When The Rain Stops

by John Callas, David R. Lewis (Editor)

A young man rises from the ghetto and struggles against neglect and abuse to become a Hollywood director. My father died ten days after my third birthday and I grew up in a ghetto. The neighborhood was unforgiving, I got into trouble, and my mother sent me away to military school when I was twelve. Life didn’t get any better for a long time. Facing my experiences was too painful at first, so I wrote When The Rain Stops as a novel. But that seemed dishonest, and I started again and wrote my story, about my journey from scared ghetto-kid to Hollywood director.

Genres: Nonfiction

299 pages, Paperback

Published April 26, 2021

Reviews

[Sandra J Jackson]

Growing up in the ghetto is tough. And when John’s mother sends him off to military school, he is left feeling like he isn’t wanted anymore and so begins his journey into depression.

When the Rain Stops by John Callas is thought provoking, emotional, compelling and despite its serious nature, has a smattering of humour. The author interjects some insight as he tells his real-life story about his early years, the bullying he suffered, the injustices he witnessed, and his attempted suicide.

I noticed while reading this story that there were people who reached out to John, and showed him they cared in every step of his journey. I felt like they were true guardian angels for him, and while John couldn’t see it at first, there was always someone on his side, wanting to help. Thankfully, he came to this realization. He met people who showed him a different way of thinking, and he took that positive energy and turned his life around for the better.

This truly is an uplifting story and I believe this perspective may help someone who is struggling.

[Elizabeth Jean]

It's a book that is really raw and very transparent. A read that takes you through the life of John. Taking you through his anger, depression, and feeling abandoned by many. A story of absolute transparency. I give this book five stars for the reasons above. I highly recommend this book to someone looking for a story of raw truth and no sugarcoating shit at all. Well done, John. Thanks for being a voice of a difference.

[Victoria]

An unflinching, powerful, deeply moving and raw memoir about growing up in extremely hostile/abusive circumstances.

John Callas, is forced to forge his own identity in this remarkable story of family, grief, resilience and endurance!

Bright and bravely written, this must-read, teaches growth and healing following post-traumatic stress experiences.