John and Olga

The book was realized as African-American John Smith and Spanish-American Olga Sanchez, who were both widows, were to be the central characters. Although the couple, as well as all other characters and events in the book, are fictional, they were drawn from the author's real-life experiences.

John, a former teacher and Vietnam Veteran, is suffering from major depression. His friend, Olga, apparently loves him despite his poverty of spirit and limited material assets. Olga was marginally employed as a file clerk at a local insurance company.

The book revolves around John's experiences as he attempts to salvage his decaying life and realize his hopes of marrying Olga. After abandoning his apartment, due to it being overrun by mice, he seeks shelter in one of New York City's most notorious Men's Shelters. It continues on to tell of John's experiences in the shelter system, his encounters with different types of people, his relationship with his son, and his high hopes of marrying Olga. The story of John and Olga challenges our humility and other values, despite the stressful life we are in. It tells of how the human spirit champions the final outcome.