Burying the Pawn

“Burying the Pawn serves up captivating characters and a riveting plot that spans the globe. But the novel does more than that: It performs a public service by delving into education reform, business ethics, and the role of humility in American society. Read this enjoyable and research-based novel to learn more about how school choice can help millions of disadvantaged Americans reach their full potential.”

—Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas and host of Huckabee

“Reading Burying the Pawn was fascinating journey for me. Ostensibly, the novel highlights three bright and unique individuals, each one learning to compensate for his or her learning disabilities and mental health challenges. In reality, however, the novel is about their search for a meaningful life. As a rabbi, I was naturally drawn to the character Zeb, the Southern Jew with ADHD who initially hides his religious heritage to fit in. Zeb’s journey is inspirational and instructive—his life’s dreams are dashed early on, and things go from bad to worse because of bad personal and business decisions. Eventually, through perseverance and a terrific rabbi, he reconnects with his faith, finds humility, and discovers another path to a fulfilling life. Kiara’s and Leo’s immigrant stories are just as enlightening. The cherry on top is Kaufman’s consistent yet non-preachy examination of how education reform can deliver a better education for youth who learn differently. I recommend reading this book, perhaps for one very simple reason: It provides hope to our society and, without embarrassment, shows that determination and faith in self are values found deep within each of us. We need only trust and believe in ourselves and our own self-worth.”

—Rabbi Norman S. Lipson, founder and rabbi emeritus of Temple Dor Dorim, Weston, FL

“Burying the Pawn felt like it was written for me. Immigrating to America, the entrepreneurial experience, kids with learning disabilities, and college sports are things I’ve lived myself. Even so, I found the novel unpredictable. I loved how it took me around the world. What surprised me was how much I cared about the main characters. They were like good friends, especially Zeb and Leo. I see aspects of them in my own two sons. Beyond that, I learned a lot about education reform, economics, and life at a major Southern university. I was sad when the novel ended.”

—Luis Paz, president of Inovexia Partners

“Burying the Pawn is a wide-ranging novel that traces the intersecting lives of three disparate individuals who were challenged by learning disabilities and mental health issues during childhood: Zeb, a Jewish man from North Carolina; Kiara, the daughter of Black Caribbean immigrants; and Leo, who grew up with violence in Venezuela. Initially, their considerable strengths are overwhelmed by their disabilities and some bad decisions, but ultimately the novel is hopeful, as it illustrates, without preaching, how education reform can help special-needs people meet their potential. I was also intrigued by other aspects of the novel: Zeb’s crusade, as a flawed entrepreneur, to improve business and consumer ethics in America; the role of elite sports in revealing and developing Kiara’s character; and the book’s immersion into the cultures of Venezuela, the Basque Country of France and Spain, Rwanda, Trinidad, and Papua New Guinea. Kaufman’s look at the role of humility in modern society was also interesting. Highly recommended for anyone interested in education reform, adventure travel, and learning disabilities.”

—Brian Harris, playwright and author of Monster Plays and Calling Mr. Beige