[Ponder] is…unapologetically weird, shockingly funny, and rendered in satisfying prose that can equally delight or dismay. Daniel Roberts’s Ponder has more than enough style and off-kilter humor to hold a reader’s interest.

-Dan Accardi, Indiereader

-Ponder, a top 150 Later Life Romance

“Readers who enjoy humor-laden, character-driven books by authors such as Hunter S. Thompson, David Foster Wallace, John Irving, and Kurt Vonnegut will not want to miss Ponder. Additionally, fans of David Sedaris will enjoy Roberts' unique blend of humor, sharp wit, and candid introspection. Roberts, like Sedaris, has a knack for illuminating everyday absurdities, making readers laugh (and boy, did I) while prompting them to reflect on the deeper meaning beneath the humor.”

-Carol Thompson, Readers Favorite.

“[Ponder’s] brilliance lies in its ability to balance humor and depth, using the contrast between Disney’s magical facade and the weightier emotions beneath it to comment on how adults cope with love, grief, and the personas they project. Roberts weaves these themes effortlessly into the narrative. Ponder is a delightful and thought-provoking read. With its unique perspective on friendship, love, and life’s unpredictable twists, it stands out as a gem for readers seeking a story with both heart and humor. Roberts' writing shines, offering a fresh and insightful look at how life's complexities often unfold in the most unexpected places.“

-Thomas Anderson, Editor In Chief, Literary Titan

Ponder is pure unadulterated fun, with subtle moral messages built into the story. Author Daniel Roberts has created two wonderful characters, Murray and John, that each encapsulate where many readers might find themselves. Murray, it seems is locked into a soulless marriage and career that can only be mitigated by his ponders with John. He struggles to find the point in his existence and secretly hopes that on this trip some of the magic of Disney will rub off on him. John is alone but wealthy and both men use the ponders to forget the seemingly aimless directions of their lives. Set at the turn of the millennium, along with the new century comes a burning ambition in both men to find direction. The humor inherent in the two friends’ interactions is one of the highlights of this story. This is a genuinely funny story that had me chuckling, often with recognition of personal similarities. This will appeal to anyone who likes a good dose of irony and farce mixed in with some salient points on life and purpose. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and this author’s unique point of view. I highly recommend Ponder.

-Grant Leisham, Readers Favorite

“Author Daniel Roberts demonstrates a keen ability to blend dark humor with poignant themes in this unusual novel, and I was most impressed by the central conflict between Cheese and John as a catalyst for utter chaos and big, emotive discoveries. Roberts’ character development is impressive, with nuanced portrayals that capture the complexities of human emotions and interactions, and strong dialogue interactions that carry the plot forward naturally without the need for spoon-feeding or over-dramatizing in the narration. The novel's unique setting in Disney World adds a surreal twist, enhancing the story’s satirical examination of relationships and self-discovery against this broken backdrop of childhood folly, alcoholism, and the desire to be wanted. The sardonic style showcases Roberts’ distinctive voice and skillful use of humor to explore deeper existential issues. This charm carries us through the peaks and troughs of a well-pitched drama filled with unlikely but realistically drawn characters. Overall, Ponder is an entertaining and thought-provoking read unlike any literary novel I’ve encountered this year, and I’d certainly recommend it for fans of character-driven stories and accomplished darkly emotive fiction.”

-K.C. Finn, Readers Favorite