I really appreciated the character development in this novel. Interested to see what else this author will come out with

This is an interesting coming-of-age novel where the main character is heading out on his own. The writing style lets you feel like you were there, and presents in the story in a relatable way. Recommended for adults or older teens.

A interesting take on the transition to adult-hood. The narrator, Calvin, is striking out on his own and jumps through all the hoops of one establishing an independent life.

The author does a great job of seeing this life of discover, setback, and growth through the eyes of Calvin. It is visceral, emotion, and real but not difficult to access, making for a very relatable reading experience.

This is a strong work that most people should be able to relate to on some level.

This is a post-coming of age book that focuses on the next part of life... the "building of self". The Narrator, Calvin, is driven to strike out on his own by hitching a ride out of his home town and settling in an up-and-coming city known as The Plains. He arrives with a duffel bag and a set of dreams hoping to find the place he belongs and make his mark on the world. He quickly settles into an apartment with two other twenty-something artist types and begins to move with the flow of the city. He gets a freelance job with a magazine that allows him to enjoy the cities growing nightlife and music scene, while still having time free to float through the city with his roommate Eddie. His published articles provide the necessary first taste of adulthood that make him feel like he is in the right place at the right time and it doesn't hurt that while on assignment he found a love interest to occupy his nights and his heart. Everything seems to be working out great, but the bubble eventually pops, not just on the city but also on Calvin's life. Even through all of the "good times" Zack Reed makes sure to call out the little things we often push aside or minimize to convince ourselves we are happy. He tackles the listlessness, isolation and anxiety that most people experience in their early twenties with such beautiful subtlety. He paints a vividly real picture of this time in your life with the most realistic humans that could grace the pages of a book. He has a descriptive writing style that makes you feel like you were actually there and that you are merely sifting through your memories and not reading words on a page. I see potential in the author and I am glad I got to go on the journey with Calvin. ( )