These Things Happen
by Michael Eon
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Description
Awards & Endorsements
Author(s)
Michael Eon
Related Titles
These Things Happen
Girl Friday Books
General Fiction · Coming of Age
About the Book
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 Yankee’s 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-fiancée makes an unexpected reappearance. Forced to face his demons head-on, Daniel struggles to take it “one day at a time.”
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. 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.
Michael Eon
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.
Current Licenses
World Wide Rights Available
Awards & Endorsements
Award
American Book Fest 2023
Finalist: Best Fiction
Review
“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
“Urgent, beautifully written . . . with well-drawn characters and a vivid, engaging storyline, These Things Happen . . . imparts a compelling message.” —BookLife Reviews (Editor’s Pick)
“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
“An experiential tapestry of interwoven lives and indelible emotional scars.” —IndieReader
“These Things Happen explores the inexplicable complexities of human connections with tenderness and profound empathy.” —IndieReader
“An excellent writer, Eon had me captivated with grief for the story of these two brothers.” —Manhattan Book Review
“Eon weaves . . . the threat of self-destruction and the quest for redemption into a powerful and unforgettable story.” —Pacific Book Review
“[A]n excellent piece of literary fiction. Very highly recommended.” —Readers’ Favorite