Four Years Trapped in My Mind Palace

by Johan Twiss

I was paralyzed―trapped in my own mind. The friendship of a crazy old man was my way out.
“An intriguing premise, effective voice, and entertaining writing make for a winning tale about two musicians.”― Kirkus Reivews
14-year old Aaron Greenburg is trapped in a vegetative state. He’s awake and aware of everything around him, but the doctors don’t realize it. After being placed in a care facility, he receives a new roommate--an old eccentric jazz musician with dementia named Solomon. When Aaron talks in his mind to stay sane, Solomon hears his thoughts and replies. But no one believes that Aaron and Solomon can converse, except for Solomon’s teenage granddaughter Sarah.
When Solomon man re-lives the past during his dementia episodes, Aaron joins him in those moments in time to experience 1920’s New York City, getting into a scuffle with the mob in a Chicago nightclub, fighting in World War II, and much more as the two develop an unlikely and unique friendship.
Four Years in My Mind Palace is a humorous and heartwarming coming-of-age story, entwined with an end-of-age story, that will capture your imagination and renew your faith in the power of friendship.
Praise for the original
“Every teen should read this.”― HowDoesShe.com
“I could not put it down. Recommended for all ages.” ― ReadersFavorite.com
“Splendid”― San Francisco Review of Books
“Rich storytelling”― WhisperingStories.com
“Best Book of the Year!”― PlayfullyEverAfter.com
“Humorous, entertaining, and touching. A major work by a masterful writer.”― Grady Harp, Amazon.com Hall of Fame Top 500 Reviewer
“One of the most interesting and inspiring books that I’ve read in a long time.”― Heather Monson, editor
“I did not want to turn the last page.”― Jen Johnson, Author of Scarlet
“An awesome adventure”― Gooftroop Girl
“Superbly entertaining.”― ReadersFavorite.com
“It is very rarely that I finish a book and want to yell and scream about how much I enjoyed it. WOW!!!!!”― John Around The Corner Reviews

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2023

About the author

Dear Brilliant Reader,

Thank you for your interest in my books. I am passionate about writing clean science fiction and fantasy stories that are not only exciting, but suitable for tweens, teens and adults alike.

Have a question? Complaint? Want to send me a gift card to the Cheesecake Factory? Simply reach out to me at my website at www.johantwiss.com/contact

(I can also tell your future at no extra cost, although gift cards to Cheesecake Factory tend to make the predictions more accurate.)

And if you really want to make my day, please leave a review for my books on Amazon and Goodreads. Your reviews help new readers discover my books, for which I am very thankful.

All the best and happy reading,
Johan

Reviews

[Lynne Brecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical realism mixed with historical fiction made for a lovely read 🥰

[Leah Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this down. Found myself sharing a bit the story line and suggesting it well before I was half way through it.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. I’m not usually one for magical realism but I really enjoyed the story line. Solomon and Aaron are so endearing and funny that I laughed out loud several times. I also really appreciated the historical aspect of many of the events that took place in the story. I’m not sure if this is a middle grade book but it read like one. This left me feeling warm and fuzzy.

[Meghan Nightshade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was such an amazing read, and I think it's a great read for years 9 and older! I cried when Soloman died because he was my favorite character, and so amazing. But it was so amazing! 5/5 would recommend!

If you don't know what it's about, it's about a boy who is paralyzed head-to-toe and can't do anything. then one day, he gets a roommate with dementia who is an old jazz musician, and can hear Aaron's thoughts. They talk to each other and get to know each other.

It's a sweet heartfelt story, and an amazing read.





2nd read: Oh my god, I'm crying in my English class. I swear this is such as AMAZING book and it needs so much attention. It's AHHHHHHHHHHHH

Go read it.

[Emma Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet and heartwarming!

[September · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! While it is classified as a middle grade novel, all ages will love this original, heartfelt story. Aaron is a 14-year-old trapped inside his body due to meningitis. He sees and understands everything around him, but no one knows this--Until he is moved to a nursing home and gets a roommate named Solomon. Solomon is able to hear Aaron's thoughts, and Aaron is pulled into Solomon's flashbacks when he has dementia episodes. Aaron and Solomon develop an amazing friendship that changes both of their lives for the better. This incredible story is touching, funny, and takes you on a tour through time as Aaron relives some of the most important events in Solomon's life, spanning the 1920s through the 1980s. With themes of love, family, self-sacrifice, true friendship, and bringing good out of bad, this novel reminds me of some of my most favorite middle grade reads such as Navigating Early and Okay for Now. I listened to the audiobook, masterfully read and voice acted by the author, and will also be adding a physical copy to my bookshelf. Four Years Trapped in My Mind Palace is a keeper that I will be sharing with my all my family and friends!

[DustBunniesAndBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story and thoroughly entertaining throughout. This is my first book by this author, and I will be checking out his other books. (I will particularly seek out any audio versions of his books in which he voices as he did this one!) This story will make you laugh and cry, ponder deep thoughts, and even teach you something along the way. Two thumbs up!

[Kirk Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a touching story with some wonderful characters. It could use a little more editing (way overused the term “Dr. Idiot” for example) but still a fun and fantastic read.

[Selah Nemo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect to read in high school. It’s heartwarming, romantic, devastating, and enlightening. I beg of you read this book this man is a beautiful author.

[Kylee Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I thought it was really interesting and well written!

[Auralee Spackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly captivating storyline. I couldn't wait for the next discovery. I wish it had explained the mind connection...

[Angelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how this book paired a coming of age story with an ending of age story; the mix was really beautiful and it allowed for some interesting flashbacks to different places and times. The characters were delightful and the kind of people you can really care about.