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Do You Realize?
George is a middle-management, middle-class, middle-aged guy who hates his job and struggles to stay connected to his wife and teenage children. Most guys might end up with a steamy affair and a flashy car for their midlife crisis, but George gets a quirky, philosophical physics professor named Shiloh. Trapped with this mysterious misfit on his morning commuter train, George is dragged into awkward conversations about love, fear, music, and the meaning of life. Shiloh asks George to beta-test an app he wrote for the new Apple Watch--and with a free watch included, how could he say no?
When tragedy strikes, throwing George out of his uncomfortable comfort zone, he learns that Shiloh's app lets him journey through alternate versions of his past. As challenges mount in his own reality, George must make a decision that will change him--and possibly the entire multiverse--forever.
When tragedy strikes, throwing George out of his uncomfortable comfort zone, he learns that Shiloh's app lets him journey through alternate versions of his past. As challenges mount in his own reality, George must make a decision that will change him--and possibly the entire multiverse--forever.
416 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 2017
302 people are currently reading
1579 people want to read
About the author
Kevin A. Kuhn
2 books690 followersKevin Kuhn lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with his wife Melinda and three children. He is a University Lecturer who enjoys sipping cheap bourbon, avoiding yard work, and living vicariously through his children's sports. While Kevin has no musical skill whatsoever, he appreciates a broad spectrum of artists from Pink Floyd to Prince and Radiohead to the Rolling Stones. His golf game is horrific with flashes of mediocrity. Kevin is proud to be a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
October 24, 2017
Phenomenal discovery-Phenomenal Novel-
....I was an emotional blubbering sopping wet face noodle for the last 20%.
and for about 50% of the book my eyes were semi-wet. SO MANY GREAT MOMENTS THAT TOOK MY HEART and stretched it across my chest.
The humanity - wisdom - insights - and love throughout are sensational.
Author Kevin Kuhn crafted a very thought provoking path to understanding and uncovering our authentic selves through some fascinating science fiction/light underpinnings. Those sci-fi- LIGHT - underpinnings - presented to us through the character Shiloh, created a fulfilling intellectual conversation for me with Paul, my husband..... particularly around the topic of parallel universes.
George and Elena have two teenage kids... Amanda and Alex. We get to know them each so well our hearts ache. I MISS THESE CHARACTERS SO MUCHI DIDN’T WANT TO SAY GOOD BYE. I cant remember the last time I’ve fallen in love with a ‘family’ THIS MUCH in any novel. I will think about this story - and this family - for a long time. I even miss this families best friends Cade and Lynn. Cade is funny too - he made me laugh —� and I needed a few laughs through my thoughts and tears.
Each family member is dealing with difficult emotions such as fear, grief, and anger.
They each have been confronted with the curves life throws at us - very challenging upheavals
I’d rather not give this story away. Just say — The Hartdegen Family is an ALL-American Family. George is a loving husband and father who is under pressure with bills, worry of college tuition, the mortgage- and is very unhappy with his job as an insurance agent. Overworked - over tired - pulled in many directions.
It’s no picnic for other family members either — and the dialogue is SO DARN REAL - SO GOOD - EVERY PARENT could benefit by reading this book! —�
For those who think they don’t like science fiction - you have NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT! Family drama - Psychological family dynamics are at the heart of this novel. It’s also the type of book that while you are reading - you can’t help but think about your own life.
Love this excerpt: “Life thrives on that razor’s edge between chaos and order.
Too much order, and life is stagnant and not enough change or evolve. Too much chaos, and life is overwhelmed.
EXCELLENT WRITING- CREATIVE - and soooooo ENJOYABLE! One of my years FAVORITE!!!!
DO NOT MISS READING THIS BOOK!
....I was an emotional blubbering sopping wet face noodle for the last 20%.
and for about 50% of the book my eyes were semi-wet. SO MANY GREAT MOMENTS THAT TOOK MY HEART and stretched it across my chest.
The humanity - wisdom - insights - and love throughout are sensational.
Author Kevin Kuhn crafted a very thought provoking path to understanding and uncovering our authentic selves through some fascinating science fiction/light underpinnings. Those sci-fi- LIGHT - underpinnings - presented to us through the character Shiloh, created a fulfilling intellectual conversation for me with Paul, my husband..... particularly around the topic of parallel universes.
George and Elena have two teenage kids... Amanda and Alex. We get to know them each so well our hearts ache. I MISS THESE CHARACTERS SO MUCHI DIDN’T WANT TO SAY GOOD BYE. I cant remember the last time I’ve fallen in love with a ‘family’ THIS MUCH in any novel. I will think about this story - and this family - for a long time. I even miss this families best friends Cade and Lynn. Cade is funny too - he made me laugh —� and I needed a few laughs through my thoughts and tears.
Each family member is dealing with difficult emotions such as fear, grief, and anger.
They each have been confronted with the curves life throws at us - very challenging upheavals
I’d rather not give this story away. Just say — The Hartdegen Family is an ALL-American Family. George is a loving husband and father who is under pressure with bills, worry of college tuition, the mortgage- and is very unhappy with his job as an insurance agent. Overworked - over tired - pulled in many directions.
It’s no picnic for other family members either — and the dialogue is SO DARN REAL - SO GOOD - EVERY PARENT could benefit by reading this book! —�
For those who think they don’t like science fiction - you have NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT! Family drama - Psychological family dynamics are at the heart of this novel. It’s also the type of book that while you are reading - you can’t help but think about your own life.
Love this excerpt: “Life thrives on that razor’s edge between chaos and order.
Too much order, and life is stagnant and not enough change or evolve. Too much chaos, and life is overwhelmed.
EXCELLENT WRITING- CREATIVE - and soooooo ENJOYABLE! One of my years FAVORITE!!!!
DO NOT MISS READING THIS BOOK!
November 22, 2017
Wow! Who knew Apple had it in them....
George is a middle age man that hates his job and is worried his life with his wife is getting dull. They have two kids and they are set up okay. I think wife is a little too bossy but it's the way it should be to a certain extent =)
One day on the train to work, George meets Shiloh and has a really great time talking to him. Shiloh is like a walking encyclopedia < -- some might not know what that is so, like a walking google of information!
They meet a few more times on the train and Shiloh asks George to beta his app on the Apple watch. Who knew a little watch could do so much, or should I say the app.
When something bad happens in the family George goes back in time to try to change everything. But things are not what they seem. To be honest I can't really tell you if this is something I would want or not. I think it would be great for when you're sad and want to go back but I think it could also make you sadder. Who knows, keep your creepy watch to yourself!
Some of the things in the book made my brain go numb when they talked smart stuff but over all I enjoyed this book.
I got to know the people and actually cared about them. There were some really sad things in the book but some of them had happy endings.
Mel ♥
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
George is a middle age man that hates his job and is worried his life with his wife is getting dull. They have two kids and they are set up okay. I think wife is a little too bossy but it's the way it should be to a certain extent =)
One day on the train to work, George meets Shiloh and has a really great time talking to him. Shiloh is like a walking encyclopedia < -- some might not know what that is so, like a walking google of information!
They meet a few more times on the train and Shiloh asks George to beta his app on the Apple watch. Who knew a little watch could do so much, or should I say the app.
When something bad happens in the family George goes back in time to try to change everything. But things are not what they seem. To be honest I can't really tell you if this is something I would want or not. I think it would be great for when you're sad and want to go back but I think it could also make you sadder. Who knows, keep your creepy watch to yourself!
Some of the things in the book made my brain go numb when they talked smart stuff but over all I enjoyed this book.
I got to know the people and actually cared about them. There were some really sad things in the book but some of them had happy endings.
Mel ♥
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
November 26, 2017
4.5 stars.
George just needs a break. He hates his middle-management job, his teenage kids are a hassle, and he feels as if he and his wife just aren't connecting anymore. Why can't he return to the less-complicated days, when he and his wife were in the flush of love, and his whole life seemed ripe with promise?
One day, on his train ride to work (the timing of which he has down to the second), the seat next to him is taken by a sloppy, jovial, headphones-wearing, bearded guy named Shiloh. But rather than exchange small talk, Shiloh asks George an interesting question—"What is love?" What ensues is a fairly philosophical and scientific conversation, far more intriguing than a typical conversation you'd have on the train.
As strange as the conversation was, George hopes he sees Shiloh again. When he does, another philosophical and scientific conversation ensues, which leaves him wondering just what Shiloh is trying to tell him. And then one day, Shiloh asks him for a favor: would George be willing to beta-test an app he has developed for the soon-to-be-released Apple Watch? At first, George wonders whether this request is some sort of scam, but when Shiloh gives him the watch, he figures, what can he lose?
When George's family experiences a traumatic event, he discovers that Shiloh's app is actually a time-adjustment app, which allows George to travel back in time. But there are restrictions on this travel—he can't go back further than 25 years, and he can't do this more than 10 times in total—and he also learns that he's traveling to alternate versions of the past, so any changes he tries to make may have a ripple effect down the road, but it might not change what actually happened.
Shiloh and George's friendship deepens, and he tries to get George to realize how important it is not to take life for granted. And as his family is further tested, George must make a decision about whether the past is worth changing, or if life is worth living no matter what happens.
Do You Realize? was tremendously thought-provoking and intriguing. How many of us have wished we could have done one thing differently in our past, wondered about the ripple effect of one event or one action? George is definitely an everyman-type character; the challenges and frustrations he has are felt by so many on a daily basis. But as always, it is how we respond to adversity that characterizes us.
With great power comes great responsibility, and with Shiloh's app, he suddenly has the power to change things. But how do you know what to change? Do you risk altering the course of a tragedy at the risk of something else occurring? Do we focus too strongly on one crisis at the expense of allowing another to happen? These are the intriguing questions Kevin Kuhn raises in this book.
I found this story to be very engaging and compelling, and Kuhn did a great job getting me hooked almost instantaneously. He definitely tells a really enjoyable story. My one criticism of the book—and it's a minor one—is it's a little more science-y than I could handle, and Shiloh's explanations and diatribes tended to run a little long for me. It was a little more telling than showing, but it didn't affect my overall enjoyment of the book.
This type of book may not appeal to everyone, but don't be put off by the time-adjustment element. While it does add another dimension to the story, at the same time, the core of the book is more about dealing with the challenges that life throws at us, and how we need to pay attention to what's in front of us.
The author and Beaver's Pond Press provided me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
George just needs a break. He hates his middle-management job, his teenage kids are a hassle, and he feels as if he and his wife just aren't connecting anymore. Why can't he return to the less-complicated days, when he and his wife were in the flush of love, and his whole life seemed ripe with promise?
One day, on his train ride to work (the timing of which he has down to the second), the seat next to him is taken by a sloppy, jovial, headphones-wearing, bearded guy named Shiloh. But rather than exchange small talk, Shiloh asks George an interesting question—"What is love?" What ensues is a fairly philosophical and scientific conversation, far more intriguing than a typical conversation you'd have on the train.
As strange as the conversation was, George hopes he sees Shiloh again. When he does, another philosophical and scientific conversation ensues, which leaves him wondering just what Shiloh is trying to tell him. And then one day, Shiloh asks him for a favor: would George be willing to beta-test an app he has developed for the soon-to-be-released Apple Watch? At first, George wonders whether this request is some sort of scam, but when Shiloh gives him the watch, he figures, what can he lose?
When George's family experiences a traumatic event, he discovers that Shiloh's app is actually a time-adjustment app, which allows George to travel back in time. But there are restrictions on this travel—he can't go back further than 25 years, and he can't do this more than 10 times in total—and he also learns that he's traveling to alternate versions of the past, so any changes he tries to make may have a ripple effect down the road, but it might not change what actually happened.
Shiloh and George's friendship deepens, and he tries to get George to realize how important it is not to take life for granted. And as his family is further tested, George must make a decision about whether the past is worth changing, or if life is worth living no matter what happens.
Do You Realize? was tremendously thought-provoking and intriguing. How many of us have wished we could have done one thing differently in our past, wondered about the ripple effect of one event or one action? George is definitely an everyman-type character; the challenges and frustrations he has are felt by so many on a daily basis. But as always, it is how we respond to adversity that characterizes us.
With great power comes great responsibility, and with Shiloh's app, he suddenly has the power to change things. But how do you know what to change? Do you risk altering the course of a tragedy at the risk of something else occurring? Do we focus too strongly on one crisis at the expense of allowing another to happen? These are the intriguing questions Kevin Kuhn raises in this book.
I found this story to be very engaging and compelling, and Kuhn did a great job getting me hooked almost instantaneously. He definitely tells a really enjoyable story. My one criticism of the book—and it's a minor one—is it's a little more science-y than I could handle, and Shiloh's explanations and diatribes tended to run a little long for me. It was a little more telling than showing, but it didn't affect my overall enjoyment of the book.
This type of book may not appeal to everyone, but don't be put off by the time-adjustment element. While it does add another dimension to the story, at the same time, the core of the book is more about dealing with the challenges that life throws at us, and how we need to pay attention to what's in front of us.
The author and Beaver's Pond Press provided me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
December 12, 2017
If you could change the world, would you? At what price?
What is Love?
George is struggling through a mid-life crisis. Stuck in a dead end job he hates, and knows he’s in no position to start over elsewhere. He’s trapped in a marriage that lost its magic years ago. And the icing on the cake? He’s the father of 2 teenagers that might as well be strangers to him.
Today is just like every other. Just another uneventful, drowsy commute to work on the train when a stranger sits down next to him. His name is Shiloh. And he’s about to rock George’s peaceful, boring world!
The chance to make a difference.
If only there was someone in our life that could show us what’s truly important. Where our priorities need to be. Maybe there already is...maybe we just need to simply open our eyes and mind to it.
Kevin Kuhn writes a very clever novel that makes you take a close look at your life.
There are parts that lean heavily on sci-fi. (That in all honesty went right over my head). But the true meaning wasn’t lost. My take-away, was that this book is about love, and what that love means to you.
Thank you to Kevin Kuhn for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What is Love?
George is struggling through a mid-life crisis. Stuck in a dead end job he hates, and knows he’s in no position to start over elsewhere. He’s trapped in a marriage that lost its magic years ago. And the icing on the cake? He’s the father of 2 teenagers that might as well be strangers to him.
Today is just like every other. Just another uneventful, drowsy commute to work on the train when a stranger sits down next to him. His name is Shiloh. And he’s about to rock George’s peaceful, boring world!
The chance to make a difference.
If only there was someone in our life that could show us what’s truly important. Where our priorities need to be. Maybe there already is...maybe we just need to simply open our eyes and mind to it.
Kevin Kuhn writes a very clever novel that makes you take a close look at your life.
There are parts that lean heavily on sci-fi. (That in all honesty went right over my head). But the true meaning wasn’t lost. My take-away, was that this book is about love, and what that love means to you.
Thank you to Kevin Kuhn for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2018
George pretty much lives his life down the middle: he is middle age, middle management, and middle class. He is married with a wife and two children. He feels like his marriage has lost some of its magic and he feels distant from his children. He also feels trapped and unsatisfied at his job. Basically, his life is not as exciting or rewarding at it was in the past. One day while he is commuting to work on the train, a man sits down next to him and strikes up a conversation. The man's name is Shiloh and he wants to talk about life, love, physics and rock and roll. He is an interesting character and George finds himself thinking about their conversation throughout the day. He finds himself looking forward to their philosophical conversations and hopes to see Shiloh again. One day Shiloh asks George if he would be interesting in testing an apple watch for him. George is apprehensive but figures why not? What does he have to lose?
Then tragedy strikes, and George is faced with feeling powerless and wishing he could change things. While dealing with his family's crisis, he discovers that the watch does something interesting - it allows him to travel back in time. If you could go back in time, would you want to? George learns there are some restriction to going back in time - specifically how far back in time he can go. He learns through further conversations with Shiloh that he is going to alternate versions of himself and his life. If he goes back, can he change things? What affect would traveling back in time have on his present? Can he change current events by going back and trying to stop things from happening? What would it be like to be able to speak with a deceased loved on again?
George and Shiloh continue to have philosophical conversations about life, love and how events can change us. If something bad happens to you, but the result is you grow and become stronger, should you be protected from that event? What is important in life? George is faced with a lot in this book and must make a final decision. What will he decide?
This book is a mixing of Science Fiction and philosophy. I found it to be original and creative. It's thought provoking and well written. Fans of Science fiction will enjoy this one. Having said that, you don't need to be a science fiction fan to enjoy this book, but it helps. I enjoyed how George went from being a little boring to having more of a personality. I also liked how this book is thought provoking. It raises a lot of questions and as George finds the answers for himself, the reader can think about their own answers. What would they do? What choice would he/she make?
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Then tragedy strikes, and George is faced with feeling powerless and wishing he could change things. While dealing with his family's crisis, he discovers that the watch does something interesting - it allows him to travel back in time. If you could go back in time, would you want to? George learns there are some restriction to going back in time - specifically how far back in time he can go. He learns through further conversations with Shiloh that he is going to alternate versions of himself and his life. If he goes back, can he change things? What affect would traveling back in time have on his present? Can he change current events by going back and trying to stop things from happening? What would it be like to be able to speak with a deceased loved on again?
George and Shiloh continue to have philosophical conversations about life, love and how events can change us. If something bad happens to you, but the result is you grow and become stronger, should you be protected from that event? What is important in life? George is faced with a lot in this book and must make a final decision. What will he decide?
This book is a mixing of Science Fiction and philosophy. I found it to be original and creative. It's thought provoking and well written. Fans of Science fiction will enjoy this one. Having said that, you don't need to be a science fiction fan to enjoy this book, but it helps. I enjoyed how George went from being a little boring to having more of a personality. I also liked how this book is thought provoking. It raises a lot of questions and as George finds the answers for himself, the reader can think about their own answers. What would they do? What choice would he/she make?
I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
June 17, 2018
** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much, Kevin. It really was an intriguing read. **
”You need to let go of your fears. Fear should be an advisor whose counsel is weighed carefully, not a leader whose commands are followed blindly.”
What can I say about this book without giving away too much of the story? Well, let’s just start with the fact that it was completely different than I expected it to be. In a good kind of way, of course! ;-P
When I began to read “Do You Realize?” I thought it would be a story about a guy (his name is George by the way) who travels through time and relives some of the nicest moments of his past. Which he actually did, but not in the way I expected him to do it. I mean it’s one thing to get back into your own past and to change some things, to try to make it better, to improve certain events. In this book however this is not what happens. George can only travel into alternate versions of his past which means whatever he’s changing, it won’t change what happens in his actual life. ;-P
All his travels only have an impact on another version of him and whatever he’s doing in this parallel version, it might change the life of this other George but not his own. For good or worse, he’ll never know. XD
So yeah, this was already a very intriguing concept, and this without even mentioning that his “time travels” (or should I rather say “alternate universe travels”?) are initiated by an Apple Watch a stranger gave him on his way to work. *lol*
I guess by now you can already tell that this book is quite special and very different to anything else you might have read. ;-) I think the character of Shiloh (the stranger on the train) was done very nicely. He’s a very laid-back and friendly guy and his conversations with George were definitely some of the highlights of this book. I just loved his philosophical outlook on things and the passion with which he tried to convey his message!
“But rock and roll, it finds that balance with such simplicity, three or four instruments, along with a voice or two. Its very name conjures images of order and chaos. Rock is the structure, and roll is variety. Despite everything we do to create order, laws, norms, and morals, down deep we know – we know we need variety and chaos as well.”
But this isn’t everything this book is about. There is so much more going on and I was surprised about the turn “Do You Realize?” took. George is facing some serious problems with his family and even though Shiloh was just a stranger on the morning commuter train, he still tried his best to help him. He listened and gave reasonable advice, most of the time even when our MC didn’t want to hear it. *lol*
I think one of my favourite scenes was George’s visit to his parents though. This chapter was just so realistic and if I’m entirely honest I have to admit that it succeeded to make me emotional. I know how hard it can be to miss a loved person and to say this feeling was conveyed more than just well certainly would be one hell of an understatement. I loved the advice they gave him and it made me smile, because I know how simple it sounds but how hard it is to implement. XD
”That’s the beautiful thing about being a parent. Mostly you get to watch your kids learn and grow from everything they experience, but every now and then, you get to help them avoid the hard lessons. You get to prevent some frustration or pain or sadness. But I think they learn best when they make their own mistakes, so I think you try to find that middle ground. And you know what? At least half the time you think they’re going to make a mistake, it turns out they don’t.”
And speaking of parents! Elena, George’s wife, is my new role model. *lol* She’s something like a super woman and I was amazed by her strength. This woman is just awesome!!! Like seriously! She supported her husband, she kept the house in check, she took care of the children, and she always knew what they needed even though they didn’t even know it themselves. I learned a lot of Elena and I hope that one day I’ll be as awesome as her. In short: I aspire to be a super mom and I hope I’ll succeed! ;-P
All told this book was a really intriguing and wonderful read. It made me think, it made me smile and yes, I admit it, it even caused me to shed some tears. I loved the ending and after finishing the last page I felt like someone gave me a nice and warm hug. =) If you want to read something philosophical that was written with a lot of heart, well, then this book might be perfect for you! XD
”You need to let go of your fears. Fear should be an advisor whose counsel is weighed carefully, not a leader whose commands are followed blindly.”
What can I say about this book without giving away too much of the story? Well, let’s just start with the fact that it was completely different than I expected it to be. In a good kind of way, of course! ;-P
When I began to read “Do You Realize?” I thought it would be a story about a guy (his name is George by the way) who travels through time and relives some of the nicest moments of his past. Which he actually did, but not in the way I expected him to do it. I mean it’s one thing to get back into your own past and to change some things, to try to make it better, to improve certain events. In this book however this is not what happens. George can only travel into alternate versions of his past which means whatever he’s changing, it won’t change what happens in his actual life. ;-P
All his travels only have an impact on another version of him and whatever he’s doing in this parallel version, it might change the life of this other George but not his own. For good or worse, he’ll never know. XD
So yeah, this was already a very intriguing concept, and this without even mentioning that his “time travels” (or should I rather say “alternate universe travels”?) are initiated by an Apple Watch a stranger gave him on his way to work. *lol*
I guess by now you can already tell that this book is quite special and very different to anything else you might have read. ;-) I think the character of Shiloh (the stranger on the train) was done very nicely. He’s a very laid-back and friendly guy and his conversations with George were definitely some of the highlights of this book. I just loved his philosophical outlook on things and the passion with which he tried to convey his message!
“But rock and roll, it finds that balance with such simplicity, three or four instruments, along with a voice or two. Its very name conjures images of order and chaos. Rock is the structure, and roll is variety. Despite everything we do to create order, laws, norms, and morals, down deep we know – we know we need variety and chaos as well.”
But this isn’t everything this book is about. There is so much more going on and I was surprised about the turn “Do You Realize?” took. George is facing some serious problems with his family and even though Shiloh was just a stranger on the morning commuter train, he still tried his best to help him. He listened and gave reasonable advice, most of the time even when our MC didn’t want to hear it. *lol*
I think one of my favourite scenes was George’s visit to his parents though. This chapter was just so realistic and if I’m entirely honest I have to admit that it succeeded to make me emotional. I know how hard it can be to miss a loved person and to say this feeling was conveyed more than just well certainly would be one hell of an understatement. I loved the advice they gave him and it made me smile, because I know how simple it sounds but how hard it is to implement. XD
”That’s the beautiful thing about being a parent. Mostly you get to watch your kids learn and grow from everything they experience, but every now and then, you get to help them avoid the hard lessons. You get to prevent some frustration or pain or sadness. But I think they learn best when they make their own mistakes, so I think you try to find that middle ground. And you know what? At least half the time you think they’re going to make a mistake, it turns out they don’t.”
And speaking of parents! Elena, George’s wife, is my new role model. *lol* She’s something like a super woman and I was amazed by her strength. This woman is just awesome!!! Like seriously! She supported her husband, she kept the house in check, she took care of the children, and she always knew what they needed even though they didn’t even know it themselves. I learned a lot of Elena and I hope that one day I’ll be as awesome as her. In short: I aspire to be a super mom and I hope I’ll succeed! ;-P
All told this book was a really intriguing and wonderful read. It made me think, it made me smile and yes, I admit it, it even caused me to shed some tears. I loved the ending and after finishing the last page I felt like someone gave me a nice and warm hug. =) If you want to read something philosophical that was written with a lot of heart, well, then this book might be perfect for you! XD
June 12, 2018
Have you ever thought about the chance to relive a few days of your life? Perhaps travel back in time to a day that means a lot to you…your wedding, the birth of your child, a special vacation or a last moment of a loved one? Would you take the chance and gamble, or manipulate an outcome in your favor?
This book is about that chance! It is the exploration of one man’s struggle with the big questions of life and his knowledge in hindsight. It is a journey that will captivate readers hook and sink with its authentic and humbling insights that, in my case, made my heart sing and ache at the same time.
“Well, my job sucks, I’m balding, I seem to put on five pounds every year, and I think my wife and I are falling a little more out of love every day.”
–Kevin Kuhn
George’s life is busy. His responsibilities are wearing him down. He is not really unhappy, nor is he really happy either. Silently a mutiny of passion has crept into his daily life. The years of the mundane and daily grind have become the silent killer of experiencing joy and pleasure. He feels numb and too tired to change….yet he reminisces of all the good times with his wife when they were younger and his children in earlier years.
George is an understanding man. He and his wife are juggling teenage kids, Saturday games, school issues, book club, work ect. At middle age, he naturally is pondering the big questions. On his daily train commute to and from work he has plenty of time to think.
One morning George meets this unusual man named Shiloh on the train. His straight into the bulls-eye question for George leaves him curious about this man. This short conversation with a stranger stays with him and won’t leave his mind long after he departs the train.
“So this thing that has brought down empires and is responsible for about half of all the music, literature, and art on the planet just boils down to two people caring for each other?” – Kevin Kuhn
Anticipating to run into Shiloh again, George makes sure he is taking the same train to work every day. When they meet again, their conversation seems to seemingly continue where it ended the last time. And after meeting a few more times like this on the train, Shiloh offers George to take part in beta testing a new app on an apple watch he was developing. This app would enable a user to be transported up to 10 times to the day of their choice they have already lived.
Since Shiloh’s and George's conversations have progressed to the deeper questions and meanings of life, George decided to trust this man, take the offer and give this watch a try.
“You see, stellar evolution, galactic formation, birth of the solar system, creation of life, human evolution, industrial revolution, technology transformation – we tend to think of all of them all as separate events. But they aren’t; they’re one story. They are a continuous stream of development of higher and higher orders. That’s the journey of complexity we’re on.”
-Kevin Kuhn
“Our abilities to solve social issues is moving at a snail’s pace. We need to advance our humanity as fast as our technology; otherwise it’s all going to end.”
– Kevin Kuhn
Parallel to George’s time traveling probes, there are a lot of things happening in his home life. The kind of things one has no control over and that are devastating for a parent and spouse. This is adding more stress onto him and his wife and George is toying with the idea to perhaps changing the outcome of things happening around him.
“Where was I? Oh yeah, feeling sorry for myself. So, assuming that Alex pulls out of this and things go back to normal, then what? Become a better parent, listen more, keep my job or find a new job? Is everything going to be better then? Maybe Shiloh will give me a few more speeches about the meaning of life and it will be all be clear? A little less fear, a little more love, be more positive, and everything will fall into place. It all sounds good, but is it going to change anything?”
–Keving Kuhn
But with time he figures out:
“If my traveling is teaching me anything, it’s we tend to glorify the past”
-Kevin Kuhn
And this is where I will leave it be to not spoil anyone the pleasure of reading what actually all happens to George and his family.
***
I thought I had this figured out. I thought this is just another time travel story with the same outcome as all the others. BUT I WAS WRONG. The highlight in this novel is the entire journey as George’s experiences and thought patterns evolve. It goes without saying that a smidget of appreciation of all the good things we have in our lives come highly into focus. The grass is not always greener on the other side…and in theory we know that! But this novel did not have the outcome that focuses on that entirely. This is where it differs from so many of the other novels with the same tried concept.
The reading experience of this novel kept me at awe at the humbling processes put into words, sentences and chapters. It takes a great deal of intuition, emotional intelligence and experience to put this progression in growth of mindset on paper. Granted, I do believe this book may speak more to the mature audience as the main character is of middle age. And this, perhaps, is why I loved this book so much. It was very relatable and left me at times snicker or tear up. The ending commences to a sweet twist I had not thought off and I was left all stirred up in my heart and deeply moved. If that isn’t what a great book is supposed to do, or the feels aren't hitting you, then try and read it again in 10 years ;)
I received the book "Do You Realize?" by the author Kevin Kuhn in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. Thank you :)
Check out the pictures of my signed book on my blog:
https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/new-...
My author's Q&A here: https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/spot...
This book is about that chance! It is the exploration of one man’s struggle with the big questions of life and his knowledge in hindsight. It is a journey that will captivate readers hook and sink with its authentic and humbling insights that, in my case, made my heart sing and ache at the same time.
“Well, my job sucks, I’m balding, I seem to put on five pounds every year, and I think my wife and I are falling a little more out of love every day.”
–Kevin Kuhn
George’s life is busy. His responsibilities are wearing him down. He is not really unhappy, nor is he really happy either. Silently a mutiny of passion has crept into his daily life. The years of the mundane and daily grind have become the silent killer of experiencing joy and pleasure. He feels numb and too tired to change….yet he reminisces of all the good times with his wife when they were younger and his children in earlier years.
George is an understanding man. He and his wife are juggling teenage kids, Saturday games, school issues, book club, work ect. At middle age, he naturally is pondering the big questions. On his daily train commute to and from work he has plenty of time to think.
One morning George meets this unusual man named Shiloh on the train. His straight into the bulls-eye question for George leaves him curious about this man. This short conversation with a stranger stays with him and won’t leave his mind long after he departs the train.
“So this thing that has brought down empires and is responsible for about half of all the music, literature, and art on the planet just boils down to two people caring for each other?” – Kevin Kuhn
Anticipating to run into Shiloh again, George makes sure he is taking the same train to work every day. When they meet again, their conversation seems to seemingly continue where it ended the last time. And after meeting a few more times like this on the train, Shiloh offers George to take part in beta testing a new app on an apple watch he was developing. This app would enable a user to be transported up to 10 times to the day of their choice they have already lived.
Since Shiloh’s and George's conversations have progressed to the deeper questions and meanings of life, George decided to trust this man, take the offer and give this watch a try.
“You see, stellar evolution, galactic formation, birth of the solar system, creation of life, human evolution, industrial revolution, technology transformation – we tend to think of all of them all as separate events. But they aren’t; they’re one story. They are a continuous stream of development of higher and higher orders. That’s the journey of complexity we’re on.”
-Kevin Kuhn
“Our abilities to solve social issues is moving at a snail’s pace. We need to advance our humanity as fast as our technology; otherwise it’s all going to end.”
– Kevin Kuhn
Parallel to George’s time traveling probes, there are a lot of things happening in his home life. The kind of things one has no control over and that are devastating for a parent and spouse. This is adding more stress onto him and his wife and George is toying with the idea to perhaps changing the outcome of things happening around him.
“Where was I? Oh yeah, feeling sorry for myself. So, assuming that Alex pulls out of this and things go back to normal, then what? Become a better parent, listen more, keep my job or find a new job? Is everything going to be better then? Maybe Shiloh will give me a few more speeches about the meaning of life and it will be all be clear? A little less fear, a little more love, be more positive, and everything will fall into place. It all sounds good, but is it going to change anything?”
–Keving Kuhn
But with time he figures out:
“If my traveling is teaching me anything, it’s we tend to glorify the past”
-Kevin Kuhn
And this is where I will leave it be to not spoil anyone the pleasure of reading what actually all happens to George and his family.
***
I thought I had this figured out. I thought this is just another time travel story with the same outcome as all the others. BUT I WAS WRONG. The highlight in this novel is the entire journey as George’s experiences and thought patterns evolve. It goes without saying that a smidget of appreciation of all the good things we have in our lives come highly into focus. The grass is not always greener on the other side…and in theory we know that! But this novel did not have the outcome that focuses on that entirely. This is where it differs from so many of the other novels with the same tried concept.
The reading experience of this novel kept me at awe at the humbling processes put into words, sentences and chapters. It takes a great deal of intuition, emotional intelligence and experience to put this progression in growth of mindset on paper. Granted, I do believe this book may speak more to the mature audience as the main character is of middle age. And this, perhaps, is why I loved this book so much. It was very relatable and left me at times snicker or tear up. The ending commences to a sweet twist I had not thought off and I was left all stirred up in my heart and deeply moved. If that isn’t what a great book is supposed to do, or the feels aren't hitting you, then try and read it again in 10 years ;)
I received the book "Do You Realize?" by the author Kevin Kuhn in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. Thank you :)
Check out the pictures of my signed book on my blog:
https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/new-...
My author's Q&A here: https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/spot...
June 2, 2018
I have just found the perfect book. This is a fiction novel that also teaches all the important things in life. Learning important things while getting a good story... priceless.
I have highlighted over 50 quotes and most of them have a lesson to teach.
Way to go, Kevin. Loved your book.
To all readers of this review, please read the quotes. They are quite worth the read and the reflection.
5 stars
I have highlighted over 50 quotes and most of them have a lesson to teach.
Way to go, Kevin. Loved your book.
To all readers of this review, please read the quotes. They are quite worth the read and the reflection.
5 stars
May 1, 2019
A philosophical book about finding the key to meaning, happiness and success in life. We all know the answer, eventually; (its kale according to Ellen Degeneres, living in the moment for mindfulness people, eye of the storm for stoics). If only life could allow us to live backwards sometimes.. Or fast-forward and back, or very very forward or in a parallel universe or.. A bitter-sweet very common story but from a physics perspective.
February 11, 2018
George was a regular guy, dealing with the pressures of the day to day grind, feeling his marriage was comfortable, but lacking and finding his children were growing up and away from him. Is this all there would be for George, mediocracy to his dying day? Enter Shiloh, a quirky professor who ignored George’s “stay away vibe” on their morning commute. Day after day Shiloh would chatter on about life, love, and their meanings. It wasn’t until Shiloh offered George a free Apple Watch just for trying out the app he had created that George would find his interest peaked. Could Shiloh be an eccentric genius? What exactly was this “app” anyway? The watch was free, right, so what could it hurt to humor the guy?
That watch and that quirky professor would take George on a journey of discovery that would forever change him and the world around him. George would be given the chance to relive his past in alternate universes, seeing events from his present day perspective. George would be given an impossible gift that would alter his outlook on life, love and the personal responsibility he held for making the most out of every minute of every day.
Kevin Kuhn’s DO YOU REALIZE is a brilliantly executed tale that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Haven’t we all had at least one memory that we see differently now? What if we were given the chance to see the past through different perspectives? Would we be better able to handle the ups and downs of life today and in the future? Would we appreciate life more and own our responsibilities to engage beyond our own sphere?
George starts out as that guy that just never seems happy with his lot in life. Shiloh is like a breath of fresh air. Kevin Kuhn gives us moments of humor, heartache and “AHA” moments that reaffirm that life is what we make it, although I’m pretty sure a watch with an “app” is not required, it’s just something we can relate to! Completely unique and entertaining from start to finish with an easy to read style! If it makes you think afterwards, that’s definitely a plus!
I received a complimentary copy from Kevin Kuhn!
Publisher: Beaver's Pond Press (February 16, 2017)
Publication Date: February 16, 2017
Genre: SciFi | Fantasy
Print Length: 416 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
That watch and that quirky professor would take George on a journey of discovery that would forever change him and the world around him. George would be given the chance to relive his past in alternate universes, seeing events from his present day perspective. George would be given an impossible gift that would alter his outlook on life, love and the personal responsibility he held for making the most out of every minute of every day.
Kevin Kuhn’s DO YOU REALIZE is a brilliantly executed tale that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Haven’t we all had at least one memory that we see differently now? What if we were given the chance to see the past through different perspectives? Would we be better able to handle the ups and downs of life today and in the future? Would we appreciate life more and own our responsibilities to engage beyond our own sphere?
George starts out as that guy that just never seems happy with his lot in life. Shiloh is like a breath of fresh air. Kevin Kuhn gives us moments of humor, heartache and “AHA” moments that reaffirm that life is what we make it, although I’m pretty sure a watch with an “app” is not required, it’s just something we can relate to! Completely unique and entertaining from start to finish with an easy to read style! If it makes you think afterwards, that’s definitely a plus!
I received a complimentary copy from Kevin Kuhn!
Publisher: Beaver's Pond Press (February 16, 2017)
Publication Date: February 16, 2017
Genre: SciFi | Fantasy
Print Length: 416 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 7, 2019
Do we really need a Tragedy?*
Do you realize how shitty your life is right now?
(Read: are you uncomfortable with your present life?)
Do you realize it could be better?
(Read: are you gonna find out why?)
Do you realize it’s up to you to change it?
(Read: what the hell are you waiting for?! A tragedy?!)
With tragedy as a catalyst of awareness, “Do you realize?” is a book about where we really wanna be in Life!
*Yes we do!
*Why?
*We must be desperate enough to change! 😜
Do you realize how shitty your life is right now?
(Read: are you uncomfortable with your present life?)
Do you realize it could be better?
(Read: are you gonna find out why?)
Do you realize it’s up to you to change it?
(Read: what the hell are you waiting for?! A tragedy?!)
With tragedy as a catalyst of awareness, “Do you realize?” is a book about where we really wanna be in Life!
*Yes we do!
*Why?
*We must be desperate enough to change! 😜
August 11, 2021
I seldom read science fiction but Kevin Kuhn’s first, much loved novel of 2017, offers a gentle introduction. When I eventually sought a copy, I was startled by how uncannily I related to it. Reading this story in March was healing. I felt like these personages were reciprocally sympathetic to me. A simple portrait of a common family with a dollop of science fiction intrigue, rose to five star depths for me. All readers can recognize a member of the central family. This whole novel contains an impressively subtle variety of intricacies to savour. I wonder how long it took Kevin to work out and weave its plotlines.
On the surface, an office manager with seniority wrestles with the risk of seeking a better career, or settling for the one with a benefits package he needs. In the USA, doctors and hospitals are not free, for some baffling reason. We hope George will dare to challenge an uncreative superior. Two hospitalizations elevated the emotional atmosphere. By the time the mysteriousness of otherworldly elements emerged, I was invested. It was a year after my Mom ascended and two months since a dear cat ascended from cancer. Another precious kitty ascended from kidney disease three months later. This novel was a release and balm for me that I could not have predicted. My viewpoint differs only in counting on reuniting with them in the afterlife, instead of in parallel worlds.
I marvel at how well “Do You Realize?” is written. Its logistics are well planned, outcomes surprise us outside an A or B box, there are valid questions worth posing, and we are treated to song title guessing games heading each chapter. I knew nearly every one. For me, “What Is Love?” can only be the song that is by Howard Jones!
On the surface, an office manager with seniority wrestles with the risk of seeking a better career, or settling for the one with a benefits package he needs. In the USA, doctors and hospitals are not free, for some baffling reason. We hope George will dare to challenge an uncreative superior. Two hospitalizations elevated the emotional atmosphere. By the time the mysteriousness of otherworldly elements emerged, I was invested. It was a year after my Mom ascended and two months since a dear cat ascended from cancer. Another precious kitty ascended from kidney disease three months later. This novel was a release and balm for me that I could not have predicted. My viewpoint differs only in counting on reuniting with them in the afterlife, instead of in parallel worlds.
I marvel at how well “Do You Realize?” is written. Its logistics are well planned, outcomes surprise us outside an A or B box, there are valid questions worth posing, and we are treated to song title guessing games heading each chapter. I knew nearly every one. For me, “What Is Love?” can only be the song that is by Howard Jones!
November 21, 2022
Requested a copy from the author after reading the blurb and being intrigued. The author kindly sent me an autographed paperback... but I'll try not to let my good feelings towards him affect my judgement of the book.
To start, let me say that I love the cover; believe it worthy of a hardcover. And it's a big book. I'm about a fifth of the way through and we've already developed characters, explored philosophy and other ideas, and had some TT adventure. Wow... what's the rest of the book going to be about? I'm eager to find out.
-----
Ok done. Wow is right. Really a lot to think about.
For example, that artists, musicians, teachers, and historians are even more important than scientists, because "technology is already advancing too fast, and we need our humanity to keep pace. And, more importantly, we need to learn from our mistakes."
We, the general public, don't learn enough from history. For example, the "earliest Egyptian pyramids were built the woolly mammoth went extinct.... Oxford University the Aztec civilization... Harvard University was founded calculus was invented." Ty, Kuhn, for alerting me to that data!
Lots of philosophy, especially relatively pragmatic life lessons.
For example, "Fear should be an advisor whose counsel is weighed carefully, not a leader whose commands are followed blindly."
Plenty of humor. I love Shiloh's t-shirts.
For example, "Never trust a subatomic particle. They make up everything."
Lots of references to music, including pop, classical, and especially rock 'n' roll.
If you read this, you'll probably find other bits you like better. A rich, heartfelt, and creative novel.
Not perfect. I never caught any of the characters reading books or even wanting to. And I'm not sure I understand the details of the last TT trip. All in all, though, recommendable.
---
Ok I'm done with the reread for the Time Travel group. Sorry, I actually liked it too much to share. But I bet if you ask the author nicely you can get a copy.
However it is definitely more general fiction than SF. It's actually mostly philosophy, in fact. And it's not polished, tbh; there are minor editing mistakes. Also it's long... but not in a bad way, just, well, a thorough way. But all that said, I do really enjoy and appreciate it.
Maybe next time I'll remember to listen to the songs that serve as the chapter titles!
To start, let me say that I love the cover; believe it worthy of a hardcover. And it's a big book. I'm about a fifth of the way through and we've already developed characters, explored philosophy and other ideas, and had some TT adventure. Wow... what's the rest of the book going to be about? I'm eager to find out.
-----
Ok done. Wow is right. Really a lot to think about.
For example, that artists, musicians, teachers, and historians are even more important than scientists, because "technology is already advancing too fast, and we need our humanity to keep pace. And, more importantly, we need to learn from our mistakes."
We, the general public, don't learn enough from history. For example, the "earliest Egyptian pyramids were built the woolly mammoth went extinct.... Oxford University the Aztec civilization... Harvard University was founded calculus was invented." Ty, Kuhn, for alerting me to that data!
Lots of philosophy, especially relatively pragmatic life lessons.
For example, "Fear should be an advisor whose counsel is weighed carefully, not a leader whose commands are followed blindly."
Plenty of humor. I love Shiloh's t-shirts.
For example, "Never trust a subatomic particle. They make up everything."
Lots of references to music, including pop, classical, and especially rock 'n' roll.
If you read this, you'll probably find other bits you like better. A rich, heartfelt, and creative novel.
Not perfect. I never caught any of the characters reading books or even wanting to. And I'm not sure I understand the details of the last TT trip. All in all, though, recommendable.
---
Ok I'm done with the reread for the Time Travel group. Sorry, I actually liked it too much to share. But I bet if you ask the author nicely you can get a copy.
However it is definitely more general fiction than SF. It's actually mostly philosophy, in fact. And it's not polished, tbh; there are minor editing mistakes. Also it's long... but not in a bad way, just, well, a thorough way. But all that said, I do really enjoy and appreciate it.
Maybe next time I'll remember to listen to the songs that serve as the chapter titles!
March 18, 2020
I don't read much science fiction/fantasy, but I am very glad I read this. This novel was MAGIC. Not about magic per se, it was a magical mystery tour! Both character- and situation-driven, it pulled me in from the beginning and never let go. I felt as if I were right there with the main character, George, experiencing what he did, when he did. The other characters, George's wife, kids, and somewhat odd friend, Shiloh, were vividly drawn and exciting as well.
Hard to believe this was Kuhn's first novel; he must have quite an imagination and have done an enormous amount of research. I believe what the book gave me most of all, besides a very enjoyable read, was hope. Hope for the future of humankind, but also on a personal level. Somehow it reminded me of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, a book that was tepidly received for the most part, but I loved.
Without giving away spoilers or too much info (I recommend you read the book yourself),
the ending --- and what an ending, made me cry happy tears and understand where the author got the title. Actually, Kuhn would likely say the title serves two purposes, but I like to think it was the exclamation point for the end of the story!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Hard to believe this was Kuhn's first novel; he must have quite an imagination and have done an enormous amount of research. I believe what the book gave me most of all, besides a very enjoyable read, was hope. Hope for the future of humankind, but also on a personal level. Somehow it reminded me of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, a book that was tepidly received for the most part, but I loved.
Without giving away spoilers or too much info (I recommend you read the book yourself),
the ending --- and what an ending, made me cry happy tears and understand where the author got the title. Actually, Kuhn would likely say the title serves two purposes, but I like to think it was the exclamation point for the end of the story!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 11, 2017
Fun Book!!
Really liked all the references to songs; some popular, others obscure, and how they related to the chapters. Geoge, the main character, was very real and genuine. I found myself hurting when he hurt and the scenarios he ran into were realistic as well as his reactions to them. The sci-fi components were there but not the major theme of the book. Instead they added to the story and enabled some real learning by George.
Lots of hidden references to science via puns and subtle references. I recomment this!
Really liked all the references to songs; some popular, others obscure, and how they related to the chapters. Geoge, the main character, was very real and genuine. I found myself hurting when he hurt and the scenarios he ran into were realistic as well as his reactions to them. The sci-fi components were there but not the major theme of the book. Instead they added to the story and enabled some real learning by George.
Lots of hidden references to science via puns and subtle references. I recomment this!
September 4, 2019
Interesting and emotional read.
September 13, 2020
This was a rare book I stumbled upon after Mr. Kuhn himself added me as a friend on Goodreads. It was as if the universe itself willed this into my hands at just the right moment in my life!
Trapped in the soul-sucking existence of what is also known as corporate America, George was an average middle class American man struggling to support his family through the many ups and downs of life. Confined to a suffocating routine dictated by financial obligations, ungrateful management at work, and family responsibilities, who could blame poor old George for feeling so helpless and miserable? It seemed he had simply lost sight of what was important in his life because he had so much pressure on his shoulders just to keep it all afloat. It broke my heart thinking of the many daily things that George encountered that instantly made him jump to the thought that it would add another year onto his retirement plan. The struggles he endures are so authentic and relatable. There were so many times I said aloud how "that sounds just like me!"
Oh, how the misery just bled from the pages! One particular statement that cut me the deepest was the realization that most of us work ourselves to death through college just to spend thirty plus years in a job we despise! And worst of all, most of us are only one little tragedy away from losing everything we've worked so hard to achieve. But the truth is, despite all of that, life doesn't stop. Time doesn't stop. That is a tough pill to swallow when you really pause to think about it. It all flies by from experience to memory, good and bad. And once in a while, we owe it to ourselves to slow down and reflect on what we've learned from our memories and experiences all while taking part in new ones.
In my opinion, this was the true core meaning of the story. Life is just hard and highly misunderstood in all its complexity. It can be pure misery one moment and dripping with honey the next. As revealed in the book, balance really is the key to the most important things in life. This couldn't be truer. Without bad, good wouldn't exist. Without pain, pleasure wouldn't exist. All in all, each is relevant in its own way. And as ironic as it is, there is a beauty in pain and sadness that just cannot be uncovered in any other manner. It is the raw emotions and/or razor-sharp thoughts associated with our experiences that shape us, fueling our motivations, dreams, needs, and desires.
And for George, it went beyond all of this. It took a strong dose of science fiction mixed with a taste of philosophy introduced by an eccentric and intelligent man named Shiloh he met on the train, either by chance or fate, to open his eyes to some sort of meaning in his life. Shiloh is one of those characters that just make you think and think. Then think some more. Funny thing I couldn't shake off was that every time Shiloh was present, he reminded me of Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds with his superior intelligence saturated in an overabundance of facts and illustrated with a photographic memory.
Overall, this was a quick, thought-provoking read for me and I enjoyed it tremendously. The short chapters deliver the story in edible portions which made me feel more quickly accomplished, and the chapter titles were amazingly based off many of my favorite songs! There were so many moments during the book, I found myself with either stinging tears or a sharp ripple running through my chest from the philosophical ideals entangling me. As a strong believer in the order of the universe, the events of the book were perfectly displayed. If you are looking for a book to stimulate your philosophical side yet enlighten you in a science-fiction-kind- of-way, this will not disappoint!
Trapped in the soul-sucking existence of what is also known as corporate America, George was an average middle class American man struggling to support his family through the many ups and downs of life. Confined to a suffocating routine dictated by financial obligations, ungrateful management at work, and family responsibilities, who could blame poor old George for feeling so helpless and miserable? It seemed he had simply lost sight of what was important in his life because he had so much pressure on his shoulders just to keep it all afloat. It broke my heart thinking of the many daily things that George encountered that instantly made him jump to the thought that it would add another year onto his retirement plan. The struggles he endures are so authentic and relatable. There were so many times I said aloud how "that sounds just like me!"
Oh, how the misery just bled from the pages! One particular statement that cut me the deepest was the realization that most of us work ourselves to death through college just to spend thirty plus years in a job we despise! And worst of all, most of us are only one little tragedy away from losing everything we've worked so hard to achieve. But the truth is, despite all of that, life doesn't stop. Time doesn't stop. That is a tough pill to swallow when you really pause to think about it. It all flies by from experience to memory, good and bad. And once in a while, we owe it to ourselves to slow down and reflect on what we've learned from our memories and experiences all while taking part in new ones.
In my opinion, this was the true core meaning of the story. Life is just hard and highly misunderstood in all its complexity. It can be pure misery one moment and dripping with honey the next. As revealed in the book, balance really is the key to the most important things in life. This couldn't be truer. Without bad, good wouldn't exist. Without pain, pleasure wouldn't exist. All in all, each is relevant in its own way. And as ironic as it is, there is a beauty in pain and sadness that just cannot be uncovered in any other manner. It is the raw emotions and/or razor-sharp thoughts associated with our experiences that shape us, fueling our motivations, dreams, needs, and desires.
And for George, it went beyond all of this. It took a strong dose of science fiction mixed with a taste of philosophy introduced by an eccentric and intelligent man named Shiloh he met on the train, either by chance or fate, to open his eyes to some sort of meaning in his life. Shiloh is one of those characters that just make you think and think. Then think some more. Funny thing I couldn't shake off was that every time Shiloh was present, he reminded me of Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds with his superior intelligence saturated in an overabundance of facts and illustrated with a photographic memory.
Overall, this was a quick, thought-provoking read for me and I enjoyed it tremendously. The short chapters deliver the story in edible portions which made me feel more quickly accomplished, and the chapter titles were amazingly based off many of my favorite songs! There were so many moments during the book, I found myself with either stinging tears or a sharp ripple running through my chest from the philosophical ideals entangling me. As a strong believer in the order of the universe, the events of the book were perfectly displayed. If you are looking for a book to stimulate your philosophical side yet enlighten you in a science-fiction-kind- of-way, this will not disappoint!
September 17, 2017
I received an ARC of this book to review it for Rosie Amber's Book Review Team. This is a most unusual and interesting novel, categorised on Amazon under 'metaphysical and visionary', and 'time travel'.
George is your average American middle-aged husband and father, unstimulated by his job, with a marriage that's lost its joy, and the usual teenage children angst. On his morning journeys to work he gets to know the curious Shiloh, who philosophises about life, the universe and everything, and asks him to beta test a new app for an Apple watch. There is, of course, more to both Shiloh and the app than meet the eye.
Meanwhile, back in his normal life, George struggles with family problems ~ his daughter has a bad car accident, his son is being difficult and secretive, and his job is giving him headaches. Soon, he realises that Shiloh and his mysterious app are giving him a completely different perspective on life, introducing him to the idea of parallel universes.
I loved the first half of this book. I really like the author's writing style; George and his family are very real, and the narrative is darkly comic, interesting and highly readable, with lots of popular cultural references; I liked that each chapter has the name of a song. I also loved the philosophy, ideas and views of Shiloh, many of which echoed my own, though this was not the only reason I was toying with 5* for the book at this stage. I read the first 50% almost in one go.
The quality of the writing does not falter throughout, but at around 60% my attention started to waver. Story threads that seemed interesting were quickly resolved and everything was hunky dory in George's world for quite a while - nice for George, and, indeed, this served a purpose for the outcome of the story, but it was not that interesting to read about. Without giving too much in the way of spoilers, the app means that George relives days in his past life. He also has vivid dreams. I thought the dream sequences were far too long, slowing the progress of the story down, and the relived days from the past could have been written more succinctly, especially when a day was lived more than once. Also, Shiloh's long explanations became longer (or maybe it was just me), and I thought there was too much explanatory dialogue, generally.
In the second half is a tragic episode which I thought was well done; all the threads lead to the outcome, as Shiloh reveals his purpose; sadly, by the end I felt less involved with the story. The whole idea is a terrific one, and Mr Kuhn clearly has much talent, but I felt that the second half was written less with the reader in mind than the first.
My overall rating is based on the fact that I'd give the first half 5* and the second half 3*. It's a good book, and readers who are particularly interested in the metaphysical and visionary will probably enjoy it very much indeed.
George is your average American middle-aged husband and father, unstimulated by his job, with a marriage that's lost its joy, and the usual teenage children angst. On his morning journeys to work he gets to know the curious Shiloh, who philosophises about life, the universe and everything, and asks him to beta test a new app for an Apple watch. There is, of course, more to both Shiloh and the app than meet the eye.
Meanwhile, back in his normal life, George struggles with family problems ~ his daughter has a bad car accident, his son is being difficult and secretive, and his job is giving him headaches. Soon, he realises that Shiloh and his mysterious app are giving him a completely different perspective on life, introducing him to the idea of parallel universes.
I loved the first half of this book. I really like the author's writing style; George and his family are very real, and the narrative is darkly comic, interesting and highly readable, with lots of popular cultural references; I liked that each chapter has the name of a song. I also loved the philosophy, ideas and views of Shiloh, many of which echoed my own, though this was not the only reason I was toying with 5* for the book at this stage. I read the first 50% almost in one go.
The quality of the writing does not falter throughout, but at around 60% my attention started to waver. Story threads that seemed interesting were quickly resolved and everything was hunky dory in George's world for quite a while - nice for George, and, indeed, this served a purpose for the outcome of the story, but it was not that interesting to read about. Without giving too much in the way of spoilers, the app means that George relives days in his past life. He also has vivid dreams. I thought the dream sequences were far too long, slowing the progress of the story down, and the relived days from the past could have been written more succinctly, especially when a day was lived more than once. Also, Shiloh's long explanations became longer (or maybe it was just me), and I thought there was too much explanatory dialogue, generally.
In the second half is a tragic episode which I thought was well done; all the threads lead to the outcome, as Shiloh reveals his purpose; sadly, by the end I felt less involved with the story. The whole idea is a terrific one, and Mr Kuhn clearly has much talent, but I felt that the second half was written less with the reader in mind than the first.
My overall rating is based on the fact that I'd give the first half 5* and the second half 3*. It's a good book, and readers who are particularly interested in the metaphysical and visionary will probably enjoy it very much indeed.
May 18, 2018
This was an interesting book. It was sort of a blend of science fiction and philosophy. George, the main character is an average Joe. He’s just trying to get by at a job he doesn’t love so he can pay his bills and see his kids to college. He was refreshing as far as heroes go. There wasn’t anything “special” about him. He’s not an outstanding athlete. He’s not super intelligent. He isn’t saving the world. He’s kind of cowardly. When I say he isn’t special I mean that in the best way possible, because despite all this he grows on you. He feels flawed and very human.
There were a couple things that frustrated me about George. I think this book as a whole was an interesting look into the male psyche. George receives an opportunity to travel back to ten days of his choosing and relive them. How do you pick the best ten days of your life? One of his first trips back in time is accidental, so we won’t count that. His second trip was a very admirable one. His third and fourth trips (IIRC) were back to points in time where he was not with his family, but rather a day where he shot a hole-in-one and one where he attended the Bulls championship game with a friend. He does learn something from all this and grows as a character so it wasn’t totally meaningless, but still. As a woman, it was hard to relate.
The story itself is set at sort of meandering pace. There isn’t much action, this is definitely a character driven book. There are parts that are very slow, but the arc and the morals of the story paid off big time for pushing through and finishing. The ending for me, redeemed some of the frustrations I had with the slow pace.
I think one thing that would have helped the pacing, because I did enjoy the characters, was if there had been some trimming done to some parts. Whenever something happened to George, we generally had to read it two or three times. First we witness the incident with George’s eyes. Then we hear him tell his wife, then he repeats it to his friend, then another friend, etc. I get it- this is how conversations happen in real life! As people we tend to vent our worries and fears to as many people who will listen and get advice and different opinions. But it was difficult to read about three times.
There was also some humor included to break up the book. George has some very vivid, funny dreams, there’s a pirate party, Shiloh wears funny physics shirts. These were absolutely necessary and I enjoyed them as a way to break up the heaviness of the novel.
All in all- a solid well done book. I would recommend to readers who enjoy character driven books. Thank you to the author, Kevin Kuhn, who kindly provided me with a copy to review (and patiently waited for me to get around to reading it!)
There were a couple things that frustrated me about George. I think this book as a whole was an interesting look into the male psyche. George receives an opportunity to travel back to ten days of his choosing and relive them. How do you pick the best ten days of your life? One of his first trips back in time is accidental, so we won’t count that. His second trip was a very admirable one. His third and fourth trips (IIRC) were back to points in time where he was not with his family, but rather a day where he shot a hole-in-one and one where he attended the Bulls championship game with a friend. He does learn something from all this and grows as a character so it wasn’t totally meaningless, but still. As a woman, it was hard to relate.
The story itself is set at sort of meandering pace. There isn’t much action, this is definitely a character driven book. There are parts that are very slow, but the arc and the morals of the story paid off big time for pushing through and finishing. The ending for me, redeemed some of the frustrations I had with the slow pace.
I think one thing that would have helped the pacing, because I did enjoy the characters, was if there had been some trimming done to some parts. Whenever something happened to George, we generally had to read it two or three times. First we witness the incident with George’s eyes. Then we hear him tell his wife, then he repeats it to his friend, then another friend, etc. I get it- this is how conversations happen in real life! As people we tend to vent our worries and fears to as many people who will listen and get advice and different opinions. But it was difficult to read about three times.
There was also some humor included to break up the book. George has some very vivid, funny dreams, there’s a pirate party, Shiloh wears funny physics shirts. These were absolutely necessary and I enjoyed them as a way to break up the heaviness of the novel.
All in all- a solid well done book. I would recommend to readers who enjoy character driven books. Thank you to the author, Kevin Kuhn, who kindly provided me with a copy to review (and patiently waited for me to get around to reading it!)
November 5, 2019
This book is an interesting take on time traveling. George is the main character, and he is about as ordinary as can be. Then a simple conversation with a stranger on the train starts a chain of events which will having lasting impacts on his life.
This is a slow moving story in which you get involved in lots of deep conversations. At first, I was unsure if I would be able to stick with it. But then I was hooked.
The way it ended really appealed to me. I also enjoyed George and Shiloh's conversations a lot. And where can I find the shirts Shiloh wore?!
At times, I was a bit annoyed at the old school thinking on gender roles. But I was able to look past that.
The narrator, while excellent, didn't seem to fit this book. He did not have a very great range of voices for the characters, so that made it hard for me to identify who was who sometimes.
If you like time travel, give this a listen/read. Very interesting to think of our world in the way the author paints it.
I was given a free credit for this on exchange for my honest review.
This is a slow moving story in which you get involved in lots of deep conversations. At first, I was unsure if I would be able to stick with it. But then I was hooked.
The way it ended really appealed to me. I also enjoyed George and Shiloh's conversations a lot. And where can I find the shirts Shiloh wore?!
At times, I was a bit annoyed at the old school thinking on gender roles. But I was able to look past that.
The narrator, while excellent, didn't seem to fit this book. He did not have a very great range of voices for the characters, so that made it hard for me to identify who was who sometimes.
If you like time travel, give this a listen/read. Very interesting to think of our world in the way the author paints it.
I was given a free credit for this on exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2019
I know next to nothing about physics. Well, let's be honest; I know ABSOLUTELY nothing about physics but his book hooked me from the beginning! It's been in my TBR queue for so long and I just got to it yesterday...and I couldn't stop reading! When disgruntled husband George meets Shiloh on the train, he is intrigued (but a little annoyed) by Shiloh's knowledge of physics and the idea that "human knowledge itself evolves by natural selection." What can that even mean to the average man with a wife and two teenage kids? What follows is life-changing for George and his family as Shiloh asks him to beta test a new app on the Apple watch. It's not exactly science fiction but I guarantee you will be intrigued, if not fascinated by the concepts in this novel--especially those concerning the nature of balance in the universe.
Personally, as I am just recuperating from a hip replacement, I can say it's somewhat easy to play the pity card and feel a little depressed about not being as mobile as I'd like to be. But after this book, I can tell you I have a whole new attitude about the joys of life as I welcome each new day with renewed expectations.
So thank you Mr. Kuhn and I sincerely hope you are working on your next novel!
Personally, as I am just recuperating from a hip replacement, I can say it's somewhat easy to play the pity card and feel a little depressed about not being as mobile as I'd like to be. But after this book, I can tell you I have a whole new attitude about the joys of life as I welcome each new day with renewed expectations.
So thank you Mr. Kuhn and I sincerely hope you are working on your next novel!
May 14, 2021
3.5⭐️ Rounded up.
March 6, 2020
This is a book about time travel that unfolds a little differently than you might expect; things are just slightly "off" when the protagonist travels back. His relationships with his wife, daughter, and son are laid bare in a trenchant manner, and the story closes on a somewhat moralistic note, but still a good read.
September 29, 2017
I’m reviewing this novel on behalf of Rosie’s Book Review Team. Thanks to Rosie and to the author for this opportunity. If you are an author and are looking for reviews, you can check here.
It is a bit difficult to categorise this story. It is not straight science-fiction, although there are sci-fi elements (a strange app that allows people to travel between dimensions and parallel universes), elements of family drama (a man in crisis who can no longer stand his job, whose teenage children are having difficulties, whose relationship with his wife is starting to suffer, and who experiences a number of tragedies in his life), and much discussion about the philosophy of life, humanity, the future, and matters that could fit into the category of spiritual and inspirational literature.
The novel follows the story of George, who has a managerial position in an insurance company but hates his job, and whose whole life seems to have lost its zest and momentum. He meets a man in the train, Shiloh, who asks him interesting questions (all related to song titles that also serve as chapter titles) that make him think and who keeps challenging his beliefs. At some point, he gives him an Apple watch and tells him to test an App of his creation. This App allows him to travel to his own past, only it is not his real past. He can travel to a parallel dimension and relive a day in his life, but instead of his real life, it is the life of a different version of him in that dimension. So his experience in that world is not necessarily the same but it has many points of contact with the one he already lived through. Whatever happens in one version of the world does not impact another. Although to begin with, he travels with the intention of changing things in his present, he soon realises that is not possible. He becomes frustrated as he is not sure why he has been chosen or the whole purpose of the experiment and Shiloh is less than forthcoming. George needs to come to terms with what his life is really about and learn what is really important.
There is nothing peculiar or remarkable about George at first sight. He loves his wife, Elena, a stay at home mom, but their relationship has become lost in everyday tension, problems, and stress. He is not particularly insightful and his life does not appear to be important. It is not evident why Shiloh has chosen him. Perhaps the fact that there is nothing particularly remarkable or peculiar about him is intended to make the readers find it easier to put themselves in his shoes and follow the process, as he is a very familiar and recognisable character, even if we do not share his personal attributes or his life story.
I liked the interaction between George and Shiloh and the fact that he was a pretty mysterious but engaging character. I liked his T-shirts (always with funny puns on Physics-related subjects) and his enthusiasm. His interactions with George were definitely more tell than show, and they made me think at times of Philosophy treatises, like Plato’s Dialogues, even if the ideas were based more on concepts and theories of modern Physics, Ethics, music, and even sports.
The novel is divided into a number of sections. First, we have the conversations between George and Shiloh that I found illuminating and fascinating, although at times they could be frustrating and somewhat repetitive; especially when George seemed a bit slow in understanding some of the ideas and the concepts.
Second, we have George’s everyday life, where we get to know his wife, and his daughter, and son, although I felt I knew more about the children than about the parents, particularly George. That is likely due to the fact that the story, although told in the third person, is told mostly from George’s point of view (until the very end of the novel, where we see Shiloh’s perspective), and although he shares some memories, he reflects and thinks more about his family than he does about himself. They are all nice at heart and, in many ways, their problems are very much those of a fairly privileged society, until tragedy strikes.
Third, we have the chapters where George travels in time and he starts to realise what his life is really about.
And last, but not least, there are the dreams. One of the side effects of those trips are very vivid and weird dreams and these seem to be consist of visions of what most of us would think time travel would be like, as these dreams take him from prehistoric times to a faraway future.
Although I was not sure how connected I felt to George’s character, towards the end I felt engaged with him and his family (perhaps because I could personally relate to some of the things they go through as a family). Although it was more of an intellectual experience than an emotional one for most of the book, I did become attached to the family by the end. And the book gave me much to think about.
The book reminded me a novel I read not long ago, The Beauty of the Fall by Rich Marcello (you can check my review here), and although the stories and the writing styles are quite different, both of them went beyond the plot to question much bigger things.
The novel flows and ebbs. It is not a fast read, but it is an engaging one and I wanted to keep reading, intrigued, like the protagonist by what Shiloh would come up with next. I did not find his explanations of physics, ethics, and other concepts complex to understand and, apart from some moment of irritation when George seems to find it difficult to accept and understand what is happening, I found the style of writing easy to follow, with heavy moments and some lighter ones, and I thought the balance between the theoretical discussions and the life drama was well-achieved for most of the book.
I’d recommend this book to people looking for inspiring books and books providing bite-size information about recent theories in Physics, Ethics, and views of the world we live in that will make them think about the future and reconsider their priorities. I think lovers of music (Rock and Roll in particular) and sports will enjoy it in particular.This is not a book full of action for those who love adventures, or a standard sci-fi book, so I’d recommend readers to check a sample of the book and see how they feel.
It is a bit difficult to categorise this story. It is not straight science-fiction, although there are sci-fi elements (a strange app that allows people to travel between dimensions and parallel universes), elements of family drama (a man in crisis who can no longer stand his job, whose teenage children are having difficulties, whose relationship with his wife is starting to suffer, and who experiences a number of tragedies in his life), and much discussion about the philosophy of life, humanity, the future, and matters that could fit into the category of spiritual and inspirational literature.
The novel follows the story of George, who has a managerial position in an insurance company but hates his job, and whose whole life seems to have lost its zest and momentum. He meets a man in the train, Shiloh, who asks him interesting questions (all related to song titles that also serve as chapter titles) that make him think and who keeps challenging his beliefs. At some point, he gives him an Apple watch and tells him to test an App of his creation. This App allows him to travel to his own past, only it is not his real past. He can travel to a parallel dimension and relive a day in his life, but instead of his real life, it is the life of a different version of him in that dimension. So his experience in that world is not necessarily the same but it has many points of contact with the one he already lived through. Whatever happens in one version of the world does not impact another. Although to begin with, he travels with the intention of changing things in his present, he soon realises that is not possible. He becomes frustrated as he is not sure why he has been chosen or the whole purpose of the experiment and Shiloh is less than forthcoming. George needs to come to terms with what his life is really about and learn what is really important.
There is nothing peculiar or remarkable about George at first sight. He loves his wife, Elena, a stay at home mom, but their relationship has become lost in everyday tension, problems, and stress. He is not particularly insightful and his life does not appear to be important. It is not evident why Shiloh has chosen him. Perhaps the fact that there is nothing particularly remarkable or peculiar about him is intended to make the readers find it easier to put themselves in his shoes and follow the process, as he is a very familiar and recognisable character, even if we do not share his personal attributes or his life story.
I liked the interaction between George and Shiloh and the fact that he was a pretty mysterious but engaging character. I liked his T-shirts (always with funny puns on Physics-related subjects) and his enthusiasm. His interactions with George were definitely more tell than show, and they made me think at times of Philosophy treatises, like Plato’s Dialogues, even if the ideas were based more on concepts and theories of modern Physics, Ethics, music, and even sports.
The novel is divided into a number of sections. First, we have the conversations between George and Shiloh that I found illuminating and fascinating, although at times they could be frustrating and somewhat repetitive; especially when George seemed a bit slow in understanding some of the ideas and the concepts.
Second, we have George’s everyday life, where we get to know his wife, and his daughter, and son, although I felt I knew more about the children than about the parents, particularly George. That is likely due to the fact that the story, although told in the third person, is told mostly from George’s point of view (until the very end of the novel, where we see Shiloh’s perspective), and although he shares some memories, he reflects and thinks more about his family than he does about himself. They are all nice at heart and, in many ways, their problems are very much those of a fairly privileged society, until tragedy strikes.
Third, we have the chapters where George travels in time and he starts to realise what his life is really about.
And last, but not least, there are the dreams. One of the side effects of those trips are very vivid and weird dreams and these seem to be consist of visions of what most of us would think time travel would be like, as these dreams take him from prehistoric times to a faraway future.
Although I was not sure how connected I felt to George’s character, towards the end I felt engaged with him and his family (perhaps because I could personally relate to some of the things they go through as a family). Although it was more of an intellectual experience than an emotional one for most of the book, I did become attached to the family by the end. And the book gave me much to think about.
The book reminded me a novel I read not long ago, The Beauty of the Fall by Rich Marcello (you can check my review here), and although the stories and the writing styles are quite different, both of them went beyond the plot to question much bigger things.
The novel flows and ebbs. It is not a fast read, but it is an engaging one and I wanted to keep reading, intrigued, like the protagonist by what Shiloh would come up with next. I did not find his explanations of physics, ethics, and other concepts complex to understand and, apart from some moment of irritation when George seems to find it difficult to accept and understand what is happening, I found the style of writing easy to follow, with heavy moments and some lighter ones, and I thought the balance between the theoretical discussions and the life drama was well-achieved for most of the book.
I’d recommend this book to people looking for inspiring books and books providing bite-size information about recent theories in Physics, Ethics, and views of the world we live in that will make them think about the future and reconsider their priorities. I think lovers of music (Rock and Roll in particular) and sports will enjoy it in particular.This is not a book full of action for those who love adventures, or a standard sci-fi book, so I’d recommend readers to check a sample of the book and see how they feel.
July 13, 2019
Do You Realize?: A Novel
Author: Kevin Kuhn
Narrator: Grant Pennington
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this honest review.
I always like to preface any reviews I give with this information.
I am a 68 year old female who has been an avid reader since I was around 10 or 11 years old.
I read primarily for pleasure.
I have a great many interests and do a lot of research for personal pleasure and knowledge as well.
Review: This is a review of the Audiobook version of Do You Realize?: A Novel
George and Elena are a middle-aged couple with two children, who on the surface seem to live a fairly mediocre life. George has a job he hates and feels that he and his wife are gradually falling more and more "out of love" as time goes by.
George commutes every day to work and in the course of commuting, he meets a man and has conversations that will eventually change his life in ways he can't begin to imagine.
They discuss some major questions about life. "What is love" is the first discussion.
The man he meets, (Shiloh) tells George on one of the commutes that he has some Apple watches that he has received and is working on a "time management" app for the watches. He offers George a watch and a business card with the url of where he can download the app and give it a try.
George downloads the app, and notices that it appears to have odd effects; not what he would expect from a time management app. Within the course of a couple of days, George realizes he is able to go back in time by using the watch. Through the course of his trips to the past, he becomes a more self-aware man and undergoes gradual changes.
This is a story unlike any I have ever read/heard. I really don't want to add any more to the plot of the story, as such, but it is important to realize that this is a multidimensional story line. There are multiple scientific hypotheses within this book and some quantum mechanic theories are discussed as well. This book discusses the nature of reality and our perceptions of what reality is.
I have really mixed feelings about this story. It seems to move slowly for quite a while. We see a family who has gotten caught up in the rat race. There is not a lot of time for quality family time because everyone has so much going on in their individual lives that they have almost ceased to function as a family unit.
Through the course of George's trips into the past, his gradual awareness of things he has done incorrectly; he comes to realize what each of us in this real life need to realize and to understand.
Time passes so quickly. We don't know what the future holds and that every chance we get, we should say, "I love you", to those we love because sometimes the last time we say that IS the last time.
The author Kevin Kuhn has written a book that is deeply thought-provoking and moving on many levels. This is not a book that has a lot of suspense or action. It is more a book about the heart, about love, about sacrifice and finally, about being here now. This book is about living in the present moment, not squandering time, not living in the past, nor wasting valuable time on regrets and mistakes we have made. This is a thinking person's book.
Narrator Grant Pennington did a great job narrating this audiobook. Every time I listen to a voice actor I have never heard before, there is a period of time it takes to get acquainted with their way of narrating. Mr Pennington has a very pleasant voice and I really enjoyed listening to his narration of this audiobook. I will look forward to hearing more of him.
This book is full of hidden gems; and while this is truly a great story line, I doubt it would appeal to young adults but more for mature people.
March 2, 2020
I loved this book a lovely story. Kevin A. Kuhn does a wonderful job tell this story. I found myself trying to work out what or who is Shiloh. What’s going on?
If you like a story line of time travel, family live (with ups and downs ) and achievement this story is for you.
There is no corse Language in it, or sex scenes. Although there is some violence it does not go into great details. And because of this I feel that this story could be read by young adults as well.
Narrator Grant Pennington does a good job bringing the characters alive with their own individual voices.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher free of charge for a honest, unbiased review.
If you like a story line of time travel, family live (with ups and downs ) and achievement this story is for you.
There is no corse Language in it, or sex scenes. Although there is some violence it does not go into great details. And because of this I feel that this story could be read by young adults as well.
Narrator Grant Pennington does a good job bringing the characters alive with their own individual voices.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher free of charge for a honest, unbiased review.
December 7, 2017
Phenomenal. Just phenomenal. I loved this book!! It might have benefited from additional editing, but the story was both captivating and truly inspiring. Science fiction at it's best. Also, anyone who quotes Steven Pinker is going to get five stars from me!!!
May 16, 2018
Remarkable
Read this.
A midlife crisis turned into a self awareness project and appreciation of the life we are given and living.
I actually laughed and cried here. This has not happened in 30 odd years
Read this.
A midlife crisis turned into a self awareness project and appreciation of the life we are given and living.
I actually laughed and cried here. This has not happened in 30 odd years
June 1, 2017
I really enjoyed the complex subject matter made very simple. The subject matter really gave me a lot to think about in my own life. Couldn't wait to see what t-shirt Shiloh would be wearing next.
October 31, 2017
I am usually a reader of fantasy, but this book peeked my interest. I'm glad it did. I loved the way this book played out and was really up my alley. I absolutely love philosophical discussions like the ones that happen between Shiloh and George in this book, more so, because Shiloh's philosophies mirror much of my own thinking.
The idea that someone could create a way to travel back in, not just time, but a different life in the multiverse, and live one day of your life over was fascinating. It really made you think about what day you would choose to re-live if you only had ten times to do it. Which, I think is what the author intended.
Now, I will admit to be a bit of an easy crier, for a man. I suffer from sympathetic crying as I like to call it. Usually, it only effects me in real life, or if I'm watching movie/tv. I literally got mad at this book and actually yelled, "Goddammit" at it because it was making me cry...once again...for the tenth, twelfth... I don't know... twentieth time! Loss and tragedy were used to further the life lessons that this book so eloquently teaches. It made me want to be a better father, a better husband, a better person after I got done reading it... and really, can anyone ask more from a book?
Oh, and I loved the use of song titles as chapter titles... it was a nice bit, especially since most of them were from my era of music!
The idea that someone could create a way to travel back in, not just time, but a different life in the multiverse, and live one day of your life over was fascinating. It really made you think about what day you would choose to re-live if you only had ten times to do it. Which, I think is what the author intended.
Now, I will admit to be a bit of an easy crier, for a man. I suffer from sympathetic crying as I like to call it. Usually, it only effects me in real life, or if I'm watching movie/tv. I literally got mad at this book and actually yelled, "Goddammit" at it because it was making me cry...once again...for the tenth, twelfth... I don't know... twentieth time! Loss and tragedy were used to further the life lessons that this book so eloquently teaches. It made me want to be a better father, a better husband, a better person after I got done reading it... and really, can anyone ask more from a book?
Oh, and I loved the use of song titles as chapter titles... it was a nice bit, especially since most of them were from my era of music!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews