Bart Marshall Livres

Richard Rose's journey unfolds as he transforms from a rugged West Virginian farmer and painter into an unlikely Zen master after a profound spiritual awakening at age 30. This experience led him to explore the concepts of "Everything-ness and Nothing-ness," which he termed "the Absolute." Driven by a deep desire to assist others in their pursuit of Truth, Rose's life becomes a testament to the quest for enlightenment, showcasing the intersection of everyday life and profound spiritual exploration.

The book explores the evolution of Jesus' teachings through oral traditions and the formation of early Christian sects, highlighting how these teachings were altered over centuries. It discusses the pivotal Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which established the official Christian canon while deeming many texts as heretical. The discovery of the Nag Hammadi library in 1945 revived interest in the Gnostic Gospels, particularly the Gospel of Thomas, prompting a reevaluation of Christ's essential messages. The author emphasizes the personal experience of divine truth as central to understanding these teachings.

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War in 1967, the narrative follows a young Green Beret entangled in opium smuggling and a CIA-backed revolution, while caught in a love triangle with a dangerous Dragon Lady and a mysterious nightclub singer. The screenplay, inspired by a true story, reflects the author's nostalgia for Vietnam and his desire to create art from his experiences. After reconsidering his ambitions of directing, he transformed the screenplay into this book, blending elements of both a script and a novella, hoping it may one day reach the screen.