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These Things Happen
by Michael Eon
GENRE: Literary Fiction
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/19/2023
DESCRIPTION:
Daniel Zimmer will do almost anything to end his pain—except for the one thing that might work.
Growing up in 1970s Brooklyn under the shadow of his tyrannical father, Daniel Zimmer struggles to find a sense of safety and belonging. Daniel and his brother Max find moments of solace in the rebellious rhythms of early punk and metal bands. But when faced with an unexpected family tragedy—for which Daniel feels responsible—he finds escape in the numbing grip of alcohol. Carrying childhood trauma into adulthood, Daniel spirals deeper into the clutches of addiction. Just as he finds the strength to embrace sobriety, the ghosts of his past resurface, forcing him to confront his demons head-on.
Flashing through Daniel’s life, past and present, this nostalgic ode to Brooklyn is an unflinchingly honest account of the inevitable ups and downs of recovery and coming of age.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
MICHAEL EON earned a BA in psychology from the University of Michigan and an MA in international affairs from Columbia University. A former board member of the Audio Publishers Association and a former producer of major motion pictures and television productions, Michael worked in the publishing and entertainment industries for more than twenty years. Michael discovered the core of this story through the cathartic processing of autobiographical memories, following its evolution into this novel of redemption and recovery. These Things Happen is his first novel. Originally from the New York area, he currently lives in New Hampshire with his family.
REVIEWS:
“A nostalgic and often beautiful story. [A] charming ode to growing up in Brooklyn and a subtle love letter to the music of the time.” —Kirkus Reviews
“[A] stunning, cinematic novel that provides the reader with a satisfying emotional catharsis.” —Feathered Quill
“Urgent, beautifully written . . . with well-drawn characters and a vivid, engaging storyline, These Things Happen . . . imparts a compelling message.” —BookLife Reviews
“Smooth, evocative prose, well-drawn characters, and the intriguing time and place of 1970s Brooklyn. . . . A thoughtful read.” —BlueInk Review
COMPARATIVE FILM/BOOK:
In many ways, THESE THINGS HAPPEN is a combination of different works. It’s one part THE WONDER YEARS, with a dash of local color reminiscent of Jonathan Lethem’s contemporary classic THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE (2003), yet with the unflinching honesty of STRAY, Stephanie Danler’s 2020 memoir on addiction and family. Other works thematically comparable include David Sanchez’s ALL DAY IS A LONG TIME, Lisa Harding's BRIGHT BURNING THINGS (2021), Justin Torres's WE THE ANIMALS (2011), James Frey’s A MILLION LITTLE PIECES (2003), and most works by Augusten Burroughs.
PRIMARY VENUES/LOCATIONS WITHIN THE BOOK:
Brooklyn, NY 1970s - 1990s
BOOK EXCERPT:
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