Mild snow was a precursor to the booksigning of Observer columnist Tony Miles’ newly published Human Weaknesses, Forgiveness Epitomised last Sunday (January 17) in Bowie.

The function boasted an impressive guest list which included Jamaican-born Maryland Senator Shirley Pulliam, members of the medical fraternity as well as other visiting and resident members of the Jamaican diaspora. The event was held in Prince George’s County at the elegant home of Miles’ son and daughter-in-law, Drs Maurice and Trudy Miles.

In an ode to the ebullience of the atmosphere, Miles was surprised by his son and daughter-in-law with superb entertainment from an up-and-coming pianist. Following the surprise performance and requisite mingling, Miles opened the floor to the eager gathering — which largely consisted of the fairer sex, who were keen to discuss Miles’ absentee-father arc in Human Weaknesses, Forgiveness Epitomised.

Miles solicited the help of volunteers to read excerpts from the book before fielding some questions, which he specifically directed at “males” among the group. “I have deliberately used the word ‘males’ instead of ‘men’ — since ‘manly actions’, by moral standards, do not include [child] abandonment, but instead involves raising model citizens.” The title of father, he elaborated, should be earned and not qualified by virtue of gender, but by actions worthy of such a title.

A wave of thoughtfulness and spirited exchanges were beckoned by the follow-up questions which included: Were you abandoned by your parents? How many of your children have you abandoned? If your life and well-being depended on a child — one you abandoned and from whom assistance was not forthcoming — would it not be justified that you are deserving of being shunned?

Human Weaknesses, Forgiveness Epitomised curates multiple accounts of individuals, detailing issues involving gender, race, socioeconomic conditions, religious bias, greed, infidelity, betrayal, deception, prostitution, marriage, and sexual harassment.

The book will be available in bookstores and other outlets in March. The e-book version is currently available at barnesandnoble.com, itunes, storekobobooks.com, and smashwords.com.

— Gorgette Beckford