The Elevated Press

 From Here to Reality 

by Steven Schindler

*Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books

Los Angeles was burning. The streets were filled with looters and rioters.  The air was choking with ash, smoke and gunfire in the distance.  Welcome to Hollywood.

 Compared to New York, where Johnny Koester grew up, the apartments in Hollywood were spacious, airy, sunny, and cheap.  Some even included a parking space and a swimming pool.  But behind the flower boxes and screen doors of his newly adopted apartment building, Hollywood View Court, lives were being lived that defied the formulaic storylines being concocted in the film and TV production bungalows just blocks away.

 They called it the land of fruits and nuts, lala land, tinsel town, but to Johnny, it was just a company town.  Somewhere that offered a job in a business he had experience in: television.  Having been just laid off, he wanted to make a new start in a new town, but little did he know that the only jobs available were in something new called reality television.  And even more of a shock would be the reality that awaited him just a couple of doors over in his new apartment; a reality named Benny.

REVIEWS-

Posted on Bookworm blog by JRB  on 8/30/06

I am a big fan of Steven Schindler.  His book “From Here to Reality” had me laughing every two minutes. (It’s a must read if you need a good hardy laugh) After reading that book I naturally turned into an instant fan of his writing.

 Posted on The Daily Grind blog 9/22/06

 Last month I posted about a book called “From Here to Reality” by Steven Schindler which I really enjoyed reading (so much I finished it in two days!) After learning more about Mr.Schindler I discovered he has two other books. “Sewer Balls” and “From The Block” which I have in my hands today. Sewer Balls arrived last week which I am still reading. From The Block arrived today from a used bookstore in Mukwonago, WI (say Mukwonago five times FAST!!) Well I made the mistake of opening “From The Block” too soon. I read the first page and of course didn’t stop until I found myself reading with blazing speed to page 23. I have about 90 pages left in Sewer Balls which I hope to finish tonight. So, I am; hooked on both books right now. I need to know how Vinny and Whitey end their adventure in my current book. My issue may be nothing to you, but man I love me some good writing, and I am captivated by Steven Schindler’s writing!

 What's love got to do with it?, August 5, 2005

I could start this review by saying "you'll laugh, you'll cry" and in reading From Here to Reality you will undoubtedly laugh and cry. And I don't want to give away the ending, or ruin the surprise - so I won't. But this is what I will say. Schindler is a first rate novelist - combining humor, tension, excitement, mystery and a big pay-off. Rarely has a writer been able to take a current scandal and use it to reveal the workings of the human heart. And rarely has a writer been able to portray the sublime benefits that flow from experiencing true love. Yes, it is all about love. Romantic love, platonic love and yes, love of God. It all comes through with grace and beauty in Schindler's telling of his story. It's not just that Schindler is a very good writer, more importantly it's about the story Schindler chooses to tell. You think it's one thing and then you realize it's about something else - something much more important. And wrapped inside Schindler's funny, irreverent and Twainish writing style you are provided a glimpse into the human soul, and what right and wrong are really about. Schindler isn't preaching - he's shining a soft and kind light on the human condition whilst falling head over heels in love.
From Here to Reality is about love and loss and laughter - and ultimately redemption. One could even ask - What's God got to do with it?
I highly recommend this novel and eagerly await future work by this honest and talented author.

 * * * * * Love, Laughs & Life Lessons From Television in FROM HERE TO REALITY, August 6, 2005

 If the current wave of reality television and tabloid media has taught us anything, it's probably that human beings (or perhaps just Americans?) are greedy, corruptible and willing to do just about anything for a Warhol-sized shot at fortune and fame. What other conclusion could one possibly draw about seemingly reasonable people who agree to appear on TV for the express purpose of eating horse anus, all on the promise of a prize? That being said, you wouldn't expect a work of fiction set in that shallow arena to be a transcendent rumination on life, love and the human spirit. But that's exactly what New Millennium Beat Novelist Steven Schindler has crafted in FROM HERE TO REALITY, the author's stunning follow-up to SEWER BALLS and FROM THE BLOCK. Schindler, a TV producer transplanted from New York to Hollywood, tells the tale of Johnny Koester, a TV producer transplanted New York to Hollywood. The grim reality of Koester's professional world of low-rent, no-respect tabloid TV fare like PSYCHIC CRIME-BUSTERS and SHOCKING HOLLYWOOD SECRETS intersects and sometimes crashes into the real world of Koester's personal life, as the New Guy In Town tries to make personal connections within the confines of his new city and new apartment building, with both comic and tragic results. The high comedy that comes from Schindler's seen-it, done-it, have-it-in-perspective reportage on bottom-feeder TV is in perfect balance with the reality of the author's real story, which is a romance wrapped in mystery bonded by the promise friendship and the inevitability of mortality. Schindler's story is rich, his characters are sharp, his twists are surprising, his language is colorful and his lessons are painful, but always--always--truthful. FROM HERE TO REALITY is, in turns, funny and sad, exciting and meditative and-- sometimes, all of the above, all exactly at the same moment. Steven Schindler's latest novel is, quite simply, a thing of beauty. So turn off FEAR FACTOR and THE E! TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY and curl up with a good book. The opportunity to be moved by FROM HERE TO REALITY is not one to pass up.

  Fiction That Delivers an Unforgettable Reality, August 8, 2005

Reality--harsh, funny, bizarre, tragic, and romantic--all intertwine in From Here to Reality, writer Steve Schindler's third novel, and his best yet. (And that's saying something, given his powerful coming-of-age story Sewer Balls and his harrowing tale of friendship and murder, From The Block.) In From Here to Reality, we revisit the roots of what is today called "reality television" and meet the cruel and cynical minds who lust after ratings at all costs. The reality struggling TV producer Johnny Koester finds in front of the camera, however, is nothing compared to that which he finds back in his own courtyard apartment. His determination to triumph over both of them and create a better reality for himself and those around him hurtles the reader through a sordid landscape of heroes and villains that's simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking. Balancing the compromises demanded by the unforgiving world of video with his own uncompromising compassion and pursuit of justice, Koester finds that confronting reality head-on is the only option for survival. From Here to Reality is a stunning, must-read story of human dignity, growth, and love told with wit and verve. It stays with you long after the last page is finished.

Engaging!, February 16, 2006 Reviewer: C. Loeser (Toluca Lake, CA USA) - as posted on Amazon.com    As a writer, I was truly impressed with how well Steven Schindler was able to vividly immerse the reader into a specific era of Hollywood, and into specific situations; of which he *must* have been privy. A good book, by a great writer. I highly recommend it.

Quick enjoyable read that takes you on a fast ride, January 25, 2006 Reviewer: Gretchen Hydo "Gretchen" (Sherman Oaks, CA) - as posted on Amazon.com    What a great book! I would highly recommend it. The story is quick, witty, and fun with characters you want to get to know. Schindler takes you on a ride through Los Angeles, New York and most importantly through his characters hearts. It is a perfect read for a Sunday afternoon.

DEFINITE PAGE TURNER!!!!, December 3, 2005 Reviewer: RHN (Covina, California United States) - as posted on Amazon.com You can't help but keep on reading as the novel increases the intensity in mystery. You got to know whats gonna happen next!!And the ending, well, I don't want to spoil it. The main characters come to life; you want to get to know them, you want to know their secrets. Mr. Schindler has that ability to put you in the scene as you keep reading. Sort of like a when you dream and you see everything going on about. Another great reading experience from the author of SEWER BALLS, a novel about growing up in NY in the 60's. Both books I highly recommend... I'm waiting for the movie!!!!!!!

Closing in on 5 stars!, September 12, 2005 Reviewer: Philip Rutigliano "Secondary School Teacher" (New York) - as posted on Amazon.com    As I did with Steven Schindler's first two novels, Sewer Balls, and From the Block, I thoroughly enjoyed reading his latest, From Here to Reality. It's one of those books that you just don't want to end. Being born and bred in the Bronx, I can certainly vouch for the authenticity of the New York neighborhoods and experiences that Schindler describes, and the picture he paints of life in LA evokes a plethora of genuine emotions. I look forward to Schindler's next book.

Intrigue, Romance, Mystery, Sleaze, Humor = GREAT READ!, September 3, 2005 Reviewer: Paul Taguer (Old Bridge, NJ) -as posted on Amazon.com    Reality TV surrounds us on a daily basis. Schindler uses this phenomenon as a backdrop for a remarkable story of love, friendship, mystery and intrigue. The characters in the book are as interesting as they are real. Schindler builds their relationships with humor and wit..... and a true sense of "reality". I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to others.

 From Here to Reality*

Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books

by Steven Schindler

"REQUIRED READING" -

  New York Post

"A very funny Hollywood story told with wit and passion by someone who's obviously been there."      -Jay Leno

"Schindler's cockeyed insider's take on how bottom-feeder TV gets made is what gives this entertaining novel its oomph."       

 -Publishers Weekly

"What's real? What's fake? Who knows anymore? But I do know FROM HERE TO REALITY made me laugh. Great book!"               

 -Roger L. Simon  (Author- THE BIG FIX)