Memoirs of a Bread Man

By: Justin John Scheck

Narrated by: Brooks Corley

Length: 1 hr and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

It's Christmas time in Madison, Wisconsin. It is the early stages of the Iraq War, which has conjured up memories for a bread man raised by a Vietnam Vet.

If that weren’t enough to bring back these unwanted memories, his boss at the Bread Depot is an ex-Master Gunnery Marine Drill Sergeant who served in the Gulf War.

On Christmas Eve, his father calls to tell him that he has cancer, and that he has Agent Orange.

Depressed and suffering from insomnia, can he come to grips with his past, and heal the wounds that haunt him?

©2020 Justin John Scheck (P)2021 Justin John Scheck

SO MOVING!

Listening to this book will move you. I know family members and friends who have served in the military and this book was so inspiring. I got a little teary eyed at some points. Such a great book and a great job on the narration. Definitely worth it!

Good book!

The narration style and plot were both enjoyable. The general plot and people that the author describes are what make this book a terrific listen. The subjects and events that truly bring the audiobook and the plot to life are another thing that makes it unforgettable. really captivating

Memories

This is a book that invokes many emotions, depending on your background and connection with the military. A book of memories of a man raised by a Vietnam Veteran and his growth into a man. We learn of his childhood and relationship with his father and later his boss, ex-Master Gunnery Marine Drill Sergeant. There are fun moments such as deciding to face the music or hide when his boss fresh from the hospital has to unclog the drain that the young man clogged earlier in the day with paper towels because there was no toilet paper. Sadness when learning of his father’s health crisis.

The author, Justin John Scheck weaves a tale of family, relationships, and growing up in a series of flashbacks and the present day. Each character is richly developed and highlights the thoughts and actions of those time periods. The emotion this book siphons from its listeners is vast and varied depending on the listener.

The narrator, Brooks Corley, is the best thing that happened to this book. His deep rich toned voice enhances the book. The words seem to roll off the tip of his tongue. He keeps the action moving smoothly and although I found bits of the dialog rough for me as a woman, it was realistic and forceful because of Corley’s performance.

It was a bit of a “wow” for me to hear a man rant about his ex-wife in such a brutal fashion and stereotyping all women as behaving the same during a mid-life crisis vs how a man handles himself. If you enjoy veteran-focused military books, then this could be for you. Although I grew up in a strong military-based family, I do not recall hearing any of them speak in this fashion.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

very good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

Really solid story.

I want to start by saying how much I love this narrator. It's not my first book of his, and I love what he can do. Great story. A very American story, and the kind we don't hear enough. Really enjoyable.

I am in Awe!!

Seriously! I just need to take a moment of silence to pause for this exquisite piece of work. I didn’t know exactly what to expect from the title, and that was the first thing that drew me in. When I started to listening to the narrator’s voice I was like WOW this is different ! Honestly, the narrator was so perfect to convey this piece. I truly felt like I was watching a television show and was so drawn by this story. I was listening to intently I drove in Starbucks to order my latte, the guy gave it to me, and I just sat in my car immersed with the part of the story when we meet the “Boss” Frankie (what a character!!!). The Starbucks guy was like?? I then remembered myself if a couple minutes of awkwardness. lol

I love how the author goes from present to past, really telling us the backstory of what’s going on now. I especially enjoyed “Frankie” and his Dad’s characters. They were truly something else. I was born and raised in the south, and the way the writer wrote the dialogue was so touching and familiar to me. I truly felt like I could see these characters and felt such empathy for their plights.

I found myself laughing out loud SO many times. It was so entertaining and touching at the same time. My emotions went from elated laughing, sadness and utter shock (especially when the author describes the moment surrounding the flattened rabbit …WOW).

When the book was over I wasn’t happy! I wanted more. When I heard the end credits I was like Noooooooo!!! Keep going! I would love a part 2, or even a made for television movie !!

This audiobook is splendid, so I’m using my fingers and toes for this one —4 thumbs up!!!!

Inspiring Perspective

When I listened to this, I heard my grandfather. I heard the voices of he and other veterans I have known over the years.

Simply Amazing

This is one of the best memoirs that I have ever read/listened to. Lots of different emotions, some sad, some funny, but all brought together to create a great story. Brooks Corley was awesome as the reader. Recommended

Not for the faint hearted, yet highly absorbing

This is for the faint hearted, this story takes you down a harrowing road of ear memories, cancer, and depression.
However, it is well written and the story flows well. A promising writer in the making.

Therapeutic personal memoir

This was part of the author’s therapeutic process to work through his father’s life changing decision to serve in Vietnam and years later passing from agent orange caused cancer. He faces hard topics and talks about his own mental illness. A brave book that may appeal to those who are interested in the effects of war on the lives of soldiers.