Judge Alvin Wong is a modern-day story with yesterday’s lessons—all encompassed within a traditional Wild West setting. This all-American story typifies a struggle that exists everywhere: the battle between upper class and the so-called lower class.
Matt Shea exemplifies this quirk in human nature by going a step further. He throws in a streetwise Chinese American judge, a crafty individual who uses his charm and common sense to dance around racial barriers while resolving issues.
The pinnacle of this story is when a brash rancher named Blaine Wolf sets himself up to be sentenced by Judge Alvin—in a saloon. Blaine is pompous about his wealth and uses every opportunity to highlight it. In fact, he went as far as suing a humble ranch hand—only to disgrace him in court over a small debt. From there, more salt is poured when the plaintiff elects to drop the case midstream, thus denying the hired hand any dignity.
Judge Alvin Wong tips the scales even when Blaine tries to save face. Foolishly, he grants Alvin permission to informally sentence him while others watch.
The result?
A harmless, yet poetic justice is set in motion —a soul-searching trek that has one rancher learn about life, and the goodness of our Lord.
Matt Shea considers himself extremely blessed by his family; his three brothers and two sisters have always shown him great support. Unlike many families, they still gather with their parents for family holidays. The Shea family values are based on accepting everyone, and they especially care for senior citizens and the disadvantaged.
His daughter, Laura, along with his nieces and nephews, share their world with the rest of the family. Through the young people, the adults get to relive their own childhood.
A union worker for thirty-two years, Matt found himself surrounded with average people and got a close look at what their lives were all about. This opened his eyes and taught him many lessons about others as well as himself.
When Matt retired in June of 2010, he pursued his lifelong dream of becoming an author. His inspiration has been fueled by being a worker, brother, devoted dad, and loyal son. These gifts motivate him to write about the trials of everyday life for the common man.
Other books by Matt Shea; Chase: A Special Person & The Discovery of Teddy Downing; The Groundskeeper And Other Short Stories; Elmo; The Meadowdale Community Project; The King of Coalman’s Hill; The World’s Greatest Rock Star; and Lauratown and Other Short Stories
