HAWTHORNE – Yet another idea hatched in Paul Duerr’s head, and two months later it fully matured.
It’s a 92-page Western – the student author’s fifth book to be released since he caught the writing bug at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his most recent effort, titled “Steel and Bone,” readers will be introduced to Pierce Clayton, whose family is murdered and ranch destroyed by outlaws in the fictional Amberwater, Texas, Whistle. four years after the end of the civil war.
So he does what any heroic cowboy would do: he defends himself.
“It’s a revenge story,” said Duerr, 17, a new senior at Hawthorne High School. “He starts his own gang and he wins the day.”
Duerr said he started writing the short story straight after a successful book signing event he hosted at Shortway’s Barn, a bar and restaurant on Goffle Road, in June.
The Record and NorthJersey.com featured Duerr that month to promote the event and publicize the release of his fourth book, titled ‘1864’, which is set during the war. ‘Steel and Bone’ is a departure for the author, as all of his previous short stories – including ‘High Horse’, ‘A Shot in the Dark’ and ‘The Ultimate Resolution’ – are works of historical fiction on military subjects. .
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Now Duerr is using proceeds from his book sales to give back to the high school, which he says has “changed my life so much.”
He went on an online shopping spree, buying $1,000 worth of merchandise for the teachers and for the high school library. Among the items he purchased were 90 glue sticks, 144 boxes of tissues, 160 dry erase markers, 216 pencils and 432 pens.
Duerr’s transport also included five board games and 18 books that the library specifically wanted.
“I just had the money and had nothing to do with it,” Duerr said. “I thought it would be a good thing to do.”
Principal Kevin Pfister said the high school was “extremely proud” and “grateful” for the release of Duerr’s new book and donation of supplies.
The story continues under the gallery.
“Paul carries tremendous academic pride and cares deeply about our school,” Pfister said. “He is an outstanding representative of our student body and has once again demonstrated that his talents extend far beyond the classroom.”
Duerr said he will present the supplies to teachers and the library on back-to-school night, scheduled for Sept. 22.
To purchase a Kindle or paperback copy of “Steel and Bone”, or any of Duerr’s books, visit amazon.com Where paulbduerr.com/library.
Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
E-mail: devencentis@northjersey.com