Illusions

By Xlibris US

Sheppard Kane, a young bachelor living in New York City, has a pretty comfortable lifestyle going on for himself. He has a nice apartment in Manhattan and a good job with a magazine publisher. He has a group of good friends but is saddened by the breakup with his live-in girlfriend. While at his parents house for a Christmas party, Shepp is joined by his two brothers and their significant others. His younger brother Nate has brought his new girlfriend, Gemma Elliot, who is not only beautiful but also a flirt. What starts out as an innocent encounter on Shepps part, Gemma manages to turn into a life-changing one for his family, friends, and himself. Trust is shattered, belief systems fail, and real danger lurks around them all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499042054

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by Susan Harkna.

Library of Congress Control Number:     2014911375

ISBN:     Hardcover     978-1-4990-4206-1

Softcover     978-1-4990-4207-8

eBook     978-1-4990-4205-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 06/30/2014

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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CONTENTS

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Epilogue

Other Books by Susan Harkna

Separate Yet Sisters

A Time to Dream

For Britt and Kristiana

You have filled my life with love

PROLOGUE

Six-year-old Sheppard Kane had his face pressed up against the window in his family’s living room, waiting for his father to get home from work. He’d gone to the kitchen twice before to ask his mother if it was almost time.

Not for ten more minutes, his mother patiently said the last time he’d checked with her.

That was okay with him. He’d wait by the window anyway since his father might come sooner than the ten minutes his mother had predicted. While watching the world in front of him, Shepp consulted the sky and hoped that it was going to snow because his father was taking him that night to get a new sled.

Shepp’s old sled had been stolen the previous week, and his father had dried Shepp’s tears, promising to buy him a new one. His father appeared to have a solution to every problem, it seemed to the boy.

Just then, Shepp spotted his father’s white Ford heading toward their driveway, so he left his window outpost and went to open the front door. A blast of cold February air hit him as he opened it.

How nice, a welcoming committee, Shepp’s father said with a grin as he bent down to hug his son.

Shepp put his arms around his father’s neck and gave him a squeeze. He felt solid and strong and safe.

Shepp’s mother came out of the kitchen to join them, followed by his brothers, Nate and John.

Dad’s home, John cried as he ran to his father for a hug.

Daddy, Nate called, burrowing his face in his father’s legs.

How was your day, dear? the boys’ mother asked as she kissed her husband on the mouth.

It was great. The new business plans are coming along nicely. I’ll be able to give you and the boys so much more once the business is up and running.

The boys’ mother smiled and said, I’m looking forward to that new kitchen we’ve always talked about and possibly adding a deck.

The father chuckled and bent to pick up Nate, their youngest. Won’t be for a while yet, but it will happen.

Hey, Dad, Shepp said, tugging at his father’s pants leg. When can we go and get my sled?

How about right after dinner?

Shepp beamed and turned toward his mother. Can we eat now?

CHAPTER ONE

When Shepp woke up and gazed out the bedroom window of his apartment, he noticed it was snowing—the hard-driving kind that was destined to mount quickly. Then he remembered it was just three days before Christmas, and he hadn’t done any shopping yet.

The office party the night before had left him with a nasty hangover. During the five years he’d been with Dutton Publishers, the Christmas parties had been boring as hell, but last night’s affair had been downright rowdy. Even old man Dutton, dressed in a red jacket and red plaid slacks, had participated in the revelry, making toast after toast and dancing to the live band. There had been plenty of delicious food, and the libations abundant. Shepp smiled at the memory yet regretted his overindulgence of the latter, then stretched his long, lean frame, and pushed back the covers.

He’d have to face the New York City shopping frenzy that day whether he was up to it or not. He knew the snow would stop no one. New Yorkers were hale and hearty shoppers. He hoped a shower would revive him, so he stumbled toward the bathroom. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror and grimaced. He’d been told that he was good-looking, but now he only saw deep blue eyes that were dull and puffy, a lean face with a sallow cast to it, and light blonde hair that was sticking straight out in places. At twenty-nine, how could you look so bad? he asked his reflection.

He was just about to step into the shower when the phone rang. He considered letting the answering machine get it but grabbed it instead. Hello?

Hi, Sheppard.

Recognizing the slightly shrill voice of his mother, Joan, Shepp groaned inwardly, knowing how she loved to chat. Hi, Mom. What’s up?

I’m very busy running around doing last-minute shopping and decorating the house, Joan replied, sounding a bit breathless. Anyway, did I tell you what time to come Christmas Eve?

Yeah, you said seven.

That’s right. Are you bringing that darling Chloe with you?

No, Mom. We broke up.

Oh, that’s too bad. She was such a nice girl. What went wrong?

Things just didn’t work out. Shepp’s headache was getting worse, and he felt as if a vise had him in its grip. Moreover, he disliked talking about his love life with his mother.

Joan sighed and then said, If you want to tell me more about it later, I’ll be here.

He didn’t want to tell her more about it now or later. He was still coming to grips with the split from Chloe. She had told him just three weeks before that she wanted out of their one-year relationship. She had met someone else, and that was that. Shepp quickly changed the subject. I haven’t talked with John in a while. Is he coming Christmas Eve?

Yes, and he’s bringing his fiancée, Laura, with him. They’ll go Christmas Day to Connecticut to visit her family.

Shepp could hear the smile of pleasure in Joan’s voice as she said this. His older brother, always Joan’s favorite, lived in Philadelphia and played the violin with the Philadelphia Philharmonic Symphony. Laura played the cello in the same symphony, and they had announced their engagement two months before. This just delighted Joan, and she took great pride in telling everyone about it.

Good, Shepp replied. I’ve only met Laura once but look forward to seeing her again. He didn’t really. He had found Laura to be as dull and boring as John and thought they truly did deserve each other.

And Nate is coming too. He’ll be going Christmas Day to Florida for several weeks, but at least we’ll have him Christmas Eve. And he’s bringing a new lady friend, Joan said.

Shepp frowned. Just great, he thought. I’ll be the odd man out. Even my younger brother is involved with someone. He wondered if Nate had met the new lady friend at the Rye Country Club where he worked as a golf pro. That’s funny, he said, Nate didn’t mention anything about a new friend to me.

Maybe if you saw more of Nate, he would confide in you. You know, Rye is only a thirty-minute drive from you—straight north.

Come on, Mom, I know where he lives. It works both ways, you know. He’s the one with the car and should come down and see me.

Never mind that. You’re older and should look after your little brother.

Same old tune that I’ve heard all my life, Shepp mused silently to himself. John had been the talented one, involved with music lessons and hours of practice. He therefore had been exempt when it came to helping out at home. As a result, Shepp had been expected to watch after Nate since both their parents worked. You know, Mom, Nate is an adult now and can look after himself.

I suppose he can, Joan sighed again. I just thought it would be nice if you two were closer.

Shepp’s hangover was progressively getting worse. He needed a shower, a few aspirin, and a cup of strong coffee. Okay, he said to appease her and hopefully end the conversation. I’ll make plans with Nate on Christmas Eve. Listen, I have to get going. I’ve some shopping to do.

Oh, before you hang up, Joan said quickly, I forgot to tell you that Grandpa Jon called today and said he won’t be able to come for Christmas.

Shepp was immediately concerned. He was very fond of his grandpa and hated to hear he wasn’t well. I’m sorry to hear that. What’s wrong with him? I talked to him just two weeks ago, and he was feeling okay.

A bad flu bug. But don’t worry, your Aunt Catherine is there to take care of him.

She must be back from setting up the clinic in Africa, then, Shepp replied, feeling better at hearing this. His aunt had followed in her father’s footsteps and become a physician, and Shepp knew she’d take good care of his grandpa.

Yes, I spoke to her briefly when Grandpa Jon called, and she said she’s going to practice in San Diego now since her work in Africa is finished.

I’m glad to hear that. Maybe she can cheer him up. Well, I’ll see you on Monday.

See you then, dear, Joan said, sounding reluctant.

After replacing the phone on its base, Shepp sat down on his couch and put his aching head in his hands. He didn’t like to hear that his grandpa was ill. Unlike his father, Shepp had always been close to his grandfather, seeing him at least once a week until he’d retired and he and Grandma Bennie had moved to California. Even when he was still involved with his pediatric practice, Grandpa Jon had always

Reviews for Illusions

[poohbar-391662 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book changed my life!! Many years ago, while a sophomore in college, I read and absorbed the wisdom in the reluctant messiah's handbook at the urging of my roommate. I have been better for it. I struggled against my religious upbringing and the backlash against Jonathan Livingston Seagull and the use of the word "messiah." But taking the plunge, I received only gifts. The special words that spoke to me have sustained and directed me through both joyous and painful patches in my my life. After all, "You are never given a problem without a gift for you in it's hands. You seek problems because you need their gifts."

[fliss88_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Mmmm, this is possibly a book better suited to being read when young. At 67 I found it a nice read but that's all. The earth didn't move for me while reading it, although there are some things to give you thought.

[jordanjones-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There is so much wisdom and so much nonsense in this book, but even the nonsense is beautiful.

While thinking you can walk through walls, or on water, or swim in land won't make it so, the point of the book is that believing and acting on those beliefs helps make things happen, while being convinced that something is impossible never makes it easier.

[tldegray-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I return to this book again and again. It means something new and different each time I read it.

[daniel5estes · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Illusions by Richard Bach came to me by way of a recommendation. It was an accurate recommendation because it reminded me of four other books I've read: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch and Wind, Sand and Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

[ionas_7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this classic years ago, and have now re-read it. It is a book one never forgets. I read it in Danish, so my quotes from it are my own translations from this language.The teller of the story, Richard, is a pilot, who flies from town to town selling short rides in his plane for three dollars a ride. One day he encounters another pilot, Donald, who leads the same sort of life as himself, also travelling round selling rides in his plane.Richard, which is of course the author´s name, notices from the start that there is something unusual about Donald. It is difficult to see him clearly, since he has a sort of halo around his head. Donald has been flying round for five weeks, but, still, his plane is squeaky clean, with no oil or dirt on it, no straw on the floor of the cockpit, and no crushed insects on the propeller. This is not possible.The two become good friends and begin to fly together to the same towns. Strange incidents occur. One little girl, who is terrified of heights and flying, suddenly loses her fears in this respect after being with Don, and in fact decides to become a pilot herself. A man who arrives in a wheelchair is suddenly able to climb into Don´s plane unaided, and is apparently permanently healed.The two have deep conversations. Don recounts how people used to flock to him to be healed, but he grew tired of this way of life and fled from it. He gives Richard a Messiah´s Handbook, which provides him with advice and wisdom.For example:“To learn is to find out what you already know.To do is to show you know it.To teach is to remind others that they know just as much as you.You are all learning by doing, and by teaching.”“The only obligation in any life is to be faithful to oneself. To be faithful to anyone or anything else is not only impossible but the sign of a false Messiah.”“The things you teach best are those things you most need to learn.”“There is no problem that doesn´t contain a gift for you.You seek problems because you need their gifts.” (So true!)Don can land his plane in a very small space, on 30 metres of grass. (He has aviation skills like Jonathan Seagull, if you remember him!)Richard gains much wisdom from his friendship with Don. He learns that what we regard as life is not real. He learns to walk on water and swim through earth.This is an amazing book that will provide you too with much wisdom. It is an essential read. I recommend highly that you read it at least once in your life! You will not regret it, unless you are a hardened sceptic!

[kraysaulis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book states many beliefs I have held for years, so it wasn't "life-changing" or anything... it was more like another confirmation of the ideals I already hold, and the fact that I am not alone in my beliefs. Very well-written easy read. I read this book in two hours. It's a thinker, and I always enjoy books that make me think.

[lucy_skywalker · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I remember only that it was a great, great disappointment.

[murphy4jacobs · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

If you read my review of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, you'll understand why the halo effect from that experience shades this book. Also, this one was a lot more like a baseball bat to the head.

[whitewavedarling · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

As much a wandering through philosophical conversation and thought as it is a piece of fiction, the narrative here is a fast and surreal read with a fair amount of humor. At many points, I wanted there to be a bit more drama or depth to it all, but then, it's such a short work that it works as what it is, and the simplicity of it is probably its greatest strength. An interesting idea, in the end, but I'm not sure that I wouldn't have been better off reading it in the context of a philosophy class or discussion group. Probably no something I'd recommend to anyone but folks searching out narratives that integrate or build from philosophy and/or faith and spirituality.

[repsac3_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A real fan of this author--and this book, in particular--since the late 70's - early 80's. One I periodically re-read, and find (or remember) things pertinent to my current life almost every time. Tend to quote (or at least, paraphrase) from it in conversation whenever the need arises. (A favorite as of this writing is "Live never to be ashamed if anything you do or say is published around the world --- even if what is published is not true.")

[plabebob · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this book. It's part interesting philosophy part wishful thinking. I especially like the part about the nature of freedom & how we can't live by 'do anything as long as you don't hurt anyone'. Very simply written, it'll leave you with a beautiful sense of calm & quiet.

[adrianesc_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This may be my all time favorite book. What an ingenious way of making a point about a historical religious figure.

[jmg364 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my formitive literary experiences. I never know quite how to describe it, but I love this book, and would recommend it to anybody.

[elfpath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Illusions is the story of a reluctant car mechanic/Messiah, who knows that the world is an illusion, and who is therefore not limited by it. Fed up after years of people flocking to him to see his miracles but never listening to his words, Donald Shimoda has quit the Messiah business and is now giving rides on airplanes for $3.Illusions is also the story of Richard, who after meeting him in a field unwittingly finds himself drawn in by the strangeness surrounding Donald. Spending time with Donald, Richard begins to see that what seemed to be impossible is possible after all - and that he can do it, too. It's not easy. Donald has no intention of playing teacher, and Richard isn't even sure he wants to learn.Reading Illusions, you are never quite sure what is real and how much you are supposed to believe - but you keep reading, because the story is at once a powerful and an entertaining one, the writing is easy and light. Despite that, there is so much wisdom and provoking ideas interlaced with the adventures of Richard that you won't be able to put Illusions down. And when you finally do, you'll be left wondering if maybe...just maybe.

[tydizzle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The truth. It's a simple concept, yes? Well, if Richard Bach's novel Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah is any indication, this is not the case. Bach’s novel makes us question the very nature of our reality and what we perceive to be truth. Perhaps perception is simply a veil that our minds cast over reality, and if we can see through that veil, we can alter the very nature of how we perceive truth. These are the questions that Bach proposes throughout his novel, and this is why I enjoyed the story. Though the book itself is incredibly short (I finished it on a 2 hour bus ride to DC), the lessons that it imparts are difficult to understand upon first read-through. Contemplation is the key to understanding this book, for it is essentially a message of borderline lethargy in the face of adversity. But this misses the point entirely, for it is not laying down and simply accepting the circumstances of the world, but knowing that the world will work to your benefit if you give it time. This is the beauty of Bach’s novel; it is a novel preaching transcendence, for all a Messiah is is someone who has transcended pain and the limitations of our world. So if this is the lesson that you seek, I highly recommend this book, simply for the nature of truth that it reveals.

[mikelloyd_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My favorite book of all times. I read this in college and read it again every few years.

[la12hernandez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really like the way this book starts. I made the mistake of starting to read this on my lunch hour at work and was so caught up in the story I was 15 minutes late going back on the floor. Thankfully my boss had also read the book and understood. Every one who borrows this book keeps it, I don't lend it out anymore I just buy it whenever I come across it and give them away.

[neverwithoutabook · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Now and then you come across a book that just makes you feel and think, wonder and dream. Illusions is one of those books.

[black_samvara · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Barnstorming dropout meets run-away messiah and forms student-mentor relationship. I love this like crazy; it's not everyone's cup of tea but I find it inspirational, gentle and sweet.

[sueo23 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was a life-changing experience for me. A friend gave it to me as a birthday present and what a surprise was inside. I have re-read it many times and have given as a gift myself to several people. I think the whole book is summe4d up by one quote..."Here is a test to see if your mission on earth is finished...if you're alive, it isn't"The book is full of analogous stories that deepen your understanding of your life and of other people's lives, and how they are all inextricably linked. My favourite book of all time!

[libreria04 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The handbook rings as true for me then as now.

[hippielunatic · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story of the teaching and learning the messiah's path is a story I find myself loving over and over, in many forms. Bach's modern take on the possibility of multiple, concurrent messiahs is an interesting one. While not a perfect work, Illusions is a read that will make you rethink some of the truths you meet everyday.

[jeanned_14 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have purchased 10 or so copies of this book in my life (so far). The fact that I don't have one in the house should tell you something. I loan them out or give them to friends and family when the time seems right, and they keep them.

[thescrappycat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Simply put, beautiful. Inspiring. I love Richard Bach.

[lunaverse · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Yet another life-changing book by Richard Bach. Bach pseudo-fictionally (?) finds a man claiming to be a Messiah. He teaches Bach a 1970's version of "The Secret".An allegory from this book was very timely for me as I read it. It told of a creature who lived at the bottom of the river -- who learned to let go of the river plants and fly above the other creatures.This was one of many small synchronicities of that time, which gave me the strength to achieve one of my most difficult goals -- move away from my small town to Seattle.I find Bach is the mystical Ayn Rand -- preaching egotism and enlightened self-interest, but without the militaristic adherence to atheism and logic.I really enjoy Bach's approach, and will recommend this -- and Jonathan Livingston Seagull -- to anyone interested in personal growth.

[omrythea_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book! Try this... open up any book randomly to any page and see what advice and/or message helps you through your current problem. This book feels kind of life-changing and stays with you for a long while.

[sitaraa_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

this was my first bach and it opened up a whole new world for me. fantastical and awesome.

[gazzy_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

A messiah comes back and all he does is fly a plane, which does not have bugs squashed on his window. this messiah is befriended by man that learns about transcendence.

[jbreedlove_6 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Slow and obvious. I hope "Seagull" is better.