"My Author is Dead"
Short cut to: Reviews, Reading Group Guide, Movie Rights, and Notable Facts
Not your Usual Dystopia.
Not your Usual Satire.
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For sure,
Adam is weird—although “weird” is all relative.
Weird is problematic, but tolerable. What’s forbidden though is talking to Kafkaists, who are nothing but dangerous worms guilty of “moral turpitude”—cockroaches that the Author most probably forgot to erase. So helping Kafkaists wasn’t the brightest thing to do.
Unfortunately, he didn’t have a choice. For one, June was a Kafkaist—cockroaches can’t possibly have such dazzling blue eyes. Second, well… he had to make things right.
All he needed was a plan. An infallible plan. In normal circumstances—although “normal” is all relative—it’s that simple.
If only Adam was good at making plans.
Paperback: 305 pages
Publisher: CePages Press
Language: English
Print Edition:
ISBN-10: 0982475284
ISBN-13: 978-0982475287
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x
0.8 inches
E-book Edition:
ISBN-10: 0982475292
ISBN-13: 978-0982475294
Download a FREE PREVIEW copy (PDF format):
HERE
Awards
Winner,
2017 Garcia Memorial Prize for the Best Fiction Book of the Year
and
Winner, 2017 Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award - 1st Place in the Fiction
Novel category
Awarded by a panel of judges who are experts in their fields (as well as avid readers), on the basis of content/originality, presentation/design, innovation, social relevance, production quality, enjoyment/impact, and plot/story line. The Readerviews commendation of the novel's unique qualities is reported in the "Reviews" section below.
Reviews
"Initially
the reader may wonder where the story is going, but those who
stick with the book are in for a real treat (...). If causing
readers to think about who is in control was Bruneau's
objective, then he nailed it. Originality: 10 out of 10
"
—
Booklife (by Publishers Weekly), September 2016
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"Bruneau is a genius of undertones, and you can tell
he really enjoyed playing with this talent in “My Author is
Dead.” Because of all the fun he must have had creating the
plot, we readers now have one of the smartest and clever reads
of 2016. His writing style is vivid. His characters are so
genuine I forgot at times that they were characters in a book.
The story was so captivating it took me away into its plot and
wouldn’t let me go, not even in the rare moments I managed to
put the book down. This is a book that readers should make time
to read to savor its clever cynical tone. I didn’t the first
time I read it and couldn’t imagine not wanting to read it
again, so I did, but took my time to enjoy the ride. Although it
can be an easy read, I truly enjoyed it even more the second
time around when I read it over the weekend with no rush or
constant interruptions. Overall, “My Author is Dead” by Michel
Bruneau is a very well written, five-star, unique, clever, fun,
and memorable read. Not your average book! "
—
Readerviews, January 2017
"This is the story of a society divided
by a wicked belief system, and the boy who defied the rules. My
Author Is Dead by Michel Bruneau is a deeply gripping
Kafka-esque story that explores social divisions and injustices,
love, and defying the rules.
(...) The
central character's unique take on the way of life around him
and beyond is one of the story's main hooks. Even in his darkest
hours, Adam's unique look at things never fails to lighten the
mood for the reader. Michel Bruneau used an engaging sense of
humour and cynicism to infuse some light into the gloom that
formed the general mood of the story. - 5
Stars."
—
Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite, October 2016
"My
Author Is Dead is a splendid tale, that gives meaning to the
phrase "outside of the box" (...) I'm only sorry I could not
give it 10 stars, rather than just 5."
—
Amazon.com Reviewer,
September 2017
"If
you enjoyed "If on a Winter's Night a Traveller" by Italo
Calvino, or indeed the works of Kafka himself, you'll love this.
(...) This narrative interspersed with comical entries from the
stolen dictionary ("[Eu·nuch. Noun. Pointless ape, insensitive
to freezing cold]") raises fascinating issues about the nature
of belief and the power of words. I highly recommend this book.
"
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, October 2017
"I
love books that take ideas and squeeze them - or do I mean
expand? Michel Bruneau does both as he explores the world of
fiction in a country created by the author - who could be dead.
In which case it's up to the protagonist, a lovesick teenager
called Adam who doesn't have an idea in his head. He has to find
one fast if he's to survive the fanatick warriors, the dreaded
Kafkaists, limpet-like, annoying Cassandra and a main street
that swallows horses whole - to say nothing of the author
himself, if he's still alive. So many quirks and spins my mind
was reeling. You can't predict this one, it's funny, fluid,
absurd and delightful."
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, January 2018
"This
is a fascinating and well-written, genre-defying story that fans
of Kafka, young adult literature, and libertarianism will enjoy.
It's kind of set in a dystopian future where absurd rules are
sancrosanct. If you're looking for a smart read, touching on
real political issues in a metaphorical way, this is for you. "
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, September 2016
"Stranger than Fiction, but
better. I really enjoyed reading this one right from the get-go."
—
Audrey Terry, Goodreads Review, November 2016
"A
fascinating story. It is perfect for Kafka fans. (...) Once I
started reading, I just couldn’t put this down. (...) Very
cleverly thought out and written in an engaging and quirky
manner. (...) Great book, I love the writing style and highly
recommended for anyone who wants an entertaining read. - 5
Stars."
—
Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite, September 2016
"My Author Is Dead is a strange book
which carries with it some unsettling, though thought provoking,
concepts.
(...)
Cleverly crafted, it pokes and prods at the very basis of
perception and reality while spinning a charmingly tangled love
story. I would recommend that you read this book with no
preconceptions and an open mind. - 5
Stars."
—
Charles Remington for Readers' Favorite, October 2016
“The characters in My Author Is Dead definitely do have an
unusual outlook on life. This will lead to many surprises for
readers. (…) The more you get into the story, the more you get
drawn in. (…) I enjoyed how some of the current political
problems can be found in the story; not obvious, but in a very
well done way that makes you think (a lot). This book is a
strange read - but also strangely compelling. (…) In a world
where so many books are the same, this is a very pleasant
surprise! 4 Stars."
—
Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite,
November 2016
"My Author is Dead is a book that I will
be recommending to others. (...) Michel Bruneau really hit a big
one with this story. -
4
Stars."
—
Samantha Dewitt (Rivera) for Readers' Favorite, October 2016
"I
highly recommend that everyone read this book - it is simply
awesome! Michel Bruneau wrote a very lively novel despite the
name of the book. I found this to be an analogy on people's
different religious views but I am sure that many other people
will view it differently (and that's the beauty of Bruneau's
writing). This story blends the fantasty of love and heroics
with the hardship of reality. Definitely, an enjoyable read."
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, December 2017
"My Author is Dead had me hooked
from start to finish. With a very Kafkaesque feeling, we follow
Adam through the trials of living in a world where he doesn’t
believe the same as the rest. With drama and humor balanced, it
is a perfect book for anyone who enjoys existential themes and
authors. Overall amazing book. "
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, September 2018
"Even
the villain of the story Cassandra was developed so well you
couldn't help but feel bad for her later on. I highly recommend
this novel."
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, August 2017
"Fantastic alternative reality
novel! (...) Full of twists and turns throughout. "
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, August 2018
"If
you like being challenged and provoked to deep thought about
social issues and morals and enjoy books written in a flowing
and humorous style, you will enjoy reading “My Author is Dead.”"
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, August 2017
"Much
like a Kafka story. It has all the hidden meanings and much
more. (...) A solid 5 stars."
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, August 2017
"No
dull moment in the book. The humorous dialogues and thoughts of
the characters keep the seriousness of the plot from taking away
the entertainment. "
—
Amazon.com Reviewer,
September 2017
"Skillfully
combines the art and process of literary fiction with an
abundance of satire to cleverly disguise it within the dystopian
genre. (...) Absolutely recommend to anyone as an entertaining
read with a well thought premise and creative experience that
many will likely find relatable."
—
Amazon.com Reviewer,
January 2018
"If you're looking for a staid,
ordinary, run-of-mill book that won't require you to think, this
is not the book you're looking for. "My Author is Dead" is a
social and religious parable delightfully disguised as a light,
humorous work of fiction. You will laugh, you will guffaw, and
at some points, you will roll your eyes. But you will also
think. This is a book that challenges what we think about
ourselves, our beliefs, and our values. "
—
Amazon.com Reviewer,
November 2018
"A
great allegorical satire about religious persecution and
prejudice"
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, March 2018
"
The main character is hilarious, and the overall plot (a world where the author is a god) is amazing. "
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, October 2018
"A smart and fresh take on
subjects like religion, judgement within society, and Puritan
values. In fact, the story gave me some strong Scarlet Letter
vibes. "
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, February 2018
"This
is not your straight forward novel, is complicated and deep.
I'll make you stop and think about your own beliefs"
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, January 2018
"I
recommend this book for anyone looking for something that is
atypical and thought provoking."
—
Amazon.com Reviewer, February 2018
"Je me suis laissé prendre par
cette histoire de procès dans un village de morons. J'aime la
façon que les idées dansent sur la page et toujours cet humour
décalé. Les personnages secondaires sont pissants de vérités et
l'intrigue nous tenaille. Un vrai bonheur." Approximate
Translation: "I have been won by this story of a trial in a
village of morons. I love how the ideas dance on the page
and the offbeat humor. The secondary characters are
truthful caricatures and the plot is gripping. A true
pleasure."
—
Amazon.ca Reviewer, September 2016
Interviews
UB Now
November 2016
Reading Group Guide
Reading Groups and Book Clubs: Please download the Reading Group Guide for "My Author is Dead" here.
Movie Rights
Steven and Ron (Spieldberg and Howard that is) have not called yet, but the phone should ring any minute now. If you wish to acquire the movie rights first, I'll be pleased to talk to you, unless you envision turning some characters into vampires or cast "the Fonz" in the lead role (although, I could be convinced otherwise if Henry Winkler calls me up personally).
Notable Facts
Studies conducted in controlled environments by unbiased
experts have demonstrated that reading "My Author is Dead" could
improve interpersonal relationships and add years to your life
expectancy (as long as you don't drive or operate heavy
machinery while reading). It would be wise to experimentally verify this odd phenomenon with the
people you love.
Note: This "Michel Bruneau" should not be confused with his namesakes who have written books on acoustics, mathematics, or history, and most certainly not with the one who has written cookbooks (the birthday cake the author of "My Author is Dead" once lovingly baked for his wife made her wonder if he was trying to poison her, so don't bother asking him for recipes).