Java Wake

by Mike O'Quin Jr.

Stephen Cranton's mid-life crisis is coming on a decade too early. On a business trip to Indonesia, he evaluates his heartless life after getting challenged by an obnoxious adventure guide on his flight. Soon after landing, Stephen tries to spice up his stale life with a brazen act of spontaneity. Bad move. His impulsiveness sets off a chain of events that leaves in its wake new friends and enemies, along with his wife who is longing for love and desperate enough to fly to Java for a last-ditch marriage intervention. Stephen finds he is desperate enough already, living inside a nightmare that he can't seem to escape. But will the ordeal be enough to wake up his sleeping heart?

411 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2015

About the author

Mike O'Quin Jr. lived in Indonesia for 14 years with his family, where he served as a a social entrepreneur and was involved with community development. He is the author of "Java Wake," a travel suspense novel set there which Kirkus Reviews called "an atmospheric debut." His second book, "Growing Desperate" is about God meeting us in the broken places of our lives and sending us out with His hope into a desperate world. His third book, "Unearthing Heaven," is about finding deeper life motivation by imagining a more vivid and rewarding eternity.

Mike studied journalism and psychology at Baylor University and completed a master's degree in organizational psychology at William James College. He is passionate about helping people and teams reach their fullest potential and seeing God's glory revealed in the least likely places.

He is happily married to his high school sweetheart Stephanie and they have four children, ranging from middle school to college-aged and beyond. He loves hearing and telling stories with friends around tables at good meals, and can still make all of his kids’ eyes roll with his corny dad jokes.

You can find and follow Mike on:

Twitter @mikeoquin
Instagram @mikeoquin
Blog: mikeoquin.com

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining page-turner that followed several interesting characters and introduce me (an American) to the people and country of Indonesia. Clearly a lot of care was taken by the author to flesh out what characters that could have easily devolved into caricatures. I found it an engaging read over my summer vacation.

[Paula Berinstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating thriller that would make a great movie.

[Esther Cann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected

I thought it gave a good view of first impressions of Indonesia as well as some cultural glimpses into everyday living. There was fast moving adventure and humor throughout as well as thought provoking questions. I liked the character development too.

[Ben Gumienny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced and well plotted. I was invested in the characters and their storylines. Authentic to my own experience in Indonesia and SEA. A page turner that kept me riveted to the end.

[Deborah F. Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, but.....

I did enjoy it reading this book. Lots of humor, intrigue, twists and turns. However, there are sections that I found too descriptive and dragged on and on that I quickly scanned to get back to the storyline.
I do recommend this book. Maybe could use some editing to shorten some passages.

[Linda Clay-Long]

Superb!

Wow! One of the very best stories ever! From the first pages, I was caught up in both the characters and the plot! Can't wait for his next offering!

[Constance Bestwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best novels I've ever read! Since the author lived in Indonesia, the authentic flavor made it all the better.