By Esther Callens
An absolutely, mesmerizing read is found in Red Now and Laters. This exceptionally titled debut novel is written by the masterful storyteller, Marcus J. Guillory. Staging a rich coming of age tale that’s nothing short of extraordinary, Red Now And Laters is destined to top best seller lists.
It is in Houston, Texas during the late seventies when John Paul Boudreaux, Jr. (aka Ti John) begins to realize that life is full of mysteries. Born in a Black Creole family, his mother is a devout Catholic who tries ardently to protect her son’s innocence (he cannot play with the neighborhood “hoodlums”). His father is a famous rodeo star who teaches Ti John about people and life. Although he is a normal young boy with the average penchant for action figures and red Now and Later, there is something that he’s privy to that other children his age aren’t. Ti John possesses a gift – a mystery his father is yet unwilling to speak upon.
Ti John’s father is a practitioner of voodoo. He is often visited by a deceased ancestor named Jules Saint-Pierre “Nonc” Sonnier. Ti John finds that he has inherited his father’s talent. Nonc Sonnier visits him as well. In the midst of growing into a teen while trying to balance his family and friends’ expectations, Ti John finds that life is about choices – good or bad – the decision is up to him to make. The question is, will he survive his chosen option?
Guillory has penned an impressive work of fiction. It incorporates life, death, humor, despair, love, hate, enchantment – all the emotions that are first experienced during that pivotal time of growth. His colorful, multifaceted yet unpretentious, characters are perfect. Guillory is a brilliant talent.
Marcus J. Guillory’s numerous short stories have appeared in Outcry, Dogmatika and other magazines. He has also produced reality TV shows for E! Network, TRU TV, MTV and others. He also wrote the film Karma, Confessions & Holi. He resides in Los Angeles.
