Lincoln and Rachmaninoff Walk Into a Bar

a climate-change novella

Fiction - Short Story/Novela
111 Pages
Reviewed on 05/31/2023
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

Climate change is gradually becoming a big issue and if nothing is done about it quickly we may soon no longer have a planet to call our home. In steps The Dreamer with her take on the global state of affairs where the good lord has seen fit to send two emissaries to help his befuddled children beat a path back to zero carbon emissions. These two angels come in the form of Abraham Lincoln, one of the most famous American presidents, and Sergei Rachmaninoff, a peerless musical genius. The Dreamer takes these two personalities on a road trip to aid her cause but, as with all adventures, expect detours, distractions, and a mysterious addition to their band in Cherie Magnus's Lincoln and Rachmaninoff Walk into a Bar.

Cherie Magnus conjures up a special story with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of a journey with two of the most famous individuals of their respective generations. The storyline feels very different. The thought of having one of America's most important figures exchanging banter with a musical maestro from a different era seemed to be stretching the fabric of reality, but then what is a good story without a little bit of imagination? Magnus keeps the adventurous subplots simple without diluting the interest factor. Imagining Abraham Lincoln in a wrestling match with anyone is a tall order but in Magnus's world, anything is possible. The ecological theme stays on the front burner as the novella progresses without taking anything away from the adventure, which is an absolute plus for me. Lincoln and Rachmaninoff Walk into a Bar is an entertaining book that I believe others will enjoy reading as much as I did.

Maria Victoria Beltran

Lincoln and Rachmaninoff Walk Into a Bar is a climate-change novella by Cherie Magnus. It takes readers on a fantastical journey with Abraham Lincoln and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff as they embark on a mission from heaven to combat climate change. The story is narrated by the Dreamer, a music and history lover who dreams of stopping climate change with her heroes. What follows is a drive along California’s Highway 1, where surreal fantasy intertwines with history and imagination. Along the way, they are joined by Destiny, a music student from UCLA. As the group continues their quest, they encounter a mystical Dryad and the spirits of displaced indigenous peoples, who all contribute to their understanding of the planet's plight. Along the way, they also face opposition from unknown adversaries. Can they find a way to save our planet from climate change?

Cherie Magnus’ Lincoln and Rachmaninoff Walk Into a Bar is a unique literary work that defies conventions. The author combines history, fantasy, and contemporary issues into a captivating tale. What makes this narrative stand out is the dialogue between Lincoln, Rachmaninoff, and the other characters, which comprises the actual words they spoke and wrote during their lifetimes. This provides authenticity and offers insights into the perspectives of these historical figures as they grapple with the challenges of the 21st century. The book also offers a refreshing and imaginative perspective on potential solutions to global warming and inspires readers to consider the power of creativity and innovation in addressing environmental challenges. Ultimately, Lincoln and Rachmaninoff Walk Into a Bar entertains, educates, and can spark a meaningful contemplation about climate change, its gravity and implications for the future of our planet.

Pikasho Deka

Ride along on a wild journey with Lincoln and Rachmaninoff Walk Into a Bar by Cherie Magnus. Narrated in the first person, the book follows a man called Dreamer who picks up Abraham Lincoln and Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff as they arrive in Los Angeles from Heaven to fight climate change. Driving down California's Highway 1, the three unlikely friends are desperate to catch the SkyTrail in time. Along the way, they visit historical sites, pick up a young UCLA music student named Destiny, and have encounters with archangels and ghosts of indigenous Native Americans, one of whom has a wrestling match with Mr. Lincoln. But not everyone wants them to succeed. With time running out, the little group of friends must come up with an ingenious idea to leave hope for the people of Earth.

Cherie Magnus's offbeat novella touches upon the increasingly relevant environmental issue of climate change with a captivating story steeped in magical realism. Surreal with a humorous tinge, Lincoln and Rachmaninoff Walk Into a Bar is a wacky adventure tale that entertains you all the way through until the end. With quirky characters and a plot as unpredictable as it is beguiling, Magnus's fast-paced narrative doesn't let your attention waver for a single moment. The group chemistry and dynamic between the Dreamer, Lincoln, Rachmaninoff, and Destiny keeps you glued to the pages. I particularly enjoyed Lincoln's scenes with Destiny and Xumin. If you're looking for something experimental or unique, this is just the book for you.