From August To November by Brandon Grubb
What if we chose our trauma?
Is it possible we had a hand in our life’s blueprint?
Following the tragic death of his brother, in addition to the impending failure of his marriage, Nathan Jones finds himself back in the same small town in which he grew up.
Struggling to discover a new direction for his life, he copes by recreating high school antics with his buddies and dancing around a romance with an old family friend.
Eventually, an opportunity to provide a taxi service for the locals presents itself, and Nathan adds it to his growing list of coping methods.
Then one afternoon, a chance encounter changes everything.
As Nathan learns, the answer is out there. You just have to find the right people. Or let them find you.
From August To November by Brandon Grubb
Ever feel like life’s throwing curveballs faster than you can swing? “From August To November” by Brandon Grubb steps up to the plate with a poignant exploration of grief, second chances, and the unexpected ways we find healing.
Nathan Jones’ journey back to his hometown is a familiar tune played with fresh notes. Grubb doesn’t just give us another tale of small-town nostalgia; he dives deep into the messy aftermath of tragedy and the ripple effects it has on every aspect of life. The juxtaposition of Nathan’s brother’s death with his crumbling marriage sets the stage for a story that’s as much about rebirth as it is about loss.
What really intrigues me is the philosophical question at the heart of the novel: Did we choose our trauma? It’s a bold concept that adds a layer of depth to Nathan’s struggle, potentially transforming his journey from mere coping to active self-discovery.
The addition of the taxi service is a clever narrative device. It’s not just a job; it’s a metaphor for Nathan’s life – always moving, picking up new experiences, and sometimes, just along for the ride. I’m betting those taxi rides will lead to some profound encounters and revelations.
Grubb’s portrayal of small-town life sounds nuanced, avoiding the pitfalls of either over-romanticizing or demonizing it. The rekindled friendships and potential romance with an old family friend hint at the comfort of familiarity, but also the danger of living in the past.
“From August To November” promises to be more than just another homecoming story. It’s a deep dive into the human psyche, exploring how we navigate life’s toughest moments and the unexpected ways we find our path forward. If you’re in the mood for a read that’ll make you ponder your own life choices while rooting for a flawed but relatable protagonist, this indie gem might just be your next favorite ride.
