Miracle Man Read online

  Table of Contents

  Extraordinary acclaim for William R. Leibowitz’

  Prologue

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  Extraordinary acclaim for William R. Leibowitz’

  Winner — Best Thriller — National Pacific

  Book Awards

  “To call Miracle Man a ‘medical thriller’ or a ‘political story’ would be to do it an injustice. Miracle Man is about miracles, motivations, ethics and morals, and the influence of special interests in the work of genius minds. It’s about one ‘super’ boy’s devotion to solving some of medicine’s greatest mysteries against forces that would divert these great talents to something darker; and it’s ultimately about the ability to withstand moral and ethical temptations against all odds. Readers are treated to a plot with many twists and turns: it holds intrigue, describes compulsions and diversions, shows how a genius battles dark forces within and outside of himself, and generally paints a powerful picture of a search for privacy, as much as meaning.

  —And so a gripping novel of psychological tension becomes much more than your usual ‘medical thriller’, and is a pick for any who want high octane action and emotionally-charged reading right up to an unexpected, gripping conclusion.”

  —Midwest Book Review

  “The story of Robert James Austin proves the talent of William R. Leibowitz. Rushing like a river in a torrential rain, Miracle Man stuns and entertains, swivels and twirls above and beyond that which we know. Absolutely brilliant in plot and characters, I could not put this novel down for even a second. This novel pulses and throbs with a story that proves both vulnerable and heart breaking. Brilliantly written, utterly entertaining and un-put-downable, Miracle Man is one of those novels of the year that cannot be missed. STUNNING — 5 STARS.”

  —The Review Broads

  “Once in a while, I come across a book that is just one of the most amazingly written works I have had the pleasure to review. Miracle Man is one of those books. Mr. Leibowitz’ book kept me glued to its pages. I have to admit, the author would have had me convinced that this was a biography about a genius of a man, had I not known it was a fiction book. This is a magnificent story. Miracle Man by William R. Leibowitz is destined to be a best seller. I gave it one of my very rare A+ ratings. This is a dramatically superior novel.”

  —blogcritics.org

  “The Only Book You Should Be Reading Right Now—Miracle Man by William R. Leibowitz. I had put off reading Miracle Man until my son left town for school because I had a feeling it was going to entrap me. There was something about the way the eyes on the cover kept staring at me that I knew there was no way I was going to put the book down. I was right, it was spell-binding from the very first sentence. Miracle Man began with a horrifying jolt that sent you on a page turning thrill ride that not even the ending could release you from.

  William R. Leibowitz is a mastermind storyteller and his lead character, Robert James Austin, becomes so alive on the pages. The aching realness of him is what sets this book apart from other stories with superheroes or anti-heroes. His feelings of inadequacy, abandonment and betrayal are all too real to those of us who understand those feelings. And for some of us, what it feels like to get lost in the madness of our own mind and the inescapable nightmares we find waiting in the dark.

  This book is incredible. It could have ended cheesy, it could have ended overdone or a hundred different things… but William Leibowitz ended it spectacularly. I was very pleasantly surprised and excited, so much so that I still haven’t been able to get the story out of my head. Get this book!”

  —outnumbered3to1 blog

  “Miracle Man is a heartbreaking, inspirational and beautifully written story. I was absolutely consumed by this story the minute I started reading. Robert James Austin (“Bobby”) is one of the best characters I have ever read. He is simple and genuine. He sacrifices his life for the betterment of mankind, and with it comes so many moments of heartbreak, you just want to shake him and hold him, and as the reader you can feel the other characters in his life who want to do the same. He is such a beautiful character. This is an incredible book. I give Miracle Man 5 Stars.”

  —Savannah Mae Blog

  Well written? What makes a story well written? Heroes you cheer for, characters that you empathize with, and villains that you can loathe. All of that plus –plot and style. Miracle Man presents all this and more. Miracle Man is compelling.”

  —ReaderViews

  “Underpinned by a clever and sophisticated plot, high voltage superhero action makes for a genre busting thriller in Miracle Man by author William R. Leibowitz. A highly original and absorbing read, he brings a unique literary voice. Writing with an acerbic pen and an exacting eye for detail, Leibowitz gives the protagonist, Robert James Austin, real room to grow. This creates a true sense of place and purpose into which Austin must ultimately decide where he fits and provides for some splendid twists to his tale.

  Superbly written, and faultlessly executed, Miracle Man will raise much interest in Leibowitz and rightly single him out as an author to watch. Definitely deserving of a place on your bookshelf, it is recommended without reservation!”

  —Book Viral

  “Have you ever read a book that left you in a stunned silence? No? Then read Miracle Man by William R. Leibowitz.

  As I sit here, I go back through what I have just read. If you haven’t read Miracle Man than you probably have no idea what I am going through. What book has that kind of power? None besides this one that I have just read. Miracle Man is absolutely amazing and full of insight. I have no idea where to even start reviewing it. I feel like this book reviews itself in the title alone. This is a great story. I ha
ve been seriously stunned into silence by this book.

  Miracle Man will have you look at life in general in a whole new way.”

  —feedmeinbooksreviewblog

  “Miracle Man is a fascinating novel that explores intelligence, corruption, politics and the pharmaceutical industry. This is fiction, but it is timely and will make you think about the real life implications of the questions raised in the novel.

  Miracle Man will leave you wondering “what if…”

  —Sweeps 4Bloggers

  “This book’s got a great storyline and genius characters. The author has written a truly great novel. Miracle Man flows, it draws you in, and it finishes strong. Miracle Man’s a thriller —not just in the hidden agendas and motives— but also on a personal level, because you really start to care about Bobby, and want to see Bobby happy and succeeding in what he chooses. It really pulls you in — you just start to feel it. Miracle Man is perfect.”

  —Sunshine and Mountains Book Review Blog

  “A perfectly wonderful read. Well researched and plausible, there is an intriguing spiritual element, one that is unique in such stories and an urgency, not often found.”

  —Pacific Book Review

  “In his debut novel, Miracle Man, William R. Leibowitz puts a new twist on the thriller. Along the way, he exhibits a keen knowledge of science and medicine. Some readers will see in Robert James Austin (the protagonist), a leading spiritual figure for the modern era.”

  —Palmetto Review

  “Miracle Man is a smart thriller that blends together suspense and science in a story of one very special young man’s coming of age. There are enough twists in the plot of Miracle Man to keep things exciting, and Bobby Austin himself is a novel character –a genius who wants to work for the good of mankind, but is driven to self-doubt and bad decisions by his own demons and past. In fact, part of what makes this book so enjoyable is because unlike in many thrillers, the suspense isn’t driven by action alone –it’s also driven by the reader’s wish for Bobby to find happiness and freedom for himself. It’s suspense that arises both from dangerous situations and from the reader’s personal investment in the character, who you watch grow and stumble and succeed from age four to adulthood. This book has emotional heart.”

  —Penn Book Review

  “With a tremendous amount of medical knowledge included in its pages and a swift-moving plot, Miracle Man makes for a smashing debut performance by Leibowitz.”

  —San Francisco Book Review

  “I only put this book down to use the bathroom, it had me reeled in very quickly. If you enjoy suspense and thrillers, then this one should be on your to-read list for sure.”

  —Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife Blog

  A Selection From The Numerous 5 Star Reviews By Amazon Readers:

  “What can I say? This book kept me on pins and needles. This book made me talk out loud to it! I know it is a GREAT book when I start talking back to the book! This book makes you think. I 200% recommend that you read Miracle Man!”

  “WOW- I am just astonished! Not often do I get to read books I would rate with 5 stars, but this book I would even go higher if they allowed it! What a talented writer and an awesome book. I am giving this book 5 stars. They are HUGE ones though. This is one of my favorite books this year. I am hoping for another from this author. I will eagerly await.”

  “This was unbelievably good. I started it late last night could not stop till I reached the end at 4:30 am. Must say it’s an excellent read.”

  “I loved everything about this book. I have placed Miracle Man on the very short list of books that I consider to be really great fiction.”

  “Could not put Miracle Man down! Looking forward to Hollywood making a movie of this book….i hope!!!”

  “Mr. Leibowitz has truly created a masterful tale of scientific accomplishments, romance, and industry intrigue that will keep you in constant suspense.”

  “One word: Awesome. All I can say is that you need to read Miracle Man.”

  “My heart broke for Robert Austin. I wanted to jump into the story and just give him a big hug and be his friend. Miracle Man was very emotional.”

  “An honest to goodness thriller from start to finish. Characters jump off the pages and get under your skin so you cannot put it down. Topical and smart.”

  “It’s quite a feat recently for me to find a book I consider a 5 star book. It is also quite a feat to discover a 5 star read which totally held my attention and took me only several days to finish. Miracle Man is that book. I was totally blown away by the story. I would love to see where the author takes the story should he do a sequel.

  An amazing read from an author who draws you into the story in such a way you will find yourself rooting for Bobby to achieve everything he sets out to, and hating those who are out to stop him. The author shows his own talent throughout the whole of the story. A definite one to watch in the future.”

  “This is a riveting and highly original book. While thoroughly engaging, it also provides an interesting perspective of big business in America. Miracle Man is one of the most compelling, intelligent and engaging books I have read in a long time …a real page turner!!!”

  “This story is amazing and carries the reader forward with every twist and turn. The main character, “Bobby”, is indelibly imprinted in my brain. I think about him and worry about him as though he is real and I am hoping William R. Leibowitz that you see this review and realize this reader wants a sequel.”

  “Could Not Put It Down! Well written, full of suspense, and fast paced storyline!! Well done William R. Leibowitz!! Hope another one is in the works!!”

  “Where do I begin with my review of Miracle Man by author, William R. Leibowitz? Well, for starters, it was a fantastic read… Based on the story found within Miracle Man, Leibowitz appears to have a fundamental grasp of the sciences and it shows in his writing. Leibowitz is also explanatory and descriptive, yet he does so without becoming verbose or tediously long-winded as many “scientific” writers are often wont to do. Finally, Leibowitz takes care to engage the reader in an interesting manner, and has even used events/happenings from our current day and age to infuse a true-to-life realism to this tale. Miracle Man is a “must” read.”

  “Robert James Austin deserves a place alongside the most compelling modern literary heroes. In fact, all of the characters in Miracle Man are multi-faceted and evolve as the story progresses. Skillfully paced, always surprising and cinematic in its imagery, I can’t help thinking what an incredible movie this novel would make. And despite the darkness, the psychological tension, the intrigue and endless conflict (on so many levels), Miracle Man is inspirational and uplifting. This is a book for our times. We need a Miracle Man. Trust me –you haven’t read a book like this.”

  “I was hooked after a few pages. It kept you gripped from page to page. A great story line from beginning to end.”

  Published By Manifesto Media Group, a division of ILP Limited

  Copyright © 2014 by William R. Leibowitz

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without the written permission of the author. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

  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 actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Visit: miraclemanbook.com, and Miracle Man on facebook

  Contact the author: [email protected]

  Book Cover Design and Formatting by Streetlight Graphics Copyright © 2014 by William R. Leibowitz

&nb
sp; The author wishes to thank:

  My parents, Sidney and Lillian –who encouraged me to re-engage and persevere

  My wife, Alexandria –whose insights inspired me and who challenged me to do better

  My daughter, Tess –who was my skilled and tireless sounding board

  My son, Sam –who solved the riddle

  James S. Thayer –who edited the manuscript and gave me the benefit of his expertise

  ‘To destroy one life is to destroy an entire world and to save one life is to save an entire world.’

  —Rabbinical Scriptures

  Prologue

  A tall figure wearing a black-hooded slicker walked quickly through the night carrying a large garbage bag. His pale face was wet with rain. He had picked a deserted part of town. Old warehouse buildings were being gutted so they could be converted into apartments for non-existent buyers. There were no stores, no restaurants and no people.

  “Who’d wanna live in this shit place?” he muttered to himself. Even the nice neighborhoods of this dismal city had more “For Sale” signs than you could count.

  He was disgusted with himself and disgusted with her, but they were too young to be burdened. Life was already hard enough. He shook his head incredulously. She had been so damn sexy, funny, full of life. Why the hell couldn’t she leave well enough alone? She should have had some control.