The Janus Theory

The Janus Theory

Late in his life, Cody Brenman meets a young, beautiful, intelligent African-American woman, Talanea Jamieson, and a unique relationship develops which greatly impacts their lives. Tally develops an intense interest in Cody's past which forces him to take a hard look at his past which includes his involvement in the death and destruction of two wars.  

Is it fate or God that was responsible for his survival with death so much a part of his life?

The Janus Theory

Late in his life, Cody Brenman meets a young, beautiful, intelligent African-American woman, Talanea Jamieson, and a unique relationship develops which greatly impacts their lives. Despite Tally’s parents’ extreme objections, the relationship deepens. Fraught with their differences in age and color and Tally's intense interest in Cody's past; he is forced to look at what his past has made him and where his future will take him. So Tally triggered Cody’s recall and remembrances, opening a torrent of memories. ​Although he has accomplished much, college, two marriages, four daughters and his climb to success in the investment banking world, Cody must face the tragedies, challenges and choices of his life. He has been involved in the death and destruction of two wars, as an Air Force fighter pilot in Korea and a special mission’s pilot in Vietnam. Cody realizes he can't reconcile or understand how he has arrived at this point in his life; is it fate or God that was responsible for his survival with death so much a part of his life? 

The road of my life has been filled with so many forks, branches, twists and turns that I have to think of it in phases – people coming and going, in and out of my life, many moving on or dying, like a long passing parade. Not everyone stays forever.

So, like the mythical Roman God Janus, who has two faces, one looking back and one looking forward, Cody searches the past hoping for help for his future.

Charles Bruner was born in Alamosa, Colorado on September 22, 1929. He came in to the world during the calamitous events of the stock market. His parents and siblings survived both the crash and Charlie Bruner.

Throughout his early years and well in to college, he had developed an ongoing interest and developing talent in writing the written word. As a senior at Boulder High School, he was both sports editor of the school’s paper and Senior Yearbook. While attending the University of Colorado he took several writing classes to further expand his skill and knowledge. Always an avid reader, he became a true fan of fiction novels.

Charlie left the University of Colorado in the spring of 1951 to join The United States Air Force. After a year’s training he graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant and qualified jet pilot. He was sent to Korea in December 1952 and was assigned to the 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. While in Korea he flew 38 combat missions during the war. While there, he periodically wrote some detailed notes about the Korean War, the people he met, the places he went and the pilots he flew with. Returning home in 1954, he started writing more frequently and with greater intensity. He found he had a talent for writing short stories and poetry.

In July of 1977 Mr. Bruner was a co-founder of the securities firm, Neidiger, Tucker, Bruner, Inc. The company was a full service firm specializing in the raising of capital for new small companies which is the basis and backbone of the American business world. The firm is presently 37 years old and has more than made its commitment to small American business. Mr. Bruner retired from the Company on November 30, 2010.

There is an old literary saying; Write what you know.” Charlie Bruner has lived an interesting life of drama and adventure and imparts it into his characters and scenes in his first book.