CATEGORY: Fiction. Inspirational. Magical Realism. Friendship. Feel-Good. Clean (Ages 11+)
I was paralyzed—trapped in my own mind. Solomon was my only way out.
Fourteen-year-old Aaron Greenburg is trapped in a vegetative state. He’s awake and aware of everything around him—but the doctors don’t realize it. After years of being left in a care facility and facing dwindling interest from his own family, Aaron begins to despair—until, that is, a new roommate arrives: Solomon, a crusty, eccentric jazz musician with dementia. When Aaron talks in his mind to stay sane, Solomon unexpectedly hears his thoughts—and replies.
In the surprise friendship that ensues, Solomon relives his past during episodes of dementia, and his mysterious connection with Aaron thrusts the boy into 1920s New York City, scuffles with a mob in a Chicago nightclub, foxholes in World War II, and more exciting adventures that will change Aaron’s life forever.
Four Years Trapped in My Mind Palace is a humorous and heartwarming coming-of-age story, entwined with an end-of-age story, that will renew your faith in the power of friendship and the beauty of life.
* Runner-up in the 2023 Book Pipeline Adaptation Contest
*Finalist in the 2018 Screencraft Cinematic Book Conpetition
"A winning tale" — Kirkus Reviews
"Every teen should read this."— HowDoesShe.com
"I could not put it down. Recommended for all ages." — ReadersFavorite.com
"Splendid"— San Francisco Review of Books
"Rich storytelling"— WhisperingStories.com
"Best Book of the Year!"— PlayfullyEverAfter.com
"Humorous, entertaining, and touching. A major work by a masterful writer."— Grady Harp, Amazon.com Hall of Fame Top 500 Reviewer
"One of the most interesting and inspiring books that I've read in a long time."— Heather Monson, editor
"I did not want to turn the last page."— Jen Johnson, Author of Scarlet
"Captivating"— Kirkus Reviews
"An awesome adventure"— Gooftroop Girl
"Superbly entertaining."— ReadersFavorite.com
"It is very rare that I finish a book and want to yell and scream about how much I enjoyed it. WOW!!!!!"— John Around The Corner Reviews