorted economics have skewed survival odds within society. Survival of the fittest has become defunct, with the weak and weak-minded allowed to pass on their genes, provided they are suitably funded. Edward is predestined to become a one-percenter, an agent of nature given the job of eliminating the weaker persons from society. He learns that his task requires the discipline to discern between the people he wishes would die and those who should. The One Percenters is reflective in nature, and challenges the social and religious differences among all of us.

What inspired you to write it?

I studied anthropology in college. I'm always considering what makes us tick, especially our base qualities, and what defines sanity and intelligence. I like to look at humans as primal creatures, and one day the story just popped.

Who is your favorite author?

I've read all of King's work, but Bill Watterson has also been a huge influence. In the writing of "Calvin & Hobbes," he injects profundity into a "simple" medium. He is, in my eyes, brilliant.

Do you have an agent or are you looking for one?

I have decided to get one for my next novel, now that I know a bit about the process.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

I worked on it for two weeks a year for eight years-- whenever I felt renewed for the challenge.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

You can buy it in paperback at amazon or bn.com, or as an e-book at: http://www.damnationbooks.com/book.php?isbn=9781615720132

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

Unfortunately I am a Luddite, but I welcome e-mail at flyinthewater@gmail.com.

What is up next for you?

I am constantly writing short stories, and now I'm toying with a new novel.

Is there anything you would like to add?

The next time you see someone in trouble, offer your help. It could be ME that's in trouble. And I'll do the same. You never know in what awful place you might find yourself tomorrow. Peace!

Thanks for spending time with us today, John. We wish you the best.