Add "The Fifteenth of June" to Your Summer Reading List! (Review)

            Hey folks! With relaxing pool or beach side season upon us, it's time to be adding some books to your summer reading list! This debut novel from author Brent Jones is the perfect title to add to it. Here is The Fifteenth of June in a nutshell:

Twenty-eight-year-old Drew Thomson is haunted by a troubled past. After struggling for years with alcoholism and antisocial behavior, he ends a stable relationship with his girlfriend and finds himself without a home, job, or purpose.

Just as he learns that his father is terminally ill, he meets a stranger who offers him a flicker of hope for a better future. But is he ready to bury the past?

Rich with dark humor and a keen insight into the human condition, this debut fictional release from author Brent Jones delves into life’s most pressing trials—destructive relationships, love, loss, and pursuing happiness.

 

             I tend to stick to the same genres when it comes to reading for pleasure and this story does not fit any of them so, admittedly, I wasn't sure whether I would like this book or not. I quickly found the story and main character sucking me in, though. I actually had a hard time “putting it down” and was disappointed and irritated the days I just didn't have the time or energy to read any at the end of the day.

             I feel like I have a pretty twisted and dark sense of humor myself, so The Fifteenth of June was right up my alley. Who doesn't love a good story that can make you laugh out loud at parts, right? Being a “family-friendly” blog, I feel like I should mention that there is crude and foul language in this book as well as drug and alcohol references. The latter two actually end up being an integral part of the story, but I felt I should warn those of you who do not like reading about such things.

             While not an alcoholic and definitely not a drug addict, I felt like I could really relate to the main character, Drew. We're roughly the same age and I'll admit I've been known to drink too much back in the day. Being an introvert, I definitely have some anti-social tendencies, so that aspect of his character was relatable to me in a big way as well. You can see why it was easy for me to get attached to this story right away!

             Even if you might not personally identify much with Drew's characteristics, I'm sure we've all experienced his insights and outlooks on life at one point in our lives or another. Wanting to just be left alone, wanting to find happiness and be happy, and wanting to change your path in life for the better, but not really knowing where to begin are all major themes of this novel. 

             If you're looking for an easy, yet entertaining and introspective read, I highly recommend The Fifteenth of June. You can find it on Amazon or, if you're still not quite sure whether you would like it or not, you can get the first two chapters to sample for free on Brent's website. You can stay up-to-date with him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.