Jim Surmanek

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Branigan - If At First

The Turn

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Coming Soon!!

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Branigan - The Needs
Of The Few

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Walk in My Shoes:
Heartwarming and
Inspirational Short Stories

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About The Author

Jim Surmanek

After a nearly five-decade career in the advertising business, where he was considered a media pro by just over half of the business’s folks, Jim Surmanek turned his talent toward some ideas he thought would make good stories.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Jim lived in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Mexico City, and now lives in Arizona with the love of his life, Patsy, and their two Godendoodles.

He has written six books on the subject of advertising media, a thriller duology (“Branigan – The Needs of the Few” and “Branigan – If at First:”), and a collection of heartwarming and inspirational short stories (“Walk in My Shoes”).

Jim Surmanek’s Books

Branigan - If At First

A year after he was decorated as a hero for preventing a horrendous terrorist attack and saving millions of lives, Branigan faced an emotionally charged career crisis as a counterterrorism agent. At the same time, his nemesis, Fattal, struggled to balance patriotism and ego. During a cold and snowy New York City winter, they meet again, each dealing with their dilemmas. Seemingly having his back is DeSilva, a recruit with the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau who Branigan discovers is coping with her demons. Raheeq, Fattal’s trusted cohort in terrorism, makes a discovery that questions his loyalty to Fattal. Filled with twists and turns and peppered with humor, this Part II of the Branigan duology presents several unexpected climaxes.

The Turn

Lifelong friends Brian and David encounter metaphors and relive memories that molded their lives while they play what might be their last game of golf together. They struggle to solve their problems with golf and the game of life when a turn of events enlightens them and offers solutions.

My Book Collection

Book Reviews

BRANIGAN – THE NEEDS OF THE FEW

Loved Branigan – it was a great read. I adored his character and the absorbing and thrilling descriptions in the book. Mr. Surmanek’s writing style is eloquent…so rarely found with other authors.

"BRANIGAN, The Needs of the Few,” written by Jim Surmanek, is an intriguing thriller that could be drawn from today’s headlines. He does a fine job of weaving a strong protagonist and a strong antagonist in a struggle against each other that highlights their distinct cultural, moral, and religious differences. Jim’s finely drawn characters use those differences to justify their actions and to cloak immorality in false morality. His detailed descriptions and well-developed dialogue draw the reader deep into the storyline all the way to its conclusion. If you enjoy a thriller based on today’s global events, this is the book for you.

For 43 chapters, Branigan's journey captured my imagination. A great blend of intrigue, suspense, adventure, and romance, Branigan - The Needs of the Few brought me back to New York City through its vivid descriptions of the people and places of The Big Apple. Branigan's professional and personal quests intertwine satisfactorily throughout the novel and left me wondering what he would do next.

Branigan hits the mark on delivering the raw flavor of New York City mixed with everything you want in a crime mystery. Surmanek placed me directly into the story, taking me back to my New York roots and on a mysterious path of page-turning curiosity.

Liked it a lot. Branigan is quite the character, and quite the hero.

Branigan was a good read, not a great read. Good story, good characters (especially the protagonist and antagonist), good scenes, but I didn’t find it to be a page-turner.

WALK IN MY SHOES

Walk in My Shoes is a stirring and delightful collection of inspirational stories featuring a wise and likable angel "working" at Goodwill. Each story brings the reader to a relatable place and time, so much so that one feels like part of the story.

This unique collection warmed my heart and lifted my spirits. It's a lovely way to offset the bad news we see and hear about every day. These stories have me on the lookout for a white-haired, blue-eyed employee at my local Goodwill store!

The subtitle of “Walk in My Shoes” is an apt description of my takeaway after reading the stories. They were indeed heartwarming and inspirational. I also laughed at the author’s sometimes corny jokes, as well as shed a tear for the characters before Christopher came into their life.

Walk in My Shoes is a breath of fresh air to the soul, and a comforting, heartwarming read. Surmanek once again is able to put me right into the story, offering a refreshing reprieve from the everyday ordinary, and helping us realize and see real possibilities.

It took me 20 days to read the 20 stories in “Walk in My Shoes.” I wanted to think about each story and the message it was sending before I skipped to the next story. It was a worthwhile pause between each story, and certainly well worth the reading.

Excellent story line. I could not put it down once I began reading. Made me feel as if I was watching a movie...should be a movie.

In "The Turn," Jim Surmanek checks all of the boxes required for a great Story book. Compelling people, in an intriguing environment, doing emotionally gripping things with a nice hint of intimacy.

Such a captivating story. Jim keeps you entwined in their strory that lasted a life time. So much so that you walk away reminiscing your past… remembering that once in a life time love.

Jim Surmanek

About The Author

Jim Surmanek

Jim Surmanek’s Books

Branigan - If At First

The Turn

My Book Collection

Book Reviews

BRANIGAN – THE NEEDS OF THE FEW

WALK IN MY SHOES

My Featured Blogs & Articles

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5 Excellent Books on Counterterrorism…

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Jim Surmanek

Jim Surmanek

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