Book Review: Postcards From Beyond Reality by Bernard Jan

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Postcards From Beyond Reality

Subtitle: The Selected Poems of Michael Daniels

Author: Bernard Jan

Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Poetry

Part of a series? No/partially

Order in series: 1.5

Best read after earlier books in series? Best read after Cruel Summer by this author

Available:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60559702-postcards-from-beyond-reality

(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57070478-cruel-summer)

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This is another great book by this author. The way it brings Michael Daniels is brought back to life in this spin-off of Cruel Summer is nearly eery. The author has cleverly evoked Michael’s spirit in this book.

Where Cruel Summer told the story of skateboarding loving Michael emotionally, this collection of poems shows us Michael’s inner thoughts. I highly recommend this book but suggest Cruel Summer is read first.

What I liked about the book:

Bernard Jan has a great style of writing and I couldn’t put the book down.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I really loved the book. Even the dark nature of the poems did not distract from the great story. Indeed, they were an integral part of it.

My favourite bits in the book:

The way the poems made me feel like having a front seat to Michael’s inner thoughts.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There were none.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This author has written a few other books, which are also very much worth a read. I enjoyed them all.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a great book unlike any other I’ve read. It is the perfect follow-up to Cruel Summer.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like your books dark, but full of hope for the future, this collection of poems may be the book for you. I recommend you read Cruel Summer first.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

His life has been a cocktail of melancholy, sorrow, and desire. When a skateboarder dips his pen into poetry, what will his passion create?

 

After a lifetime of abuse and the tragic loss of his mother, NYC teen Michael Daniels needed an outlet. Despite his cheerful nature, his inner mind was teeming with the stark contrast of darkness and light. So, in this volume full of imagery and symbolism, his underground rhymes reflect days full of extreme sports, failed relationships, and nostalgic memories.

 

Written by Bernard Jan in character as the hero from his novel Cruel Summer, this channeled view of the world is an extravaganza of extremes. And in its groundbreaking perspectives, you’ll discover the cries of a heart longing to be understood.

 

Buy this book of poetry and feel Michael’s passion through these unusual literary postcards.

About the Author:

"There is no greater joy than to share what you love with those who appreciate it." - Bernard Jan

 

Bernard Jan is an award-winning novelist and a poet from Croatia, and he has released four books in English.

 

Readers' Favorite Gold Medalist 2020

Readers' Favorite Bronze Medalist 2019

 

A World Without Color is a true story of the last three days he spent with his cat, while Look for Me Under the Rainbow in a unique and gentle way sheds light on the plight of harp seal pups in Canada. It warms the heart of all readers concerned about our planet and its treasures. January River is a heartwarming cross-genre novel about five friends, one dog, and one river carrying a secret. Cruel Summer is a gripping young adult cross-genre novel about an abused teenager from New Manhattan who only wants to skate, but they have other plans for him.

 

His first two books were written at the beginning of the war in Croatia in 1991 amidst air alerts and illusory attempts when he wanted to believe and think that life is normal, that everything is all right with the world. He has published five novels, two novellas, and one book of poems in Croatian. Four of his books, including the book of poems, were translated into English.

 

His passion for music and entertainment resulted in his becoming a partner of Tom's Music Place, which was established in 2009 by his friend Thomas Carley Jr., whose objective was to raise the respect of music.

 

His desire to help others came to the fore during his years advocating environmental protection and advocacy of animal rights. He did volunteering work for the refugees, because suffering does not know any borders. When it comes within your reach in your home, you simply have to do something. As part of his animal advocacy activities, it has been a great honor and pleasure to translate "Eternal Treblinka: Our Treatment of Animals and the Holocaust" by Charles Patterson into Croatian.

 

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Book Review: Cruel Summer by Bernard Jan

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Cruel Summer

Subtitle:

Author: Bernard Jan

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57070478-cruel-summer

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This is another great book by this author.

In the book, we meet Michael, a young man who recently lost his mother and lives with his stepdad. His sister spends the summer with their grandparents while Michael spends his days skating with friends.

But all is not as it seems. Although the book is quite dark and broaches the subject of child abuse and sexual exploitation, there are a lot of positive things along the way to give us hope. Definitely a book worth reading.

What I liked about the book:

Bernard Jan has a great style of writing and I couldn’t put the book down.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I really loved the book. Even the dark scenes did not distract from the great story. Indeed, they were an integral part of it.

My favourite bits in the book:

The support Michael receives from his friends.

My least favourite bits in the book:

To tell you, would give away an important detail of the book. I’m afraid you’ll have to read it yourself and suspect you will feel the same.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This author has written a few other books, which are also very much worth a read. I enjoyed them all.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a great book that doesn’t shy away from some difficult topics in society. I can’t say I have read any other books doing exactly the same, although the other books by this author also touch on some important subjects.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like your books dark, but full of hope for the future, this young adult book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

All he wants to do is skate. But they have other plans for him.

 

Michael Daniels is seventeen and dreams to enter professional skateboarding contests. But beneath New Manhattan, a city under the oppressive shadow of climate change, exists another world altogether—secret laboratories which threaten society as he knows it.

 

Those with power will get what they want. No price is too high, even if it means making someone special or robbing them of their dignity, freedom . . . or life.

 

The price is too high for Michael, though. He has endured his stepfather’s abuse and mind games for almost as long as he remembers. Until one day he takes matters into his own hands, ruining the lives of those he loves most. And his skateboarding friends, Alien and Victor, are his only hope for freedom.

 

When there is no hope left, friendship is what remains.

About the Author:

"There is no greater joy than to share what you love with those who appreciate it." - Bernard Jan

 

Bernard Jan is an award-winning novelist and a poet from Croatia, and he has released four books in English.

 

Readers' Favorite Gold Medalist 2020

Readers' Favorite Bronze Medalist 2019

 

A World Without Color is a true story of the last three days he spent with his cat, while Look for Me Under the Rainbow in a unique and gentle way sheds light on the plight of harp seal pups in Canada. It warms the heart of all readers concerned about our planet and its treasures. January River is a heartwarming cross-genre novel about five friends, one dog, and one river carrying a secret. Cruel Summer is a gripping young adult cross-genre novel about an abused teenager from New Manhattan who only wants to skate, but they have other plans for him.

 

His first two books were written at the beginning of the war in Croatia in 1991 amidst air alerts and illusory attempts when he wanted to believe and think that life is normal, that everything is all right with the world. He has published five novels, two novellas, and one book of poems in Croatian. Four of his books, including the book of poems, were translated into English.

 

His passion for music and entertainment resulted in his becoming a partner of Tom's Music Place, which was established in 2009 by his friend Thomas Carley Jr., whose objective was to raise the respect of music.

 

His desire to help others came to the fore during his years advocating environmental protection and advocacy of animal rights. He did volunteering work for the refugees, because suffering does not know any borders. When it comes within your reach in your home, you simply have to do something. As part of his animal advocacy activities, it has been a great honor and pleasure to translate "Eternal Treblinka: Our Treatment of Animals and the Holocaust" by Charles Patterson into Croatian.

 

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Book Review: January River by Bernard Jan

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: January River

Subtitle:

Author: Bernard Jan

Genre: Romance

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series? No

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52890595-january-river?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=sUy4KQAMu9&rank=1

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

(I had to read the book a second time as by the time I had time to write the review, I had forgotten the details already. It was only better the second time around.)

For who has read books by Bernard Jan before, you will familiar with his love of animals.

In this book, the central figure is January River, ‘Riv’ for short. A golden retriever named after the river the hero of the book found him at.

We first meet Ethan McCoy as a dreamy teenage boy, enjoying life with his friends and his older brother William Patrick in Greenfield. A teenage boy forced to grow up too soon.

It follows Ethan through his childhood into adulthood, carrying secrets with him the entire time. What really happened to Derrick, his friend?

After he loses the love of his life, Ethan returns to Greenfield to finally tell his secrets. By now he has become a successful author.

What I liked about the book:

The writing is such, it made me wonder if Ethan McCoy, the author really existed. Bernard Jan’s writing is easy to read and entices you to continue to read.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

Too many to count. My favourite bit was probably the moment Ethan learned he could keep January River.

My least favourite bits in the book:

When the cruel Warren took revenge in a horrible way.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

As far as I’m aware, this is a stand-alone book. However, the author has written two other books also worthy of a mention.

In A World Without Color, the author’s main character is a beloved cat.

In Look for me Under the Rainbow, the main character is a seal.

The author’s love of the animal world is clear.

What books could this be compared to and why?

The books to compare this one to are the author’s other two books. Whereas his first was based on the real-life Marcel, his second was more a work of fiction describing the plight of seals.

In this book, the humans play as much a role as ‘Riv’ does.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

If you like romance, animals and real-life dilemmas, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Five friends. One dog. One river carrying a secret.

When one of their friends goes missing, everything comes crashing down for the small group of childhood friends in the small town of Greenfield. Ethan takes it hard. Then he loses his dog, his only consolation.

Hoping to start anew, Ethan leaves Greenfield and moves to New York City. Far from the ghosts of his childhood and the river that gives and takes life. There he finds his one true love and builds a career as a bestselling author.

But how long will Ethan’s happiness last as doubts creep back into him and shatter his reality? And will his reconciliation with the past come at too great a price?

All rivers carry their secrets, but not every river keeps its secret forever.

In this heartwarming coming-of-age literary fiction with episodes of mystery and romance cross-genre story, Bernard Jan, the author of Look for Me Under the Rainbow and A World Without Color, speaks of true friendship, first darlings, and real loves. With gentle words he describes our connection with nature and love for our four-legged friends who quickly become honorable members of our families, but also tells about the dark secrets we carry in our hearts.

About the Author:

"There is no greater joy than to share what you love with those who appreciate it." - Bernard Jan

Bernard Jan is a novelist and a poet from Croatia, and he has released three books in English.

A World Without Color is a true story of the last three days he spent with his cat, while Look for Me Under the Rainbow in a unique and gentle way sheds light on the plight of harp seal pups in Canada. It warms the heart of all readers concerned about our planet and its treasures. January River is a heartwarming cross-genre novel about five friends, one dog, and one river carrying a secret.

His first two books were written at the beginning of the war in Croatia in 1991 amidst air alerts and illusory attempts when he wanted to believe and think that life is normal, that everything is all right with the world. He has published five novels, two novellas, and one book of poems in Croatian. Four of his books, including the book of poems, were translated into English.

His passion for music and entertainment resulted in his becoming a partner of Tom's Music Place, which was established in 2009 by his friend Thomas Carley Jr., whose objective was to raise the respect of music.

His desire to help others came to the fore during his years advocating environmental protection and advocacy of animal rights. He did volunteering work for the refugees, because suffering does not know any borders. When it comes within your reach in your home, you simply have to do something. As part of his animal advocacy activities, it has been a great honor and pleasure to translate "Eternal Treblinka: Our Treatment of Animals and the Holocaust" by Charles Patterson into Croatian.

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Book Review: Look for Me Under the Rainbow by Bernard Jan.

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Look for Me Under the Rainbow

Subtitle:

Author: Bernard Jan

Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary

Part of a series? No

Order in series: N/A

Best read after earlier books in series? N/A

Available: Links available at Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39870407-look-for-me-under-the-rainbow

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book tells the story of a young seal pup Danny with a big heart. His mother is very protective of him following previous unpleasant experiences. She also adopts an orphan pup, which Danny adopts as his little brother.

It tells the story of the many challenges young seal pups face in the form of nature, man and man-made threats.

It also follows the story of the Rainbow warriors and tells the story of the Rainbow from both the seal’s and from the human side. A brilliant book that is certainly worth the read.

What I liked about the book:

I particularly liked the way the author described the relationship between Danny, his mother and his adoptive brother. The love between them is palpable in the author’s words. This book is a call to action to save the seals and the environment around us.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The only thing I did not like about the book was the fact that we were confronted with the fact what effect our lax behaviour towards the environment has on the wildlife around us. It is a fact we do need to be confronted with, though.

My favourite bits in the book:

I loved the entire book. Although it is aimed at young readers, this is also very suitable for adults and children might also enjoy it with guidance.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I didn’t like it when the inevitable happened. It was described very well, but wouldn’t we all have loved if the seals had been saved?

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This book is not part of a series, but the author has also released another book which shows his love for animals, entitled ‘A World Without Color’. Both books show his amazing storytelling talent and his love for animals and the world around us.

What books could this be compared to and why?

I have not come across any books similar to this one yet, although I’m sure there must be some around.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children	Perhaps with guidance
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

This book has the potential to awaken the world to the horrible effects of pollution on the animal world around us. Just like the recent BBC series ‘Blue Planet 2’ by David Attenborough got the world in arms over the plastics epidemic, this book has the potential to do something similar as well as gathering support to save the seals from unnecessary slaughter.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by the Author:

Sometimes all you need is a big heart and burning desire.

Danny, a curious harp seal pup, has soft white fur and black innocent eyes. Helen is an environmentalist and member of a young activist crew of the Rainbow Warriors. Their mission is to save animals.

As winter turns into spring, a new generation of seal pups comes to life. A few weeks later, the killing begins. Against a spectacular backdrop of ice and snow, Helen prepares to look horrific human cruelty in the face.

I do not doubt I have a big heart and burning desire, but is that enough for a person to become a Rainbow Warrior, or is there something better? Something only some of us manage to turn into what we have long missed—humanity.

In the race against time and clubs, will Helen save Danny before the hunt begins and the ice turns red?

Though written for younger readers, Look for Me Under the Rainbow will appeal to anyone who cherishes our beautiful planet and wishes to protect its treasures.

Buy this book by Bernard Jan, the author of A World Without Color, and experience another emotional journey.

About the Author:

Born in Zagreb, Croatia

Website: https://www.bernardjan.com/

Twitter: BernardJanWorld

Genre: Mystery, Young Adult, Contemporary

"There is no greater joy than to share what you love with those who appreciate it." - Bernard Jan

Bernard Jan is an author – a novelist and a poet – from Croatia, seeking representation of a literary agent for his work translated into English.

His first books have been written at the beginning of war in Croatia in 1991, amidst the air alerts and illusory attempts when he wanted to believe and think that life is normal, that everything is alright with the world.

In his lifespan he has written and published five novels, two novellas, one book of poems and an essay inCroatian. Four of his manuscripts, together with his book of poems, are translated into English and are available for representation and publication.

Bernard Jan has been a member of the Croatian Writers' Association since December 30, 2003.

His passion for entertainment resulted in his becoming a partner ofTom's Music Place, which was established in 2009 by his friend Thomas Carley Jr. with the goal to respect the music.

Jan's need to help others came to the fore during his volunteering years: first in advocating for environmental protection, and then his volunteering, activism, work and advocacy for animal rights to the present day. He did some volunteering for the refugees, too, because suffering does not know about the borders and when it comes within your reach, in your yard, you simply have to do something.

As part of his animal advocacy activities, Bernard Jan has translated"Eternal Treblinka: Our Treatment of Animals and the Holocaust" by Charles Patterson into Croatian language.

Connect with Bernard Jan onLinkedIn.

Connect with Bernard Jan onYouTube.

Follow Bernard Jan on Steemit.

Follow Bernard Jan onAmazon.

Book Review: A World Without Color by Bernard Jan

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: A World Without Color: A True Story Of the Last Three Days With My Cat

Subtitle:

Author: Bernard Jan

Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary

Part of a series? No

Order in series: N/A

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes/No N/A

Available: Links available at Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35560756-a-world-without-color

Overall score:

I scored this book  5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book tells the story of the emotional journey of the author during the last days in the life of his much-beloved cat Marcel. There are two endings to the book and you can choose which ending you prefer. One is sad, the other is darker. It follows the heartache, pain and care of his cat, while he still needs to perform at his job as well. The entire family is involved in the care for this treasured pet.

There was hardly a page within this book where my hanky was not required. He describes his heartache in such magnificent detail you nearly feel like you live it with him.

What I liked about the book:

I particularly liked the way the author described his cat, remembers his fond memories shared with Marcel and the heart-wrenching decisions he needs to make.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The only thing I did not like about the book was the fact that tears were inevitable. But that is also exactly the strength of this book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I loved where the cat and the author seemed to be so in tune that he knew what Marcel needed before he even asked. The trust from the animal in his owner was also endearing.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I didn’t like it when the inevitable happened. It was described very well, but wouldn’t we all have loved if the author was spared this heartache?

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This book is not part of a series, but the author has also released another book which shows his love for animals, entitled ‘Look for me Under the Rainbow’.

What books could this be compared to and why?

I have not come across any books similar to this one yet, although I’m sure there must be some around.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children	Perhaps with guidance
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

This book has the potential to be very supportive to people who have to go through loss and grief. It does not matter whether the one they lose is animal or human, the loss is the same. I would certainly recommend you read this book. Make sure to keep your hanky ready, though.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by the Author:

One story. Two endings. Genuine and fictional. Which ending is yours?

What do you say to someone who is dying? And what do you say when that someone can't understand a word you are saying? How do you comfort each other throughout... and beyond?

My love, if you go away in a few days, the world will lose its colors and darken like the land of Mordor. If you go away and leave me to wander aimlessly, alone in this sea become wild, like a ship with a broken rudder and drowned sailors, and if I don't find comfort in the warmth of your body, clutched in my embrace at the end of the day, I'm afraid I won't survive.

"I don't regret anything. Marcel was not only my cat, he was my everything. My brother, my friend, my world shrank in a soft gray-striped furry ball."—Bernard Jan

Powerful. Emotional. Honest.

Buy this heartfelt and moving novella.

Translated into English by Bernard Jan
Editing and proofreading by Philip Newey, Thomas Carley Jr. and Kath Middleton
Cover design by Mario Kožar MKM Media
Cover photo by Zach Singh

About the Author:

Born in Zagreb, Croatia 

Website: https://www.bernardjan.com/
Twitter: BernardJanWorld
Genre: Mystery, Young Adult, Contemporary

"There is no greater joy than to share what you love with those who appreciate it." - Bernard Jan

Bernard Jan is an author – a novelist and a poet – from Croatia, seeking representation of a literary agent for his work translated into English.

His first books have been written at the beginning of war in Croatia in 1991, amidst the air alerts and illusory attempts when he wanted to believe and think that life is normal, that everything is alright with the world.

In his lifespan he has written and published five novels, two novellas, one book of poems and an essay in Croatian. Four of his manuscripts, together with his book of poems, are translated into English and are available for representation and publication.

Bernard Jan has been a member of the Croatian Writers' Association since December 30, 2003.

His passion for entertainment resulted in his becoming a partner of Tom's Music Place, which was established in 2009 by his friend Thomas Carley Jr. with the goal to respect the music.

Jan's need to help others came to the fore during his volunteering years: first in advocating for environmental protection, and then his volunteering, activism, work and advocacy for animal rights to the present day. He did some volunteering for the refugees, too, because suffering does not know about the borders and when it comes within your reach, in your yard, you simply have to do something.

As part of his animal advocacy activities, Bernard Jan has translated "Eternal Treblinka: Our Treatment of Animals and the Holocaust" by Charles Patterson into Croatian language.

Connect with Bernard Jan on LinkedIn.

Connect with Bernard Jan on YouTube.

Follow Bernard Jan on Steemit.

Follow Bernard Jan on Amazon.