Everything Is Just Beginning: A Novel
Jan 2023 · Baker Books
5.0star
3 reviewsreport
Ebook
352
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About this ebook
A 2024 Michigan Notable Book
***
An Immersive Story of Music, Struggle, and Starting Over from an Award-Winning Author
Michael Sullivan is a talented lyricist and a decent guitarist, but since he was kicked out of his band (and his apartment), he's not sure he'll ever get a record deal. Living with his loser uncle in a beat-up trailer and working a dead-end job, Michael has little reason to hope for a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year's Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It's for his uncle, with whom he shares his name, but his uncle is going out of town . . .
On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989--as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is inching toward democracy, and anything seems possible--Michael will cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.
Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels enchants with this story of two lonely souls who have exactly what the other one needs--if they could simply turn their focus from what is ending to what is just beginning.
***
"Bartels's spirited writing enlivens the earnest tale. Readers will root for these characters as they chase their dreams."--Publishers Weekly
"I was completely absorbed in this book from the first chapter. I sat in my chair and did not get up until I finished it! . . . . Bartels smacks this out of the park."--Interviews & Reviews
***
An Immersive Story of Music, Struggle, and Starting Over from an Award-Winning Author
Michael Sullivan is a talented lyricist and a decent guitarist, but since he was kicked out of his band (and his apartment), he's not sure he'll ever get a record deal. Living with his loser uncle in a beat-up trailer and working a dead-end job, Michael has little reason to hope for a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year's Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It's for his uncle, with whom he shares his name, but his uncle is going out of town . . .
On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989--as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is inching toward democracy, and anything seems possible--Michael will cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.
Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels enchants with this story of two lonely souls who have exactly what the other one needs--if they could simply turn their focus from what is ending to what is just beginning.
***
"Bartels's spirited writing enlivens the earnest tale. Readers will root for these characters as they chase their dreams."--Publishers Weekly
"I was completely absorbed in this book from the first chapter. I sat in my chair and did not get up until I finished it! . . . . Bartels smacks this out of the park."--Interviews & Reviews
Ratings and reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Melissa D
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January 26, 2023
If you love music & are a child of the 80’s, you’ll love this book! I felt so much nostalgia as I relived 1989 & the early 90’s through this story. It’s a tribute to simpler times where everyone wanted to be in a band & make it big. It’s romantic, compelling, original, & inspirational. Loved the way the book was laid out like a record with Side A & B and tracks instead of chapters. Michael & Natalie were such endearing characters. It was a joy to follow their musical journey.
Becky Boerner
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February 27, 2023
This novel is full of such depth and richness with engaging characters, world events and culture from the 1990’s woven into the story, and beautifully written original songs. I loved this thought provoking book. The themes of family, redemption, and giving grace to others resonated with me. I highly recommend Everything is just Beginning. I enjoyed the original music, the redemptive themes, and the fabulous 1990 references. A must read! Copy given by publisher/review not required
Vickie Watts
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January 18, 2023
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is lyrical poetry in the form of a thought-provoking and originally refreshing novel. The story of Michael Sullivan and his persistence in following his dreams is one that is haunting and memorable. The characters were all well-rounded and the plot was just fast enough to keep me totally absorbed. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, and The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two 2020 WFWA Star Awards and the 2020 Michigan Notable Book Award, Erin has been a publishing professional for twenty years. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son. Find her online at www.erinbartels.com.
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