Caveman at the End of the World

Diagnosed at an early age with a learning disability, Brad Rau's disinterest in all things academic was effectively cemented until, in sixth grade, his aunt recommended he read Stephen King's The Shining and an abiding interest in fiction was awoken. Enthralled by the power of books, he began substituting his own picks for assigned school reading, a move that did not endear him to his teachers nor help his grade point average. Through a cleverly curated schedule of art classes and independent study, he managed to graduate high school and earn the "Most Improved Student Award." Beginning his college career at the now defunct Rockport College he studied painting, writing and Eastern Philosophy, eventually earning his Associate of Fine Arts degree. He went on to study philosophy and literature at the University of Maine at Farmington, finally earning his Bachelors Degree from the now defunct BFA program at Vermont College, proving that giving him a degree can have devastating effects on institutions of higher learning. Interested in b-movies, carpentry and music of all kinds, the depth of his storytelling is influenced by a diverse set of authors, from Haruki Murakami to Dave Barry, Leo Tolstoy, Jane Austin and Graham Greene. A literary chameleon of noir shading, comedy, suspense and deep, human emotion, Brad Rau creates novels that weave together eclectic elements from across the literary spectrum and serve as platforms for his strange philosophical musings.