The Shopping Cart Man

Makes a great Christmas story to be read every year!

Author: Doug Nufer

Inspired by a True Story

"I had taught my kids the story of the Good Samaritan, when the next day we went out to dinner at a fast-food restaurant. As we were going in, a homeless man in ragged clothes came up to me and asked for money. He was probably in his 60s, but looked like he was 80. I was certain he was going to just 'buy beer,' so I turned him down and we went in and order our meal. While we were eating, that same man came into the restaurant with a homeless lady that looked as badly as he did. They ordered a kid's meal and sat down.

I couldn't help but watch as he gingerly tore the tiny hamburger in half and offered the bigger half to his lady. Her eyes grew wide as she saw the food coming her way. I felt like an absolute heel and wished I hadn't been so judgmental, and knew what to do for them then. A year or so later, I remembered the incident and wondered what could have happened if I had been more like the Good Samaritan. Those musings became the beginnings of this fictional novel. Over a 2-day period, the storyline hit me like a freight train and I put together a 30-page outline.

I enjoyed writing it, as it gave me a chance to in essence repent, but also be extremely creative and take the characters and the story in new directions. This was why I had one of the characters, Kenny, the youngest son, be written as a mute. He wasn't mute from birth, it was due to a tragic event in his life that is hinted at and later discussed in the novel. This also gave me the chance to depict my opinion of the power of prayer, in a very touching, hearfelt way.

I will surely never see that homeless man and lady ever again. I have tried to make amends, though. When asked for food money outside of similar restaurants, I've gone in and bought a meal that I've brought out and given to much thanks. I've learned to err on the side of kindness.

Book Description

"The Shopping Cart Man" is a return to good, old-fashioned American values. It is slice of Americana from the 1970s. A family on a cross-country road trip to spend Christmas with their grandmother learn what it means to be modern day Good Samaritans, when they encounter a lost soul whom they first pity, then befriend, and eventually learn to love. The plot thickens when the man begins suffering troubling flashbacks of his forgotten past. When they eventually part, the man goes on a personal quest to discover who he is and how he came to be homeless. This story will touch your heart and make you ponder what tremendous impact little acts of kindness can do for others.

Book Review

"This is a fascinating story about a family that encounters a homeless man on their family trip across the country for Christmas and they offer him a ride. I really don't want to say anything more to summarize this book, because I just don't want to give anything away. I think everyone should read it for themselves. This book made me think. I love books that make me think! I have seen two down-on-their-luck people begging at freeway exits since I have finished this book, and I have ceased my thinking that they are con artists, looking for an easy handout. I have had to totally reevaluate my thinking on being a Good Samaritan based on what I have read and now I have a few more ideas of things that I can do for others. This book is a little slow at the beginning, but once you are hooked, (around chapter 2 or 3) then away you go! I do have to say, that you couldn't possibly predict the end! It will take you completely by surprise. I hope you enjoy it too." --Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

"During a cross-country Christmastime automobile journey to Grandma's, a family of five applies the principles of the good Samaritan parable with surprising consequences." --Richard H. Cracroft, BYU Magazine

About the Author

Doug Nufer is the product of small-town values exposed to numerous environments. Born overseas in Norway, as an Air Force brat, he lived in two countries and four States - on both US coasts - before his eighth birthday. His summers growing up were alternately spent roaming the woods and hills of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, or on long, cross-country drives with his family of eight to visit family and friends. He and his wife have celebrated 20 years together and are knee deep in raising five unique and energetic children. In his adult life, he returned to Norway where he lived for two years learning to love its people, language, culture and customs. He has studied five languages in addition to English and visited over two dozen countries. He spends his days working as a project manager in the computer software industry, and spends his free time traveling and camping with his family, and writing.

Cover Art

The cover was painted by Ken Corbett, specifically for this book.

Book Details

Paperback: 200 pages

Publisher: Peepsock Press; 1st edition

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0979984009

ISBN-13: 978-0979984006

Book Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches

Book Weight: 12.3 ounces

Shipping Weight: 1 pound .4 ounces

Normally $12.95 - On Sale for $11.95

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