About the Book
Divergent Lives of No Consequence is a collection of four short stories that take a deep look at individuals that exist on the fringes of society. Broken down into four stages of places in lives that do not matter outside of their own paths.
The Boy: A look into the life of an ordinary young man, growing up poor and unloved in a small town where people to to disappear rather than exist. The young man in this story is wondering if his life is worth anything. Does he matter at all in this world.
The Veteran: Or How the World Can No Longer Understand Me: Learning to kill, being comfortable with it as a job, is not a natural act. Yet many men and women the world over do this everyday in the military. And the worst part is they go home, they get a pat on the back and discounts in some stores. All for what? For services rendered? For being the best at the act of taking a life? Sure. But when they cannot exist like civilians any longer, they are cast aside. The soldiers become liabilities to society. But they keep moving as long as possible.
The Insomniac's Lullaby: A man that never was close to anyone, and finds the solitude of his apartment the most hospitable place to be, is tired. He wonders aloud, how long can a human exist with no sleep? Tonight, he may find out. When you extend the rope to hang on a bit longer, you soon find out that it eventually ends.
They Call Them Death: In a future where there is no war, guns, poverty, or homelessness society should be a complete utopia. What happens, though, if the persons who hold all of the power are creating this utopia is not as beautiful from the inside as it appears on the outside. The journey to perfection is littered with the bones of those that just didin't make it.
About the Author :
As an individual, Juan has had the great opportunity to be a husband and father. As an artist, Juan Alemán II has been a poet, actor, writer, and producer. He was born in McAllen, Texas, the last of three children. After the divorce of his parents, his Mother and stepfather would move the family to a very small town in East Texas. There he would grow up attending three different schools: San Augustine Elementary, Middle School, and High School. Yes, one small town until he graduated high school! He would attend college on a theater scholarship. But after three different schools, and a complete loss of focus; he would move to Southern California with his best friend. He wanted to give it a chance as an actor.He found that he lacked the funds to await phone calls from an agent, and caved in to the fear of not being enough. In the Spring of 1995, he joined the Army. He was in artillery, and once he arrived at his first duty station he would end up meeting some great friends and working in a fuel squad. He would serve his time state side, traveling from Georgia to Washington State and ending his military time in Central Texas at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos). Leaving the Army at the end of August 1999, Juan found a new challenge-- finding a job to support himself and his wife. The next decade would be spent working for the Social Security Administration. He would retire in March of 2016. During that time in Central Texas after leaving the Army, he would work at local theaters, and do a short film from time to time. For Social Security, he would hold many positions including Office Supervisor, Instructor, and Instructional Designer. Over the years, Juan would work in television and film; he would do voiceover work and even hosted two podcasts (The 80's Hour and The Wrestling Wayback Podcast) over time. The issue finally arose with having problems with learning script. This would lead him to stop performing in front of the camera and would open his mind to the possibility of writing. He, initially, felt that he did not have the patience to write a story. Yet, over the years he pushed and eventually finished his first effort: "We're All Broken", which is a children's book about not feeling that your life only has one outcome, one destination, or one goal. We must find in ourselves the ability to see more in ourselves than just the pieces left behind by the sadness that might surround you as a child.His current book, "Divergent Lives of No Consequence: Short Stories" is a much more adult take on the struggles of harsh home environments, battles with PTSD and other mental health issues, and a fear of a bleak future.Presently, Juan has an edited manuscript and is working with a very talented artist to bring some interesting new art to his next book which will include poetry, essays, short stories, and favorite quotes. The working title is Meanderings and Melancholy, and he expects to go to publication by late Winter 2026!Some of Juan's outside interests are grilling and smoking meats for his family and friends, supporting youth reading programs, and spreading the word on mental health awareness for all. "The need to excel begins with the confidence to know that you can."
Review :
"'Divergent Lives of No Consequence' is a gripping read...I honestly cannot stop thinking about these characters - humans at their most human. The writing is deeply honest and bold, with a style that sucks you in. You care about these people immediately. The stories definitely are not fairy tales, however, so buckle up and be prepared to be shook as well as entertained. These clever stories will make you think and feel." C Bene
"The author has told four very different stories with a common thread that ties them together. Each of the stories explores the person living inside an outward persona that is perceived by the world around them." J Adams.
"This book and the short stories it holds are about uncomfortable subjects, with a writing style told without apologies, sugar coating or hope for a "moral to the story." Anyone who has endured the struggle of simply being alive will want to read this book, but not for answers, or lessons or even a way to make sense of it all." S McCain
"If you're interested in thought-provoking and imaginative storytelling, this is the book for you. Highly recommended and can't wait for the authors next book." C Edwards
"Haunting, honest, and quietly profound... is a beautifully crafted collection that explores the fragile intersections of fate and failure..." - NewInBooks.com
"If you have the courage, this book will take you on a harrowing journey through the lives of people whose shoes you'd rather not fill." - P. Preziosi, Reedsy Discovery
