Instant Gold

Frank O’Rourke
Mundania Press (2006)
ISBN 9781594262982
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (3/07)


When Adrian Ericson opened a small elegant shop in a trendy area of San Francisco, his neighbors, Sweater, Book and Tea, were immediately curious.  All Adrian had in the window was a small can and the words “Instant Gold” gracefully etched in the window.  It appeared he’d spared no expensive in renovating the small shop.  The three shop owners visited Adrian trying to discover what he was selling.  Perhaps they were concerned that he would be competition. 

Soon Mr. Sweater, Mr. Books and Mrs. Tea call in “experts” to determine if “Instant Gold” is real.  Then the Feds become involved, as did the mob.  Could “Instant Gold” work?  Could it be illegal to sell?  Could it be a scam?  The answer to all these questions seems to lie in the answer to a different question, “Who is Adrian Ericson?”

Most people are looking for an easy way to “get rich quick.”  The lottery is only one example of our greed.  If we each pay one dollar for a ticket perhaps we will be the one that wins the prize.  “Instant Gold” by Frank O’Rourke is a fairy tale.  It reminded me a bit of one of my favorite movies/fairy tales, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”  Greed is rampant; everyone wants a “Golden Ticket,” even Charlie who lives in extreme poverty.  His family draws hope from a “Golden Ticket.”  Mr. O’Rourke is very talented and has a fascinating way of showing readers how greed affects each person.   He shows readers how we are our own worst enemies and are willing to believe in anything, snatching hope from anywhere.  I was reminded of a recent weight-loss ad, “This is not for you if you only need to lose a small amount of weight.”  Of course the company was betting on people rushing out to buy their product.  Can we be so gullible that we will buy anything?  This book really made me stop and think.  I will also hesitate before I invest money in the next weight loss or get rich scheme that comes along.  I highly recommend “Instant Gold.”

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