It’s slow going, but the first reviews for Is There Life After College? are trickling in. What did a few professional critics and “regular people” think? Here’s a sampling:
Mark and Astra are appealing, engaging, funny, smart people, created with a deft touch. Their stories remain individual, but their timelines are tied together, a connection that drives the action. …Is There Life After College? is a poignant, quirky, light and dark, coming-of-age story about finding a path and being true to oneself above all. 5 out of 5 stars.
—Reader Views (Denise Donaldson)
Is There Life After College? is a funny, irreverent, and ultimately surprisingly serious coming-of-age novel about the rude awakening that comes when the carefully structured world of school suddenly disappears. Beneath the jokes, romance, tragedy, and occasionally outrageous plot turns is a compassionate argument for humility. Growing up, Perone suggests, has less to do with finding all the answers than finally understanding why some questions cannot be answered so easily. 5 out of 5 stars.
—Reader Views (Paul Knobloch)
Perone’s coming-of-age novel is an example of how a master storyteller seamlessly blends multiple themes into a cohesive whole. …The author’s realistic dialogue and vivid, descriptive language add to the reader’s enjoyment. This multi-award-winning author is a formidable talent, as this exceptional novel illustrates. …Readers looking for a great read with depth will find it in this thoughtful and entertaining novel. It leaves the reader contemplating its themes and plot long after the book is finished.
—The US Review of Books (“Recommended” review)
Perone’s prose is energetic and frequently witty, using pop-culture references, exaggerated imagery, and quick exchanges to give the narrative a youthful personality. The tonal shifts can sometimes feel abrupt, particularly as the story moves from workplace comedy and romance into increasingly serious territory, but they also reflect the novel’s broad ambitions. At its heart, Is There Life After College? is less interested in presenting adulthood as a straightforward progression than in showing how unexpected relationships can disrupt the lives we imagine for ourselves.
—Publishers Weekly
Is There Life After College? is a poignant, late coming-of-age story. Lead character Mark graduates from college a valedictorian but soon learns he has a lot to learn about life and the real world, especially after meeting Astra, a punk girl with a feisty attitude and a heart of gold. Being total opposites, the two complement each other, and their connection soon forms an unlikely romance. …Highly recommended.
—Amazon review
Is There Life After College? is a wild ride. It’s got romance, action, and plenty of ‘90s references. It delves into the meaning of life, love, and God, all within the backdrop of New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey. Very entertaining!
—Amazon review
Michael Thomas Perone surprised me yet again with Is There Life After College?, a bittersweet coming-of-age romantic dramedy, if I can coin a genre. Main characters Mark and Astra lead the reader through a whirlwind of romance, action, and, in the end, even courtroom drama. While the conversations between them involve faith and trauma, I was always engrossed in their connection. …Those expecting a lighthearted adventure fantasy like Danger Peak or a quirky sci-fi like Déjà View may be disappointed, but this novel is never less than entertaining.
—Amazon review
Simply put, Michael Thomas Perone has emerged as one of the strongest voices of Gen-X. Few authors have captured the bittersweet ache of growing up during the final analog era, and Perone captures it with exquisite detail.
Okay, I made that last one up, but the rest were real! (This is literally the fourth time I’ve done this joke, being that this is my fourth book—not counting my self-published poetry and blog books.) I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but these are some of the best reviews I’ve received in my…oh, let’s just call it “career,” particularly the professional ones. Full disclosure: Most of my books didn’t receive a “Recommended” score from The US Review of Books. Also, I’ve never been accused of being a “master storyteller” before. I think I even posted that as a joke review in an old blog, but now it seems to have come true. The professional reviews have already been placed on the book’s homepage.
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In other MTP news, my first book launch party is coming up! Are you on the guest list? Published bookstore and bar in Huntington, NY, is throwing me a little shindig to celebrate Is There Life After College? on Sunday, September 20th at 2 p.m. (in Stefon voice) This place has everything: books, booze, a two-headed cat… Okay, that last one was also made up. What’s with me today? For more information, please see the flyer below.
I hope you guys can make it. I’d love to see you there.
MTP
P.S.: The Danger Peak audiobook is available!
P.P.S.: Is There Life After College? is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble:
Michael Thomas Perone 