In 2019, after a devastating spinal cord injury left Tom unable to walk, work, or drive, he found himself
facing a life of anger, sadness, and the loss of everything he once loved as a Hollywood actor and avid
outdoorsman. For three years, he battled severe depression, questioning his purpose and place in the
world.

At his darkest moment, just before calling the Suicide Prevention Hotline, he recalled three words that
had come to him during a meditation a year earlier: “Endurance Through Adversity.” Those words
became a lifeline, reminding him that while his circumstances had changed, his ability to persevere had
not.

With renewed determination, Tom began the difficult process of rebuilding his life. He sought out new
ways to stay creative, find purpose, and keep moving forward.

Never giving up, Tom transformed from someone who had withdrawn from the world into a person
committed to inspiring others. Today, he devotes his life to sharing positive messages with those who
need them most, especially the disabled and anyone seeking a path back to hope and happiness.
Born from what Tom learned on his journey of overcoming hardship, “Parable Philosophies for
Happiness” offers timeless lessons and practical insights to help readers navigate life’s challenges and
rediscover joy.

Through a collection of thoughtful and engaging parables designed to provide guidance, comfort, and
clarity, each chapter delves deep into the meaning of the parable, with an “Interpretation” section
explaining its core message. Next, the “Pause and Ponder” section invites readers to reflect on thought-
provoking questions, while “Living the Lesson” offers practical ideas on how to integrate the wisdom
into daily life. Finally, a “Universal Wisdom” section shows how the parable connects with teachings
from other religions, folklores, and global wisdom traditions.

Whether you’re facing challenges in relationships, career, or personal well-being, this book provides a
gentle nudge toward creating a more joyful and fulfilling life. Each story resonates with everyday
struggles and triumphs, offering a fresh perspective to help you rediscover happiness.

Tom’s journey to reclaim joy, and his passion for helping others do the same, shines through every
page. Whatever your journey, there’s a parable here for you.

Mike Berman writes and performs original songs rooted in the folk and California folk rock traditions.

Mike’s album Ghosts, arriving in April, 2025, contains eight original tracks addressing themes such as growing up amidst gun violence, lost relationships, the dangers of looking back, and the redemption and mercy that love and music can bring to your soul. Produced by Ed Tree and with performances by Mike and outstanding Los Angeles musicians, Ghosts is a sonically and thematically rich addition to Mike’s musical library. Performances in California and in the Northeast (including the Cape May Singer-Songwriter Festival) are coming in 2025.

Mike’s first album Where I’m From, released in January 2023, received excellent reviews and was featured on dozens of folk radio programs across the USA and beyond. He has performed concerts and showcases at venues across Southern California, such as The Coffee Gallery, The Lost Chord, Jeweled Universe, the A-Frame, Universal Bar & Grill, Mission Tile Music, The Harp Inn, Cabin Creek Crystals, Stardust Concerts, the Cambria Center for the Arts, and many other venues, both solo and with his three-piece combo TIMBR. He has appeared at legendary venues McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Los Angeles, the Towne Crier in New York, and Club Passim in Boston. He’s also been a regular performer at on-line showcases including Bruce Swan’s Music My Mother Wouldn’t Like, Jan Seides “Any Sunday Songwriters” series, and his own Social Distance Café. He recently was awarded “Best Performance” at the Songwriters at Play competition in Solvang, California.

Where I’m From was in the top thirty on the NACC charts in January 2023. Produced by Ed Tree, the album featured performances from top musicians including pedal steel legend Jay Dee Maness, 2-time Grammy nominee Guy Davis, and LA blues diva Teresa James. Dave Franklin of Dancing About Architecture wrote that “Where I’m From is a great album… the sound of a modern-day James Taylor… country cool for the modern age.” Legendary songwriter Steve Gillette commented that Mike’s songs “uphold the tradition and are evidence that the California sound is in good hands.” Songwriter Rob Waller, founder of “I See Hawks in LA”, says that “Mike’s songs carry a depth and humanity that stick with you.”

Mike is a veteran musician, having performed in the 80’s with the Hudson River Sloop Singers (associated with Pete Seeger) as well as in his duo The Rusty Lock String Band, including festival gigs at the New Jersey Folk Festival and the Raritan River Festival. After a long layoff to raise a family and build a career as a university administrator and information technology expert, he has dived head-first in songwriting in the last few years. His songwriting his developed through workshops and master classes with the likes of Richard Thompson, Tom Paxton, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin, Guy Davis, Ellis Paul, Laurie McAllister, Gretchen Peters, Michael McNevin, and many other accomplished songwriters and performers