“Alrededor de un año. Trabajaba para el puto Cuerpo de Paz como analista presupuestario. Me cansé de la efervescencia y la ingenuidad de esos chavales que tenían buenas intenciones pero ni idea de cómo funciona realmente el mundo.”
(About a year. I used to work for the fucking Peace Corps as a Budget Analyst. I just got tired of the effervescence and naiveté of these kids who had good intentions but no clue how the world really works.)
– an excerpt from the book
ARPress is honored to publish Ser Una Rosa (the Spanish edition of To Be a Rose) by E.B. Mason (Anne Bowen). This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
Edmund B. Mason was a gifted storyteller with a passion for crafting narratives that touch the heart and inspire the soul. With a background in literature and a deep appreciation for character-driven storytelling, Mason’s works often explore themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the human spirit. Tragically, his life was cut short in 2011.
An obituary notes Mason’s tenure as an advisor to the Afghan Ministry of Defense and highlights his publication To Be a Rose, which chronicles his experiences in Afghanistan and his remarkable recovery. Anne Bowen, Mason’s wife, was featured in the Author Spotlight of ARPress to share the story of her husband.
The narrative is divided into three sections, with the most extensive focusing on “The Dream,” which recounts Mason’s critical illness and time in intensive care. During this period, he faced collapsed lungs, reliance on ventilators, and significant physical debilitation, including the inability to walk or perform basic tasks. Despite medical projections suggesting prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation, Mason’s determination led him to return home just two weeks before Thanksgiving.
To Be a Rose is a deeply moving memoir that recounts the author’s journey through adversity, survival, and the power of resilience. The book details Mason’s experience traveling to Afghanistan as an advisor, his unexpected battle with a life-threatening illness, and his arduous recovery upon returning home. Through this powerful narrative, readers gain an intimate look at the struggles he faced, the strength he summoned to fight for his life, and the profound ways this experience transformed him.
Mason’s story is not just about survival; it is about finding beauty in the most challenging moments, much like a rose blooming in harsh conditions. His love for roses, cultivated from childhood, serves as a central metaphor throughout the book, symbolizing perseverance and hope. This compelling memoir is an inspiring read for anyone who has faced adversity and sought meaning in hardship.
The book is a powerful and evocative novel that explores the complexities of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of identity. Through a beautifully crafted narrative, Mason takes readers on an emotional journey, following a protagonist who must navigate life’s unexpected challenges while seeking personal growth and fulfillment.
The novel delves into themes of love, loss, transformation, and perseverance. As the protagonist faces hardship and triumph, the story unfolds with lyrical prose and profound insights that resonate deeply with readers. To Be a Rose is more than just a story, it is an exploration of what it means to evolve, embrace one’s true self, and bloom despite the odds.
Ser Una Rosa (Spanish Edition of To Be a Rose) by E.B Mason (Anne Bowen) is now available for purchase via the ARPress Bookstore.