Elmer never planned to become a folk hero. But on March 12, 2020, when the world panicked at the outbreak of COVID-19, Elmer did what any decent man with a barn full of cleaning supplies would do. He ran for the hills—or in Elmer’s case, to the Blackfeet Nation.
Set during the chaotic first days of the COVID-19 outbreak, The Day the World Sneezed is a laugh-out-loud, thought-provoking ride from Kansas to Montana, with stops in Buffalo, Wyoming—where Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and the Hole in the Wall Gang once stayed—plus Sheridan, Great Falls, and Browning. But trouble tails him.
With his sister Trudy at the wheel of her eighteen-wheeler and a man from the Bureau of Land Management close behind, Elmer intends to deliver a truckload of disinfectant—purchased from the world’s largest online retailer (wink, wink)—to a people long accustomed to having land and rights taken.
Along the way, Elmer uncovers a rehab facility on lockdown due to COVID restrictions. With residents pleading to be set free—or at least allowed visitors—Elmer springs an elderly man and is branded a kidnapper.
Now, with federal agents, state troopers, and the “Bureau Man” in pursuit—and a Chicago mob fixer threatening to steal the truckload of Lysol—Elmer arranges a final showdown at a storage facility in Cut Bank, Montana.
A satirical but honest look at how fear, faith, and overzealous government officials collided during a national crisis, this short novel delivers humor, heart, and a snapshot of history in motion.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Eddie Jones does a remarkable job of leaping into the current (as of early 2020) Coronavirus crisis with a tale that would have been completely believable as a “cozy dystopian” Sci Fi novel had he released it just a few years ago. The book remains uncannily on track with its observations. And, as far as I know, it’s one of the first works of fiction released that directly addresses the crisis. Recommended.” – Amazon review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “A true tale of the heart. A ride full of suspense, laughter, and heartbreak. My praise to the ending because I was getting angry that he might serve time.On the porch, on his farm. I guess no harm no foul. Great story, God bless America. I gave it 5 stars.” – Amazon review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “A very entertaining and timely read. Great character development for all the main characters and especially Elmer. A man who only tried to do what he thought best. Well done and recommended. ” – Amazon review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “A humorous look at a dark time. I did enjoy this book. The voice was strong throughout, and in clueless but good-natured Elmer, our main character, the author truly has struck gold. I’d give this a solid 4.5 stars (if Amazon allowed for such things).” – Amazon review
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