The Fourth Apple Tree

My novel, “The Fourth Apple Tree”, is unique in many ways. First of all, it’s semi-autobiographical, which means that I used many experiences from that time in my life – yes, I was eleven, going on twelve in the summer of 1968 – to build the story with. My life is woven into the fabric of the fiction. Second: I wrote a story that I would enjoy reading. That means, although there is action and adventure, it is much more character-driven than plot-driven. Character development is always the most important aspect of literature that I enjoy and appreciate. Third: I wrote the narrative to include elements of my own spiritual journey, even though my actual story is somewhat different from the events as depicted in the book. I didn’t write this specifically as a work of “Christian Fiction.” I wrote it as a work of fiction that includes Christianity as a major theme. And why not? Jesus is THE major theme of my life! And many authors include their spiritual beliefs in their stories – like Mitch Albom. In fact, most authors try to express their personal belief systems in their work, whether they be atheists in a totally random world, or Zen Buddhists, or New Agers, or political liberals. Fourth: my book is very different from other things out there today (books, movies, TV shows, etc.) because of elements it DOESN’T contain. For example, there is no romance – even though I’m exactly the same age as the character, this is not Kevin Arnold of “The Wonder Years,” chasing Winnie Cooper. That’s because my experiences at that time were very different – and if anybody wants romance, well, those stories will have to be written by others. Alcohol and drugs are viewed very negatively throughout the book. In fact, one of the most important themes of my novel is the illusion of happiness that those things provide, as opposed to the reality of joy in the Lord. There are certainly chase scenes, but they are dealt with in a very realistic way, not in the modern Hollywood-type, totally unrealistic, near-miss-every-millisecond way. Baseball plays a prominent role – mainly because it really was a central part of my life at the time. But sports often reflect inward realities. Victory and defeat on a physical level are metaphors for victory and defeat on a spiritual level. Plus, many authors write about things they enjoy and want their readers to learn to appreciate. There are many, many examples. (Should Melville have written so much about whaling in “Moby Dick”?) The fact that the setting of the story is the turbulent year of 1968, one of the most pivotal years in the history of our nation – the world! – is important to the story because the turbulence and rapid change of that time is reflected in the turbulence and rapid change in the characters’ lives. Last: this was a labor of love that took almost five years to complete. I genuinely feel like I poured my heart out onto these pages. And central to every other reason I wrote this: to express my love for the Lord Jesus Christ and how He not only could change my life for the infinite good, but to show how He can change the lives of any sinner. If He could save me, He can save anyone. If He can change my life, He can change the life of anyone. All the Glory goes to Him! Joe Scotto