John Lennon’s Glasses

A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy
by Jim Ocean with Kathy Ocean

What if the story of John Lennon didn’t end in 1980? What if his spirit lived on?

After a disillusioned, suicidal singer-songwriter receives a mysterious pair of glasses that conjure John Lennon from the afterlife, they embark on a surreal coast-to-coast and cosmic adventure to save the world from a dark force that threatens to extinguish all music from the universe.

John Lennon’s Glasses is a tale of personal transformation, and a wild ride through rock ‘n’ roll history and the music business, rather like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy meets On the Road with a cast of deceased rock stars.

The novel comes with not one, but two companion collections of original music: the “Pop Tunes for Mystics” album and “The John Lennon’s Glasses Music Collection.”

Step into a world where music transcends time and space—and where a pair of glasses can change everything. 

“Sure, Lennon. All you need is love when you’re rich and famous and adored by millions of fans. The truth is . . . love distracts you. It sends you down blind paths. It gives you a mission, then leaves you stranded on a beach with unrealized dreams and a broken heart. The truth is, Lennon . . . love can get you shot! You certainly learned that the hard way. All I needed . . . was rent.”

Are you a music lover fascinated by John Lennon, the Beatles, and the rise of rock ‘n’ roll? Do you like to be carried away by fantastical tales and road-trip stories? If you are a fan of magical realism and historical fiction and enjoy heart-felt, quirky and ultimately feel-good stories of personal transformation, this novel is for you.

Read the First Few Chapters
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John Lennon’s Glasses – A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy

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Seeing Through the Music

"Jim and Kathy Ocean’s John Lennon’s Glasses is a genre-defying novel that fuses rock ‘n’ roll mythology with speculative fiction and social satire. The story follows a disillusioned singer-songwriter who, after receiving a mysterious pair of glasses, conjures the spirit of John Lennon from the afterlife. Together, they embark on a surreal journey across America and beyond, aiming to rescue music—and perhaps humanity itself—from a looming existential threat.

The novel’s tone is a blend of irreverent humor and heartfelt introspection, reminiscent of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy mixed with On the Road, featuring a cast that includes deceased rock legends. The authors insure to infuse the narrative with a deep appreciation for music’s transformative power. The protagonist’s evolution from despair to purpose is portrayed with authenticity and wit.

While the novel is rich in musical references and philosophical musings, it remains accessible and engaging for all ages. It’s a celebration of creativity, a critique of modern society, and a testament to the enduring influence of artistic visionaries. For readers seeking a thought-provoking and entertaining read that transcends conventional genres, John Lennon’s Glasses offers a unique and memorable experience.

Ultimately, John Lennon’s Glasses is more than a novel—it’s a movement disguised as a road trip, a meditation on what it means to stay awake in a world that numbs us, and a celebration of music as a force for truth and transformation. The Oceans have crafted a story that invites readers to question the status quo, embrace their creative spirit, and dare to imagine a more conscious and connected world. It’s a wild ride with a powerful message: vision, like music, can change everything—especially when seen through the right lens."

- Tessa, Amazon Review

A inspiring and dream reaching book

"John Lennon's Glasses is a fantastic book with many different musical involvements in the book. I loved the main character who starts the book with saying All You Need is Love that John Lennon sang about was not true. I needed to read on at that point. The main character is a singer who is trying to find someone who will buy his music, about universal love which I as a reader believe wholeheartedly in. I love how Jimmy is trying to write music for the future of humanity and not just to make a quick buck. I also quite loved how the author placed facts and fiction involving John Lennon and the Beatles in this book. And how John and George were speaking in heaven was inspiring. I have a few old time people who I would love to see that happen with. I loved the ending of this book and was so glad that Jimmy found his happy ending with music and also in an unexpected place. And the research the author did was truly factual and fictional! I really like the writing style of Jim and Kathy Ocean. Jim has a contagious humor weaved throughout this magical story and Kathy keeps it grounded with facts and a kicking playlist. I recommend this book to those who like a story with a music theme."

- Amazon Review

Definitely for Music Lovers

"First of all, I adore the main character, Jimmy. He’s a singer chasing something deeper than fame, trying to write music that actually means something. As a huge music buff (particularly a big Beatles fan) I loved how the book mixes real Beatles history with fun, surreal fiction, especially the parts where John and George are chatting in heaven. The ending is so perfect, and it made me really happy to see Jimmy find his place, both in music and life. If you love music-themed stories with a little heart and imagination, definitely check this one out."

- Grace, Amazon Review

“The Black Chord is coming to suck music, art, and light from our universe. Every melody line, every chorus, every lyric, every solo ever written. Although it’s not visible to mortal eyes, we are under attack. A rift has opened near Alpha Centauri, 4.3 light-years from Earth, and we are its next target.”

The Music of John Lennon’s Glasses

John Lennon’s Glasses includes not one, but two accompanying collections of original music!

Pop Tunes for Mystics -- the album that launched Jimmy Drake’s career

POP TUNES FOR MYSTICS
By Jim Ocean

The album that launched Jimmy
Drake’s career

Listen to the Album
John Lennon's Glasses: The Music Collection: Listen Now

The John Lennon’s Glasses Music Collection

Original Jim Ocean songs mentioned or alluded to in the novel.

Listen to the Music Collection

“One fact that nobody knows on Earth is that musicians are soldiers in the afterlife. We may have resisted growing up and squandered our mortal lives on drugs, sex, and rock ’n’ roll; but up here, we are God’s shock troops for some serious cosmic duty.”

The Dead List and Members of the First Sol Brigade

The First Sol Brigade is comprised of the main character, Jimmy Drake’s musical heroes who he meets at the center of the sun.

Read about Members of the First Sol Brigade

About the Authors

Jim and Kathy Ocean are writers, musicians, producers and cultural activists. Their mission is simple: to bring people together in a vibrant and engaged community through the power of words and music. John Lennon’s Glasses is their first novel.

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