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Ryan Patrick Olson
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Carnival of Heaven Kindle Edition

by Ryan Olson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 21 ratings
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'Carnival of Heaven' is a combination of memoir and fiction, rooted around my true story of surviving T-cell leukemia.

"For weeks Ryan has been feeling fatigued, dizzy, and confused. The doctors say
it’s just the flu, but for some reason, his mom isn’t convinced. It’s hard to blame her;
he’s been sleeping so often lately that Awesome Waters, the world of his dreams,
has become more real than the one in which he lives. Yet, even Awesome Waters isn’t
the cheerful escape it once was. Ominous clouds have taken over the luminous skies
of his imaginary theme park, ushering in a masked, sinister ringmaster who’s dead
set on rendering Awesome Waters to ashes.

Back in reality, Ryan finds himself in a hospital, where he and his family receive
a far graver diagnosis than the simple flu—cancer. Ryan has T-cell leukemia. Mom,
Dad, his brother, and Grandma: they all do their best to help him through the
chemotherapy and operations. But despite their love, Ryan’s light begins to flicker.
The ringmaster explains how he will fall entirely into that darkness unless Ryan can
solve the mystery of the ringmaster’s appearance. If Ryan can before time runs out,
then the strength to fight for his future will be his to command."
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  1. Reading age
    12 - 18 years
  2. Print length
    443 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    7 - 12
  5. Publication date
    September 12, 2019
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  10. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07XVN7752
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 12, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1073 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 443 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1693032791
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 21 ratings

About the author

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Ryan Patrick Olson

Ryan Patrick Olson

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My debut novel, 'Carnival of Heaven', was the novel I needed to write. Initially, I had no intention of making the project more than a love letter to my family, but it transcended before long into an outlet for conquering the demons which had plagued me my entire life. My family sacrificed so much for me back then and I could think of no better way to honor them, then through the creation of this narrative.

It might not make sense to some that I had darkness to overcome in the first place. After all, I survived--right? I wish that were enough, but to be honest, it never was. Ever since I entered remission, I had been searching for a reason to substantiate why I survived in the first place. So many others fell (many friends), so why me? What made me so special? After rewrite three (or was it four?) I found my answer. I realized there was no one true meaning to life--only whatever we ascribe to it. And when the clock stops for me, I can only hope I made a difference in someone's life through my writing.

I know how hard each of our journeys are. All of us struggle. All of us fight an invisible war no one else will ever know. But you're not alone. That's the message I hope readers will take away from this novel. If I can get that through to even one person; inspire even one reader to not give up, then the two years of tears and nightmare was worth it. If not, then at the very least, I hope the read was enjoyable.

In closing, writing this novel has meant everything to me. Through sharing it, each reader has helped me to heal. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

Sincerely,

Ryan Olson

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
21 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A book that will inspire you and immerse you in its world
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2021
Verified Purchase
Reading is one of my favorite things to do on most any night. I was recommended to read this title by someone in my training class and picked it up on that recommendation alone. Let me tell you, I am glad I did because this was one of the best books that I have read in years! From the first page to the last page, I was fully immersed in both the real world of the author as well as his dream world that held the Awesome Waters Park. The writing evoked a feeling of nostalgia and magic but also made it seem that you were right there beside the author in his hospital bed. This book also goes to some dark places as we journey along with Ryan as he battles T-Cell leukemia.

Any book that allows me to visualize the world that it takes place in is something I've always cherished and this book did that and then some. In addition, I felt the whole gamut of emotions that the author did throughout the book's journey. I laughed, cried, raged, despaired and hoped. The story and excellent writing aside, this book can inspire all who feel that the world is against them or out to get them. You feel such a connection to Ryan and his family as they go through his battle together and with Ryan's internal struggle as well.

This book did something that only a few other books I've read have done and that is making myself take a look inside and really think about how I'm living my life and things that I could do to make changes for the positive. "Carnival of Heaven" has taken a place with a handful of books that I couldn't live without and that hold special meaning to me. So if you're looking for a book that can inspire you, a book that tells a wonderful story or just something that is a joy to read, this is the book for you. Keep in mind that it isn't all sunshine and puppy dogs but the journey is absolutely worth it. The wonderful meaning interwoven throughout the story is alone worth taking the time to read this book. Thank you Ryan for sharing your story with the world and inspiring anyone who has the joy of reading your powerful words!
3 people found this helpful
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Stephen D. Reeves
5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful, moving piece of Literary Fiction
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2020
Verified Purchase
I have reviewed a lot of books over the years. Folk tales, mysteries. Space Operas. Heaps of fantasy novels. There have been several good stories among them. And nearly thrice as many bad. It is however the rare work that can squeeze any emotion out of my dark, dream crushing heart. Carnival of Heaven, a unique mix of memoir and fantasy by Ryan Olson, is one of these.

Ryan has been sick for weeks under what was assumed to be just the flu. But his mother is skeptical, and further tests reveal the worst: a rare form of Leukemia. What follows is a dramatic jaunt between fantasy and reality, as Ryan struggles to understand the destruction of his dreamworld, while dealing with his deteriorating physical and mental health. In his corner are his steadfast family, and Webber, a representation of hope wrapped up in the form of a platypus. Between dream and reality, they will help him face up to Lyman, the carnival ringmaster and host to the destruction of Ryan’s subconscious, and all the degradations of despair.

Olson masterfully shapes the narrative with a solid understanding of timing, human emotion, and whimsy. The text itself is smart, with great prose sprinkled in at just the right times – further illuminating the author’s skill. In addition, the dialogue is top tier, helping establish the characters as believable- even when based on real people, this is not always given – and distinguishable. While Ryan is at first hard to identify with, his anger and outburst serve a purpose, which become more apparent as the plot flows on. Furthermore, the fantasy elements are thrilling, and the interplay between them and the “real-world” aspect of the book is deep, and dark.

Carnival of Heaven is a raw, moving piece that deserves a lot of time for reflection. There were several scenes that were very touching, filled with gravitas, whimsy, or both as called for, but always handled with care. This is a rare five-star review for me, and I thank the author for sharing (to note, I decided to purchase a digital copy, alongside the paper-back I was sent ). In summary, Ryan Olson’s Carnival of Heaven is an outstanding piece of literary fiction that moved this reader, and surely will many others for years to come.
2 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Powerful story
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2019
Verified Purchase
I know this book was written through the eyes of a child. I was reading it with the eyes of a parent and grandparent. This is a powerful work that demonstrates not only the strength of Ryan but also the resolve of a strong family unit. Bob, Cathy, Shawn, and Grandma are my new hero's.

A great read.
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Doug Bowersock
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read that captures your imagination and your heart.
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2019
Verified Purchase
This is a poignant and emotional story with a foundation that comes from the true internal fight that the author had with leukemia. Ryan captures the tale powerfully and shared the story in a way that impacts us all especially if we or our families have faced such a battle. As I was reading the book I could not help but imagine the story being converted to a movie. Great work for this first time author.
One person found this helpful
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Thom
5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2019
Verified Purchase
Ryan Olson’s carnival is a well written novel that transitions seamlessly between two worlds
One person found this helpful
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Derick Hoerauf
5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful read! I could not put it down!
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2024
This book was great! Is a enjoyable tale about a young man in the 80's who is diagnosed with cancer well before his 8th birthday. He invents a fantasy world to go to when the pain becomes to hard, where a large portion of the story takes place. He takes us on a wild ride through every conceivable emotion during their initial treatments, to setbacks and finally onto the road to recovery.

I could not recommend this book enough as it shows how Ryan had to develop tools to help him overcome the mental and physical pain he was enduring.

I thank you for sharing your journey and hope others will pick up this gem and enjoy as much as I did.
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Top reviews from other countries

David Spate
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
Reviewed in Canada on February 14, 2020
Verified Purchase
I loved the honesty within the book
I couldn't put the book down .. it it is a page turner
I would be an amazing book for any dr, nurse, teacher and any person working with children to read for it gives a glimpse into the many layers of thought that are going on in a child.
For any parent whose child is struggling with a tough disease it is a must read.
It is a book that brings joy and hope
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Momma C
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in Canada on October 5, 2019
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed Carnival of Heaven ... I know I missed a few hours of sleep as it was hard stop reading and go to bed! Lol Brought back some sad memories, but also many happy ones, of time spent on the paediatric oncology ward with my son, as he also underwent treatment for T-cell leukemia. Many fond recollections of time spent with Ryan and his family as well!
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James G Davidson
4.0 out of 5 stars A must read!
Reviewed in Canada on October 25, 2019
Verified Purchase
Raw, honest and highly imaginative, this book takes you on an emotional journey to places few of us have gone.
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Rhys
5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome to the Carnival!
Reviewed in Canada on November 15, 2019
Verified Purchase
Great read. You will get lost and want to keep reading. I rarely read books, this one though, so extremely worth it. To see into the mind of someone going through what could have been life’s final chapter is eye opening. There is no doubt, you will enjoy this read.
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Shawn O
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read and story from the viewpoint of a child going through cancer.
Reviewed in Canada on October 14, 2019
Verified Purchase
Great book and story through the mind of a child going through the unthinkable.
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