***** Fantastical Way to be Human Review by Rox Burkey
Author CJ Boyack builds from the foundation an alternate reality where a man gets another chance to live life. The character development of the nameless man who would grow into Ted starts from the ground up when he awakes in pain. This man has a few vague memories of where he came from but no specifics.
My favorite character was the Yak. Not just an ordinary Yak you see on a wildlife show, but a talking Yak. Yak helps this man relearn life by understanding and clarifying the difference between wants and needs. Yak insists this man start with the smallest choices for a useful life.
The writing is easy to read in that it allows the reader to take the journey along with Ted. Learning how to take care of himself as opposed to merely taking from society. Over time and hardship, with the simple guidance of Yak, Ted has the opportunity to see how his actions build on one another and reflect on the world around them. It is the matter-of-fact dialogue that is captivating for me.
“The water wasn’t really cold, but it bit where it touched my sunburned skin. Blood washed out of my shirt for a long time, and I didn’t stop scrubbing until the water wrung out clear. I hung my clothes over branches where the sun could work on them and returned to the fire wearing only my boots.
“You should put the soap away.”
“That kind of thing is why I never call my mother. I’ll get it later.”
The yak burped up another wad and started chewing. “I certainly don’t want to sound like your mother.” His jaw made a few more revolutions before he added, “Right now, you are like a spark. We want you to become like the fire. It will take time and nurturing. You learned to dedicate time to your needs, then you addressed your wants.”
This is my foray into the writings of C.S. Boyack. He is creative, practical, and unique in crafting a fanciful situation while conveying a life lesson. Many other supporting characters are delightful and add to the journey Ted takes. His evolution would be impossible without all of them.
I highly recommend this book to those who what to see life and living differently. The chance to take Ted’s lessons and potentially apply them in part to how you treat others is there as well. A fun read. This author is a keeper!
About CS Boyack
I was born in a town called
Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s.
I’m not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times.
This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times, and other ways of getting
by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction.
I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century,
and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other
writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet.
I like to write about things that have something
unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy.
The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.
For more information, check out his BLOG
Follow him on Twitter
Follow him on Amazon
26 replies to "The Yak Guy Project"
So glad you enjoyed The Yak Guy Project. Thanks for sharing it with your fans.
I am delighted you stopped by. This is a keeper. I am looking forward to more of your writing. Thank you again for visiting.
[…] My favorite character was the Yak. Not just an ordinary Yak you see on a wildlife show, but a talking Yak. Continue reading here. […]
Super review, Rox. I have read the Yak Guy and loved it.
Thank you, John.
Hi John,
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Really Appreciate it. Take care.
Hi Rox, like you I really liked the Yak Guy. Craig has a wonderfully creative mind.
Thank you, Gwen.
Great review, Rox 🙂 I have this one on my TBR list and look forward to reading it when more so after reading your review.
Thank you for stopping by and reading it. This is an innovative author. Take care.
Hope you enjoy it when its turn comes.
Fab review, Rox. I love Craig’s books 🙂
I too am a fan Harmony. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks, Harmony.
Wonderful review for a wonderful book. I always thought this one flew under the radar. It deserves a lot more love than it gets. Nice to see it getting some attention here.
Hi Staci, thank you for stopping by and commenting. Take care.
Thanks, Staci. It did kind of fly under the radar. Maybe my tarot plot style wasn’t for everyone.
That’s a fabulous review. I loved this book as well. Craig has such a vivid imagination who consistently conjures up fantastical worlds and plots. The Yak Guy Project was a treat to read. Nice to see it in the spotlight today!
Hi Mae, thank you for stopping by to visit and commenting on my review. It is appreciated.
Thanks for your kind words, Mae.
Nice review!
Hi Joan,
Thank you for stopping by.
Thank you, Joan.
Hi Rox, it’s great to see Craig here with this post. I loved The Yak Guy Project, it is my firm favourite of his books.
Thanks robbie, I was totally impressed. Hope you and yours are well.
[…] you think is the most unusual thing you’ve included in your stories. Please note that I have read The Yak Guy Project, and this story is beyond extraordinary and filled with many possible reflection points for the […]