"I laughed til I fell out of my chair, I cried, I turned pages late into several nights reading and re-reading just to make sure I hadn't missed a delicious nugget—once I'd discovered their hidden presence in the stream. Castling is a gem, one of the most unusual and enjoyable reads in years. I look forward to the hit movie."

—Ernest Buckler, Spokane Valley, WA

"...Castling really was instrumental in my personal development.

—Alison Bigelow, Seattle, WA

"Castling keeps living on my nightstand because it’s so full of joy."

—Jill Howard, Wenatchee, WA

"I totally enjoyed your masterpiece. A thoroughly-modern classic."

—Mark Liebowitz, San Francisco, CA

Castling is a quite unusual book. When I first found the preview of six chapters in the internet, I was so intrigued that I even didn't take the time to print out the 70 pages but read it on the screen. The language is so vivid, the story so fascinating and full of action, the addressed issues so various and you can rely on all scientific information given in this book. Jim, the narrator, experiences a life crisis that makes him question all what was unquestioned before - his job, his wife, his friends and his lifestyle. He finds new answers in Dog Town and the Castle where his old friends created a perfect environment for people with really active minds. Step by step Jim is to learn what the great plan of the people in the Castle frames. He signs a one-year working contract and enters another reality - more real than the one he lived in before. And he comes to the threshold in more than one sense. Castling covers all aspects of human emotions and inter-actions, a bunch of fascinating scientific information on subjects as physics, astronomy, geology, biology, medicine, politics, social science, aliens, and more, and particularly highlights the story of hemp, the ancient multi-purpose raw material of all mankind which was tabooed by Big Oil & Friends only a few decades ago. Hemp could be a solution for so many urgent problems from hunger to greenhouse effect, its only imperfection is to be a natural plant that can't be patented and monopolized by a few. Not only in this context, the book shows an astonishing quantum of social critics, the author seems to have a broad-minded alertness of people, situations and relations. He definitely dreams another dream than the common American Dream but his version grants generations to-be a livable future. Joining Jim on his journey and his stay in the Castle is a pleasure you shouldn't miss.

—Jennyfer Deffland

Author/Translator, Munich, Germany

I just finished reading "Castling" and I must say, I enjoyed it TREMENDOUSLY. It was a great read, great characters, just a very enjoyable book. I work at a library, and see a lot of books, but I’m very glad I read yours. The message is clear... hail hemp!

—Marc T. from Reno, Nevada

(The following is excerpted from a letter by John Brand, author of cutting-edge non-fiction works such as "Shaking the Foundations" and the newly-released "The Grand Design".):

I just finished reading CASTLING. As I have said before I am totally overwhelmed by Rand's imagination and, I am sure, range of experiences. All the characters are alive, the topic is more than urgent, and the language is vibrant in painting pictures.

I am very glad I read it. Honestly, this is the second novel I have read in about 10 or more years. Of course, I spend all my time reading the works supporting my writing. The other one was "The DaVinci Code" which I read upon my daughter's insistence — after she presented me with a hard copy and I had to read it. I did enjoy it.

I really do appreciate Rand’s writing—his great sense of the range of human emotions, and fearless panache in expressing his thoughts!

Thanks,

John

Castling is one of the most captivating books on the market today. Not only did I lose a lot of sleep due to my inability to put it down, I have re-read it three times. If you are looking for a story that is relevant to what is happening in the world today, buy this book.

—Jennifer from Washington State

I thought Castling was a great read...for anyone who enjoys, grows, or loves hemp, this is the book for you. It's got sex, aliens, environmentalism, and marijuana. Thoroughly enjoyable reading.

—A reader from Nevada

I really enjoyed Castling and am looking forward to reading Timing. You have a wonderful way of writing which makes your stories very enjoyable, great work!

—Kellie Jo Conn, GG

The crystal deva

CASTLING is an absolute gem! Some of the situations the protagonists find themselves in are hilarious—especially those related to the "Camel-Cash phenomenon". The scenes are so well-crafted and the characters so vivid and the prose is so crystalline... this book shines brightly among today’s mostly mundane offerings. An absolute Must Read!

—A reader from Eugene, Oregon

CASTLING spent several months circulating around the office, and all agreed—this is One Great Read!

—Ohio Hempery

CASTLING Goes International!

CASTLING, Rand Clifford's moving and educational story of the power of hemp, has long been a favorite in the United States. Soon German readers will be able to enjoy Castling, too. Translation is nearly complete and distribution of the German language edition is just around the corner.

Experience the startling truth about marijuana prohibition and the power of hemp, including a virtual tour of the "Castle" and a sneak preview of the first few chapters of the novel at:

—Media Awareness Project