2051

"2051" tells the story of the dystopian American legal system 36 years after its writing, caused by the greatest act of domestic terrorism on American soil on "831" (August 31, 2049). Under the law hastily passed by Congress in response to the public outrage, an American engaging in the ultimate act of kindness and Christian charity can end up imprisoned for life for "treason." That American turns out to be Beau Browne, the kind, helpful son from Rick Cornell's first novel, the Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist "I Am That Fool." Can Beau escape the clutches of this unjust law? And if he can, at what price? As with "I Am That Fool," Cornell populates this novel with unforgettable characters: Esperanza Lopez, the Type "A", egomaniacal abusive wife of Beau's abused sister, Bonita; Antonio Lopez-Browne, later Antonio Browne-Katich, the very handsome, only child of these two women, incredibly book smart but in need of street smarts; Ana Katich, the gorgeous Serbian juror who later sees through the injustice and does something about it; Fred Dockett, Cornell College of Law's brilliant but quirky trial practice professor who becomes Antonio's mentor; Giovanni Ribaldi, a former Presidential candidate and the country's most notorious pornographer; Deacon Joe Green, who is "the rock star from the pulpit" of his times; and many others. And as with "I Am That Fool", Cornell's depiction of the courtroom scenes will fascinate you. This veteran litigator certainly has seen the inside of many a courtroom!