“A compelling novel in the tradition of Animal Farm and 1984 that shows … the disastrous consequences of government-run health care.” — NEWT GINGRICH, FORMER SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

"We must not let the Washington politicians turn this well-written piece of fiction into a nightmare reality for the American people!" — STEVE FORBES, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, FORBES MAGAZINE

....Bob Smith had it all. A beautiful house, a happy family, a rewarding career, and a government concerned with his well-being. But when his young son collapses, everything begins to crumble. Suddenly thrust into the world of Universal Coverage, Smith discovers that the ideals he voted for have spiraled out of control. The U.S. nationalized healthcare system has quickly devolved into a nightmare of unbearable waits, inevitable fraud, and uncertain outcomes presided over by a disinterested bureaucratic class.
....As Smith struggles to save his son’s life, he finds the only hope is Salvare, an unauthorized hospital ship providing world-class care to anyone with cash who’s willing to make the journey. A miracle at sea awaits aboard Salvare if Smith is brave enough to question the dangerous path his country has taken. Time is running out, and in matters of life and death, timing is everything.

“Putkowski is a keen observer of the human condition.” — ARUBA.COM

“A must-read, no-holds-barred look at Aruba.” — LAGO-COLONY.COM

“Reveals an island life that few visitors ever know.” — THE NEWS ARUBA SUNDAY EDITION

....In Aruba, far from the sparkling beaches and glamorous hotels, lies a waning refinery boomtown of barroom brothels, flexible morality, and one tourist trap known as Charlie’s Bar. Luz, a young Colombian mother works as a prostitute to pay off her family’s debt. She encounters Sam, an American expatriate looking to perpetuate his flamboyant youth. Together they find Captain Nathan Beck, washed ashore and barely alive after his tugboat sinks in a storm.
....For each of them, San Nicolaas provides hope amid desperation as they live dangerously in pursuit of their dreams. Through it all, Charlie’s watchful eye sees the best and worst, knowing that on his desert island you have to improvise.

“Nuances of the nightlife game seep through every chapter.”— BAR BUSINESS MAGAZINE

"Putkowski's version of the place is the quintessential river ward tappie." — PHILADELPHIA CITY PAPER

"Alternately heart-warming and bone-chilling." — THE TEMPLE NEWS

....Tom Bonk, college student and casual piano player, never wanted his old man’s bar. He wanted an education, a high-paying career, and out of his lower-class Philadelphia neighborhood. Then his brother John, a sergeant in the Marine Corps, is killed in Iraq. His father goes on a two-week bender, leaving Tom the one thing he never wanted, a chance to run the family bar. Seduced by the financial success of his early attempts, he plunges in head first, thinking that he can outsmart the Russian Mob, the cops, a clever local girl, and his own ambition.