Reviews
Art with a Story 2
by John Nieman
Gotham Books
book review by Jonah Meyer
"She clinked her glass to mine and then winked. ‘Given the damn heat, the only thing that relieves it is to skinny-dip around one p.m. . . . don’t you agree?’"
In one of this excellent collection’s stories, two siblings cool off during a family vacation to Montreal by frolicking through spouting water fountains while their parents tour the basilica, only to be surprised when Mom and Dad join them in the wet, carefree fun. In another, the speaker talks a would-be jumper out of ending his life in the icy-cold depths of the Hudson River atop the Tappan Zee Bridge, which bears a sign reading: “Life is worth living.” Another tells the humorous story of Carolina Bateau, the “most attractive fortyish woman in Greenwich, Connecticut,” who propositions a fellow parent to skinny-dip with her in the deep end of the pool during a high school party.
These are but a sampling of nearly sixty stories of flash fiction, all approximately three pages in length, including a single accompanying piece of art from author and artist Nieman. Each micro-story wrestles with universal themes, such as prepubescent puppy love, the desire to break free from the adult daily grind, nostalgia, and more. Included are endearing stories of newfound romance, decades-long marriages, tales of sports, politics, and more.
Nieman’s writing exemplifies excellent character development and engaging, unique, well-developed plotlines—even within such an extremely short word count. The characters who populate these pieces of flash fiction, even down to the names Nieman assigns each character, are, in themselves, a wonder to behold. This author’s enthusiasm translates into quite a pleasurable literary experience for the reader. Nieman’s paintings—all pastel and/or watercolors—encapsulate the core essence of each story. Aesthetically, his artwork makes fantastic use of contrast. Another hallmark characteristic of Nieman’s art is the inclusion, in most cases, of lines of text woven within the paintings themselves. Multiple layers of meaning emerge. Delightfully appealing, Nieman’s work is decidedly recommended reading for practically anyone of any age.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
Art with a Story
by John Nieman
Gotham Books
book review by Melayna Alicea
"He had been preparing for this event for many months, and had signed all the release forms weeks in advance. However, there is nothing like the actual moment of truth."
This is a collection of flash fiction pieces accompanied by the author’s original artwork. Each story is accompanied by one painting that inspired that particular work and helps the reader to enter into the world of the piece. Beginning with a story about a sous chef and ending with one about an elderly Maui resident facing the current hardships and political turmoil for native Hawaiian residents, each work stands alone. In “See As You Have Never Seen,” the reader is invited to enter into the world of a blind man. Meanwhile, in “Dear John,” one enters a lifetime of love and heartbreak through a simple letter. Through these flash pieces and many more, Nieman takes the reader around the world so they can embrace the feelings of nostalgia and connect with the integral, painful, and beautiful parts of the human experience.
Through this collection of flash fiction works, the author takes the reader on a visual and written art experience. Even though each of the pieces is written by the same writer, the genres vary from story to story. Any reader will find stories within this volume to suit their preferred genre needs. From romance to comedy to stories of gambling and hints at current politics, the author touches on every aspect of the modern and constant human experience. Written in beautiful and concise language, each story touches the heart of the reader in under three pages. Nieman’s collection is the perfect volume for quick or extended moments of reading and entertainment.
Life...and That Other Thing
by John Nieman
Gotham Books
book review by Mark Heisey
"My grandfather taught me to appreciate the unpredictable. ‘It’s the only thing that makes each day interesting,’ I remember him saying. ‘Pray for curve balls…’"
This wide-ranging book of short short stories, or “flash fiction” as it is sometimes referred to, covers topics from children battling cancer to shelter dogs and Johnny Cash speaking with Peter at the gates of heaven. What unites these stories is that each is a little glimpse into the often mundane but personally meaningful events in the lives of its characters. “Tricks of the Trade” is a particularly poignant look at how the passing of a renowned magician brings contentment to a funeral home director. Readers looking for a witty story that leaves them with a smile will find it in the unlikely tale of a retired firefighter volunteering during the Paradise wildfire in California. Finally, “Honkers” subtly addresses the question of whether a single person can make a difference in the world.
Nieman’s collection offers more than fifty stories, and each story is accompanied by interesting, original artwork. The brevity of the narratives means several can be read at once. Some of the stories offer a poignant turn at their close or a grin-inducing turn of phrase, while others simply illustrate the everyday existence of someone any reader might encounter during their daily routine, possibly with a curve ball tossed in. There are several engaging pieces, and a new experience is always just a couple of pages away. The variety and volume of the stories allow readers to find their own favorites to relish, and many readers will enjoy the familiarity of the simple, everyday existence illuminated in these stories, connecting all of us as part of the tribe of humanity.
The Amazing Rabbitini
by John Nieman
Gotham Books
book review by Melayna Alicea
"'I used to come from top hats,' said the rabbit debonair, 'but I'll tell you, it was boring and much more than I could bear.'"
Nieman has written a delightful children’s story about magic, wonder, and respect for all lives. The story begins on the twentieth of May when a young girl named Amy sees a rabbit dressed like a magician hopping down the road. The rabbit introduces herself as Miss Rabbitini and allows Amy to participate in some of her tricks with the magic words “abba-dabba, oogie-woogie, fiddle fay.” Not meaning any harm, Amy points out that rabbits should be the ones in the hat, not the ones doing the tricks. Miss Rabbitini then tells her tale of how she was a magician’s rabbit, but it was a miserable life. Eventually, she got the courage to leave and venture off to become a magician herself. Inspired by the story, Amy witnesses Miss Rabbitini perform more of her act before they have to part ways. Ultimately, Amy learns a valuable lesson about respecting everyone, even animals, and that you can become anything you set your mind to.
This joyful children’s book will bring smiles and laughter to every age. Accompanied by colorful illustrations, this tale about a rabbit magician will delight parents and children alike. Within the narrative are hidden multiple life lessons that parents will enjoy discussing with their children. Readers will learn about respecting all life, even the life of animals, from Miss Rabbitini’s story about her mistreatment working for a magician. They will also learn the value of striving for their dreams no matter how small they may feel. Additionally, this book is written in simple poetry form, which makes it a great tool to teach rhyming. The dialogue between Amy and Rabbitini is humorous and is filled with fun-to-say magic words that will leave little ones rolling with laughter. Any parent of small children will find value in Nieman’s book.
The Wanted Book
by John Nieman
PageTurner Press and Media
book review by Toby Berry
"...became the queen of talk by listening first."
This is a compilation of biographies made into a book styled after most wanted posters. It is a creative way to display snippets about persons the author believes we need/want more of. He depicts most of his portrayed “Most Wanted Persons” for their character, such as “Wanted for their courage,” “Wanted for Bravery,” etc. Nieman has constructed almost sixty posters of historical figures and writes a few paragraphs about why he thinks their kind is wanted and who is rewarded through their exemplary accomplishments. For example, one poster begins, “ Rewards for the visionaries. The Iron Orchid. That’s what her countrymen and women called Aung San Suu Kyi for her perseverance in resisting military rule in Burma.” The biographies range from the most common household names, such as Anne Frank, to the still living, including inventors and philanthropists like Elon Musk and Bill Gates. Whether one likes every figure Nieman includes or not is irrelevant. He makes good points about everyone he profiles.
Because attention spans, especially for reading, are short nowadays, the author’s format is perfect. He dubs each person he profiles worthy and explains why in a page or less. Ultimately, readers can’t help but feel inspired by the greatness around them. Some of the entries are even closely aligned to modern concerns, giving them greater appeal to the author’s readers. One example of this is seen in the entry for Rachel Carson: “Wanted, more people like Rachel Carson, who pioneered and championed the green movement. Rewards for all eco-minded people.” This book would be perfect on the shelves of every middle school library. Assuming students still read and write biographies, the age-old student question of whom one should write about can be solved right here. Possibly, with these well-done, brief biographies, students might just choose to write about more than one hero.
O'Brien, Lipschitz, and Partners: A Satire
by John Nieman
Xlibris
book review by Michael Radon
"'The truth...with a twist,' Jack said, as if it was the guiding principle of this rather funny commercial."
When a tired, tried-and-true pitch to land mattress-maker Serta as a client fails, Shelly Lipschitz is not surprised but still disappointed. Extending her congratulations to the tiny upstart firm of O’Brien, O’Brien, she soon gets lured into their anything-goes style with its propensity for taking risks with their fingers on the pulse of the ad world. After Shelly signs on as a partner, the new O’Brien, Lipschitz, and Partners agency draws in client after client looking to rejuvenate their branding and advertising with something fresh and unexpected. In a year’s time, the firm goes from plucky beginnings to one of the hottest ad agencies in New York.
Full of laughs, parody, and genuine insight in the advertising business, the friendship between Jack O’Brien and Shelly Lipschitz results in humorous and heartwarming ways. Virtually every chapter in this book represents the interaction between the firm and a particular client, beginning with a spotted opportunity or a client’s requests. By the chapter’s end, the commercial or campaign is put together, and the reader can envision it playing out in their head, complete with visuals, background music, and even celebrity endorsements. While the book advertises itself front and center as a satire, there is some valuable information about how marketing is put together. It is also an enjoyable story about office friendships and the value of loyalty to where you feel like you belong. Blending an always-relatable office story with sharp, stylish characters and plenty of humor, this book contains a Super Bowl’s worth of edgy, hilarious commercials and provides a relaxed, enjoyable read.
Art with a Story III
by John Nieman
Xlibris
book review by Rebecca L. Morgan
"The only relief was a glimpse of the Hudson River and the gulls and birds that would momentarily alight there and then soar toward freedom."
Sixty-four paintings and short stories comprise this distinctive combination of original art and fiction that offers a glimpse into the artist’s interpretation of his own work. Featuring watercolors and pastels, the artwork frequently incorporates text into the paintings, layering a collage of elements that provide depth to the surrealist designs. Using movie and song titles, well-known phrases, and celebrity names, words and art merge into a modern picture saturated with social context. This visual presentation is enhanced by the accompanying stories that provide a concise, often whimsical, tale to associate the artwork with real-life encounters and situations. The provocative narrative creates a voyeuristic experience for the reader that leaves little to the imagination.
The artist reveals in the introduction that the art preceded the stories that complement the paintings, but the writing coincides effortlessly to convey a sense of solitary formation. Broaching controversial and sensitive subjects in his material, the author develops a unique cast of characters searching for fulfillment in different phases of life. Aging, mortality, family dynamics, passion, sex, and drug use are a selection of the subjects addressed throughout the compilation. The art depicts the message through simplistic scenes of objects unexpectedly united. Each watercolor and story arrangement portrays a platform for self-awareness and an outlet to explore human nature. While the writing often focuses on emotional topics, the reader can easily detect an underlying sense of humor in the author’s language and story-telling methods. Melding the skills of artist and writer, Nieman playfully offers the opportunity to discover an emotional connection with art in dual forms.
The Owl and the Christmas Tree
by John Nieman
Pageturner Press and Media
book review by Nicole Olson
A beautiful Christmas story for all ages, The Owl and the Christmas Tree brings the famous New York Rockefeller Christmas tree to life when a crew member finds a little owl living among the branches. The owl’s saga is told in iambic verse, making it so fun to read or listen to out loud.
John Nieman’s creativity shines on every page – from his drawings to his well-written poetry. This book is a sure delight for any age, especially around Christmas time where families can read together.
At the surface Nieman’s story is a feel-good Christmas tale about a little owl discovered within the most famous Christmas tree in the world. This little owl, however, brings light the effects of the commercialization of the biggest holiday of the year has on nature. First of all – the giant tree is uprooted and moved to a concrete dwelling place. Ornaments and lights are hung onto beaches which once homed living things in a place where nobody came to admire it.
The little owl becomes famous thanks to a kind worker, who was the only one who thought to help the owl come down from the tree which would soon be inhabitable. The author nods to our society’s carelessness for the small, the voiceless, the faraway. Nonetheless, the little owl turns into a Christmas celebrity before getting returned back to the wild where he can thrive once again.
To me the saddest part about Christmas in America is seeing the trees on the curb – it all comes and goes so quickly. In Nieman’s story the tree and the decorations are disposed of, the owl gets returned to his home, but the magic gets to stay – the owl shades his fame with his friends and is celebrated when he is reunited with his critter friends.
This book is a great vocabulary builder for all readers. In the classroom students can also learn about various rhythms and verses used in poetry since the beginning of the English language. Nieman’s poetic storytelling mimics the great classics and is a wonderful way to introduce students to iambic pentameter and various rhyme schemes.
A little Christmas magic, some important social commentary and even a lesson in English literature – The Owl and the Christmas Tree is a treasure trove for learners young and old.
Chapters of a Life
by John Nieman
GoldTouch Press
book review by Jason Lulos
Chapters of a Life is a great piece of realist escapism: a good old success story of historical fiction. It is the captivating and sentimental tale of the remarkable life of Charles Parker Conner. His is a “rags to riches” story but one born of thoughtfulness and hard work rather than random luck and overnight success. Charles is a George Bailey type who actually does escape his humble beginnings – from a big fish in a small pond to an ever-bigger fish in a bigger pond. Charles’ fictional life story is rooted in 20th century American history and his ties to historical events give this endearing tale a Forrest Gump flavor. However, whereas Forrest always goes with the flow of history, Charles is more astute and he’s driven to use his writing skills to be “the” voice crystalizing major historical events.
Charles “Chaz” Parker Conner was born in 1926, during the Roaring 20’s. His father is a jazz singer playing with the likes of Louis Armstrong and his mother is a dance instructor at a local speakeasy. The subsequent burdens of the Great Depression prove too much for the renowned singer, leading Charles and his mother to form an inseparable bond. Charles grows up, marries, and the bond never breaks. His life becomes increasingly tied to movements in history, making his career path in journalism right and fitting.
Charles has an archetypal, American “can do” attitude and although he is ambitious, he is thoughtful and preternaturally in tune to where the country is and where it should be going. As he rises in the ranks from Midwest newspaper editor to a more national/global sphere of influence in the media, he crosses paths with famous actors, musicians, and politicians and bears witness to great historical events: everything from interviewing JFK to witnessing the attacks on 9/11. This is a big part of the charm of this novel: Charles continuously finds himself rubbing elbows with great historical figures, witnessing monumental events, and having the linguistic skill to provide poignant commentary at those singular moments.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a life and was particularly drawn to Charles’ unique position that of all journalists and reporters in bearing witness to such pivotal moments in history. I found myself eagerly anticipating Charles’ interactions with great figures and historical events. These interactions compelled me to read on as I’m sure they will for other readers out there, so pick up your copy of Chapters of a Life today. It’s a fun, charming trip of historical fiction and a real page-turner.
Political Heat
by John Nieman
GoldTouch Press
book review by Philip Zozzaro
Being a politician has its benefits and its drawbacks, the praise and the boos ebbing and flowing with each change in the news cycle. One has to possess a strong fortitude to run for elected office, never mind staying in elected office. Graham Kruse is the fair-haired Mayor of New York City. He has had a lengthy political career, starting as a successful prosecutor. A friend and colleague convinces him to run for the Mayoral race in New York.
Graham is charming and smart. He is married to his loyal and lovely wife Linda. They are starting a family. Graham’s attributes seem vote-worthy, but where does substance end and quality begin? Graham is affectionate with colleagues, especially female colleagues. An ambitious photographer snaps a shot of Graham and one of his top aides in a restaurant, capturing a kiss on the hand. The blow-up in the tabloids nearly derails Graham’s campaign and his marriage, but Graham and his campaign get out in front of the story. Their honesty is refreshing and the story dies out. Graham bounces back from the distraction with a victory in the Mayoral primaries.
The people of New York City desire change. The Kruse campaign wants to deliver by reforming the education system and making it affordable for lower income families. Kruse wants to make the employment market more equitable by providing incentives to companies that hire more women. Graham’s workaholic habits start to affect his family, and his wandering eye leads to infidelity. Linda is crestfallen, but resolves to keep their separation quiet as long as Graham doesn’t contest any aspects of their divorce. Graham’s political career is undeterred, his initiatives are going over favorably. As his star rises, politicians of higher caliber are clued into Graham’s potential. The President tasks Graham with meeting with distinguished figures from other countries as a potential springboard for a Cabinet level appointment. Graham takes to this opportunity with relish, the potential seemingly limitless. But will his peccadilloes lead to his downfall?
Political Heat is a travel into the muck and mire of leadership in Government. Graham is smart and capable, but also verging on egotistical. He doesn’t view his own flaws as possible landmines to his future. The potential for Graham to emerge as a historically important leader is there, but his own hubris tears his family in two and could’ve killed his career. As the story progresses, his caddish ways continue illustrating no lesson was learned. The book benefits on its political interactions between Graham and his opponents, also in elections and family dynamic, qualities which could have been expanded on. Author John Nieman’s Political Heat can claim to be art following reality, or does reality get its ideas from writer’s art? It goes both ways in this timely novel.
Art With a Recipe
by John Nieman
Xlibris
book review by Blue Ink
In this cookbook, the multi-talented author combines his still-life painting skills with his professional culinary ability, illustrating each of his recipes with a drawing rather than a photo. The recipes are loosely based on author John Nieman’s travels to various worldwide locales. Far from complicated, the recipes generally use just a key ingredient, a particular flavor combination or even a clever recipe title to conjure up a particular place.
This is a very approachable cookbook, given Nieman’s friendly style and amusing notes on each recipe. For example, on Royal Beef Wellington, he writes, “This isn’t easy. It isn’t cheap. So it better be damn amazing. It is.”
Many of the recipes are his streamlined take on dishes that can be found in many other cookbooks: mango salsa for Chilean Sea Bass, for instance, or Chinese Chicken Lettuce Cups. Generally, the recipes have few ingredients and require minimal preparation. He’s not above using products like Cheez Whiz (for Philly Cheesesteak) or a box cake mix (Saint Louis Gooey Butter Cake) if it will simplify the cooking process. (It would be remiss, however, not to mention that there is the odd error in the Colombian Coffee-Marinated Skirt Steak recipe— the key ingredient of coffee is missing; but it shouldn’t prevent anyone from enjoying the rest of the author’s joy of cooking.)
The cookbook is well-suited for the basic or mid-level cook who doesn’t need a detailed explanation of cooking techniques such as grilling or sweating onions. Although some people like a photo of the finished dish, the illustrations and the cookbook itself are attractive and inviting with their restful color palate, and Nieman’s sense of humor adds to the fun: After all, what cook could resist trying Bermuda Triangles or Jackson (Doughnut) Holes?