The Rider

by Charles Simpson

Janusz Zalewski dies at the age of 65 while taking one of the morning walks he enjoys so much. As he dies, he is not too upset, though; he lived a good life. He married a loving woman, raised healthy children, worked hard, and believed in God. The year is 1915 and the world is already moving too fast for him, so he isn't concerned about not seeing it move even faster. As he takes his last breath, he is excited about reuniting with his wife at the pearly gates--but that doesn't happen. Instead, Janusz wakes up in the body of a newborn with all of his memories and feelings intact. The only thing that is not with him is the ability to move as he once did or even talk. As confusion and panic set in, he realizes this is only the beginning of his struggles. Starting over from scratch with an entire existence worth of baggage will be a challenge that may break him. As the years go on, the struggles only increase. Janusz experiences death again, but this time at a much earlier age. Just as before, he wakes up in the body of a newborn and is devastated to learn that the last instance was not a one-time glitch. Janusz quickly realizes that he is caught in a cycle of dying and starting over again, but always with the consciousness of his first life. Unfortunately, the experiences of his other lives do not fade into oblivion with each new birth; they only add on to the emotional scars he always must carry. During these lives, he discovers that what had worked in previous lives, don't necessarily work in the current life he lives. His mindset and worldview are challenged continuously, and at times he feels his sanity could break. Struggling for answers, but most of the time, just struggling to survive, Janusz travels through the years unsure of what the future holds or even when it will end.

326 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2020

About the author

Charles Simpson was born and raised in Michigan but left home at the age of 17 to join the United States Air Force and see the world. He credits his international lifestyle with opening his mind and giving him an appreciation for different cultures. He has lived in Japan, Korea, Italy, Germany, and Turkey and has traveled extensively on five of the continents. Even though he is now retired from active duty, he continues to call the world his home. He is a man of many passions: music, surfing, languages, motorcycles, biking, aviation, and art. Charles currently lives in Hawaii with his wife Jess, who shares his love of travel, and their two Chihuahuas. "The Rider" is his first novel.

Reviews

[Jess LaGassey-Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Rider" is one of those books that I consider "life changing." It addresses social injustice, shattered dreams, opening one's mind, and takes the reader on the main character's (named Janusz) journey of self-discovery as he adjusts to different challenges during each "ride" he takes. I loved how we saw Janusz go from being a stubborn man with a firm mindset and grew as a character to be more open-minded and find out that his way of thinking/living was not the only way. I found myself empathizing with the main character(s) so strongly that I was moved to tears for a good part of the book. I also found myself getting very emotional when talking to friends about it! If a book can move a person to tears like that and make you THINK -- then the author has accomplished something that will make this unique tale stand out over many others. The story is eloquently written yet it's very easy to follow along; I think this makes people who aren't typically big readers WANT to continue reading. The chapters are just long enough where it makes it simple to stop and take a "pause" if needed. I found myself visualizing each scene and could easily see this being made into a movie or, even better, a 6 or 8 part Netflix limited series! I've now read "The Rider" three times and consider it one of my favorite books and one that I will read again and again. This is a story that gives us hope for our own futures. If you're going to read just ONE book in your life, make sure it's "The Rider." You will NOT be disappointed.

[Jessica Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a strong 3. I enjoyed the book very much. Some sections were extremely difficult subject matter to read but others were more relatable. This novel is definitely intended as a moral story. It reads more like a self-published book than a super polished book.

[Katie Facklam · Rating 5 out of 5]

My #1 fav book of 2020.

The Rider is the best book I’ve read in several years and I am an avid reader. Hands down!! If you love feeling all emotions from a read, then this book is for you!! I felt the whole range of human emotion as I went on this journey; confusion, joy, tenderness, fear, horror, relief, happiness, contemplation, inspiration, admiration and so many others... ending with a total WHOA moment. I was left completely inspired.

I was working 12 hr shifts and read this book in four days. I gave it to a friend who read it in three days. My sister (who isn’ta reader) borrowed it after I raved about it and finished it in two days!!!! My mother just read and finished in four days. My point: YOU CANNOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!

Simpson writes eloquently and his character development rivals Steinbeck and Doig in my opinion. The plot is so well developed and supported it’s impossible to believe this is a first novel! Oprah needs this indescribable work to shake up that book club of hers!!

The current state of affairs in the United States is tumultuous. The Rider was released in the middle of a global pandemic and was written well before it’s release, yet touches on so many current realities. I have had deep conversations sparked by those who had read this book with me about faith, civil liberties, social injustices, servitude and the the importance of kindness, always. Deep, people!! But...it is presented in such a manner that you don’t realize at first that you’re getting schooled on all of these incredibly important topics! I can’t count how many “Whoa” moments I had while pouring through this novel.

So, in summation, do yourself a solid and buy this book. You can thank me and my sweet review later. ;)
#charlessimpsonisarockinwriter

[Ryan Family · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an incredible Story! It is hard to grip my attention but "The Rider" was all I could think about finishing as I went about my day. This story is so well written and so natural to read that I am not sure that I can believe that Mr. Simpson is a first time author. This book is fascinating and unlike anything I have ever read before. If you are looking for something different...this is it!

The characters have such dimension, personality, and purpose. Each person that Janusz comes back in each of his 'rides' as, seamlessly ties into one another. The issues that each character faces are so diverse and true to life that it is easy to forget that they are characters. This is a book that I fully expect to be in the top 10 this year. I was captivated from the very beginning. This is a MUST READ! You are officially my favorite author. I cannot wait for your next one so get to it please! Bravo Mr. Simpson. Bravo!

[Heather Follett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going on this ride with Janusz was a pure delight. The writing along with the actual story and plot line were overwhelming....in a good way. I have never read anything like "The Rider" before. There isn't a book like it out there. It stands out all on it's own and is incredible that this is Charles Simpson's first novel.

Each page was thrilling and I couldn't seem to turn the pages fast enough. With each "ride" Janusz is searching for an answer. And as the story progressed, I felt myself rooting for our hero to find his meaning, but also not wanting the ride to ever end. It was an incredible story, expanding over 100 years and rich with history.

I would give ten stars if allowed. I love LOVE this story. I hope we see more from this debut author.

[Marion Malsbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about a man called Janusz Zelewski who dies at the very beginning of the story. He is reborn as a tiny helpless baby and then over and over again through multiple lives.
He has many different experiences as he passes through the world and many of them are not pleasant.
Each reincarnation teaches him different lessons.

While there were definitely moments that touched my heart, I found this book a little too moralistic and it felt more like a "How to live and improve your life."

[Tim Eagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Debut Novel

Great read and a really good first novel. I really look forward to more from Charles Simpson! Characters were well thought out. The idea and plot was loaded with imagination and creativity!

[Christina Callahan]

Get ready for the ride. This was an awesome read! I really loved how Charles enterwined the lives of Janusz's one to the other. The experiences he faces as seen through the lens of his original life are compelling. The story is well written and flows so easily I finished it in one day because I couldn't put it down! Definitely a great introduction for a new author.