It’s the weekend of Manny’s bar mitzvah.

But even though this is a festive occasion, there is tension in the house.

The family has experienced tragedy — Manny’s twin, Danny, was killed in a school shooting less than a year ago.

Now, with the extended family and guests over, the family attempts to celebrate — but Danny’s absence and deep intra-familial political and religious divides threaten their marriages, their relationships, and Manny's milestone.

Bullet Holes is a novel of the moment, reminding us of the humanity that is lost when we fail to see past political and ideological divisions. For decades, Americans have been struggling with the urgent need to address the scourge of school shootings while protecting constitutionally-enshrined freedoms. Too often, the conversation is more of an echo chamber, where people talk past each other without really listening or understanding each other’s legitimate points of view. It is the author’s wish for Bullet Holes to stimulate civil, compassionate discussion regarding this most serious of problems. To this end, he has posted a free, downloadable readers guide for book clubs and discussion groups on his webpage.

«Norrin M. Ripsman's Bullet Holes hauntingly captures the profound emotional fallout and often lifelong trauma experienced from losing a child to such a real threat in today's society.” —Dr. Suzana Flores, Author of Untamed

“[Ripsman] has a remarkable ability to paint a clear picture…of the characters who make up this immersive story. Literary descriptions utilizing the five senses created evocative images… Heartily recommended!” — ReaderViews review

Norrin M. Ripsman

Books