In a time when societal shifts often dominate headlines, a new novel from Maryland author Richard D. Greensfelder offers a provocative take on faith, morality, and the modern world. Titled "50 Parachutes for 72 Virgins," the book weaves together religion, mystery, and suspense, presenting a narrative that is both timely and timeless.
The title itself sparks curiosity, referencing a peace summit where 72 clerics gather to address global conscience. The "50 parachutes" allude to a futuristic escape plan for Chicago's Sears Tower, dubbed "Plan Z," a last-resort measure. This blend of religious symbolism and modern-day tension sets the stage for a story that explores the eternal battle between good and evil.
At the heart of the novel is Archbishop Rooney, a no-nonsense character who doesn't shy away from diagnosing what ails society. He observes a world rapidly moving away from God, a trend he believes leads to a dangerous lack of conscience. To counteract this, he organizes a Peace Summit in Chicago, bringing together 12 representatives each from Christian, Hebrew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Atheist communities. The summit, scheduled for just days before Christmas at the Sears Tower's Skydeck, aims to be a first step toward global peace. However, terrorists have other plans, injecting suspense and urgency into the narrative.
Greensfelder's novel is more than just a thrilling story; it's a commentary on the erosion of traditional values. Archbishop Rooney yearns for the "God Old Days" (G.O.D.), a time when neighborhoods were tight-knit and faith was a cornerstone of daily life. He points to 1963 as a pivotal year when prayer was inadvertently removed from public schools, posing a rhetorical question about the impact of 13 trillion "The Lord's Prayers" over the decades. The Archbishop's oft-repeated phrase, "Evil fills the void whenever God is pushed away," serves as a central theme, warning of the consequences of spiritual neglect.
The author, Richard D. Greensfelder, is a retired Director of Admissions at a private school, now residing in Baltimore with his family. His background includes a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore, where he was part of a National Championship soccer team in 1975. A devout Catholic, Greensfelder wrote the book as a reminder of the virtues that made "The Good Old Days"—love, sound values, truth, forgiveness, charity, and helping others. He hopes the story will inspire readers to care more for others and contribute to a safer, better world.
The book is now available for purchase in paperback and E-book formats on Amazon at https://a.co/d/0fGomUvu. For more information, readers can visit the author's website at www.50parachutes.com.
