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There’s a new book in bookstores, and it’s guaranteed to bring more than a couple of laughs as it is both amusing and funny.

The book is simply titled “William” and its authors are two local fellows – Larry Timbs, Jr. and Michael Manuel.

“William” is the story of a DNA experiment that went wrong. It has its setting near Watauga Lake and is the story of a farmer and his boy-goat.

Manuel said the book was intended to be a screenplay in hopes of having a movie made. After a few failed attempts, it was put aside for a while until Larry Timbs asked to read it again. He saw potential in the written piece and spent many months adapting it into a manuscript for a book. Timbs and Manuel spent the next months fine-tuning the story into a book.

William when born in the old farmer’s barn was a human baby but unlike any baby anyone’s ever seen. His body – mouth, nose, hands, fingers, and legs – were what you would expect. All the parts seemed to be there and in good order. But not so when you got to the infant’s feet. It had the hooves of a goat.

Well, it seems that William was the result of a well-respected geneticist, who was trying to clone a goat in a small lab in his garage. He was evidently doing some kind of in-vitro fertilization with human DNA involved, using the goat as a host.

William’s owner was determined to raise him as a boy, not a goat.

William’s owner and the Doc came up with a plan. A podiatrist filled William with little high-top corrective shoes that he would wear 24-7. This would make his feet grow straight and keep him from needing surgery – and it would keep people from asking questions. And…the story of the goat boy continues.

Michael Manuel, the author, and his wife, Joyce, live on a mountain overlooking Watauga River near Hampton. They are active members of First United Methodist Church, and Michael is an active member of the Carter County Car Club.

Manuel co-authored two other books with Timbs – Fish Springs: Beneath the Surface and Justice for Toby. His last published book was “The Last Fishing Trip.”

Perhaps…you’re wanting to know more about William. An excerpt from the book:

Leigh took him by the hand.

“… I know when our relationship first started, I agreed to never ask you to take your boots off. To never question you about something that you’re very sensitive about. I thought, ok, that’s no big deal. But William, I didn’t know then that you would become the love of my life. . .You just have to trust me with whatever you’re keeping to yourself. I promise, never, ever to hurt you.”

William said he did trust her but added that he believed she would be so shocked that she’d never again have anything to do with him.

“Because I’m not sure you could handle what you’d find out about me, Leigh.”

“Just let me be the judge of that,” she said, squeezing his hands tightly in her own.

“Leigh, it’ll be a big shock, and if it ever gets out my life would never be normal. . .

“… So, it’ll have to be a lifelong commitment that you’ll never reveal what I’m about to show you. You sure you can handle that?”

Leigh said nothing for a few seconds, then asked him, “Are you an alien, William?”

“William” sells for $14.95.