9th Place Winner of The 2003 Mary Ann Pfenninger Literary Award

THE CHAUVINIST is more than a novel containing the adventures of a S. Wicket, a rich and famous writer, past winner of The Nobel Prize for Literature. It is more because he proudly proclaims to all that will listen to him or read his new book, Chauvinism-Man's Key To Survival, that he is, and always will be, a Chauvinist! Furthermore, he believes that males everywhere should become active members of a Chauvinist Movement equal or superior to Feminism in order to bring an abrupt halt to women's encroachment and literal assaults on true equality. He demands true equality, not one based upon what he denounces as female antagonism and their insidious desires to seek revenge upon man's past behavior.

Wicket embarks upon his new book secure, confident and arrogant, best described as "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" He soon discovers a more realistic description, best described as, "Never underestimate the power of a woman!" One woman who plays the most important role in the metamorphosis of Mr. Wicket, is Eris Satan, chosen by Taylor, Wicket's long time friend and publisher, to accompany Wicket on the book tours to act as a buffer between Wicket and what he believes will be controversy and confrontation. Eris Satan's character can be best described by what she tells Wicket as she accepts the job, "Wicket, don't expect me to hold your hand, or for that matter, any other part of your anatomy!"

The story will carry you, together with Wicket and Eris, through a tale laced with humor, romance, adversity and violence, and simultaneously offer you intriguing episodes that just might motivate you to even reevaluate or modify your opinion or understanding of the present male vs. female relationships.

Review: I look forward to reading a full-length book from Ed Stember Sr. Why? As the editor of The Union, Ed's hometown newspaper, I've been reading and publishing his essays for quite a while now. He brings a light touch to his tales of everyday life, and I can hardly wait to see the magic he brings to his new book. -- John Seelmeyer, Editor, The Union.

Review: Ed Stember has been working for me at The Union, covering a wide range of stories. Whether Ed is writing about golf, retirement homes, classic cars, gardening or his own opinion, his writing is as lively and charming as he is. I'm looking forward to his novel, "The Chauvinist," because I know it will have Ed's unique touch. -- Dixie Redfearn, Special Sections Coordinator, The Union