Jim Surmanek’s Books
Twelve Journeys
Life is a breathtaking odyssey that stretches between the bookends of birth and death, rarely unfolding in a simple, straight line. We face unexpected twists, towering obstacles, and unforeseen detours along the way. Our road winds unpredictably, nudging us toward new directions—some leading to triumph, others to heartbreak. While countless environmental forces shape this journey, the people we encounter – the ones we love, admire or even loathe – become the true architects of our turns.
These stories unveil twelve distinct journeys, each bound by a shared thread: intervention at critical, life-altering moments. Perhaps it’s the influence of people, the force of circumstances, or something more profound—something divine. These tales invite you to explore the intersections where destiny, choice, and the extraordinary converge.
The Turn
Lifelong friends Brian and David encounter metaphors and relive memories that molded their lives while they play what might be their last game of golf together. They struggle to solve their problems with golf and the game of life when a turn of events enlightens them and offers solutions.
Branigan - If at First
A year after he was decorated as a hero for preventing a horrendous terrorist attack and saving millions of lives, Branigan faced an emotionally charged career crisis as a counterterrorism agent. At the same time, his nemesis, Fattal, struggled to balance patriotism and ego. During a cold and snowy New York City winter, they meet again, each dealing with their dilemmas. Seemingly having his back is DeSilva, a recruit with the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau who Branigan discovers is coping with her demons. Raheeq, Fattal’s trusted cohort in terrorism, makes a discovery that questions his loyalty to Fattal. Filled with twists and turns and peppered with humor, this Part II of the Branigan duology presents several unexpected climaxes.
Random Writings By An Octogenarian
Did you ever write a poem, a story, or a letter that you held on to for one reason or another?
Then, one day, you trip across it, and it evokes memories of what happened at that time. You smile at the words you wrote and almost relive your feelings. It gives you pause to look at your past life – your joys, sorrows, mistakes, and accomplishments.
Branigan - The Needs Of The Few
