Reviews
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer – Readers’ Favorite
5
One Actor’s Nightmarish Journey of Incarceration, we follow the story of Danny Belson, a man used to playing inmates, but not of actually being one. Finding himself in the highly unique situation of becoming incarcerated next to men that he had recently trained in a prison acting program, Danny already has friends and enemies at the Medium Security Federal Prison in Lompoc when he is sent there as a convicted murderer. From living an untroubled life filled with beaches, auditions and volleyball, to navigating the intricacies of prison social order within the span of a very few months, Danny realizes that his learning curve is short and he’ll need to use every skill he has, including those as an actor, but this time, it’s not for entertainment, it’s for his very survival. Inside Out was a fantastic read. Engaging, entertaining, fast-paced and exciting, this book had a truly unique story to tell. I read a lot and I can honestly say that I don’t think I have ever read a book with a plot like this before. In a world of cookie-cutter story lines, there is much more to like about author Kearney’s debut work, including his ability to create characters that are well-developed and three dimensional, descriptions of both the acting world and the prison world that seem so realistic that it seems likely that he’s spent time in both places, and writing such a great book that the reader will just not be able to put it down until it’s done. Inside Out would appeal to any reader who loves suspense, creativity in writing style, or simply a great work of fiction. This is Jack Kearney’s first novel, but I certainly hope to see more from this very promising new author.
Amazon Reviews
Cutting Edge, Raw & Real
5
“This is an extraordinary book.”
“Dark and far too easily imagined.”
“Will make an awesome movie.”
“The plot left me guessing to the end.”
“The author’s flashbacks are brilliant — Notebook-like flashbacks with Tarantino-style twists.”
Readers praise the book for being:
Emotionally powerful
Deeply realistic
A true page-turner
Filled with memorable characters
Beth Harden
5
“You will laugh, you will cry, you will become extremely upset. Kearney’s writing makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters.”
Keira Quinn
5
“It made me really look deeply into my soul. I have reviewed books in the past, and this is the best one I have read in a long time. Also because of all the characters we get to know, I believe that this great book, will make an awesome movie.”
Christine Summers
5
“Great adventure Reviewed in the United States on 29 December 2024 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase Very entertaining. Really keeps you going, was hard to put down. Jack is a great author.”
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2015 — Format: Paperback (Verified Purchase)
5
“I often watch reality shows like Lock Up, Cops, and Jail, so this storyline immediately grabbed my attention. From the very beginning, I was drawn into Danny’s character through Jack Kearney’s powerful writing style. He writes exactly the way people think and speak in real-life situations, making every moment feel authentic.
As a reader, I felt as if I was sitting right next to Danny — quietly observing everything as part of his inner circle. I could feel every bit of his raw emotion. Jack Kearney masterfully reveals the inner thoughts and identities we could all develop when forced into hateful, unforgiving environments far outside our comfort zones. His writing opens a window into the soul of each character.
The ending is one of my favorites in any novel — it leaves the reader understanding the direction each character’s life is headed without spelling it out. This story feels real, powerful, and deeply human. I would love to see this novel adapted into a movie, and I’m ready and waiting for the next book in the series.”
Stephanie (DeLamater) Phillips – Stephanie’s Book Report
5
“I read this book in a day. I also quickly discovered there are no chapters in the book. . I found it really hard to put down and was so invested in Danny. I liked him and wanted only good things for him. Danny seemed to me to be doing his best in life with what he had. He was kind to everyone, very observant, and a quick learner. When he ends up in prison my heart broke for him but I was glad he was going to prison where he knew some guys from helping with the workshop. His bunk make in the cell seems really nice and tells Danny along with the help of acting guys the ins and out of surviving in prison. Always watch your back and never ever walk anywhere alone. It’s a gritty story that at times had me nearly in tears. My heart broke not only for Danny but for other characters too. You know when your invested and care about guys in prison that the writing is so good your totally sucked in. It will break your heart in places and absolutely shock you in places. I so wanted Danny to come out in one piece and for some of the other guys to have great lives when they were released too. They deserved second chances. We all make mistakes in life but should not let those mistakes define us. Inside those prison walls Danny really struggles but at times seems to fit in . Danny has a enemy inside from a previous incident in the improv workshop who is out for revenge. Danny also draws the attention of someone you want to never notice you (you’ll have to read to see why). My hope through everything that happens is that the Danny’s doesn’t let this define his life as before and after prison Danny. If you like your books with a very true to life feel; books that have you on the edge of your seat; books that you so engrossed in the whole world melts away, and it’s like watching a move in your head. Inside Out is the book you’re going to not want to miss. I, for one, loved it and hope Mr Kearney writes many more thrilling books.”
Goodreads Reviews
Kirty Shakthawatt
5
“The story is a duo-tone with raven color of prison life and lurid colors of Hollywood, highlighting one actor’s journey of incarceration. It is a perfect title for portraying the story of Danny Belson living the life Out here in LA scrubbing the toilets, sending head shots and shooting rail shots on 8 ball. And of the same Belson struggling for his survival in Medium Security Federal Prison in Lompoc, California. The book evokes strong emotions with the harrowing episodes of his life. Danny strives hard, he sells pen, cleans toilet and what not for the role of his life. And when all his work starts to pay off as he lands a recurring role on a major soap. Something tragic happens and he is convicted. The life of Danny Belson the jailbird, is hard and his only hope glimmers in his friends but when he is mutilated and battered, the transformation of a cool, calm and sanguine man into a vindictive-calculative person precipitates. While Danny’s friends are holding him back from falling into the abyss he is getting desperate. Is there a way he can be exonerated? Can he save his soul? Or will he be in traps? The writing style of Jack is crisp yet elliptical. The ride never goes monotonous, it keeps you hooked from the get go. Jack Kearney is streetwise and shows you something and everything from his own kaleidoscope. It would keep you all agog and you will feel the glee, the anger and the despair of the protagonist. There are characters whom you will love, hate and be scared of. This book will is an emotional roller coaster so I recommend this ride.”
Erik McManus
5
“The book is about a struggling actor named Danny who is just trying to get his shot at fame in Hollywood. However, the beginning of the book shows that he is on his way to prison and the first half is flashbacks that he is having while on his journey to the prison, telling you how he got to this point. The way that Jack Kearney makes you relate to his character is incredible and you feel such emotion for his character as he surpasses different trials in the book. All the other characters build around Danny and make for an enjoyable read while building on the plot. You can really tell that Jack is writing from experience as he was also a struggling actor in Hollywood, so it really puts you inside his mind and how it felt to be there. If you are looking for an exciting read that will keep you coming back for more, then this is it! ”
Additional Reviews
Sue
5
“I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. Let me start with the cover. This was a refreshing change from your run of the mill cover and appeared almost 3D, it kind of encapsulated the story. For me I found I was immediately drawn into the story, an actor wrongly accused finds his self living the horrors of prison life for real rather than acting them. I would think to myself I shall read just one more page and then……..but then it was one more and another one and then I was shocked to find the book done and the afternoon gone. An excellent read….all hail Mr Kearney.”
Boundless Book Reviews
5
“Inside out is a touching story written from point of view of the main character, Danny. Readers are taken on an emotional journey through the tragic experiences in his life. Danny is introduced to us as a young, struggling; but working, actor in LA. The decisions and consequences of his life take us on a roller coaster ride of love, empathy, and hate; for Danny and his unique group of friends. If you like suspense, Inside Out is the book for you. Jack Kerney brilliantly writes to keep the reader’s interest; it is extremely hard to put his book down. You will laugh, you will cry, you will become extremely upset, and you will even experience hate. Kearney’s writing effortlessly has the readers feel as if they’re with the characters. Inside Out not only gives a feeling of what it’s like to be on both the “inside” and “out”, but it also carries a deeper meaning as we experience what’s it’s like when the events of our lives, both positive and negative, emotionally turn us “inside out” within in minutes.”
Boundless Book Reviews
5
“I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Jack Kearney hits you with a completely unique storyline, colorful characters and takes you back to a time of tube socks, cassette tapes and the free and easy life of the 70’s. That is, until Danny finds himself inside the same prison from which he once volunteered. The rising actor quickly learns learns being on the inside by choice is one thing, surviving on the inside is a whole different story. If you want”
On MY Kindle
Kindle reader
5
“Part Shawshank Redemption, and part expose of Hollywood’s dirty laundry. Inside Out by Jack Kearney is brutally honest, sometimes bleak, and loaded with social commentary. Seriously, if you liked Shawshank Redemption, give this book a shot! If you are looking for a book you cannot put down with characters that come to life then this is the book for you! Inside Out By Jack Kearney has a way of making you feel like you know the characters in the book. You can actually picture what they look like and feel their pain as the story unfolds”
Another Thyme Format: Paperback
5
“This is one of the best books I have read this year. A real page turner, I couldn’t put it down until I came to its very satisfying conclusion. Written in a unique style that entertains completely I was totally engrossed through all the various scenarios our hero found himself in. While not suitable for some readers, I think most will find this is a book they will enjoy and (highest praise here) will want to keep on their bookshelves to revisit later. While the author says he is not a book writer, I, for one, hope to see more from him, and soon”