Tag: fiction

Rev Your Harley and Save the USA, by Art Smukler, MD, author & psychiatrist

by artsmuklermd, posted in MY NOVELS, Politics, Psychiatry, Psychological suspense novels, World events, a psychological view

How is it possible to be a psychiatrist and not live with millions of fantasies circulating amongst the billions of neurons that run my brain? Not possible. Even after years of retirement, they are just as alive and even more fun. Nothing wrong with making yourself laugh.

In my imagination, POTUS finally deports the wrong group, hundreds of Harley-Riding illegal immigrants who NEVER broke the law except to flee poverty, corruption, and too many tacos.

What to do?

Being the brilliant psychiatrist and author that I am, I have the answer. My wife of many decades disagrees with the “brilliant” adjective, but she’s only one in a thousand. So to prove her wrong, I need a thousand readers to agree with me. Well, maybe just one or two.

Imagine instead of going to Sturgis, South Dakota, thousands of Harley guys and gals on big Hogs, Sportsters and Softails ride to DC and show the King of Narcissism what they really think of him. Listen to the roar, picture the tattoos, imagine busty girls wearing helmets and teeny-weeny bikinis. In the background, Bob Dylan is bellowing out a new folk song screaming all about freedom, decency, and POTUS in an orange jumpsuit.

I’m there too, smoking a pipe and getting another wear out of my black cardigan sweater. Not really. My daughter convinced me to stop smoking over forty years ago and I don’t own a black cardigan. But, I’ll be right there with the Harley leaders on my silver Softail and revving my engine. Not really… I will be watching it on TV and wishing. I’m actually afraid of being fatally maimed on the streets of LA.

Wait. To prove everything is not a total fantasy, I did have a cycle many years ago – a Honda 350. See, I am somewhat cool.

If you enjoyed reading, Inside the Mind of a Psychiatrist, you might also enjoy my suspense novels, Little Italy, The Secret of Carol Rosa, and Patient X. All are available as paperbacks and eBooks. Just click, click, click…

#Little Italy, #The Secret of Carol Rosa, #Patient X, #POTUS falls, #Art Smukler, MD, #Inside the Mind of a Psychiatrist

Patient X, 5 star review by Readers’ Favorite, Art Smukler, MD, author & psychiatrist

by artsmuklermd, posted in Writing

Patient X, a psychological suspense novel

5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review!

Patient X by Art Smukler, MD is a gripping mystery that begins with a startling scene—Jake Bennett sees his brother Nelson, who died two years earlier, alive in a crowded Santa Monica street. This moment sets off a chain of events that pulls Jake into a world of confusion, loss, and unexpected danger. As Jake tries to make sense of what he saw, the story reveals his struggles as an aspiring writer, his complicated relationship with Gina, and his day-to-day life as a waiter. The plot thickens when Jake’s path crosses with Dr. Todd Horowitz, a psychiatric resident, and their lives become linked through Jake’s stay at Nine North, a psychiatric unit. The story weaves together Jake’s search for answers, the secrets of his brother’s past, and the lives of those around him, all while exploring themes of grief, identity, and the thin line between reality and fantasy.

Art Smukler’s writing is clear and vivid, making it easy to picture each scene and feel the characters’ emotions. The plot moves quickly, with just the right mix of suspense and personal moments to keep you turning the pages. The dialogue feels natural, and the characters are believable and easy to care about, especially Jake, whose pain and hope come through strongly. The action is well-paced, with moments of tension balanced by quieter, reflective scenes. Themes of family, mental health, and self-discovery are woven throughout the narrative in a meaningful way. I found myself invested in Jake’s journey and enjoyed how the story kept me guessing. Patient X is perfect for anyone who likes mysteries with real emotional depth and characters you can root for.

Thank you for the 5 star review.

Art

#Patient X, #suspense, #fiction, #award winner, #psychological suspense, #Inside the mind of a psychiatrist