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Don't Call Me Jupiter — Book Three "Wheel in the Sky": Memoir of a Reluctant Hippie Kid
Don’t Call Me Jupiter is packed with hilarious and horrifying true stories… Funny, yet its central theme is abandonment.
In this final episode of this memoir series, Tom, the lifetime bachelor, takes in his two young nephews to keep his sister's children in the family. The enormous challenges of this sudden and abrupt change, lead to life-altering changes. Will the cycle of abandonment be broken, or are we destined to be prisoners of our past?
In a test of wills, who will prevail to determine the long-term fate of the children? In a showdown of authority, lines are drawn into the sand. Will the kids unite the family or tear it apart? The ties that bind are put to the ultimate test resulting in unexpected and enduring results.
And with most dysfunctional families they come with a cost.
Author's Note: “Imagine a 1970’s version of Shameless but with less booze, more weed, and way more hallucinogenics.”
Don’t Call Me Jupiter provides an accurate, visceral, entertaining, real-life perspective on the ups and downs of surviving a hippie childhood with a narcissist as a mother. As you dig deeper into his struggle you learn how to forgive what you can't forget.
In this final episode of this memoir series, Tom, the lifetime bachelor, takes in his two young nephews to keep his sister's children in the family. The enormous challenges of this sudden and abrupt change, lead to life-altering changes. Will the cycle of abandonment be broken, or are we destined to be prisoners of our past?
In a test of wills, who will prevail to determine the long-term fate of the children? In a showdown of authority, lines are drawn into the sand. Will the kids unite the family or tear it apart? The ties that bind are put to the ultimate test resulting in unexpected and enduring results.
And with most dysfunctional families they come with a cost.
Author's Note: “Imagine a 1970’s version of Shameless but with less booze, more weed, and way more hallucinogenics.”
Don’t Call Me Jupiter provides an accurate, visceral, entertaining, real-life perspective on the ups and downs of surviving a hippie childhood with a narcissist as a mother. As you dig deeper into his struggle you learn how to forgive what you can't forget.
281 pages, Hardcover
Published September 25, 2022
495 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 22, 2025
Cried a river at the end of this. I feel so privileged to have been allowed in to Johns family for these books. Guess what? There’s another one ……
Currently included with audible 🎧
Currently included with audible 🎧
April 23, 2024
Could not put these books down. I devoured
one after the other. I laughed, I cried. I closed book 2 because I could not read anymore just to open it back up 5 minutes later. I actually thought about calling out of work to finish the series.
The Author had a way to get me totally invested in this family and root for the kids. I wanted to be one of them and had empathy for them at the same time.
I had a book hangover for quite some time and couldn't start another one until my soul settled with this.
Semi spoiler; the ending of book 3 ruined me.
Looking forward to your 4th book coming out next month.
one after the other. I laughed, I cried. I closed book 2 because I could not read anymore just to open it back up 5 minutes later. I actually thought about calling out of work to finish the series.
The Author had a way to get me totally invested in this family and root for the kids. I wanted to be one of them and had empathy for them at the same time.
I had a book hangover for quite some time and couldn't start another one until my soul settled with this.
Semi spoiler; the ending of book 3 ruined me.
Looking forward to your 4th book coming out next month.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2022
This is book three, and things should be wrapping up in Tom's life – except this is a memoir and real-life, and none of the outcomes I'm expecting, and wanting, occur.
I don’t think I can talk about this memoir without mentioning the previous two books in this three-book series. The first book, "Tightrope" is the back story - told in memory. The second book, "Lightening Crashes" focuses on the death of Tom's sister, Chris, and the ripple effect from that. This third book, "Wheel In The Sky," centers around Tom as he balances the new responsibilities thrust upon him.
Tom is thrown into looking after Chris' two son's, and the aftermath is hilarious, as only looking back on parenting struggles can be. From potty-training difficulties, to seemingly random sicknesses, I laughed along with Tom's initial parenting growing-pains.
But the juxtaposition between the first part of this book and the last part is incredible. I was laughing as Tom navigated parenthood, but then the last one hundred pages broke me in a way I can't describe. These are some of the hardest pages I’ve ever read, and it took me so long to read, and in turn process what I was reading. I had to set the book aside so many times; never have I been so mad at someone I don’t actually know.
Tom's life broke my heart with this book. I started crying the last page of the final chapter, and each paragraph of the epilogue seemed to hit me with another wave of tears.
If you choose to read this series (and I highly suggest you do), please start with the first book - I cannot explain the full spectrum that you gain doing it this way!
I can’t wait to read more from you Tom. Thanks for this past year, your life’s story, and your friendship! May our paths cross in person at some point!
☮☮☮☮☮/5
I don’t think I can talk about this memoir without mentioning the previous two books in this three-book series. The first book, "Tightrope" is the back story - told in memory. The second book, "Lightening Crashes" focuses on the death of Tom's sister, Chris, and the ripple effect from that. This third book, "Wheel In The Sky," centers around Tom as he balances the new responsibilities thrust upon him.
Tom is thrown into looking after Chris' two son's, and the aftermath is hilarious, as only looking back on parenting struggles can be. From potty-training difficulties, to seemingly random sicknesses, I laughed along with Tom's initial parenting growing-pains.
But the juxtaposition between the first part of this book and the last part is incredible. I was laughing as Tom navigated parenthood, but then the last one hundred pages broke me in a way I can't describe. These are some of the hardest pages I’ve ever read, and it took me so long to read, and in turn process what I was reading. I had to set the book aside so many times; never have I been so mad at someone I don’t actually know.
Tom's life broke my heart with this book. I started crying the last page of the final chapter, and each paragraph of the epilogue seemed to hit me with another wave of tears.
If you choose to read this series (and I highly suggest you do), please start with the first book - I cannot explain the full spectrum that you gain doing it this way!
I can’t wait to read more from you Tom. Thanks for this past year, your life’s story, and your friendship! May our paths cross in person at some point!
☮☮☮☮☮/5
April 25, 2023
Great Trilogy
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 21, 2022
This third and final book tops off a great series. Once again I found myself consumed in this story, wanting to read on and on to find out what happens. I give all three books 5 stars.
April 25, 2025
To Jupiter and back
This autobiographical series is very entertaining and well worth the read. Mr. Bross's unique upbringing lends itself to many poignant, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking moments.
This autobiographical series is very entertaining and well worth the read. Mr. Bross's unique upbringing lends itself to many poignant, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking moments.
April 3, 2025
This is probably my favorite memoir as of yet. I cried so many times. I laughed. I feel like I know him and his whole family and I just want to know what's happening with all of them now 😂
January 6, 2024
Tom 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.
March 25, 2025
A must read seriesl
I read all three books and loved them all! Tom’s life left me with so many overwhelming feelings of astonishment, anger, love, endearment, sadness and and laughter. I am an avid reader and have never written a review on any book(s) I have read, but I found it necessary to write one now. I have also, not been this emotional reading a book(s). I cried at times and laughed out loud numerous times throughout. Tom is hilarious, to say the least! Even with all the detours in his life, he has accomplished so much and overcame so many obstacles. This goes to show, if you are able to make peace in your life, you can prevail.
I read all three books and loved them all! Tom’s life left me with so many overwhelming feelings of astonishment, anger, love, endearment, sadness and and laughter. I am an avid reader and have never written a review on any book(s) I have read, but I found it necessary to write one now. I have also, not been this emotional reading a book(s). I cried at times and laughed out loud numerous times throughout. Tom is hilarious, to say the least! Even with all the detours in his life, he has accomplished so much and overcame so many obstacles. This goes to show, if you are able to make peace in your life, you can prevail.
March 22, 2025
Could not put it down!
The three books making up the memoir will take you on a funny, warm, baffling, frustrating, and appalling ride that leave you feeling optimistic and with a little better understanding of how it is a person can love the one who hurt you most.
The three books making up the memoir will take you on a funny, warm, baffling, frustrating, and appalling ride that leave you feeling optimistic and with a little better understanding of how it is a person can love the one who hurt you most.
February 3, 2024
Don’t Call Me Jupiter
We don’t ask to be born and we just have to make our way with the family we are dealt with, but this author wrote such a thoughtful and heartbreaking and poignant story about what was probably a very traumatic and lonely life. Family is love, he says and through it all, he still loves and honors his mother. He shows us the power of love and loyalty for our siblings and how important they are, but more so, the love we hold for our parents, despite the hardships they may inflict. I loved these books and I am so glad I read them, but I’m even more appreciative that Tom Bross was able to share such a private story. I wish him well.
We don’t ask to be born and we just have to make our way with the family we are dealt with, but this author wrote such a thoughtful and heartbreaking and poignant story about what was probably a very traumatic and lonely life. Family is love, he says and through it all, he still loves and honors his mother. He shows us the power of love and loyalty for our siblings and how important they are, but more so, the love we hold for our parents, despite the hardships they may inflict. I loved these books and I am so glad I read them, but I’m even more appreciative that Tom Bross was able to share such a private story. I wish him well.
February 10, 2024
I enjoyed Tom Bross’s memoir very much. He cleverly wrote about his difficult childhood & his awful mother (sorry Tom). I was impressed by his perseverance, kind heart, humor & love for his mostly awful family. Plus, he’s a darn good writer who drew me completely into his story. I give him extra kudos for telling his story honestly (thankfully with humor). This book will stay with me. I look forward to reading more of Tom Bross’s work and, highly recommend all 3 Don’t Call Me Jupiter books to anyone who loves contemporary memoirs, survived the 60’s, and anyone who has lived through a weird, dysfunctional childhood. I gave it *****.
October 11, 2024
Wonderful read!
You must read these books in order, 1-2-3! The story is continuous. I was caught up immediately in the story of Tom Bross growing up with his family. Made me appreciate what I had !
Tom is a great story teller, his story and that of hid siblings growing up is not put down able . I read all three in about a month because I belong to a book club, so had to read that one too!!
I highly recommend these books. You will laugh, cry, be so angry you want to throw something, and you will want to hug them too.
Don't miss reading something that will hang in your thoughts and hearts probably forever.
You must read these books in order, 1-2-3! The story is continuous. I was caught up immediately in the story of Tom Bross growing up with his family. Made me appreciate what I had !
Tom is a great story teller, his story and that of hid siblings growing up is not put down able . I read all three in about a month because I belong to a book club, so had to read that one too!!
I highly recommend these books. You will laugh, cry, be so angry you want to throw something, and you will want to hug them too.
Don't miss reading something that will hang in your thoughts and hearts probably forever.
October 27, 2022
Just finished the 3rd book in Tom's series about his unorthodox childhood. Each of the books grabbed my attention and I had a hard time putting them down.
His childhood was so different than mine, even though we are the same age. I was fascinated, disturbed and heartbroken reading these books. At times, I was furious with his Mother but, also admired her spirit and willingness to live her life by her own rules.
I also admire Tom's willingness to share his story. I think we can all learn that "family" is different to each of us, and that is what makes us unique.
His childhood was so different than mine, even though we are the same age. I was fascinated, disturbed and heartbroken reading these books. At times, I was furious with his Mother but, also admired her spirit and willingness to live her life by her own rules.
I also admire Tom's willingness to share his story. I think we can all learn that "family" is different to each of us, and that is what makes us unique.
June 20, 2023
Good read
The last book in this series made laugh a little and cry a lot. Living through all of it must have a challenge. I'm glad I read all three books but mostly life is not like the movies. Things hardly ever go exactly as planned. This book reinforces my commitment to forgive family and yourself for arguments, disagreements and words said in the moment of high emotions. Overall I recommend these books highly.
The last book in this series made laugh a little and cry a lot. Living through all of it must have a challenge. I'm glad I read all three books but mostly life is not like the movies. Things hardly ever go exactly as planned. This book reinforces my commitment to forgive family and yourself for arguments, disagreements and words said in the moment of high emotions. Overall I recommend these books highly.
November 29, 2023
BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN!
I absolutely LOVED this three-part memoir, Don’t Call Me Jupiter! It was so heartbreaking, yet heartwarming, raw, entertaining and unforgettable that I couldn’t put it down until I was finished reading it. You can’t help but fall in love with his family, for better or for worse. The family photos which were included was an extra bonus. Kudos to Tom for sharing his story for all to read. I can’t wait for his next memoir, “Evergreen Lodge” to be released!
I absolutely LOVED this three-part memoir, Don’t Call Me Jupiter! It was so heartbreaking, yet heartwarming, raw, entertaining and unforgettable that I couldn’t put it down until I was finished reading it. You can’t help but fall in love with his family, for better or for worse. The family photos which were included was an extra bonus. Kudos to Tom for sharing his story for all to read. I can’t wait for his next memoir, “Evergreen Lodge” to be released!
February 10, 2024
I smell hippies
After reading the first book I nearly didn't read 2 or 3...but now I'm glad I did. Tom's story evolves in ways I didn't see coming. Overcoming comes in many forms and it seems the Bross kids were faced with many things needing overcoming. The easy thing to say is..."it's not what happens to you...but how you react to it".. Reality is...how would you react? Most of us can't answer that with any certainty.
After reading the first book I nearly didn't read 2 or 3...but now I'm glad I did. Tom's story evolves in ways I didn't see coming. Overcoming comes in many forms and it seems the Bross kids were faced with many things needing overcoming. The easy thing to say is..."it's not what happens to you...but how you react to it".. Reality is...how would you react? Most of us can't answer that with any certainty.
May 29, 2024
Pageturner
I could not stop reading this series of books. Tom had a unique childhood and overcome so much. He is a kind, considerate, amazing man. Taking care of his sister’s children was heroic! He really cares for all his family. It takes a real man to forgive some of the things he went through! He still loved Mare til the end! I would recommend these books to my family and friends!!!
I could not stop reading this series of books. Tom had a unique childhood and overcome so much. He is a kind, considerate, amazing man. Taking care of his sister’s children was heroic! He really cares for all his family. It takes a real man to forgive some of the things he went through! He still loved Mare til the end! I would recommend these books to my family and friends!!!
February 12, 2024
A beautiful, sad, heartfelt story of love, life and family.
This is a wonderful story of the trials and tribulations of growing up in a very dysfunctional family who somehow manage to find ways to function in sadness and happiness with all the ups and downs a life can provide. A great read!
Looking forward to Tom’s next adventure!
This is a wonderful story of the trials and tribulations of growing up in a very dysfunctional family who somehow manage to find ways to function in sadness and happiness with all the ups and downs a life can provide. A great read!
Looking forward to Tom’s next adventure!
March 2, 2024
a memoir like no other
Not such a reluctant hippie kid, Tom grew where he was planted, finding ways to get by and occasionally thriving in a large and chaotic family that may not have always had food or a home, but always had plenty of drugs. The story is sometimes laugh out loud hysterical, other times tragic, but always captivating.
Not such a reluctant hippie kid, Tom grew where he was planted, finding ways to get by and occasionally thriving in a large and chaotic family that may not have always had food or a home, but always had plenty of drugs. The story is sometimes laugh out loud hysterical, other times tragic, but always captivating.
April 24, 2024
We lived in the same dorm!
I loved this book. However as a consumer, I was not happy to have to buy 3 books as there was some repetition. I feel like Mr . bross could have condensed into one good solid book. I loved reading about his time in chico, as I mentioned ,we lived in the same dorm,only ten years apart! Lol
I loved this book. However as a consumer, I was not happy to have to buy 3 books as there was some repetition. I feel like Mr . bross could have condensed into one good solid book. I loved reading about his time in chico, as I mentioned ,we lived in the same dorm,only ten years apart! Lol
April 24, 2024
Loved this series
I waited until this last book to write a review. This series of a memoir grabs you, and draws you in at the very start. Reading it, and getting into "the story," it's hard to believe that this was actually someone's real life. It reads like a novel, but is really a memoir of a family that was raised by a very dysfunctional mother.
I waited until this last book to write a review. This series of a memoir grabs you, and draws you in at the very start. Reading it, and getting into "the story," it's hard to believe that this was actually someone's real life. It reads like a novel, but is really a memoir of a family that was raised by a very dysfunctional mother.
May 28, 2024
excellent trio of memoirs about an incredibly challenging, unusual family
I read all three books in the series and found myself shocked, saddened, surprised and impressed. The author does a great job with flashbacks from youth to form the story of his adult life. He’s mastered the art of sarcasm and uses humor to lighten some heavy topics.
I read all three books in the series and found myself shocked, saddened, surprised and impressed. The author does a great job with flashbacks from youth to form the story of his adult life. He’s mastered the art of sarcasm and uses humor to lighten some heavy topics.
June 23, 2024
THOROUGHLY F'd up
family life oddly produces ''normal'' offspring. The others succumb to their mother's foolishness. For these children to have all survived as miraculous in itself. I loved the books, but I am generally adverse to series as they get a little too drawn out for me, but I do not know what could have been cut out of this series
family life oddly produces ''normal'' offspring. The others succumb to their mother's foolishness. For these children to have all survived as miraculous in itself. I loved the books, but I am generally adverse to series as they get a little too drawn out for me, but I do not know what could have been cut out of this series
July 29, 2024
Excellent series!
I rarely read any series, as I prefer to change genres between every book. Tom Bross is a writer I could not walk away from. His candid stories and fabulous humor was exactly what I needed at a difficult time in my life. Thank you, Tom Bross, for your generous gifts of warmth, humor, sadness, reality and sharing.
I rarely read any series, as I prefer to change genres between every book. Tom Bross is a writer I could not walk away from. His candid stories and fabulous humor was exactly what I needed at a difficult time in my life. Thank you, Tom Bross, for your generous gifts of warmth, humor, sadness, reality and sharing.
September 21, 2022
I’m glad I was able to read an advanced copy of the book… multiple times over. Every time through I found myself verklempt at the end of this book. Life is full of highs and lows, and Tom’s memoir series is no exception. And I will forever cherish our timeless flight.
December 26, 2023
Page turning bio
I loved the first book and just had to read the two that followed and I am excited for his 4th book to be released. The author is amazing, funny and a true hero with a forgiving heart of gold considering the circumstances he had to endure growing up.
I loved the first book and just had to read the two that followed and I am excited for his 4th book to be released. The author is amazing, funny and a true hero with a forgiving heart of gold considering the circumstances he had to endure growing up.
January 19, 2024
Oh goodness! Just finished book 3. Binged my way through the series and am now sad it’s over. 🙁 I hope everyone will give them a go. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Thanks Tom for sharing. What a ride!
February 27, 2024
Great series
I really liked this series. Very brave of Tom to spill out all the family drama. Written very well & I thoroughly enjoyed it, through all the trials he faced he made things work.
I really liked this series. Very brave of Tom to spill out all the family drama. Written very well & I thoroughly enjoyed it, through all the trials he faced he made things work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews