Five stars for Things Behind the Sun: A novel by @DavidWBerner #bookreview #fiction #roadtrip
top of page
  • N. N. Light
    • Apr 17, 2020
    • 2 min read

Five stars for Things Behind the Sun: A novel by @DavidWBerner #bookreview #fiction #roadtrip



Title: Things Behind the Sun: A novel

Author: David W. Berner

Genre: Literary Fiction, Fiction

Book Blurb:


Martin Gregory believes he has one last shot at emotionally connecting with the son he adopted seventeen years ago from the only woman he ever loved. A long road trip could be the answer. But the boy has other ideas as the two of them navigate the past and contemplate the future during a summer journey through the American West. The trip uncovers long-held secrets—both Martin's and his son's—and becomes an exploration of whether the deep emotions that brought them together in the first place are more important than what could tear them apart. Things Behind the Sun is an inspired coming-of-age story about the powerful, complicated yet enduring bond between fathers and sons.

My Review:


When is a road book not a road book? When is a story a journey but also the journey is the story? Is the road being traveled the key or is just traveling on a road the key?


This book leaves the reader with many interpretive questions. Undoubtedly this book shines as a stunning modern Kerouac. Written by a gifted author this book simply flows like a river running its natural course.


This is a book about Chase and his journey. This is also a book about Martin and his journey, Emily and her journey, Madison and her journey and in some ways Huck and his journey. It is impossible to assign value to which journey is more important. All of them intersect.


The reader is left with the indelible concept that life is the journey. If you face questions about life, read this book. This can't help but take your mind off your issues and even show that the important part is simply carrying on.


A book for every fan of Kerouac and every person who ever needed to just take a ride.

My Rating: 5 stars

Buy it Now:


Author Biography:


David W. Berner is a memoirist, essayist, fiction writer, and journalist. His memoirs reflect on our collective relationships and how those experiences link us to the world we share. David's stories are about fathers and sons, the redemptive power of road trips, travel, music, and the sage-like connections we share with pets.


David was born in Pittsburgh, PA and now lives in the Chicago area. Along with his writing credentials, David has had a distinguished career as a broadcast journalist, reporting for the CBS Radio Network, WBBM Radio Chicago, and public radio outlets throughout America.


David is the recipient of honors and awards from The Society of Midland Authors, The Chicago Writers Association, and the Eric Hoffer Book Awards. He has been the Writer-in-Residence for the Jack Kerouac Project in Orlando, where he was privileged to live and work at the Kerouac House for two-and-a-half months. He later was honored as the Writer-in-Residence at the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home in Oak Park, Illinois.

Social Media Links:


Reviewed by: Mr. N

bottom of page