Salt of the Earth: A Portland Story

By: Dr. James Asparro

Narrated by: James V. Asparro

Length: 11 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Ben Dawson, a widowed pastor, takes a bullet from an assault rifle triggered by an anti-abortion protester at a women's health clinic. Further unanticipated events land him in the national spotlight. Colorful characters, including a brilliant and glamorous woman, are influenced by Ben's local progressive church, at which people of all spiritual identities find purpose and meaning.

Woven into the story are romance, adventure on the high seas, and a sensational dog. Salt of the Earth brings to light social issues such as women's reproductive rights, addictions, gun violence, wealth distribution, and gender equality. Villains scheme to bring heroes down. Who will win?

Excerpt from From Salt of the Earth:

“The alarm went off at 6:00 a.m. Why do I do this? Ben thought. I promised her I would take her to the clinic today. I’m the only friend who knows her story. She can’t take a cab there. Megan is alone and scared. I would rather do anything but get this involved, but here I am. The last time I asked God how I could help, I ended up in the Philippines living next to a dump. Now, I guess there’s a woman who needs some support.”

©2016 James V. Asparro (P)2019 James V. Asparro

Excellent Book to Listen and Enjoy in Car

I just finished the book. Amazing story!
I especially like the fact that the audio book is the author's own voice and he mimics different people's voices in a very nice way and transitions flawlessly, and they makes the listening a great and pleasant experience as if you were in a theater!

And, so much details about food and what they were wearing amusing to me!

Definitely recommend.

Entertaining, Fast Moving, Easy to Read

This is a Christian-based book that reviews life issues in interesting and meaningful ways.

Since I am not religious, why did I read it?

Because I enjoy a really good book!

An Uplifting Story from a Christian Point of View

I literally devoured this novel within a few days. For any reader who considers herself or himself a spiritual as well as a human being, this book has something to offer. The character development is excellent. It is also a quite human story and perhaps tells a side of Christian Faith that needs to be told. Not every church is political and so it is in this story. I was impressed with the author's knowledge of the US navy as well as the authors familiarity with so many beautiful sights in and near Portland, OR. It makes we want to go there and hike some of the trails! Finally, as is so often the case in real life, not all of the characters find redemption, so to speak. Somehow, that made the story more interesting and more realistic.

Huffington Post Review

Review
huffingtonpost.com/rev-peter-e-bauer/a-seasoned-ministry_b_10813476.html

THE BLOG FROM THE HUFFINGTON POST

A Seasoned Ministry
07/05/2016 12:55 pm ET
Rev. Peter E. Bauer United Church of Christ minister
Spiritual journeys can be marked by periods of growth and stagnation and even regression. I have had experiences with congregations that were life-changing, where people and ministers entered my life at a time when there were challenges and struggles and where the ministry that they provided brought welcome spice and seasoning to my life. These church experiences changed my life and the lives of others.
James Asparro has written a wonderfully moving novel entitled " Salt Of The Earth-A Portland Story " ( Author House 2016 ). The author is a Chaplain who has served with the United States Navy and with the Department Of Veterans Affairs. He has created the fictional congregation, the Lake Oswego Progressive Church Of America ( PCA ) pastored by the Rev. Dr. Ben Dawson. When we meet Rev. Dawson he has recently experienced the loss of his wife Julia and his parents within the same year. Through a freak accident where he rides his bicycle into a metal pole, Ben meets Dr. Alexandria Savich, who is a math professor, violinist, and author.
This meeting proves to be life-transforming for both of them. James Asparro weaves artfully a series of other plots including a marriage dissolving between a Naval Officer and his spouse who is a VA Hospice Nurse, an entrepreneur CEO for a major technology company who is evolving in his professional and spiritual life, a right-wing dairy company owner and mayor of a small town who bullies his spouse and others. The spouse is able to break free and eventually she becomes a successful businesswoman in her own right.
"Salt Of The Earth-A Portland Story" is rich in its observations about its characters and their human vicissitudes as well as its impeccable descriptions of Portland, Lake Oswego, and the Oregon coast, even describing local area eateries and cuisine. People who are from Portland and who are familiar with the Pacific Northwest will really enjoy this book, and others will equally enjoy it.
Perhaps, one of the major transformations in the book happens to Charlie, a Korean veteran. He goes from being alone in a dingy room over a bar to where he becomes adopted into a greater family through the Lake Oswego PCA Church. Charlie becomes befriended by Val, a dog trainer, and her canine Lizzie.
"Salt Of The Earth-A Portland Story" really reveals how meaningful ministry can transform the lives of people. Ministry that is inclusive of all without distinctions to economic status, sexual orientation or religious background. As I read this book, I thought about how many people would probably want to be a part of a congregation like this, one that is dedicated to caring for people and practices hospitality and commitment to stay connected with its members.
Matthew's Gospel noted:
"You are the salt of the earth ( Matthew 5:13 )
This novel presents a seasoned ministry that will be satisfying to the reader and with reflection will promote new growth and wisdom.
May this be so for all of us.
May it be so.