Man with No Yesterdays

by Susan Moore Jordan

“I was born somewhere over the South China Sea in a military transport plane …” Jake Cameron is facing the struggle of his life. A helicopter crash in Vietnam leaves Jake with total amnesia, and the young Green Beret returns home to a family he doesn’t know and can’t remember. As he attempts to piece together the life he once had, fragmented memories from his childhood serve only to increase his desperation. Unable to be the son and brother his family has lost, Jake sets out to learn whatever he can about the man he was. When he uncovers a dark family secret, he decides to protect the people he loves by disappearing. Susan Moore Jordan’s new historical novel, Man With No Yesterdays, follows Jake on his journey as he fights to find himself … a journey that takes him into his past, connects him with other Vietnam veterans, and eventually leads him to situations, places, and a love he would never have dreamed possible.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

328 pages, Paperback

Published November 9, 2017

About the author

After a lifetime as a musician--performer, teacher, musical theater director--Susan Moore Jordan wrote and published her first novel in 2013 at the age of seventy-five, and she hasn't stopped since.
Her first novel, How I Grew Up, was released in 2013. Two additional novels followed: Eli's Heart in 2014 and You Are My Song in 2015, completing "The Carousel Trilogy." A fourth novel, Jamie's Children, was released in July, 2016.
Memories of Jake, the first book in "The Cameron Saga," was followed by Man with No Yesterdays. Set in the Vietnam War era, the books follow the impact of military service and its aftermath on two brothers. In April, 2020, Man with No Yesterdays was named a Finalist in the 2019 Wishing Shelf Book Awards; and in September, 2020, the book was named a Semi-Finalist in The Kindle Book Awards.
In May, 2018, Susan Jordan added the genre "cozy mystery" to her novels when she released The Case of the Slain Soprano. In November of 2018 the second book in the "Augusta McKee Mysteries" was released: The Case of the Disappearing Director. More books followed: The Case of the Toxic Tenor, The Case of the Purloined Professor. The Case of the Chrysanthemum Murders, The Case of The Unearthed Evidence, The Case of the 'Carousel' Killer, The Case of the Bogus Beatle, amd in 2023, The Case of the Casanova Cantor. Both The Case of the Slain Soprano and The Case of the Disappearing Director were named Finalists in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards in 2018 and 2019. The Case of the Slain Soprano was also a Semi-Finalist in the 2019 Kindle Book Awards.
Jordan attended the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati and moved to the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania in 1971 with her husband and three children.
Beginning in 1984, Jordan directed some eighty local community and high school musical theater productions. She retired from directing in 2015 after over thirty years and wrote about her adventures in "More Fog, Please": Thirty-One Years Directing Community and High School Musicals, released in November, 2015.
All of her books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Paperback copies of Jordan's books can be purchased locally at the Pocono Cinema and Community Center in East Stroudsburg whenever the theater is open.
All of Jordan's books are "music-centric" (in the words of one reviewer), and readers comment on the strength of the element of music included in her work. Jordan sees writing as another way to share the music she loves, which she considers "the most powerful force in the universe."
Articles by Susan Moore Jordan have appeared in Musical America and The Guardian, and on August 2, 2019, she appeared on Hour Three of "The Today Show" as a Super Senior.
For more information, please visit her website at www.susanmoorejordan.com and her Amazon author page at http://ow.ly/XCjYX

Reviews

[Nathaniel Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to reflect on Man With No Yesterdays without spoiling much of the plot. Although for those who have read the stand alone companion novel, Memories of Jake, the beginning and ending of this work are already known anyhow, and it's the journey in between that remains a mystery.

This seems appropriate, as this novel really is an odyssey at its core - a literal and figurative quest for identity, belonging, companionship, home. Jake is a compelling and endearing protagonist, who is faced with amnesia following an injury suffered in combat in Vietnam. The reader accompanies Jake on his journey to rediscover who he was and ultimately to come to terms with who he now is. A powerful journey it is, full of reckonings both internal and external, inspirational and heartbreaking.

The hallmarks of a Jordan novel are all here: a diverse cast of intriguing characters, exploration of the American landscape, and a masterful tour through several gems of the classical music catalogue. In this outing we are exposed to Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, and Elgar, to name a few.

This is a very strong effort from Jordan, who has proved that she can be a prolific writer without diluting the quality of her work in the least. While I would recommend reading the companion novel released earlier this year, Memories of Jake, as well, Man With No Yesterdays stands solidly on its own. The two in tandem simply paint an even richer portrait of this fine cast of characters.

[Marti Lantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Susan Jordan's Memories of Jake, Man with no Yesterdays was an engaging and necessary read. Knowing what happened to Jake and following his life, filling in the details and moving forward with his life was fascinating and kept me glued to reading this book. However, it stands on its own without reading Memories of Jake as Susan fills in the past details in the beginning of the book. In addition to a compelling story, I was intrigued with the character of Jake. He is very real: a good man with failings and doubts, and the well-written narrative grabs ahold of you and makes you feel for him, root for him and rejoice with him. I highly recommend this book as a follow up to Memories of Jake or as a good read on its own.

[Eric Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read, as Mr. Spock might have said. While this novel is grounded firmly on Earth, the author achieves the ideal seen in the best science fiction: A seemingly unreal and outlandish premise works beautifully through its internal logic and the strength of the characters. In this case, Jake is a Vietnam veteran who lost all personal memories during the shock of battle. (explosions and concussions and all that) Imagine knowing who the president is and what time zone you are in but feeling helpless to recall your mom and family. And this family has a dark secret, which Jake must confront. Sounds far-fetched---and it is---but Ms. Jordan makes it work. Plus reflections on the state of the nation near the end of the Vietnam War and in the years after. And framed by lots of soul-bolstering music. This novel stands on its own but it would help to read its predecessor, Memories of Jake, to get to know the characters and their situation. The author boldly goes where few authors have gone before.

[Sahar Abdulaziz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Man With No Yesterdays is a relatable story, not only for those who have had to struggle with memory loss but for veterans and the people who love them. This is a story for those who have returned home, body intact, but a mind in downfall, suffering from crippling mood disorders like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. It is a well-researched and engaging story full of hope, love, forgiveness, and survival. A must read—

#PTSD #depression #anxiety #vets #bookreview

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Man With No Yesterdays
Author: Susan Moore Jordan

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 18
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 5/10
Of the 18 readers:
18 would read another book by this author.
9 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
18 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
18 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘A very well-written, historical novel with a strong – and very damaged – central character who is trying to put his life back together after being in battle. Although the cover is not doing it justice, try to ignore that. This is a gripping and often emotional read.’ Female reader, aged 43
‘In many ways this books feel like a memorial for the soldiers who fell in Vietnam and the way the survivors were treated when they returned home. Vividly written, always sensitive, and very much an eye-opener for me who knows little of this war – or any war.’ Female reader, aged 49
‘Tragic in parts, this is as much a spellbinding story as it is a commentary on war.’ Female reader, aged 67
‘This is not so much about the Vietnam War, but the effects of it on a man returning home and trying to work out who he is. The way the music soothed him was excellently written and easy for me – a pianist – to relate to.’ Female reader, aged 52

To Sum It Up:
‘A thoughtful, superbly paced historical novel looking at the emotional damage of war. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Jayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was beautifully written. There aren't very many books that grab my attention right from the begining. Sometimes it can take quite a few pages to really get into it. I felt like I could feel his anguish and frustration as I read. The way this was written, helped me feel immersed into his life. There were a few things I wished I could of had more knowledge on. Like what happened to some of the other people he encountered. But like most books they kind of leave you wondering. I would love to read a spin off of George and what happened. This was a very fulfilling read. It was something new.

I would gladly read another book from this author. I was wrapped in the book throughout.

[Heidi Donohue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book to read by Susan Moore Jordan, but it will certainly not be my last. The beauty of historical fiction is being able to learn about the past through fictional characters.

Stories centered around war spare us from the physical wounds yet try to help us delve into the long-lasting echoes of trauma across generations.

Jake Cameron, the main character, is faced with the challenge of losing his memory of the past. Although this loss feels like a struggle to him and his family, other veterans view it as a blessing.

Through Jordan’s vivid storytelling, I felt immersed in the story with its characters, as if I were experiencing Jake’s journey, attempting to find his identity and navigating through his new sense of normal.

When I picked up this book, I did not realize it is actually part of a three-book series. It stood strong as a standalone; however, given that I am so drawn to Jordan’s writing style, I definitely plan to read the other two.

[Philip Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful Story

Viet Nam is a chapter in the story of many veterans of that era. One day they are enjoying the final pages of high school and months later they are experiencing the terrors of war. Their psyches are being challenged by the first person senses of what’s happening around them. Buddies are killed, maimed and changed in front of them. Returning to the states alive, some beyond repair and others seemingly unscathed, they are treated by a nation who reviles them for their sacrifice and service. Some have recovered but others have been lost. PTSD is real and unrelenting. Those who have come out the other side have fought the demons, the disinterest, and the lack of value. This is the story of a veteran’s life long personal struggle. Fellow veterans: Thank you for your service.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't a fast-moving story, but it's that's filled with much to think about. I lived during the Vietnam era, always fearful my oldest brother would be drafted. And then to call it a "conflict" after it was over, and not a war, somehow felt like a slap in the face to all those who served and died there. I also recall how another war, the Korean war, affected my father. Although he never spoke much about it, it affected him deeply. We children were warned not to touch him when he was sleeping, because he would lash out. PTSD is something that wasn't as much understood back then. The story also has moving moments with Jake and his family, dealing with his memory loss. An entertaining read altogether.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book interesting because this book is about the generation immediately preceding mine. The Vietnam War's repercussions were felt for a long time following our decision to leave the country. The main character, Jake Cameron, cannot remember anything about his life prior to his being airlifted out of Vietnam due to his head injuries. He spends time recovering at a VA hospital, where his family visits him, but he cannot remember them either. His older brother is also a Vietnam veteran but remembers all the horrors of war. The two have conflict as one wants to remember who he is and his place in the family and the other wants his brother back. This was a good read. The second book is about the older brother and his struggles.

[Diane Wachter · Rating 4 out of 5]

EBK-M, Kindle, @ 2017, Read 5/1/2025, Historical Fiction, Viet Nam War.
This is a well-written story about a Viet Nam soldier who wakes up while being evacuated from Nam to Japan in a transport helicopter and does not remember any of his previous life. He is shipped back home to Walter Reid Hospital, has nice people visit him, but doesn't know that they are his parents, brother and sister-in-law.
He knows who the President is, he knows how to drive a car, but he has no personal memories. His struggle to figure out where he fits in is what this tale is about.
4☆'s= Very Good.

[Bethsmith20853 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Story

I would recommend this book to anyone who lived through the tragedy of the Viet Nam War era, as well as anyone who would like to understand PTSD that has destroyed so many lives. Having read book 1 of the Cameron Saga made reading Man With No Yesterdays a bit easier since I knew the ending, but it was no less a tearjerker. Ms. Jordan has done a masterful job telling a story that needed to be told.

[Vesta Tobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply moving, intriguing

Loved this book. Jake was so vividly described within the effects of his amnesia. Watching him climb out of despair into a fulfilling life is heartwarming. I particularly liked the descriptions of Native spirituality. If only all of us lived attuned to Mother Earth. Heck, I m guilty of forgetting balance too. Thank you

[Cynthia Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing insight

This book brought back memories of the Viet Nam war era and young men coming to Canada to avoid the draft. After the war many men were broken mentally drained and fled society. I appreciate the accuracy of what these young men suffered during and after the war. Thank you for such an amazing journey of one soldier's path for healing. I couldn't put it down.

[Jacqueline Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creating a new life

Wonderful! A journey of self-discovery. The author takes you through Jake’s emotional transformation as he tries to find his true self. Engrossing and hard to put down.
P PC

[Harriet Van Houten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Giving any review would give away the story.

Well worth the read!!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ups & downs

There is so many ups & downs to this story, & in some parts hard going but got there in the end & a sort of happy ending .

[Suki Jantzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book!

I enjoyed the heck out of this book. It's absolutely fascinating! The psychology of what happened to this man is what fascinates me the most.