These Things Happen - by Michael Eon (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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 and against the backdrop of the Son of Sam murders, the Karen Ann Quinlan tragedy, and the New York Yankees' back-to-back championship seasons, 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 like the Ramones and Judas Priest. But when faced with an unexpected family tragedy--for which he feels responsible--Daniel discovers the magical escape that alcohol can provide, numbing his pain and guilt.

Carrying the trauma of his youth into adulthood, Daniel falls deeper into alcoholism as he fights to face life on life's terms. Then, just as he finally begins to embrace sobriety, Max attempts suicide and Daniel's ex-fiancéeacute;e makes an unexpected reappearance. Forced to face his demons head-on, Daniel struggles to take things one day at a time.

Flashing through Daniel's life, past and present, this nostalgic ode to Brooklyn is an unflinching account of the inevitable ups and downs of recovery and coming of age. Ultimately, it is a story of the ravages of generational abuse and the power of recognizing addiction and opening the door to the possibilities of redemption.

Review Quotes

"Urgent, beautifully written . . . with well-drawn characters and a vivid, engaging storyline, These Things Happen . . . imparts a compelling message." -BookLife Reviews (Editor's Pick)

"Smooth, evocative prose, well-drawn characters, and the intriguing time and place of 1970s Brooklyn. . . . A thoughtful read." --BlueInk Review

"Raw and compelling. . . . The energy of being a child in a city that will eat you up if you let it seeps through the pages." --Readers' Favorite

"Suffused with an ambivalent, deeply melancholic nostalgia that recalls the turbulent family dynamics of J. D. Salinger." --IndieReader

"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] visceral and emotionally charged novel that takes on the many complexities of family, addiction, and self-discovery." --Pacific Book Review

"A beautiful story [by] an excellent writer . . . had me on the edge of my seat from page one." --Manhattan Book Review

"These Things Happen is a stunning, cinematic novel that provides the reader with a satisfying emotional catharsis." --Feathered Quill

"Michael Eon has written a debut novel that keeps readers glued to the pages." --BookTrib