“We’re making something that’ll last—from what the world threw away.” The world throws many things away, and The Lighthouse Of Fools, a novella by Stephen Wayne, reminds us that people are included in the rubbish. The story unfolds as a man, Thomas Harker, loses everything in a financial market collapse, both what he had and what the future promised. With no other options, Thomas relocates his family to the desert on a piece of land that has been in his family for generations. Bringing the abandoned homestead back to life, Thomas, with the aid of his family and four newfound friends, embarks on a crazy project to build a lighthouse in the desert. As the project develops, Thomas will rediscover the meaning of family while leading the world toward a better place.

Delightful and smile-inducing, The Lighthouse Of Fools by Stephen Wayne is an inspiring little contemporary tale tinged with a touch of science fiction. The story revolves around a man who, at first glance, seems to have lost his sanity as he embarks on the construction of a lighthouse in a place that makes no sense. However, it becomes clear that the structure is not only practical but also symbolic of hope, a central theme in this enjoyable tale. While character development is somewhat limited due to the work's brevity, it is effective and supported by a relatable and friendly cast. The brisk pace, combined with a clear writing style, makes for a quick read, and I highly recommend this story.

Stephen Wayne's The Lighthouse of Fools follows a man trying to overcome the ramifications of an unexpected financial crisis. After the Bradford-Wellington company declared bankruptcy due to the actions of a few elite, Thomas Harker lost all his assets except for the land he inherited in the desert from his great-grandfather. Despite a few objections raised by his kids, Ellie and Max, Thomas and his wife, Sarah, pack up their belongings and move the family to Thomas's desert property. Now, Thomas plans to build a lighthouse in the desert. Soon, he finds a few like-minded individuals who help him in the task, while the mainstream media, influencers, and photographers flock to the place. Everyone wants the answer to the question, "Why is Thomas building a lighthouse in the desert?"

Laced with mystery and intrigue, The Lighthouse of Fools is a riveting drama that takes you by surprise at every turn. Stephen Wayne's captivating narrative beautifully showcases the importance of faith and hope in the face of adversity, when all seems lost. It's a short read. However, a lot is happening in the narrative that makes you want to know what's going to happen next. The plot is paced well, and it makes for a breezy read. Thomas is a fascinating character. For most of the book, his motivations aren't clear until they are revealed later. The scenes featuring Thomas and his family were some of my favorites. I also found the ending very satisfying, and I think other readers will feel the same. Highly recommended.

In The Lighthouse of Fools by Stephen Wayne, Thomas Harker lost everything in a complete market meltdown. It was happening everywhere, and it was not just a collapse but a global swindle. Thomas had a desert property that had been in his family forever. Thomas never wanted to be there as a kid, but could still remember the star-filled nights. Thomas moved with his wife, Sarah, and their children, Ellie, seventeen, and Max, fifteen, to the desert, and the transition was hard on the family. Thomas renovated the house so that it was livable for him and his family. After looking up at the sky with its clarity, Thomas had an idea to build a lighthouse as a beacon in the desert to guide people through difficult times.

The Lighthouse of Fools by Stephen Wayne has a leisurely-paced plot. There was enough time to properly absorb an event before the next one. It was an emotional read, filled with loss and hope for a better future. The writing style kept my attention throughout, and it was easy to relate to Thomas and his family's struggles. The plans made to build the lighthouse and the help that Thomas received were realistic and natural. The characters were authentic and relatable. Every character was struggling with their own problems. Thomas had to keep his family together and did it with calmness. The story was excellently written, and I was hooked from the start. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as fast as I could. I enjoyed reading this book, and I now see a lighthouse as a symbol of hope for everyone who needs it.

The Lighthouse of Fools by Stephen Wayne follows a man named Thomas Harker. His life falls apart after a major financial disaster that leads to him losing everything he had worked for. He has no option but to move with his wife and children to a remote desert property that once belonged to his grandfather. While there, he still feels very lost and angry with the corrupt officials and powerful people who ruined his life. One night, he's discussing this with his wife, Sarah. She advises him to start a project to take his mind off things. He has the idea to build a lighthouse on his land in the desert. What begins as a distraction grows into something meaningful.

The Lighthouse of Fools by Stephen Wayne is a sci-fi novella about a man who has lost everything but builds a lighthouse to find solace in a world and its system that abandoned him. I loved Thomas's integrity; even when he was offered millions to sell his project, he refused, believing in the greater purpose. His wife, Sarah, always supported him every step of the way, which is admirable. Ellie, although not happy with the whole arrangement of moving, struggled with everything. I like that she also ended up being the family's voice through her blog. The author was descriptive in his writing, and the tone was very clear. The dialogues were philosophical at times, and the book balances science fiction with storytelling. It's an interesting read, and I recommend it to lovers of sci-fi.