Royal Oak Author's New Book Centered Around DIA, Prepares for Silver Screen

Troubled times have a strange way of either tearing people apart or bringing them closer together. It is a mantra apropos for Detroit and the message of a new youth/teen book by local author Josef Bastian, “Nain Rouge II – The Red Tide”, the second in the award-winning Nain Rouge series 

Written long before Detroit’s financial woes intensified, many of the book’s themes appear, almost eerily, to be pulled directly from today’s headlines. “The Red Tide” once again focuses on young friends who encounter the urban legendary red devil; this time centered on the Detroit Institute of Arts and other local points of interest. The tale, which expands to troubling events nationwide, is one of good vs. evil, hope and the importance of perseverance and teamwork in overcoming adversity.

“Once the protagonists realize power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, they have a starting point for pulling together and taking corrective action through self-empowerment,” said Bastian. “The Nain Rouge is part of the spirit of Detroit; the human spirit that battles back and toughs it out through hard times.”

Supporting the DIA

The first book will also serve to support the Detroit Institute of Arts. Beginning October 1st, and continuing through Halloween, “The Red Tide” can be downloaded for free with a donation to the DIA of $1 or more, at www.nainrouge.com.

Awards and a Movie

Just in time for Halloween and with a movie currently in development for filming in Detroit and featuring actor Martin Klebba (“Pirates of the Caribbean”) in the title role, the just released “The Red Tide” is up for a trio of awards, including from Moonbeam, Young Voices and Writers Digest. In 2010, Bastian released the series’ inaugural “Nain Rouge” which received the Seal of Approval for Historical Nonfiction for Juveniles/Young Adult and was also awarded by the Young Voices Foundation – recognizing the book’s role in inspiring and educating youth and their families.

A Historical Urban Legend

Recognized as a harbinger of doom for more than 300 years, the ”red dwarf”/antagonist from the book is as old as Detroit itself and is said to often appear in advance of negative events. There are, in fact, documented sightings of the Nain Rougejust prior to the Detroit riots and as recently as the 1970s.  Each spring, the Marche du Nain Rouge parade ushers in hope, renewal and marks another anniversary of ceremoniously driving thedevil out of the city.

More information about “Nain Rouge II – The Red Tide” can be found at: http://www.thenainrouge.com.  “Nain Rouge” and “Nain Rouge II” are both available on amazon.com, Kindle [and other major booksellers].

Source: Tanner Friedman