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The Dream Journal of J.D. Solomon Paperback – January 19, 2023

by Joshua Smith (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 19 ratings
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“Impressively and consistently written in high style, and with the ghosts of P. G. Wodehouse and J. D. Salinger hovering over his shoulder, in The Dream Journal of J. D. Solomon, Joshua Smith has fashioned a fanciful and free-wheeling farce for the twenty-first century.” —Robin Lippincott, author of Blue Territory: A Meditation on the Life and Art of Joan Mitchell

"Joshua Smith's The Dream Journal of J.D. Solomon is a vertiginous joy ride of a read—surreal, hilarious, often mind-blowing, written in prose that provides a refreshing rush with every turn of the page." –Peter Duval, Author of Rear View and The Deposition

The Dream Journal of J.D. Solomon follows J.D. Solomon--a drifting insomniac, valetudinarian, and antiquarian--and his surreal hijinks around and through the bowels of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Himself a man out of time, J.D. encounters the wasteland of our contemporary era with decorous horror, whilst haunted by the memory of his lost childhood home. Whether aiding an old friend in abandoning his haunted digs, evading a vengeful military recruiter, or abetting himself in an homicidal historical society, J.D. contends with delusion and accounts along the way the jaunts and journeys of his madcap year until its divine end.
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  1. Print length
    218 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    January 19, 2023
  4. Dimensions
    5 x 0.55 x 7 inches
  5. ISBN-13
    979-8374078503
  6. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BSP6VSJW
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (January 19, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 218 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8374078503
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.55 x 7 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 19 ratings

About the author

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Joshua Smith

Joshua Smith

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Joshua Smith is a writer, editor, linguist, and teacher based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from West Chester University’s Bachelor of English Literature program—wherein he concentrated on the aesthetic value within the works of Shakespeare and James Joyce—he attained a Master of Fine Arts in Fiction from Spalding University’s School of Professional and Creative Writing. He is a dedicated humorist, satirist, and surrealist with a particular interest in rhetoric, prose, and finely written wit.

He is also the proprietor of the website The Ways to Wit, whereon he undertakes humorous investigations on the curiosities of English language and its literature.

Presently, he is writing a collection of humorous essays titled The Ways to Wit, to be published in 2024, that analyzes the elements of wit found in such eminent humorists as Evelyn Waugh, Mark Twain, and P.G. Wodehouse.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
19 global ratings
An impressive mental release
5 Stars
An impressive mental release
Similar to running your favorite wooded trail on a sunny 60-degree Saturday morning, Smith’s Dream Journal provides an amusing and satisfying distraction. I appreciate the rare level of consideration put into every sentence, which are chock-full of witty remarks, absurd interjections, uncanny metaphors, and deep cultural references. Do yourself a favor and buy this book for the laughs, intrigue, and mind expansion.
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Top reviews from the United States

Christopher S
5.0 out of 5 stars Surreal, humorous, whimsical, and eccentric.
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2024
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A well-written and engaging comedic adventure that defies convention, appealing to readers who appreciate linguistic acrobatics and unconventional narratives. Following the misadventures of J.D. Solomon, the story is a rollercoaster of wit and absurdity, reminiscent of classics like "A Confederacy of Dunces" and "Catch-22." While some may find the humor dark and irreverent, others will relish the linguistic brilliance and clever wordplay that permeates the narrative. With nods to Shakespeare and Salinger, the author creates a world that is both whimsical and thought-provoking, offering readers a unique and unforgettable reading experience. As a reader, you will appreciate the book's witty humor, imaginative storytelling, and eccentric characters. The surreal adventures of J.D. Solomon offer a refreshing and entertaining escape, while the author's clever prose keeps you engaged from start to finish. Additionally, the blend of satire and whimsy adds depth to the narrative, making it a memorable and enjoyable read for those seeking something out of the ordinary. Fans of humorous fiction, literary satire, and those who enjoy offbeat and unconventional storytelling will find this book particularly interesting and entertaining.
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K's Corner
4.0 out of 5 stars A unique blend of comedy and wordplay
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024
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Joshua Smith's "The Dream Journal of J.D. Solomon" is a rollercoaster of wit and introspection. The language is a verbal whirlwind, challenging readers with an expansive vocabulary that rivals Shakespeare. The narrative, labeled a dream journal, unfolds as a satirical nightmare exploring the consequences of disregarding societal norms. Smith fearlessly delves into social commentary, humorously critiquing women, politics, stereotypes, and more. Some parts had me cracking up, others made me squirm a bit. Maybe I'm touchy, or maybe Smith's just a bit of a character himself. But Smith drops lines that make you sit up and go, "Alright, that's pretty darn good." While some moments may induce cringes, Smith's linguistic brilliance, Shakespearean callbacks, and nods to Salinger create a unique narrative. The book is a thought-provoking, linguistic adventure. A unique blend of comedy and wordplay so bring your dictionary. Recommended for anyone looking for a good story, a comedy prose and those who love challenging themselves linguistically.
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Reads Alot
5.0 out of 5 stars A book for word lovers who have an outrageous sense of humor.
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2023
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First, I will tell you who won’t like “The Dream Journal of J.D. Solomon” by Joshua Smith: those who require straightforward plots, uncomplicated language, genres they expect, and no alarming surprises. Now, who will enjoy this book: those who delight in the complex dance of words, who smile slyly at unexpected humor that does not make much sense if you think about it, twisting plots that make even less sense, and a market-defying book that no AI could hope to emulate. Toss in fans of “A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole and “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller, and there, you’ve found the readers for “The Dream Journal.” “The Dream Journal” follows the misadventures of J.D. Solomon as he stumbles into one disturbing and/or ridiculous scenario after another, all of which are his own fault. And yes, it doesn’t make sense. None of it. But it’s the not-making-any-sense that is what makes perfect sense. The humor is often dark, irreverent and pokes fun at just about everyone and everything, most of all J.D. Solomon himself and his numerous flaws that he is oblivious to. An uncommon book for the uncommon reader who doesn’t mind breaking out of the comfort of “normal” books.
2 people found this helpful
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Jill Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2023
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A classic comedy book full of wit.
One person found this helpful
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Darla
5.0 out of 5 stars An impressive mental release
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2023
Similar to running your favorite wooded trail on a sunny 60-degree Saturday morning, Smith’s Dream Journal provides an amusing and satisfying distraction. I appreciate the rare level of consideration put into every sentence, which are chock-full of witty remarks, absurd interjections, uncanny metaphors, and deep cultural references. Do yourself a favor and buy this book for the laughs, intrigue, and mind expansion.
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Darla
5.0 out of 5 stars An impressive mental release
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2023
Similar to running your favorite wooded trail on a sunny 60-degree Saturday morning, Smith’s Dream Journal provides an amusing and satisfying distraction. I appreciate the rare level of consideration put into every sentence, which are chock-full of witty remarks, absurd interjections, uncanny metaphors, and deep cultural references. Do yourself a favor and buy this book for the laughs, intrigue, and mind expansion.
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2 people found this helpful
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Bird Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars A bevy of fun blokes
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2023
This is a spirited book of short stories by a scholarly author who knows his craft! What the narratives lack in dramatic tension, they more than make up for with the use of well-placed humor amid weird situations and vibrant characters. A most witty charm envelopes “The Dream Journal of J.D. Solomon.”

As other reviewers have written, there is a definite Brit flavor to this read. Bawdy Italians, airy Irishmen, and other memorable characters also infiltrate the book to give it a well-rounded vibe.

Author Joshua Smith is a talented writer who deftly mixes poetic prose with the seamier sides of life. Here’s a beautiful line from the story “Dossing It”: “Then, the clocktower in town struck four times, and the sweet bells in the belfry enchanted the antelucan hush with the dear, soothing melody of the Westminster Chimes.”

In “Tough Decisions at the Reading Mansion,” Smith cleverly inserts the “TM” trademark tag in sentences and readers discover an “apparent war hero” who continually bellows “Big man!” in a drunken stupor. It’s hard to say which of these stories is my favorite, but I would probably have to go with “Hot Water in Lotusville.”
2 people found this helpful
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Bill
5.0 out of 5 stars Eager for more!
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2023
“The Dream Journal of J.D. Solomon”by Joshua Smith is a testament to the author’s extraordinary talent for weaving a narrative that is as unusual as it is humorous. Smith’s writing style is a character in itself, making you forget the traditional boundaries of storytelling and immersing you in a world that is whimsical, humorous, and, at times, downright peculiar. It’s a style that will keep you turning the pages, not just for the plot but for the sheer joy of the language itself.
3 people found this helpful
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Maddie
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Witty
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2023
A very satirical and witty novel that is descriptive, well-written, and a page-turner.
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Top reviews from other countries

Kim Aaron
4.0 out of 5 stars Raise High the Dystopian Dreams, Philadelphia
Reviewed in Canada on December 30, 2023
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Joshua Smith’s The Dream Journal of J.D. Solomon will challenge you. Yes, on the surface it’s a literate comedy, but there is so much more going on beneath the surface. I enjoyed this book, had some misgivings about this book, but, ultimately, I’m glad I decided to read it. Here’s why.

The language.

Smith’s vocabulary will likely knock you back on your heels. As in, keep Smith’s book close, but a dictionary closer. Now, I do appreciate it when an author makes me look up a word or two, but Smith’s expansive vocabulary takes that ball and runs with it, into the sunset, then over the horizon and out of sight; indeed, if you don’t come out the back side of this book thinking you could give Shakespeare a run for his linguistic legerdemain, then I doff my hat to you.

The social commentary.

Smith calls the experiences of his central character a dream journal, a novel in stories, but the reality is this book is more like a journal of nightmares, presented with an acerbic wit and degree of exaggeration that would put Josiah Bounderby’s tales in Hard Times to shame, but nightmares still. However, these are nightmares via consequences, since the book’s characters, including our main one, J.D., are feeling the end result of their disregard for the unspoken rules of social cohesion, à la: don’t work, don’t eat. And so on.
Exaggeration as social commentary.

Women. Progressive politics. Italian stereotypes. The military. Artists. Many, many groups endure excoriation in Smith’s Dream Journal. I found all of them funny, some disturbing, and a few a bit cringe. Perhaps I was being too sensitive. Perhaps Smith is a bit of a jerk. Or, perhaps, like after wading through scene after scene of misogyny in Antony and Cleopatra we come upon a linguistic gem, “Give me my robe, put on my crown; I have / Immortal longings in me.”

So, too, do we find such gems with Smith:
“Much less did the contortions of his mouth resemble the low-serotonin leer of a loaf-thieving waif, and much more the hard-fought, crooked grin of a gentleman who had stood before the horrors of the Ninth Circle, grimaced slightly, spit out a bit of gnarled lip, and asked Virgil which way to the Tenth.”

And you’ll find Shakespearean call-backs all over the place in the book, as well as other honourable mentions, like that nod to Dante above.

And now, we must confront the Caulfield in the room.

The hat-tip to Salinger is unmistakable. The arc of J.D. wandering the city is like that of the main character in The Catcher in the Rye: a disaffected young man eventually finding solace in the emotional exuberance of youth. In Holden’s case, his little sister; in J.D.’s, an intellectually and emotionally stunted wife, who, through her heart-felt kiss, forgives all.

Does it work? Imagine a thinking emoji, followed by a shoulder-shrug emoji, followed by another thinking one. Then go read the book. I’m glad I did, and I think you will be, too.
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