Andrew James, a 61-year old widower and internist, travels from his home in Florida to Raleigh, North Carolina, to give a speech to the state medical society. The trip is uneventful — until a passenger across the aisle abruptly stands up and exposes what James believes is a bomb device. The physician’s decisive action leads him to become both a national hero and, initially unbeknownst to him, a target of the FBI. That incident — those two minutes — profoundly changes a life and leads to an unexpected reconnection. Told from the perspective of an upright citizen with a 1950s American middle-class upbringing, this is the account of the physician’s life through the months following his heroic, misunderstood, possibly criminal act. His story touches themes of friendship and loss, opens a small window on our post 9/11 justice system, brings in wide-ranging American history and trivia, offers a bit of a Valentine to post-war Buffalo, New York, and is, in the end, a love story.
Reviews
“Tim Norbeck’s first novel moves in unexpected directions. An instinctive reaction to a suspected terrorist attack becomes a catalyst for self-reflection, disillusionment, and, ultimately, rediscovery. The subjects of love in later age and the search for justice are powerful, and the story is a satisfying one. Congratulations are in order for pulling this off – many writers do not, let alone those who are coming to the craft following a full career in another industry.” Jim Collins, author, The Last Best League
“As a former prosecuting attorney I was impressed with Tim Norbeck’s insight into the criminal justice system and how he used it to make this novel suspenseful. Being a sports fan, I not only enjoyed but also was impressed with his knowledge of sports history and the players who made their sports so prominent. The unfolding love story does not let you put the book down. All are interwoven in such a way as to make the novel a must read.” Edward Smoragiewicz, Esq.
“As a native Buffalonian, I thoroughly enjoyed the numerous and knowing references about the city. The author has a unique ability to weave humorous and historical quotations into his story, which adds to the enjoyment of the read. The characters in the story are recognizable... you feel the writer has drawn, in part, on his own active life experiences.” R. Battel, Retired Global Chief Operating Officer, Institutional Citigroup Asset Management
“Having worked with physicians and being involved in the healthcare arena for nearly 40 years, I found Two Minutes to be a credible read and a real pageturner as well. Readers will learn from fascinating historical facts and sports trivia, and they will be enamored by the friendships and characters involved in this enjoyable novel.”
Bob Seligson, Executive Vice President and CEO, North Carolina Medical Society