Author Description

1963 is a portrait of an era told through the experiences of two bright, strong-willed young Americans who attempted to shape their own destinies in a world that was becoming increasingly complicated and dangerous. In this period, America faced nuclear holocaust during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Thirteen months later, Camelot crumbled when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. At 17, Marie Kruger had everything a girl needed to become anyone she chose. She had an incredible mind, disarming beauty, an affluent caring family, exceptional schooling, and was entering a world that began to open doors for gifted young women. Marie's quest was to find the best way to live her life. On a fast track to stardom, Marie met a boy, Douglas Mitchell, and she simply and unavoidably fell in love. Falling in love can befuddle any well-made plan. What other forces hold sway in determining one's destiny? Perhaps the demands of unscrupulous others or hidden power sources or, maybe, just dumb luck. Perhaps there is no choice at all; perhaps an irrepressible omnipotent cosmic power chooses the fate of us all. The author, Dr. Ron Davis, is a communication arts professor at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.