What do you think?
Rate this book
Don't Call Me Jupiter — Book Two "Lightning Crashes": Memoir of a Reluctant Hippie Kid
The story continues with a horrific tragedy in 1996 when Tom Bross, (age 34) the quintessential lifetime bachelor and geeky Don Draper, is thrust headfirst back into the mayhem of his family’s hippy lifestyle.
Was it Murder, drugs, abuse, or something else? Can the cycle of abandonment be broken? Chaos ensues as the family scrambles for resolution. Past decisions have serious life-long consequences.
Was it Murder, drugs, abuse, or something else? Can the cycle of abandonment be broken? Chaos ensues as the family scrambles for resolution. Past decisions have serious life-long consequences.
315 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2021
618 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 21, 2025
On to part 3 which is also currently included in audible. It’s clear to see why these books are so loved. Like the Walton’s on weed!
October 25, 2021
The first book in Tom Bross’ memoir series Don’t Call Me Jupiter won me over with its exquisite sense of humor and real, raw, sometimes shocking but always highly entertaining storytelling. It also contained passages of lyrical prose that spoke straight to my romantic writer’s heart. Book two is every bit as raw and authentic as book one, still rife with shock value, but also heartbreakingly sad as we accompany Tom and his family through the tragic, sudden loss of one of their own. As the family gathers, trying to decide how best to care for the two young boys left behind, we get a taste of everyone’s unique flavor of grieving. The family members are each so different, and yet they form a unit—a cohesive whole—bound more tightly together by the devastating loss they’ve been forced to confront, collectively and individually.
Once again, Tom Bross has delivered a captivating read—nuanced, vivid, rich, and real. My favorite passages were those when a hummingbird appeared, repeatedly, at just the perfect time—as if to deliver a message of hope from the afterlife.
This book will make your heart ache, all the more knowing the story you’re reading is true—but it will also make you laugh and snort and remind you that humans are resilient and that family bonds run deep—even when you don’t see eye to eye.
Through both the books, I’ve come to feel as if I’ve gotten to know Tom’s family. Tom’s quirky, humorous, yet grounded way of approaching life makes him relatable and likable. Reading his books, you’ll feel like he’s become one of your trusted friends—someone you’d want in your corner during good times and bad.
Tom’s got me hooked, and I’m already impatiently awaiting book three! I highly recommend reading this book—just make sure you read book one first!
Once again, Tom Bross has delivered a captivating read—nuanced, vivid, rich, and real. My favorite passages were those when a hummingbird appeared, repeatedly, at just the perfect time—as if to deliver a message of hope from the afterlife.
This book will make your heart ache, all the more knowing the story you’re reading is true—but it will also make you laugh and snort and remind you that humans are resilient and that family bonds run deep—even when you don’t see eye to eye.
Through both the books, I’ve come to feel as if I’ve gotten to know Tom’s family. Tom’s quirky, humorous, yet grounded way of approaching life makes him relatable and likable. Reading his books, you’ll feel like he’s become one of your trusted friends—someone you’d want in your corner during good times and bad.
Tom’s got me hooked, and I’m already impatiently awaiting book three! I highly recommend reading this book—just make sure you read book one first!
October 25, 2021
Excellent way of putting grief into words
I can't believe this is just 11 days worth after the last book ends, it feels like a lifetime. No one ever wants to have a conversation about loss but this is one the best descriptions I have ever read.
Every person has their own story that’s unlike anyone else’s. That’s what we are, a collection of stories; the things we did, the places we lived, the people we loved. As long as we remember your mom, by telling her stories, she’ll be here in our hearts. She’s kind of like a book now. That makes me feel a little better. What about you?”
This book broke my heart and brought back my hope for humanity, life is all about little moments and the bonds forged that create stories strung together over the course of our lifetime. I've truly enjoyed reading these memoirs and can't wait to read more
I can't believe this is just 11 days worth after the last book ends, it feels like a lifetime. No one ever wants to have a conversation about loss but this is one the best descriptions I have ever read.
Every person has their own story that’s unlike anyone else’s. That’s what we are, a collection of stories; the things we did, the places we lived, the people we loved. As long as we remember your mom, by telling her stories, she’ll be here in our hearts. She’s kind of like a book now. That makes me feel a little better. What about you?”
This book broke my heart and brought back my hope for humanity, life is all about little moments and the bonds forged that create stories strung together over the course of our lifetime. I've truly enjoyed reading these memoirs and can't wait to read more
November 28, 2021
This book was more intense than the first. Another great read from Tom. His thoughts, his humor in trying to maintain is very commendable.
All the family went through growing up in his first book, then being taken into their world as adults in this book is such an incredible journey.
I love how they all pull together to keep their bond as each one has their own story to live through. I admire all of them! You just fall into the pages and experience it all with the way Tom writes.
I can’t wait for book 3!!
All the family went through growing up in his first book, then being taken into their world as adults in this book is such an incredible journey.
I love how they all pull together to keep their bond as each one has their own story to live through. I admire all of them! You just fall into the pages and experience it all with the way Tom writes.
I can’t wait for book 3!!
October 22, 2021
Tom Bross does it again! After the first book, you were left at such a heart-wrenching moment in time. A REAL Cliffhanger. This book continues to take you through a wild hippy ride as Mare (his mom) begins the process of disbanding her family. But at the end of this book, you will want to jump right in to be a part of it. I can’t wait to read the last installment and find out what happens to this hippy family.
November 16, 2021
If you read Jupiter #1, you will not be disappointed in Jupiter #2. This book continues Tom's journey with his family - all the heartaches, joys, promises, hopes and dreams that one heart can hold. How can it all happen? Read the books - in order :). Know that in life there is always hope, strength, and love. It is incredible!!!!
May 5, 2022
For a book that only spans twelve days in Tom’s life (and the life of many of his family members), there is a lot that occurs. This one picks up immediately following the sudden death of Chris, one of Tom’s sisters, and deals with the feelings that occur and the arrangements that need to happen following someone’s passing.
When I sat down with this second book it felt like coming back home. Tom’s family has lived in my mind and heart for the past five months; it occurred to me that I think about his relations more than I think about my own at times. Tom’s writing style connects the reader to his hippie family in a way that makes you feel like you’re in on part of the action.
Although this book is filled with so much of Tom’s humour, it is a lot heavier than the first one. Grief is a hard experience to go through, and it’s interesting seeing how a different family, and the individual members, approach it. There is no right or wrong, and it’s so apparent when we can see different ways juxtaposed against one another.
I cried reading this book, and it’s making me tear up again now (I may have procrastinated writing my thoughts down as I knew this would happen). What I know: grieving is an on-going process, and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of people that I’ve lost – and I’m sure most of us can relate to that.
There is raw emotion, immense love, and family perseverance between these covers, all presented from the depths of Tom’s heart and memories.
A third book still coming from Tom, and I’m left feeling similar to how some of the Bross family members may have felt at the time – I’m looking for a bit of closure related to Chris’ death.
☮☮☮☮☮/5
When I sat down with this second book it felt like coming back home. Tom’s family has lived in my mind and heart for the past five months; it occurred to me that I think about his relations more than I think about my own at times. Tom’s writing style connects the reader to his hippie family in a way that makes you feel like you’re in on part of the action.
Although this book is filled with so much of Tom’s humour, it is a lot heavier than the first one. Grief is a hard experience to go through, and it’s interesting seeing how a different family, and the individual members, approach it. There is no right or wrong, and it’s so apparent when we can see different ways juxtaposed against one another.
I cried reading this book, and it’s making me tear up again now (I may have procrastinated writing my thoughts down as I knew this would happen). What I know: grieving is an on-going process, and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of people that I’ve lost – and I’m sure most of us can relate to that.
There is raw emotion, immense love, and family perseverance between these covers, all presented from the depths of Tom’s heart and memories.
A third book still coming from Tom, and I’m left feeling similar to how some of the Bross family members may have felt at the time – I’m looking for a bit of closure related to Chris’ death.
☮☮☮☮☮/5
Read
January 18, 2022Tom Bross has an amazing way of bringing out emotions and suspense in his books. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to feel the true description of a true past event. Toms books are captivating as he shares the details of his life with humor, saddness, and so much more. His books are a must read..
February 7, 2022
I was halfway through this book when my wife finished the first book, and I made the mistake of putting it down. My wife picked it up and I couldn’t get it back until she was done. This story is that compelling. Thankfully she is a fast reader (she read both books in less than 24 hours), and I was able to complete it myself. I can’t wait for book three.
March 4, 2022
This book was just as compelling as the first, but in an entirely different way! I don't want to say too much about it for fear of giving the story line away, but Tom's writing style draws you in to the consequences of the life outlined in Book 1. And while it left me emotionally drained, I'm looking forward to the resurrection story (sorry Tom) to come in Book 3!
January 19, 2022
In this book we learn about tragedy and family, how different the family handles it. It is a book that you want to finish as soon as you start. One life event can change the path of so many connected to it.
I cannot wait for the next one to see what happens.
I cannot wait for the next one to see what happens.
August 18, 2025
The Bross family life continues….. this time missing one member. I look forward to Wheel in the Sky!
January 15, 2023
An Audible Review:
An exceptional writer and storyteller, Tom Bross brings the second installment of his trilogy memoir to life. The rich narrative, filled with Tom's collection of voices, bolsters the tragic event that rallies the family. DCMJ: Lightning Crashes is a must listen!
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
An exceptional writer and storyteller, Tom Bross brings the second installment of his trilogy memoir to life. The rich narrative, filled with Tom's collection of voices, bolsters the tragic event that rallies the family. DCMJ: Lightning Crashes is a must listen!
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
December 22, 2021
Mr Bross does a fantastic job of recalling all the humorous horrible details of his past. This sad but funny memoir is a great balm for those of us who grew up with “different” families.
March 27, 2022
I laughed, I cried, and can't wait to see what happens next in book #3!
November 26, 2022
Captures your attention and i couldn't stop reading his account of the horror of family loss and dysfunction. Love the way he writes 💙.
Read
January 6, 2024Tom Bross is a superb writer, who deftly uses drama, humor, metaphor, simile, and analogy, to color his prose: “I’m too much in touch with my feminine side. I’m probably lactating as we speak.”
The best memoirs feature authors who bare their souls with devastating honesty. How many males would admit their balls haven’t dropped? “I’m an extremely late bloomer, I have a package equal in girth to that of a pistachio nut.”
“Wheel in the Sky,” is the conclusion of a three-book memoir. It weaves a story between the adventures of his family rushing helter-skelter through life and his decision to take his deceased sister’s children under his wing, which brings him to the brink of despair.
Tom wanders from one place to live to another. This includes the home of his best friend, Brad Bargmann, his brother Todd, and their good-hearted alcoholic mother, Susie, who is like a second mother to him.
Traveling in a Greyhound bus from Fort Bragg to Sonora, he recalls the isolation and abandonment he felt whenever his mother dumped him off at “Cliff’s Garage” (see my review of his first book, “Tight Rope”): “I’m a passenger between destinations. Maybe this is where I belong. Stuck somewhere in the middle of nowhere like the other misfits on this bus — an unanchored nomad who belongs to the wind, aimlessly traveling through without a home.”
Taking center stage again in “Wheel in the Sky” is Mare, his pot-addicted narcissistic hippie mother “My mother’s insanity is contagious.”
Mare cruelly kicks Tom’s sister, Shelley, out of the home in 1976, over
petty disagreements. She unjustly kicks out Alex, 13, Tom’s younger brother, to live with his father in 1980, after an argument with Journey, her shiftless and uncouth partner.
Tom opts for an open adoption, which allows the biological parents (or next of kin in this case) to have contact with the adoptive parents and the adopted child. Mare, who wants the family to co-parent the boys, threatens to cut him off from the family if he goes through with it. Ironically, Shelley and Alex side with Mare.
Tom must decide to stick with his decision or cave to family pressure.
April 25, 2023
Can’t stop thinking about these books
I tore through these 3 books in less than 5 days. I was fully invested in this family’s story and couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I come from a hippy, wayward family, so I was immediately drawn to the subject matter. I live in the Bay Area and am familiar with the locations, which made it extra cool. Besides being an interesting memoir, the author’s use of language makes him a fantastic storyteller. I was legitimately laughing out loud at times and cried right along with him, too. I highly recommend these 3 books.
I tore through these 3 books in less than 5 days. I was fully invested in this family’s story and couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I come from a hippy, wayward family, so I was immediately drawn to the subject matter. I live in the Bay Area and am familiar with the locations, which made it extra cool. Besides being an interesting memoir, the author’s use of language makes him a fantastic storyteller. I was legitimately laughing out loud at times and cried right along with him, too. I highly recommend these 3 books.
October 9, 2025
Pretty Good
I've read all 3 books. There was a lot of repetitive information. What bothers me the most is that it was known that both Mare and Journey propositioned Molly when she was a child for sex. That makes them pedophiles in my book. Yet, the family allowed them around Chris's and Molly's children sometimes without supervision. Also, the author states that he "respects" both Mare and Journey. How is that possible after learning this information?
I've read all 3 books. There was a lot of repetitive information. What bothers me the most is that it was known that both Mare and Journey propositioned Molly when she was a child for sex. That makes them pedophiles in my book. Yet, the family allowed them around Chris's and Molly's children sometimes without supervision. Also, the author states that he "respects" both Mare and Journey. How is that possible after learning this information?
February 17, 2024
Loved this book & anxious to get on to the next. Family is everything even crazy ones.
I like, so much, how they love and accept each other regardless of differences or idiosyncrasies. Chris seemed to be the heart of the family and Tom as the brave one to step up. Such a great book.
I like, so much, how they love and accept each other regardless of differences or idiosyncrasies. Chris seemed to be the heart of the family and Tom as the brave one to step up. Such a great book.
September 14, 2024
No spoilers
When I first started book one of Don't Call Me Jupiter, I honestly almost decided it was too crazy for my taste, too unbelievable. I'm so glad I decided to continue a few pages to see if I could get into it. And get into it I did!! What a dysfunctional family. Yet what an amazingly loving family!
When I first started book one of Don't Call Me Jupiter, I honestly almost decided it was too crazy for my taste, too unbelievable. I'm so glad I decided to continue a few pages to see if I could get into it. And get into it I did!! What a dysfunctional family. Yet what an amazingly loving family!
May 14, 2025
A gripping memoir of a family I want to read more about. I love how Tom Bross so beautifully describes his family members. In this second book he lets his readers know that on the other side of tragedy something good will remain. For him, his tragedy allows him opportunity to be the parent he once needed.
July 30, 2025
Another great piece of the memoir series. So many fascinating details about the authors childhood and present situation. It’s crazy what the human spirit is capable of overcoming. It was a bit more intense than the first novel, felt like more F words, sex, etc. And lots about grief and the death of a loved one. But I still loved it.
August 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this second book. There is so much sadness and family turmoil that I found myself thinking “I am glad my family was not this bad”. But even with the disfunction in Tom’s family I felt the love they all had as a family. Every member of a family are different and have strengths and weaknesses. Tom saw this and accepted the family he had. DIFFERENT!!
January 23, 2024
Once again, I cannot say enough about this series. Although book 2 is a little more somber, Tom's humor makes the seriousness entirely tolerable. He is just so freaking funny. I'm halfway through the 3rd book and if I could give that one 10 stars, I would.
April 21, 2024
Don't call me Jupiter
Really enjoyed this book got to know all of the characters who cope really well despite the horrific death of their sister .Tom steps up as a new parent to get sons
Really enjoyed this book got to know all of the characters who cope really well despite the horrific death of their sister .Tom steps up as a new parent to get sons
June 27, 2024
Love this family
I enjoyed this book. I love how this family came together when their family member died. Instead of fighting over or causing drama for no reason this family came together and helped each other like a family should.
I enjoyed this book. I love how this family came together when their family member died. Instead of fighting over or causing drama for no reason this family came together and helped each other like a family should.
January 8, 2025
Just as with his first book, I would’ve given this 5 stars if it weren’t for all the grammatical, usage, and punctuation errors. Very interesting stories but these errors were so irritating I wanted to throw in the towel many times.
August 10, 2025
Book Two
This is an amazing book of a dysfunctional family coming together in a time of need, a book of forgiveness or understanding not sure which or if there is a difference.
A must read on to the next one and I am not a sequel reader but I have to know!
This is an amazing book of a dysfunctional family coming together in a time of need, a book of forgiveness or understanding not sure which or if there is a difference.
A must read on to the next one and I am not a sequel reader but I have to know!
December 21, 2023
This series has captivated my heart, mind and imagination! An absolute must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews