Paranoia

by J.E. Braun

Jim went to work on September 11, 2001, thinking that it was going to be another boring day. But then the towers came crashing down, and he, like many of us, lost his ability to live without fear and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595478522
• ISBN13: 9780595478521
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 204 Pages
• Weight: 0.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Intriguing Read

As someone who lives in the NY/NJ area that had family and friends directly affected by the tragedy at the World Trade Center, I wasn't sure how I would react to this book. However, the premise was intriguing to me--"what if the terrorists won with just one man," so I decided to give it a chance--it was a decision well-rewarded. Braun's style of writing was concise and visual, and he crafted his characters in a way that made them entirely believable and even vaguely familiar. I've read a number of books over time and I can give this book the best praise I have; I didn't want to put it down, and looked forward to my next chance to pick it up to follow along on Jim's journey as he coped with terrible circumstances. I definitely recommend it!

What would it take to put you over the edge?

In this novel, John Braun takes on not the disaster of 9/11 but the personal aftermath of that event. Exploring the feelings we all felt in the days that followed, how easy would it have been to give in to the fears when they let the planes in the air again a couple of days later? Of going back to work in your office tower? Braun's study of Jim, told in a series of seamless flashbacks, delivers a tale that conveys one man's struggle to win a war that has no physical enemy to attack. Touching on themes of family, and absolution, the book gives you something to look forward to and a desire to follow Jim on his quest to overcome. Braun's writing is natural, and comfortable making it easy to get lost in the book. Turning the page you discover how the next flashback brings you closer to recognizing a little bit of "Jim" in yourself, remembering all the times you have crossed the street, or went out of your way because the person coming down the street made you just a little paranoid. Paranoia never gets too deep into the details of 9/11, and could honestly be written about any senseless act of violence, and keeps the tone just light enough to make it safe to read without becoming lost in the events of that day.

One book every American should read

This novel deals with the one lesson that should be learned about the events that occurred on September 11, 2001.... If we give into fear then we have allowed the terrorist to win. No one can truly imagine living through such an event but J.E. Braun has skillfully fashioned one man's decline after surviving this devastating attack. Told through seamless flashbacks, we see how he has become crippled by fear and paranoia until it spirals out of control and he becomes completely dysfunctional in all aspects of his life. With dry humor and exquisite wording, J. E. Braun holds the reader captive and makes every nuisance of paralyzing fear and paranoid thoughts come alive. Whether personally effected by the events of 9/11 or not, this is one book that every American should read. [...]

Great novel; unique take on 9/11 aftermath

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Finished it in one day; something I don't remember ever doing with another book. Braun's captivating writing style made it impossible for me to put it down. You don't so much read this book as you do feel it. Jim's paranoia is not merely described to the reader, you experience it with him. The characters are rich, the story is intriguing, and the pace is quick. Despite serious topics like 9/11 and stress disorders, Braun manages to inject some humor into his novel through Jim's sarcasm and cynical take on his circumstances. The humor, along with mystery and suspense, make this a true page-turner that I highly recommend. Those who take a chance on this new author will not be disappointed.

Great read based on tough memories

It takes a delicate hand to tackle the events of that day we will all remember. Everyone was touched by 9/11 and in this book we see the way those events shook loose the mental grip for one man that we all take for granted. J.Braun has created a character you can easily connect with. The book kept me locked in from the beginning and "Jim" really takes you with him as he moves through both the events of the years after the attack and his current struggles to make it all make sense. This was a great first novel and I look forward to more by this author.