Taking Stock

Sheldon Mason wants nothing more than to move people with his fiction. But so many things stand in his way. He will need to tame the darkness that has clogged his mind since his mother was run down by a drunk driver. He will need to break out of a reclusion that has lasted two years. And he will need to find some way of belonging in the world. A local grocery store hires him, and at first a new co-worker seems like a source of hope. Gilbert is well-liked, influential, and willing to take Sheldon under his wing. Through him Sheldon gets invited to parties, and meets the girl he awkwardly loses his virginity to. He starts writing again. But soon, Sheldon learns there is a darkness in Gilbert, too. As he’s drawn deeper into Gilbert’s drug-fueled machinations, he begins to feel used. His depression returns, worse than before, threatening to undo all the progress he’s made. Taking Stock is a breathtaking tour of a troubled young mind, an illuminating story of loss, determination, and survival. WINNER OF BOTH THE PERCY JANES FIRST NOVEL AWARD AND THE LAWRENCE JACKSON WRITERS’ AWARD "Taking Stock is a compelling portrait of mental illness and a well-written read." – IndieReaderReview"Taking Stock is a compelling portrait of mental illness and a well-written read." - IndieReader (Taking Stock is IndieReader-approved)"Bartlett's writing has an effortless originality...Taking Stock is a great read." - The Telegram"Such a pleasure...Bartlett has been meticulous." - Downhome Magazine"What sets [Taking Stock] apart is how it grips the reader, tightening its hold throughout, until the end when the reader finally feels able to breathe." - Samuel Thomas Martin, author and Percy Janes First Novel Award adjudicatorAbout the AuthorScott Bartlett has been writing fiction since he was 15. His medieval comedy novel Royal Flush received the H. R. (Bill) Percy Prize, and his contemporary novel Taking Stock received both the Percy Janes First Novel Award and the Lawrence Jackson Writers' Award. He also recently placed 2nd in Grain Magazine's Canada-wide Short Grain short story competition.