Contemporary novellas in the new Age of Distraction series by literary scholar Patricia Mahon pit fantasy against reality with mind-bending literary artistry. In Volume One: The Island, a speechwriter (Megan) and a schoolteacher (Percy) lament the loss of human engagement and creativity due to the disconnect of the digital age. Joined by a Silicon Valley turncoat and techno-savant (Rowley), the trio set out to create a global writing app that goes viral, allowing real-time participation in a collective story. The irony lies in a virtual reality so strong, it takes the three on a journey of discovery, pitting fantasy against reality, at an idyllic and device-free destination off the coast of Brazil. Mahon's literary prowess is on full display with numerous excerpts from classic thinkers spanning the centuries, organically presented throughout The Island to great effect. They serve to guide the characters in their global mission to preserve the art of storytelling and, along the way, underscore the timeless beauty that is the human narrative. A bibliography of all literary excerpts is included in this book.