FAITH, TRUST, AND ALIEN ABDUCTIONSBURDEN follows the slow, often wry disintegration of a relationship. Mark and Susan have been together for five years, and, despite Mark's occasional bouts of depression, they have always had a strong bond, prompting envy and jealousy from their friends. A movie rental sets in motion events that test their relationship's strength and their faith in one another.When Mark's suppressed memory of being abducted by aliens is uncovered while watching an alien abduction film, Susan is forced to deal with the repercussions. Though she tries to be supportive, it grows increasingly difficult, as Mark becomes obsessed with alien abduction chat rooms, and refuses to leave the house. With all the keen observational wit and incisive, self-deprecating dialogue of MID-LIFE, BURDEN is Joe Ollmann at the top of his form. Another hallmark of Ollmann's style n his ability to write page-turning stories n is in strong evidence throughout. With a self-aware quip and an ever-finer drawn line, Joe Ollmann has done it again.

PRAISE FOR MID-LIFE: "MID-LIFE is bracingly (and occasionally cringingly) smart and funny about men, women, marriage and singlehood and it's told with humor, specificity and style." n NPR"The story is brilliantly conceived and executedO Readers of any age who pick up this gem will find it impossible to put down." n Publishers Weekly Starred Review.