Jake, Lucid Dreamer

by David J. Naiman

“A fantastical tale with a powerful message” raves SPR.

Award-winning novel: 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Award First Place winner for Middle Grade fiction; 2018 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Gold Medal Winner for Pre-teen fiction - Mature Issues; 2018 International Book Award Silver Medal Winner Readers' Favorite for Coming of Age

12-year-old Jake has been suppressing his heartbreak over the loss of his mother for the past four years. But his emotions have a way of haunting his dreams and bubbling to the surface when he least expects it. When Jake learns how to take control in his dreams, he becomes a lucid dreamer, and that’s when the battle really heats up.

Using his wits to dodge bullies by day and a nefarious kangaroo hopping ever closer by night, Jake learns about loss, bravery, the power of love, and how you cannot fully heal until you face your greatest fear. This uncompromising novel is a magical yet honest exploration of emotional healing after a devastating loss.

Described as a “poignant coming-of-age novel (that) offers a sensitive and honest examination of a child’s spiritual and emotional battles” by The BookLife Prize.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Magical Realism, Childrens

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2018

About the author

David J. Naiman is a best-selling independent author of award-winning books for children, teens, and adults including Jake, Lucid Dreamer, first-place winner of the Purple Dragonfly Book Award and the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards in pre-teen fiction and Didn’t Get Frazzled, humorous medical fiction written under the pen name David Z Hirsch.

He is also a successful physician specializing in internal medicine and an unsuccessful speller specializing in vowels that sound identical to other vowels. He lives with his wife and two children in Maryland. Visit him at www.davidjnaiman.wordpress.com

Reviews

[Nesly Clerge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coping with the loss of a parent may be one of the hardest challenges in life; it certainly reminded me of my recent situation. Losing a loved one is understood as a natural part of life, but are we truly equipped to deal with the sorrow that ensues, the moments of despair, and a life of heartache. What is noticeably apparent is the way the story deals with Jake’s deep despondency. Jake is naturally resilient, but he is still a young man dealing with the untimely death of his mother. Dr. Naiman is a natural, and I was impressed with the author’s ability to depict life after such a tragic situation. Although it had been four years since his mother’s death, Jake had to deal with a myriad of changes: His father’s significant other, his sister, and life as a twelve-year-old boy.

Some psychologist believe that dreams are nothing more than the result of random brain activity, but as the story progresses, I realized that Jake’s dreams symbolized something far deeper. His dreams were adventurous and vivid, reflecting his deepest unconscious wishes and desires. The story is layered with just the right amount of imagery. While it’s not my intention to divulge the plot, the most satisfying segment for me, is the scene where he was able to communicate with his mother, it was a dream come true. In my opinion, it provided the closure that he longed for.

The author also tackled the topic of bullying. Indeed, bullying is a widespread phenomenon and common among children, especially in the school setting, but in Jake’s case, his ingenuity and cleverness outmaneuvered the maniacal bully.

Jake, Lucid Dreamer is a pleasurable read that I truly enjoyed. Author David Naiman is an impeccable story teller. Jake’s dreams, and escapades lead to some humorous and intriguing situations. This is an outstanding book to be given as a gift to any middle school student. Dr. Naiman has succeeded in crafting another literary masterpiece.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is targeted at Middle Grade readers but, I have to say, I believe it will appeal to older readers, too - I found it an emotive and very moving read. Jake is twelve years old, having problems coping with the untimely death of his Mum which happened four years earlier and being bullied at the Middle School he attends. Suppressing his grief has resulted in Jake having anger issues and very vivid dreams, ones in which he is aware he’s dreaming and is able to manipulate some of the events in them. Through his dreams he learns to face his fears and starts to develop strategies to help himself come to terms with everything.

It is a story of coping with tragedy, grief and loss, showing how differently he, his father and sister do so. It also deals with the issue of bullying and shows how Jake is helped by peers and teachers as well as his own ingenuity to deal with this. I really liked how Jake helped others recognise the positive traits of others who were being being denigrated by fellow peers. There’s even a hint at a first romance developing and other fantastic characters like a kicking kangaroo, terrifying turtles and an orangutang - you'll have to read it yourself to discover what they get up to!

This is a story of growing up, admitting mistakes and talking things through, brilliantly told. The ending is so moving it had me in tears. It is a story not just for those who have suffered such losses but should also be read by others as it could help them understand what those coping with grief or bullying are going through, encouraging compassion and understanding - and is a great story in its own right, anyway!

I requested and received a copy of this novel after reading the synopsis. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[Julia (Pages for Thoughts) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Jake's emotional struggle can connect to readers far and wide. I know that I was personally touched with the deepness of his rage and internal conflict. Even if one has not felt the loss of a family member, everyone deals with intense emotions at times and difficult conflicts that can be looked at in a different angle. His middle school experience is quite common, and I enjoyed how he uses his intelligence to outwit his bullies. Jake teaches valuable techniques of how to handle tough situations and can help many kids in similar situations in viewing a different perspective and staying confident. Read more of my review at http://pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com/...

[David Naiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks, everyone, for your interest in my book!
Here is the 5* review by Kris Rondon for Readers' Favorite:

Jake, Lucid Dreamer by David J. Naiman deals in a fictional, heart wrenching manner with what occurs after the death of a parent and how children can handle such a loss. Twelve-year-old Jake is grappling with the loss of his mother who passed away 4 years ago after a harrowing sickness. To deal with his loss, Jake escapes into the world of dreams. After four years, Jake’s father is still struggling to support his children over the loss of their mother while trying to have a normal life by starting to date. Jake is at that awkward age where he grapples between childhood and growing into adulthood, which is difficult in the best of circumstances. Jake gradually realizes that his dad and sister are also in pain as he finally connects with them.

Jake, the protagonist of Lucid Dreamer, is a Middle School boy dealing with the death of his mother, while also dealing with mundane issues many boys face, including bullying. The story is realistically heartbreaking and the author has succeeded in aptly entering the mind of a tormented 12-year-old. One wonders at times if the story is based on a biographical experience or if the author is simply a master at his craft of writing. David J. Naiman is an expert at character development. His characters are lifelike and relatable. Jake’s father is extremely convincing as a parent and husband dealing with the loss of a partner. Parents and children would enjoy and profit by reading this book together. When it is difficult to articulate suffering and sorrow, this thought-provoking novel would serve as an honest exploration of emotional healing after an upsetting loss.

https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...

[Georgia Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle school student Jake’s mother died four years ago. He can’t work through his feelings about her loss on his own and he can’t seem to talk about it with his father or baby sister. Instead, he works through his raging emotions through lucid dreams.

Beautifully written in Jake’s natural voice, Jake, Lucid Dreamer leads Jake through his grief as he comes to terms with his rage, resentment, hurt, and loneliness after losing his mother to cancer. Hearing about someone’s dreams is usually about as interesting as hearing about their celebrity crush, but the author addresses that reservation in the first few pages. From there, Jake’s dreams are an astute reflection of the parts of his life he refuses to examine when he’s an awake. The characters in his dreams take him on fantastical adventures with a wry sense of humor.

Jake also has more ordinary adventures at school and at home. The school bullies are a bit flat, but Jake’s clever methods of handling them are funny and original. Jake has to deal with school presentations, his father’s dating life and his blossoming romantic interest in girls at the same time he’s navigating through his loss. While these problems aren’t out of the ordinary, Jake’s narration keeps them interesting.

On a more personal note, I cried all the way through the last third of this book. My mother died of ovarian cancer in 2010 and Jake’s acknowledgment that he never really believed she would die until the day it happened resonated deeply with me. The different ways each family member reacted to their grief, particularly the younger sister, come to a powerful resolution.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake, Lucid Dreamer is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about a boy learning to deal with the loss of his mother. Although this is a middle grade novel it will appeal to adult readers who can appreciate the wonder years of childhood on the cusp of young adulthood.

Tackling the subject of the loss of a parent from a 12-year-old's perspective is not an easy feat. Author David J. Naiman not only succeeds in doing that but he easily immerses the reader into the world of Jake, a pre-teen who is just starting middle school and is dealing with his anger at losing his mother to cancer, dealing with school bullies, new and old friendships, budding feelings for a girl and his ability to lucid dream.

Although there is a lot going on, and the fantastical element of lucid dreaming adds a whimsical touch to this story, I found the various themes (death, friendship, school life, sibling rivalry) interrelated smoothly and the situations to be realistically portrayed. As a mother of two teens, one being a boy, I was touched and quickly related to the family scenes and could see my own boy in Jake. I also liked that this was an interracial family.

Jake is a great character. He is bright, observant, imaginative and hurting. The story is written from his first person point-of-view and seeing the world through his eyes was insightful, funny, sad, creative and absorbing. As a parent, it reminded me of how children see the world. I loved this book. It was well-written, full of learning moments within the struggles of daily life of a grieving family. The ending brought tears to my eyes.

Highly recommended to readers who love children's literature with universal themes and magical realism. I sincerely hope that the author keeps writing this genre. This book will be on my Best Reads of 2018 list.

Disclosure: Thanks to the author for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

[Damien Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars: The Forgotten Years

I can attest to not knowing how to advise on coping with a death of a family member because of my distance relationship with my own family. With the loss of a parent I can imagine being devastating for any child, the challenges for Jake in “Jake, Lucid Dreamer by David J. Naiman seems overwhelming for any middle schooler, but Jake is an impressive resilient young man navigating life four years after his mother’s death. Dr. Naiman writes vivid dreams and imageries that rounds out the story for enjoyable reading.

I believe sometimes dreams can represent our deepest desires, Jake's dreams foreshadows his waking life the author crafts a portrayal of real life in middle school appealing to young adult readers besides dreams and loss of family Jake, Lucid Dreamer deals with what plagues schools today, "bullies." The issue of bullies and how kids have to face them every day reaches my school hallways in China, I am glad for this book very useable for a class lesson on bullies and lost.

Dr. Naiman wrote a book I can recommend for one of my students because I find many topics my students face to be hard to address given that are so many taboos in China, students are often left to figure things out on their own. Jake, Lucid Dreamer is not only for young readers but adults too; you will walk away with more insights into the forgotten years we tend to gloss over.

[Kathleen Pooler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This coming-of-age young adult novel is told from the point of view of a twelve- year- old boy, Jake, who is grappling with bullies at school and the loss of his beloved mother through cancer. In order to cope, he seeks out answers through his vivid dream world, ultimately learning how to control his feelings and responses to these difficult challenges.

As the grandmother of several middle-school boys, Jake’s voice and story resonated with me. The scenes, dialogue and characters were realistic and believable and the story is engaging and fast paced. Naiman’s storytelling abilities and crisp writing style held me hostage to the pages. This story has a particular meaning to this reader as one of my grandsons experienced bullying in school and although he has moved on from it, I can attest to the harmful effects it has on a young person’s mind to say nothing of what it does to those who love them. In this regard, I found the story relevant for both the middle school age group and the adults in this person’s life.

A compelling, well-crafted, timely story that addresses relevant topics of loss, healthy boundaries and the challenges of coming–of–age in our current society. In addition to being an entertaining read, I recommend it to middle schoolers, teachers, health care providers and parents. It breaks the silence about two devastating scenarios—death of a parent and bullying in school-- that our young people face. If one child is helped by reading it, it will be worth it. I ordered a copy for my grandson.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I wondered how the seemingly disparate stories of Jake's school life, home life, and dream world would relate to one another. But oh my, they did. The author slowly wove them together so beautifully and brought this reader into the minds and hearts of Jake and his family that, by the end of the book, I shed tears of joy. I highly recommend this novel to children and teens who have lost a parent to help them understand and cope with their inevitable complex emotions.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Jake, Lucid Dreamer
Author: David J. Naiman

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 19 readers:
17 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
19 felt it was easy to follow.
18 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
12 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
13 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
17 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘I liked this book very much. I thought it was very sad in parts but ended with hope.’ Girl, aged 8
‘A sad book. It must be so difficult to not have a mum anymore. I think the boy was brave. I also liked how he dreamt so much and how it started to feel real to him. That was clever.’ Boy, aged 11
‘Bullying is a horrible thing particularly when it’s happening to a boy who lost his mum. This was a really interesting book which I enjoyed a lot. I felt I really got to know Jake.’ Boy, aged 10
‘This is much more than a magical adventure. I’s the story of a bot coming to terms with the loss of his mother. Sensitively written.’ Primary teacher, aged 56
‘A boy who is escaping into dreams to not face up to the loss of his mother. Accessible writing style; the characters were described imaginatively as was the setting. I think it will appeal to 9 – 12 year olds. I particularly liked the dad character and how he faced up to loss in such a different way to his son.’ Primary teacher, aged 49

To Sum It Up:
‘The emotional battle of a boy coming to terms with the loss of his mother. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Roxie Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].

‘Jake, Lucid Dreamer’ by David J. Naiman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on April 26, 2018
GIVEN A FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $2.99 on Kindle

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Twelve-year-old Jake has not yet come to terms with the death of his mother four years ago. His grief manifests as misdirected anger and through vivid nightmares. When he realizes he can control himself in the dream world, things begin to change.

Characters from his daily life seep into his dream world -- from his school bully to the girl he crushes on -- but they all appear as animals, never people. His greatest nemesis is a kangaroo named Connor, and no matter what he does, he can’t seem to dodge him.

Through a twisting meld of his dreams and his waking life, Jake learns about loss, grief, and everlasting love. He learns you cannot heal without confronting your grief straight on.

This uncompromising novel is a magical yet honest exploration of emotional healing after a devastating loss.

MY REVIEW:
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I related to this novel on a deeply personal level. I was around Jake’s age when my own mother died (followed by my father three years later), and I began having vivid nightmares shortly afterward. I continue to have them to this day. I can lucid dream on the rare occasion, but not as often or as cohesively as Jake does.

I am still working to overcome the grief of losing my parents. I wish I had been as self-aware as Jake at his age; it wouldn’t have taken me into my thirties to begin to process it all, and my life would have been infinitely better for it.

Naiman does a phenomenal job of portraying what grief both looks and feels like. There were several times in this book where I welled up because it was just so relatable and accurate as to how it feels to be a child of an ill and dying parent.

Jake’s mother dies of cancer. Both of my parents died of AIDS-related complications. My mother from a whole slew of things, and my father from a brain tumor. I know what it feels like to be a helpless kid who’s whole world is in turmoil over stuff you cannot control or fully understand.

I’m not sure if Naiman, himself, lost one of his parents as a child. I sincerely hope not, and if he hasn’t, he’s got a real grasp of what it’s like. And his writing style is smooth and a delight to read. He speaks, somehow, with both of the voice of a traumatized pre-teen boy and a wise adult.

This is a lovely book. It’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. When Jake finally confronts his fears, and what he finds beyond them, is something truly magical. Something that all of us who have lost someone we love long for so very much.

If you’re in the mood for a touching, emotional read that really “gets it”, pick this book up. It won’t disappoint you.

[Brett Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few months ago, I read an eBook called Didn't Get Frazzled, which I enjoyed quite a bit. But it was way too adult to share with my kids, though I would have loved to. If you feel the same way I did, then Jake, Lucid Dreamer is the answer. It's a completely different kind of book, but one that's perfect for kids. Or adults. But really more so kids. There is some light profanity in the text, but no words beginning with the sixth letter of the alphabet. And there's no sex or other material that would be inappropriate for kids.

My biggest complaint about the book is the title. The story itself is great, but I would never pick up a book called "[anything], Lucid Dreamer." It just seems too literal. Imagine if The Catcher in the Rye had been titled "Holden, Prep School Dropout" or "Holden, Floundering Teenager." I doubt I would have four copies of that book around the house, had it been less creatively named.

If you can get past the title, and endure through the Xanth-esque dream sequences, you'll find a great story about dealing with loss and the importance of being introspective enough to identify your own...issues. The dream sequences are important to the story, despite their ridiculousness, and get better as the story progresses.

On top of the dealing-with-loss theme, which is a major story element that isn't immediately obvious and only gradually becomes apparent, there's an interesting look at what it's like to have your feet in multiple cultures (Jake, our story's hero, has a Chinese mother and caucasian father - which is straight from Dr Dave's life, he's a white guy with an Asian wife). There isn't really much discussion of race outside of Jake's own familial observations. It's just an occasional observational thing.

Though I can't say I've ever learned anything from a dream, apparently Jake's ability to dream lucidly has him learning new life lessons just about every night. I was unfamiliar with the concept of "lucid dreaming," but the book does a pretty good job of explaining it (I assume it 's a real thing, but don't know).

The story ends with a scene that will touch you if you have a cardiovascular organ any bigger than a Grinch's. It involves Jake and his little sister and it's a beautiful thing.

So, in summary, two thumbs up for this book. It's probably better suited for kids than adults because of all the ridiculous dream sequences. But if you can suffer through those (or if you love Piers Anthony, as I did in my youth), it will be worth it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when I can review a preteen read. This book is amazing. I would recommend it to every parent of a 10-14-year-old. This story is one I hope Little Man will read when he is older.

There are so many teachable moments and life lessons in this book. It moved me and was written in a way to capture readers of any age. There are swear words but let's face it, any kid in preteenage has probably heard them. However, it was not excessive and played a point in the morals of the story.

Jake is a boy in middle school with a lot on his plate and mind. He has these feelings and isn't sure how to cope. This story takes him on a journey that has him growing up and tackling his obstacles with grace and wisdom. During his struggles, he begins to walk in his dreams. Controlling them and manipulating them to his advantage. Only he finds avoidance isn't the answer and manipulation only leads to bigger issues.

This story also covers when Jake is awake. I loved how well the author captured the family dynamics and friendships. The tweenage is hard. The author shows just how much actions of others and grief can wreak havoc. I think the most beautiful part was at the end when Jake began to heal. He let it all out but also learned its ok to lean on people.

One life lesson I felt stood out is not everyone is going to like you. They may hate you for no reason. How you act and react is what is important.

I read this adventure in a day and would read it again. the emotions, imagery, and story will capture your heart and soul. This blogger gives it 5 point shoes and recommends it for tweens and adults.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire book is amazingly engrossing and enjoyable, plus you just have got to love Jake. A 12-year-old boy who can "sarcasm his way" out of anything, or rather think and use a better method than anger and might to solve his daily problems but just can't face that one truly heartbreaking problem. A great middle-grade story with lots of laughter and fun, plus a pearl of wisdom to hold onto throughout the ages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake, Lucid Dreamer by David J. Naiman is a beautifully written book, and I have little criticism to make about it. Jake, Lucid Dreamer is about a boy named Jake, a middle schooler who lives with his father and his younger sister. He is dealing with grief of losing his mother, and dealing with how his grief affects himself and others around him. He begins his titular lucid dreaming after his twelfth birthday, going into a fantasy world full of sentient animals, all who seem to have very familiar personalities. It is an adventure from start to finish, going back and forth between the real world and Jake’s fantasy world of animals (I’d highly recommend accompanying these dream sequences with Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals).

Naiman’s use of imagery is very thorough and clever. It is almost always animal imagery: Jake has an unsurpassed knowledge of animals compared to his fellow characters, and so animals appear often in his life. In the real world Jake uses similes and cliches, mentioning various animals, such as “if it walks like a duck…” and “game of cat and mouse”, and others. The only physical representations of animals Jake sees in the real world are the Orangutans he must study for his science project, and the little stuffed monkey named “Beenie” that is constantly hanging from his sister’s neck.
The imagery goes deeper when Naiman takes us into Jake’s dream world. Animals end up being a coping mechanism for Jake to deal with his grief. Often people go into a fantasy world in order to cope with issues in the real world - some people get into books or movies; others, like Jake, make up their own using familiar elements. The animal world of Jake’s dreams is (almost) directly parallel to the real world, with a few twists of his own. I do not know if this was intentional, but when reading Jake’s adventures in the dream world I get some wonderful references from, if not the same vibes as The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, in which another adolescent boy is using a fantasy world filled with the personification of concepts and emotions in order to cope with the real world. It is a great connection that adults reading Jake will recognize and love.

Naiman’s style flowed very nicely throughout the story. The transition between the real world and the dream world didn’t feel so turbulent, and the reader might also feel that they were slipping in and out of the dreams along with Jake. I do almost wish the book were a bit longer so that we could see more of the inner workings of Jake’s fantasy world. My one criticism with the style is with Jake’s dialogue, which really wasn’t a serious issue. You could definitely tell it is a teenager talking, though sometimes it seemed more like a thirteen or fourteen year old’s speech than a twelve year old’s (not that twelve year olds can’t be smart-asses, I’m sure I was at that age).
My only other criticism for this book is that I wish the character Will had a longer role. It seemed that in the beginning Will was destined to have a much more involved role, but it didn’t end up this way.

I believe this book will be loved by, and important for, people of all ages. Learning how to express and accept one’s emotions is challenging for both children and adults. This book shows this challenge not only in Jake’s mind, but in other characters’, for example, his father and his younger sister who are also coping with similar grief. Seeing this process develop in Jake’s characters would, I think, help its readers recognize and cope with their own emotions and/or grief. While I was reading this development in Jake’s character, I remember coming to a similar realization, that it is a slow but important process even in my own life. This book also touches on themes of facing one’s fears, learning to ask for help, and connecting with those around you, especially ones whom you love and who love you. All these are important lessons of growing up, and I know adults will appreciate this too, for their kids and for themselves.

Overall Jake, Lucid Dreamer is a fantastic story. The reader will go through all the powerful emotions Jake feels all the way to the ending, which is absolutely heartwarming. Did the ending make me cry? You bet it did, in the best way possible. There need to be more books like this.

[Tamera Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

JAKE LUCID DREAMER BOOK REVIEW by Author Tamera Lawrence

The teen years are a time of growth and change. It’s one of the hardest times for some kids, especially those who are bullied by their peers. And twelve-year old Jake is on the receiving end. After losing his precious mother, Jake has withdrawn into himself, struggling with his feelings and awkward family life. His dad is trying to play both parent roles, while his younger sister seems to be unaffected by their mother’s loss. Jake finds solace deep in the night in his animal dream world, where he is an active participant. He prefers this world where he can be in control but like any healthy child, dreams must end, and with the rising sun, reality begins. School life is hell. Awkward and small, Jake is ostracized by his classmates. This he can handle. It’s the threat of being beaten by the class bully that keeps him on edge. But Jake is slick, and it takes a cunning mind to stay one step ahead of a flying fist.

JAKE LUCID DREAMER by David J Naiman is a heartfelt tale bringing one face to face with memories of their own teen issues while doing so in an entertaining way. Jake is a likable teenage, who one can only admire. The bullying scenes were cringe worthy with one hoping for a resolution. David does a fantastic job of bringing this wonderful boy to life. I highly recommend this tale for teens and young adults.

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.

I loved the scenes that took place while Jake was in school. The way he dealt with his problems was clever. The dreams were interesting, but I liked the real-world parts better. I would read an entire book about Jake and his friends/enemies at school. The scenes at the end were emotional-- I lost my grandmother to cancer, so when he talks about his mom being sick and dying, it got to me. Thenm in that last scene, when he said, "She's my Beenie," I got a little teary.

This book would be a great read to share with a child who has lost a loved one. Jake's emotions feel authentic, and as he works through his anger and sadness, there is a sense of hope that things can get better, no matter how bad it seems.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Another stressful day of school with all those annoying people. No wonder I only ever dream about animals.’

Maryland author David J. Naiman graduated from Wesleyan University then earned his medical degree at New York University School of Medicine and trained in the primary care internal medicine program at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. JAKE, LUCID DREAMER is actually his second novel: for his initial debut – DON’T GET FRAZZLED, a terrific, hilarious novel about life as a medical students - he elected to use the name David Z. Hirsch MD as a nom de plume. Now the good doctor has directed is writing talent to children’s literature to pursue the themes of family, friendship and the magic of childhood while continuing to serve the public as a primary care physician.

Fortunately for those of us who loved his debut novel, that same degree of humor and imagination and intense interest in family function and interaction continues in this book that is directed towards the age 9 – 13 range. And it still is a book and story idea that is appealing to caring adults! As for his title, A lucid dream is a dream during which the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming. During lucid dreaming, the dreamer may be able to exert some degree of control over the dream characters, narrative, and environment.

Much of David’s gift is centered on finely skilled prose and even his opening words in the book document that fact: ‘Few experiences are more exciting than your own dreams. Even fewer are more tiresome than listening to someone else’s, but hang with me for a sec. This isn’t what you think. I wait behind the curtains of a stage next to a bunny who is juggling mice. I’m supposed to go on next, and I have absolutely no idea what I’m going to perform. Whenever I try to think up an idea, the bunny misses her catch and the mouse hits the floor, giving off a dull squeak. You can imagine how distracting this is. Then I realize that I’m practically naked. The only thing between me and total embarrassment is my flimsy underwear. By now I should have figured out that I’m dreaming – what can be more obvious than the underwear bit? – but I don’t. I’m too nervous about having to go on stage next to worry about what is and isn’t normal. That’s the funny thing about dreams: the ridiculous seems perfectly reasonable until the moment after you wake up. Then it happens. I’m stressed out about my turn, clueless to the absurdity of bunnies juggling mice or, for that matter, the seagulls crossing swords with the cows or even the chimpanzees twirling in their tutus. My moment comes when the penguin tells me it’s time for me to go on stage. In an absolute panic, I say no. “No,” I say. Just to be clear, I mean that I say no – not the dream version of me shaking in my underwear by the stage but me, the guy in bed thinking up this nonsense for whatever reason we all dream. And when I say no, everything changes. The dream haze lifts, and my vision becomes super clear like when I first got glasses. I move my arms and stare at my hands as though I’m an alien inhabiting a new body. And just to be clear, when I say I move my arms, I mean that I do this – not the dream version of me but the actual, well, you get the idea. My point is that I can control myself in the dream, and this is the coolest thing I have ever done. Ever. True, that’s not saying much since I’m only a seventh grader, but it’s still very cool.’

Jake is the actor on the stage we have just met and his story is summarized as follows – ‘12-year-old Jake has been suppressing his heartbreak over the loss of his mother for the past four years. But his emotions have a way of haunting his dreams and bubbling to the surface when he least expects it. When Jake learns how to take control in his dreams, he becomes a lucid dreamer, and that’s when the battle really heats up. Using his wits to dodge bullies by day and a nefarious kangaroo hopping ever closer by night, Jake learns about loss, bravery, the power of love, and how you cannot fully heal until you face your greatest fear. This uncompromising novel is a magical yet honest exploration of emotional healing after a devastating loss.’

The balance between reality and fantasy is so secure that this novel steps David further onto the platform of important writers of Young Adult (for lack of a better moniker) literature. Lucid dreams are a reality, family tragedies and the associated coping mechanisms are a reality, but David blends these facts with enough fantasy that his novel genuinely sings. Highly Recommended.

[Alyssa Chaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out this review and others at my blog Too Many Ideas !

A special thank you to Netgalley and Kwill Books for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

David J Naiman's Jake, Lucid Dreamer features Jake, his little sister, and his dad four years after his mom died. Jake is just now coping with his mother's death and moving on from the emotions he has kept bottled up about it through his dreams.

I thought the plots concerning Jake at school were really interesting, and I definitely enjoyed them. His interactions with other characters really portray his wittiness, especially when he is dealing with the school bullies. He is quick on his feet and a great problem solver. I really enjoyed Jake's character. He was sarcastic and had a lot of zingers, but also is able to grow and recognize some of his flaws by the end of the book. His conversations with Aiden, which only happen a few times, are absolutely fascinating as Jake begins to realize ways that he can change for the better.

Jake reminds me a lot of a friend of mine who lost his mom when he was in fourth grade in terms of behaviors, especially that towards the father beginning to date again. Jake's grief is really well written and many of his choices that he later realizes he should try to change are still realistic. It was a really powerful book about grief and authentic to the middle school experience as a whole.

However, I really did not like the dreams. A couple of them were amusing, but for the most part, they just annoyed me, took me out of what was going on, and seemed to contribute nothing major to the rest of the book, especially when Jake and his dad have a conversation that explains why certain things in the dreams were popping up. Sure, I guess that these dreams start Jake down the right path, but I feel like there should have been something else. I found myself wishing that the dream would be over so that I could get back to the rest of the plot. The idea was good but the two plots just seemed disjointed and this one was unable to go all the way through.

There is a lot of representation within this book, which is always nice. Jake is half Korean, and Jessica is half black. But some of it just really seemed forced. At one point, the bullies are talking crap about Will and Jake, saying that they are gay and Jake says something about how he went to a wedding between two men last summer. The sentence just seemed really out of place and did not belong in the context of that scene at all.

It was an alright read and if you like this type of thing, then this book would definitely be worth your time, even if you don't typically read middle grade. But for me, I just wanted some more consistency. I really did like some of the plots though, enough to want to finish this book. I liked parts of it, but apparently, this book just was not for me.

[Indie Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams… for the dreamer, they’re a fascinating and magical journey through their own subconscious, but to have someone else tell you about their dreams is notoriously dull. With this in mind, David Naiman has taken something of gamble by giving us a book in which at least half of the action takes place in the dreams of the eponymous Jake. However, it is a gamble that pays off, and the many dream sequences which makes up much of the book are artfully linked to Jake’s waking life to deliver a story which is touching, sad, and funny in equal measure.

Jake has a lot of challenges to deal with: at home, at school, with his family, and with his teachers and classmates. Life is not going smoothly, and his antagonistic attitude to the world helps keep it that way. He wants to feel like he doesn’t need help from friends or family, and even if they try to get close, the anger inside of Jake keeps pushing them away. Could his dreams hold the key to resolving some of the problems that are weighing him down, and leading a happier life? Maybe, but whatever Jake tries to do in the dream world, a certain kangaroo always seems to be holding him back. Maybe we all have a stern kangaroo inside of us, dragging us down to the basement when all we want to do is soar through the clouds.

This book doesn’t try to be a new Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, which captures the magic of dreaming so joyfully it may never be matched. This is no playful jaunt through a fantasy land, waking up just in time for jam tarts – it’s a story that deals with some very real-life issues, and it does so with skill and sensitivity. I flew through it no time, enjoying every page, and I’d rate it as the best indie book I’ve read so far this year.

Highly recommended for both teens and adults, and especially anyone who’s experienced the loss of a loved one. Read this book!

[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you could control your dreams, would you ever come back to the uncontrollable and unforgiving reality?

Jake is a 12 year old boy battling the hostile territory of middle school while also learning how to cope with the death of his mother. Naturally, anger builds up and his denial of being “not okay” threatens to tear him away from his family, not physically, but emotionally.

Jake, Lucid Dreamer is now a permanent addition to my library. There are so many life lessons to be taught in this short book, but it teaches them flawlessly and in a simple, relatable, and entirely understandable way, especially for middle graders.

Jake is a troubled boy, but he is smart, he is compassionate, and he’s real with himself and others. The challenges he gives himself, and overcomes, provide a good example for middle graders to combat their problems creatively and in a way that actually solves the problems, not just tucks them away in a corner for a later day.

I enjoyed the wit displayed by multiple characters. The family qualities. The craziness of Jake’s dreams. And the puns. Oh, the puns!

It’s clean, funny, well written, and full of family values and life lessons. The only thing I feel the need to mention is that some of Jake’s dreams get a little weird (for example, in one dream a character suddenly vomits a bunch of hands…). None of his dreams ever turned horror or anything though, characters just did some weird things; as will happen in any dream.

Overall, I really loved this book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.

This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.

[Energy Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake is a 12-year-old who lost his mother over 4 years ago, he's also full of a lot of anger. His anger has pushed his friends away, has made it hard to communicate with his father and his sister, and is like a heavy weight around his shoulders. Through Jake's dreaming, he explores entire worlds and characters that make frequent appearances. The difference is that Jake is a lucid dreamer, he can control his words and actions inside the dreams. Unfortunately, just as in school, his dreams have bullies too, and Jake is unsure how to handle it. He's presented with a challenge in his recurring dreams and he's scared to face it. But he's warned, he must face the challenges, bully or not.

Naiman hit on some serious issues in Jake, Lucid Dreamer that affect children and adults alike, such as bullying, communication, and healing after loss with the guilt, sadness, and anger that come with it. Even through his anger, Jake was a strong character. His father, sister, and the kids at school all played important roles in his life and his dreams. His mother was a constant presence even though she had passed.

The story was well laid out and carried strong messages of healing. That when we reach out, we find allies. In parents, in friends that have suffered a loss in one way or another, and through his friend whose parents went through a divorce. When Jake started letting go of his anger, he was able to start letting more in and Naiman did a great job in telling it all. Jake, Lucid Dreamer is very well done, an encouraging and thoughtful read for any age.

[Jill Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely lovely and deftly crafted story this was! It was highly deceptive in its deliverables - a very poignant and masterfull-created journey through life, death, and the aftermath of both masquerading (for much of the book) as a lighthearted tale about unusual dreams and anger-management...

Jake lost his mother. Literally and figuratively. And he's lost himself, trying to live every day as though this loss is (a) bearable, (b) not crushing him, and (c) not responsible for his reactions to everyone and everything around him. Naiman brings the anxiety, anguish, and angst of the loss of a parent into Technicolor focus with his descriptions of Jake and his gloriously unusual and beautifully eccentric dreams. He deals with bullies at school, his own maelstrom of anger and resentment toward his surviving family members, and his burgeoning feelings about a friend. He tries to rationalize or ignore his feelings - particularly anger and guilt - in a way that reads in a thoroughly authentic kid-voice but is also exceptionally relatable to adults. This is not just about how a (chronological) child deals with the death of a parent. It's about how anyone does - young or old, when it happens we are all children losing our parents and the pain is just as sharp because the loss is just as powerful, even if for very different reasons.

This was a gorgeous, painful, sweet, delicately balanced tale. As I worked my way through the end there were tears running down my face. It was beautiful in its straightforward explanations and acceptances of all of the emotions surrounding death, from anguish to anger, grief to guilt. Kudos to you, David J. Naiman...

My review copy was provided via Kindle Unlimited. A special thank you to the author for contacting me and asking if I would be interested in taking a look at it - I was, and am a different person for it.

[Clemency · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adults have a tendency to talk down to children. It's like they reach 18 and their inner patroniser awakens. I can honestly say, however, that this book does not do this. Pure, raw emotion is encouraged in this book. This book gives children some excellent growing-up tips, especially if the child has had a raw deal such as losing a family member.

The story is written with sensitivity. At times, I was gulping back tears so, yes, this is a book that will have children and adults welling up. Jake's feelings are realistic and understandable after his mother died, and his angst is fitting for the situation (and age group!)

The pace of the story is fitting for a MG novel. There is no point in the story that seems like it's dragging. This makes for an easy-reading experience.

The character of Jake is well developed but characters like the school colleagues seemed to vanish after a while. This meant that the ending wasn't entirely satisfactory. It didn't seem like a full story without the conclusion of the middle school story-line that seemed so important at the beginning.

Whether or not this was a deliberate decision to show the things that really matter, I don't know. However, I do feel that just one scene towards the end of the book, which featured Jake's school acquaintances, would have been beneficial to the overall story.

On the whole, however, this was a really good book which left me feeling fortunate and enriched.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake is having a hard time processing the sudden loss of his mother four years ago. The twelve year old has anger issues, vivid dreams, the stress of dealing with his home life, and he is getting bullied at school. The dreams seem to be an extension of the events that he is going through in real life. But then he figures out a way to affect the dreams and change the outcomes. As he starts working through his dreams we find that he is finding solutions to his waking problems too.

This is a great story that will appeal to kids and adults. Jake is having a hard time working through his grief over his mother. The loss of someone close is very hard and this is well written. There is no simple way to deal with this and Jake is clearly lost. I feel that dreams are an extension of our waking life and in this story they play a huge role with Jake to start processing his loss.

This is a quick yet powerful read. It’s hard to try and help someone that has gone through such a tough loss. We can listen to them, relate, and be there when they need help but we can’t really help them simply get over it. This books is a great example of this and I think a wonderful read for all ages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

[Harold · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love children, read

Jake, The Lucid Dreamer
This early teen matured in his feeling by using his dreams in a special way. After finishing reading I needed to better understand lucid dreaming.
An expert asked “What does ‘lucid dreaming’ mean?” Even though the term "lucid" means clear, lucid dreaming is more than just having a clear dream. To have a lucid dream you must know that it’s a dream while you’re dreaming. That's it. It doesn't require that you can control anything in your dream, though control is what beginning lucid dreamers often aim at. People get attracted to lucid dreaming because they want to be able to do things they could never do in waking reality, for example, taste fire or fly to the sun. More and more experienced lucid dreamers are realizing the benefits of lucid dreaming. You can use it to explore the boundaries of your own agency and the limits of the universe.
After Jake lost his mother to cancer he used anger and dreaming to attempt to adjust. This helped but it was only after he shared his loses with his sister and father did he adjust to them.
Any one of us will profit from sharing in Jake’s loss.

[Dan Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just emailed David Naiman to thank him for sending me a copy of “Jake, Lucid Dreamer” for my review. I told him I’d take a day or so to find the right words; words which might do justice to this great novel. I lied. No sooner the email whooshed away I started tapping on my iPad. I was that excited.

That he’s a great writer there is no doubt. I told him how I compared his novel with another book that touched my heartstrings: David Wroblewski’s “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.” Both novels show their authors’ incredible understanding of the depth of human sadness. Yes, I cried at the end. But I cannot tell you why without spoiling it for you.

This novel’s genre has been described as “middle grades” and a “coming of age.” I suppose there’s something to that because it deals with a twelve year old boy awakening in middle school. It’s about his vivid dreams, school bullies, a promising first love, and a family fractured by the mother’s death.

Can I pretty please give it Six Stars? OK. Nevermind. I understand the evils of literary inflation. Five incredibly well deserved Stars.

[Susan Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle School (which was called Jr. High when I went there) has all the snares, dangers and weirdness it has always had. As did many of us during those years, outside of school were other problems and they often proved overwhelming. We felt that no one else could possibly understand, so we struggle with our problems alone. One of Jake's greatest talents is his ability to think very fast, frequently averting disaster by saying just the right thing on the spot, something I greatly admire. His deepest and most painful issue he keeps to himself; but his mind gives him another way to cope with the situation through his dreams. Our dreams can connect us to something painful we need to deal with in order to heal and learn This is a book that may well become a classic. It deserves to become one.

[Linda "Lilybug's Library" · Rating 5 out of 5]

A coming of age novel told by a 12 year old boy who has lost his mother to cancer. The character of jake is well crafted. The reader can feel his emotional struggle and anger over his mother's death and the trials of middle school. He has vivid dreams where he learns to control many of the things happening to him. In his day to day life, however, things often feel very out of control. He is dealing with bullying at school and the strong emotions of grief. He doesn't want to tell his father everything he is feeling, and is trying to deal with it all on his own.

This is a young adult book, but anyone who has ever lost a loved one can relate to the turmoil of emotions that Jake is feeling. I think it would be a great addition to middle school libraries and classrooms.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. When I received this book from the author I was so excited. I am glad the author picked me to read this books. This book was very well written and it had my emotions all over the place. I felt a lot for Jake and there were times I got a little angry that he did not seem to notice his father and sister were suffering too. I know that he was going through a lot. Like the bullying during the day and the dreams that he is learning to controlling during the night. This book made me feel so much and I know the loss of a parent. It made me relate to this book more.