“Train Thoughts” the title enough could pique one’s interest. It causes readers to question what terminology of “train” the author is implying. Is he referring to a locomotive? Or is he indicating how one can train their thoughts? Due to the versatility within these pages, there is no wrong answer.
Upon seeing the cover, its image hints that a train will set the stage. But, as one reads, the text does reveal the idea of trained thought. Supporting this statement is the quote, “The mind is a very powerful thing. You’d be surprised at how much it can get you through.” Stressing significance, this quote appears as a constant reminder throughout the book. It suggests, if one wills their train of thought enough then reality and fantasy can blur.
“Train Thoughts” opens with bleak heavyheartedness. Written in first person, the narrator speaks about the murder of his wife, Vicky. Grief stricken, many negative revelations hit him in a short time. Among them, he realizes he will never receive closure on Vicky's death. Furthermore, he realizes this tragedy has interrupted his everyday pattern of life. Specifically, this concerns the life he led with Vicky and the pattern of living they shared.
Trapped in a state of melancholy, he attempts trudging forward to resume a normal life. By routine, his morning begins with a two hour train commute to work. During this commute, he will sometimes read. Though he spends most of his ride eavesdropping and living vicariously through passengers.
Among them, he has developed an infatuation with a group of friends, Sheila, Neil, and Frank. Aside from the friends, he is smitten by a separate couple, Gina and Rob. Although he has never spoken to any of these people, he considers them his friends. Because of his observations, he is aware of their routines and habits.
When he arrives at work, most people in his office feel like he has returned too soon and hasn’t had the time to grieve. While at his profession, his pestering co-worker, Julie, visits. In short time, she presents an overbearing and obsessive personality, one that seems like she harbors a fatal attraction towards him. After brushing off her advances, he continues focusing on his duties and himself.
Once all characters are set, the nightmares begin. At first, the visions are nothing more than disturbing imagery. Yet, as the book advances, these nightmares become a window into the death of those he holds dear. In reality, a maniac is killing his friends in correlation to his dreams. Upon detecting a pattern, the narrator tries to stay one step ahead of the murderer.
Over time, the narrator becomes convinced he shares his commute with the maniac. With this revelation, he becomes more observant to other passengers. Doing so, the narrator discovers a mysterious man shares his ride. This enigmatic character, who the narrator calls, Shawn, is a calculating introvert. Like the narrator, Shawn also eavesdrops and observes other passengers.
Daily, as the narrator's friends dwindle, his suspicions against Shawn grow. Based on dreams and instinct alone, it is now up to the narrator to investigate. From here, the plot becomes a high speed game of cat and mouse.
For observant readers, there are symbolic hidden messages that regard the killer's identity. These clues appear in the narrator’s nightmares. By dream interpretation, the following symbols are relevant. This includes: rats, wasps, snakes, scorpions, and spiders. Also, in dreams, the killer's weapons are a switchblade and a staff that appears as Vicky’s severed arm.
Character wise, the entire cast suffers from depression or disorders. For example, the narrator is unable to ever pull himself out of grief. Although he has the opportunity to better himself, he chooses to live in sadness. Eventually, he suffers from obsession and alcoholism. Aside from the narrator, Sheila has an eating disorder. Neil exaggerates the truth to seem interesting. Frank maintains a smile, although he always seems like he is on the verge of crying. Gina and Rob are an unmarried couple. Despite their contentment, one can sense they have commitment issues. Last, Julie’s character displays sexual repression.
Once becoming familiar with everyone's disorders, I noticed something more important. If one combines each individual's downfall, these troubles construct the narrator's overall personality. Examples: Sheila’s food obsession is equivalent to the narrator’s alcoholism. Neil’s verbal exaggerations parallel the narrator’s emotional exaggerations. Frank’s fake happiness matches the narrator’s ability to mask his own depression. Gina and Rob’s commitment issues reflect the narrator’s unstable relationships. Julie’s promiscuity bares similarities to the narrator’s own sex life. Last, Shawn shares the narrator’s greatest qualities… being an introvert and a loner.
After connecting these characteristics, there is but one conclusion. The narrator sees fragments of depression in each passenger. Upon recognizing these disorders, he relates to each individual. This connection is what encourages the narrator to call these strangers his friends.
Above all, “Train Thoughts” presents two separate themes. One is the power of the mind. Mind power receives justification through the narrator doing what is necessary to survive. He presents the idea of distancing oneself from the horrors of the external world to remain sane. This method also speaks of denial. Not only the denial of one’s surroundings, but the denial of one’s actions.
A second theme stresses that humans are creatures of habit. Once something breaks routine, the subject becomes lost. This leaves the subject questioning how to pick up the pieces and continue life uninterrupted.
When I purchased “Train Thoughts,” I received more than what I bargained for. To sum up this book, I would have to call it the bastard child of William S. Burroughs’s “Naked Lunch” and L. Ron Hubbard’s “Fear.” If one has read those two books, you know exactly what you’re getting into. Not every day does a work of horror art like "Train Thoughts" pull into station. I highly recommend this trippy commute that pays homage to old school horror literature. "Train Thoughts" is for adults only.
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