A novel by R.M. Dolin
The Book of Isaac – SUMMARY
“Sometimes you have to break the boy to build a man.“
Unlike his estranged Uncle Darwin, who’s hyper-responsible and compelled to atone for every mistake he’s ever made, ISAAC isn’t responsible to anyone for anything, including himself. He’s ten when his dad dies in a plane crash and is nearly done with his third year at Northwestern as a successful software engineering student when his mom succumbs to a slowly progressing cancer. Growing up privileged does not prepare Isaac for the rigors, discipline, or responsibilities of adulthood and he soon descends into a ne’er-do-well trust-fund life.
When Isaac’s trust fund allocation is exhausted, his girlfriend dumps him and he’s forced to work full time at Murphy’s Northshore Bar, he feels fate is more foe than friend. When Uncle Darwin dies, Isaac just isn’t sure how to feel or what to do. Arriving in New Mexico to deal with Darwin’s affairs, Isaac is introduced to his uncle’s self-sustaining life. Through a series of journals Darwin left, Isaac becomes aware of his uncle’s clandestine collaboration with former Silicon Valley entrepreneurs engaged in efforts to save humanity from technology’s existential threats; particularly those posed by the growing influence of Information Oligarch’s, the coming AI revolution, and society’s willingness to trade freedom for convenience.
AN UNSUSTAINABLE LIFE is one story told from two perspectives. THE BOOK OF DARWIN told the story of Darwin’s redemption journey as he atones for his role in humanity’s demise. THE BOOK OF ISAAC tells the story Isaac’s journey of awakening as he picks up his uncle’s mantel and discovers the burdens and obligations associated with leading a purpose-driven life. THE BOOK OF ISAAC is simultaneously a standalone novel and a retelling/continuation of Darwin’s story from Isaac’s point of view.
Dr. Dolin previously worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory where his research was in the areas of Truth and Trust; primarily as it relates to information and digitally controlled processes, which makes him qualified to tell Isaac’s story. In addition to publishing over 100 technical papers, he has written five novels, two nonfiction books, one cookbook, and a plethora of poems. His novel writing method is to use poetry for character development and as a springboard for storytelling, as such, it is possible to enjoy his stories in both novel and poetry forms.
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