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Death and the Dream: Stories
J.J.Brown's scary short stories uncover the faces of death and the meaning of dreams. From scenes of tragic childhood abandonment in the mountains, to crises of conscience in the research labs of New York City, the stories illuminate the beauty and the horror of ordinary lives. Mothers, daughters, scientists, and murderers explore the fine line drawn between hopes and dreams. In the story Mouse Chimera, a young scientist is locked in the laboratory with the HIV-infected chimeric mice she created. A dreaming student searches for love in the bars of the East Village, in the tale Hills of Rabbits. In Underground, a mother with PTSD tries to guess a victim’s identity after a haunting subway suicide. A schizophrenic daughter fights for a dream of affection in the short story Mother's Love. A scientist finds her experiments with toxic chemicals touch workers around her in Lab after Dark. And in Shepherds’ Night, a couple traveling for the holidays runs into an accident deep in the wilderness. The realistic characters face death around them as inescapable parts of life. Author J.J.Brown brings the authenticity of a modern science background to her writing.
- GenresShort Stories
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Brown
15 books260 followersJennifer J. Brown is an independent author, scientist and publisher with a passion for nature and family. Publications include science communications, health news, narrative nonfiction, and fiction including novels, short stories and poems as J.J.Brown. Genres include memoir, literary and contemporary noir fiction and suspense. When the Baby Is Not OK: Hopes & Genes, is her newest book publishing in February, 2025.
An incorrigible storyteller originally from the Catskill Mountain region of New York, Brown continued creative writing during a career as a molecular biologist, science writer and director, editor and public health advocate in Philadelphia, Miami and NYC.
Brown completed a PhD in Genetics from her research with Nobel Prize winner Barbara McClintock at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and her genetics, medical education, and public health studies are published in leading scientific journals.
When not writing, Brown enjoys time with her daughters and her companion house rabbits, Belinda and Maxi in New York City.
Discover inspirations behind Brown's work at her blog https://jjbrownauthor.com/ and author page.
An incorrigible storyteller originally from the Catskill Mountain region of New York, Brown continued creative writing during a career as a molecular biologist, science writer and director, editor and public health advocate in Philadelphia, Miami and NYC.
Brown completed a PhD in Genetics from her research with Nobel Prize winner Barbara McClintock at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and her genetics, medical education, and public health studies are published in leading scientific journals.
When not writing, Brown enjoys time with her daughters and her companion house rabbits, Belinda and Maxi in New York City.
Discover inspirations behind Brown's work at her blog https://jjbrownauthor.com/ and author page.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 22, 2011
I was intrigued by the title of this book and wondered what type of short stories would be included an anthology about death and dreams. Since I knew JJ was a scientist, I expected science fiction or speculative stories. Instead, I found a collection of her observations, reflections and slices of life wrapped in lyrical, almost poetic stories that evoked strong emotions.
Once upon a time, I was a scientist, too. I obtained my MA in Psychology working in the “rat room” with black and white Sprague Dawley hooded rats as well as the big white ones. My research was behavioral, so I never had to “sacrifice” a rat, i.e., kill it, at the end of my project. Instead, my rat, Georgie Porgie, became so fat and happy he could barely turn around in his box. There was however, another student in the MA program who clearly enjoyed inflicting pain on his helpless subjects. As this went against the animal care and ethical policies of the university, as well as my personal standards and emotions, I reported the jerk to the department chair. Who did nothing. So, when I read MOUSE CHIMERA, all of those experiences and emotions from that time of my life came rushing forward. Because of all the time I spent in the rat room, I’m now horribly allergic to rats. I have avoided most rodents and all animal experimentation since 1973. My PhD is in Public Health. I’ve been managing or teaching humans for over twenty years. Yet, when I read MOUSE CHIMERA, I was back in the rat lab.
JJ Brown has the rare gift of pulling you into a story and keeping you there until she decides to release you. If you like a little mystery, I recommend A MOTHER’S LOVE. If you want a little slice of life in the city, read BROOKLYN SONG. In fact, read all of these thought provoking shorts. You will be trapped by her gossamer strands, glued to the story until the last word--and still wondering and thinking about it long after.
Once upon a time, I was a scientist, too. I obtained my MA in Psychology working in the “rat room” with black and white Sprague Dawley hooded rats as well as the big white ones. My research was behavioral, so I never had to “sacrifice” a rat, i.e., kill it, at the end of my project. Instead, my rat, Georgie Porgie, became so fat and happy he could barely turn around in his box. There was however, another student in the MA program who clearly enjoyed inflicting pain on his helpless subjects. As this went against the animal care and ethical policies of the university, as well as my personal standards and emotions, I reported the jerk to the department chair. Who did nothing. So, when I read MOUSE CHIMERA, all of those experiences and emotions from that time of my life came rushing forward. Because of all the time I spent in the rat room, I’m now horribly allergic to rats. I have avoided most rodents and all animal experimentation since 1973. My PhD is in Public Health. I’ve been managing or teaching humans for over twenty years. Yet, when I read MOUSE CHIMERA, I was back in the rat lab.
JJ Brown has the rare gift of pulling you into a story and keeping you there until she decides to release you. If you like a little mystery, I recommend A MOTHER’S LOVE. If you want a little slice of life in the city, read BROOKLYN SONG. In fact, read all of these thought provoking shorts. You will be trapped by her gossamer strands, glued to the story until the last word--and still wondering and thinking about it long after.
September 6, 2012
When J. J. Brown sent me a copy of her short story "Mouse Chimera" for pre-publication review, I found thought-provoking reflection couched in a graceful writing style. Now that I've read the entire collection, I see that the deep thought and the elegance were not one-time occurrences. Brown infuses poetry into every line, creating breath-taking beauty even in the midst of horror.
For there is horror, have no doubt. Brown takes ordinary people and showcases their darkest moments in such a subtle way, the reader doesn't know the horror is coming until it's *there*. None of this is gory slasher stuff. It's not the stuff of nightmares. This is the kind of horror any of us might experience, the snapshots of ordinary people pushed a little bit too far and doing things they never thought they would do.
What pushes them? Again, "ordinary horrors": Guilt. Frustration. Resentment. Confusion. Worry. The really scary part is that any one of Brown's characters could be you or me.
"Mouse Chimera" is definitely still a favorite. In particular, I also enjoyed "Mother's Love," "Spring Awakenings," and "Way to Heaven." I highly recommend Brown's stories to any reader who enjoys literary fiction or horror of the non-thriller type. And fellow writers, in addition to being entertained, will find her prose creatively invigorating.
For there is horror, have no doubt. Brown takes ordinary people and showcases their darkest moments in such a subtle way, the reader doesn't know the horror is coming until it's *there*. None of this is gory slasher stuff. It's not the stuff of nightmares. This is the kind of horror any of us might experience, the snapshots of ordinary people pushed a little bit too far and doing things they never thought they would do.
What pushes them? Again, "ordinary horrors": Guilt. Frustration. Resentment. Confusion. Worry. The really scary part is that any one of Brown's characters could be you or me.
"Mouse Chimera" is definitely still a favorite. In particular, I also enjoyed "Mother's Love," "Spring Awakenings," and "Way to Heaven." I highly recommend Brown's stories to any reader who enjoys literary fiction or horror of the non-thriller type. And fellow writers, in addition to being entertained, will find her prose creatively invigorating.
September 29, 2012
The short stories in this collection present the reader with lyrical descriptions of life taken from a diverse group of characters. Each short story had a deeply personal quality told in a serious, reflective and possibly introspective manner. Events take place on farms near the Catskill Mountains, in research labs, city parks and a plethora of other venues.
J.J. Brown ponders answers to difficult and disturbing questions about life and death. I see someone with an immense respect for life at all levels. Readers will face the reality of death more than once and under varying circumstances. I found an interesting parallel in descriptions of death taken from the mind of someone in the process of dying. In J.J. Brown's new novel American Dream, the story opens on such a scene. In Death and the Dream, we read a similar story; death is a part of every life.
Readers of quality literary fiction will find all the qualities they expect. You have my heartfelt recommendation for Death and the Dream!
J.J. Brown ponders answers to difficult and disturbing questions about life and death. I see someone with an immense respect for life at all levels. Readers will face the reality of death more than once and under varying circumstances. I found an interesting parallel in descriptions of death taken from the mind of someone in the process of dying. In J.J. Brown's new novel American Dream, the story opens on such a scene. In Death and the Dream, we read a similar story; death is a part of every life.
Readers of quality literary fiction will find all the qualities they expect. You have my heartfelt recommendation for Death and the Dream!
January 23, 2021
A wonderful collection of short stories, thought provoking, every one. I particularly enjoyed Good Neighbors. I had no connection at all with the lobster story, and therefore did not try too hard to "get it", but through that one, I did get to learn about City Island......who knew?? I guess that non-New Yorkers don't know much about some of the more obscure parts of NYC geography. The final story.......it's funny how the more widely you read (and the less time you spend on social media, I guess), the more literary synchronicity you are going to run into. I just finished Ranger Confidential, and therefore understood that shivering is a good sign, a sign that you are clinging to life...........when the shivering goes away, well.........that can be the end. As I do so often, I listened to this book. And when I say I listened, I mean I sat and did nothing but listen. I don't absorb much when I just run audio books in the background. I started in 2015, gave it up for awhile, when life got in the way, and now I have finished this sweet collection of stories.
January 2, 2012
My favorite story is 'Mouse Chimera'. It's a dark tale (as many of these stories are) of a scientist who gets locked in a lab after dark. It's haunting to see the experimenter become the subject of some bizarre human experiment of existential questioning and reckoning with the past. This existential probing existent throughout the length of the book, made me question if it isn't life that is the frightening bit, and death perhaps not all that terrifying.
September 16, 2015
J.J. Brown is an accomplished, creative writer. My three star rating reflects my emotional reaction to the events that unfolded in the stories. Most of the stories are gloomy. I was reminded of Edgar Allen Poe, Tales From the Crypt, and the Twilight Zone. If you like that genre, you will likely enjoy the book. The stories are well written, just a little too dreary for my pleasure reading. However, I will likely give her another try.
March 4, 2016
I just finished "Death of the Dream," author JJ Brown's first book of short stories -- wow, she knows how to keep her readers on the edge of their seats! Once I had to literally stop and wait to finish when it wasn't dark and I wasn't alone. Each story was quite unique and featured characters with different mental disorders. Really great writing -- dark yet exciting. I listened to the Audible version, and the reader was excellent.
February 15, 2012
A Wonderful Book Written Very Well! I Won Mine and it arrived Very Fast in Perfect Condition and was Formally Signed To Me By J.J. Brown The Book, "Death And The Dream",s Author. Thank You Very Much Jerri Davis
December 18, 2012
I loved these stories. They had an almost everyday tone, with just a hint of the scary underneath--reminded me of Shirley Jackson's "Just an Ordinary Day." My absolute favorite is the one in the mouse house, but will not leave spoilers; read for yourself!
October 13, 2011
Death and the Dream is a very good collection of short stories in the spirt of E. A. Poe, but with a visitng shade names O. Henry. Set in NYC and upstate NY that are very well done short stories.
July 30, 2016
I've been taking so long to write a review for this book because I haven't really been sure what to write though I jotted down my thoughts as I was reading. After careful thought, I decided to change my rating from two stars to three because I did enjoy more of the stories than not.
This is a completely different collection of short stories than I've ever read before. Sometimes I had to reread the beginning of a few of the stories (while I was still at the beginning) because I felt like I didn't have enough of a grasp on what was happening. At the end of those particular stories, I'd skim back over the entire thing, and it would make more sense to me.
The story "Before the Funeral" was one of my favorites. An entire conversation is imagined in a woman's head between herself and a female cousin she has never met--the daughter of her maternal uncle. It sounded like perhaps her mother and uncle were estranged or just never visited each other. I didn't realize the conversation had only happened in her head, although I had my suspicions, and that was a revelation I really enjoyed. If the main character ever ended up having a conversation with her cousin, then I hope it went similarly to what she was hoping for because she seemed to be in need of an emotional familial relationship. But I wouldn't tell someone I didn't know yet so much about myself (i.e., the baby).
Some of the stories I really enjoyed, while others fell flat for me. They seemed to be unfinished, like there should have been more. I felt like I wasn't "getting" what the writer was communicating to me, and when I feel that way, I think everyone else who is reading the same stories as I am are understanding aspects that I should be but couldn't. Much of it was over my head in my opinion.
From the description of this book on Goodreads, I think perhaps the writer wanted ambiguity in some of her stories. While I enjoyed the horror aspects and was chilled by what I read, I gravitate towards more concrete stories but am okay with endings that are open to interpretation.
Overall, I think reading this book was a good experience for me because I tried something new and different, which is always a good thing.
This is a completely different collection of short stories than I've ever read before. Sometimes I had to reread the beginning of a few of the stories (while I was still at the beginning) because I felt like I didn't have enough of a grasp on what was happening. At the end of those particular stories, I'd skim back over the entire thing, and it would make more sense to me.
The story "Before the Funeral" was one of my favorites. An entire conversation is imagined in a woman's head between herself and a female cousin she has never met--the daughter of her maternal uncle. It sounded like perhaps her mother and uncle were estranged or just never visited each other. I didn't realize the conversation had only happened in her head, although I had my suspicions, and that was a revelation I really enjoyed. If the main character ever ended up having a conversation with her cousin, then I hope it went similarly to what she was hoping for because she seemed to be in need of an emotional familial relationship. But I wouldn't tell someone I didn't know yet so much about myself (i.e., the baby).
Some of the stories I really enjoyed, while others fell flat for me. They seemed to be unfinished, like there should have been more. I felt like I wasn't "getting" what the writer was communicating to me, and when I feel that way, I think everyone else who is reading the same stories as I am are understanding aspects that I should be but couldn't. Much of it was over my head in my opinion.
From the description of this book on Goodreads, I think perhaps the writer wanted ambiguity in some of her stories. While I enjoyed the horror aspects and was chilled by what I read, I gravitate towards more concrete stories but am okay with endings that are open to interpretation.
Overall, I think reading this book was a good experience for me because I tried something new and different, which is always a good thing.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews