UPCOMING EVENTS: 2024 EVENTS WILL BE POSTED NEXT YEAR
AVAILABLE LITERARY FICTION TITLES
2024 DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE - INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD
2023 FINALIST - THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS, U.K.
A father’s legend . . .
A family’s ancestral lore . . .
And two brothers will all collide.
RELEASE DATE OCTOBER 6, 2023
E-BOOKS
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FOR RETAILERS - AVAILABLE FOR ORDER @ INGRAM SPARK
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From the author of False Neutral comes Clear-Cuts, a raw, visceral, unflinching tale about the ties that bind coming unbound.
Set in the rough-hewn woods of northern Maine, Clear-Cuts is a tense, fast-paced New England narrative related in Mr. Narins’ trademark compact time signature.
Piercing and resolute in tone, relentless and unwavering in storytelling, Clear-Cuts is a dynamic, immersive reading experience for plot-centric devotees and character-driven fiction fans alike.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
Star Rating: 5
‘A strongly plotted, often gritty novel filled with fully formed, complex characters.’
‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review - u.k.
I must say, I very much enjoyed this gritty, character-led novel from the pen of talented author, Joshua S. Narins. Concisely written, this family drama works hard to offer the reader a compelling insight into sibling rivalry. Mr. Narins is, in many ways, a man of few words; there’s very little in the way of flowery prose here; it’s all very tight, compact, with excellent pacing. Jane Austen would turn in her grave!
So, what’s it about? Well, in a nutshell, it’s the story of Jack Dougherty who returns home for the funeral of his father. What follows is very much a dark, family drama, with plenty of sparks flying between Jack and his younger brother, Michael. Another character, Jacqueline, also brings much to the story; so much so, she almost steals the show.
There were many elements to this novel I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, the author works hard to bring the characters to life. As a result, the reader gets to know them, warts and all. And, trust me when I tell you, there are plenty of warts with this cast of characters! I also enjoyed the no-nonsense writing
style; saying that, it is literary in parts, but the author seems to understand the importance of pacing, and keeps things moving all the way to the end. Finally, the author’s a dab hand with dialogue, using it to successfully develop his characters and the plot.
So, if you happen to be looking for a well-written story that’s sexy, satirical, and gritty you’ll probably enjoy Clear-Cuts. I think most readers will enjoy the 1990s setting, and the general unpredictability of the plot and the characters.
All in all, it’s a bit of a gem.
‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review - U.K.
KOBO REVIEWS
Literary page-turner straddles Wall Street & Maine
Overall rating 5.0 out of 5
A Wall Street trader has planned his triumphal return to backwoods Maine, where he brings chaos into the family life of his introverted brother. With a photographer's eye and a satirical bent, Joshua Narins has produced a literary page-turner in this story of aggression, reversals, and two imperiled versions of American aspiration.
by Joseph Howse on October 27, 2023
AMAZON REVIEWS
5.0 out of 5 stars A solid read
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2024
Robyn Breault
I liked the author’s first book and enjoyed this one even more. It’s a good, fast-paced story with very intriguing characters.
5.0 out of 5 stars powerfully prophetic dream of a story where actions have consequences
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2023
Dallas and Succession, rolled into one. Good fun; artful retelling of Bonfire of the Vanities, 2023 style. Well written and scary
5.0 out of 5 stars That long and winding road
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2023
fotofem
This is an engrossing story about a family at crossroads, and two brothers, who long for loving recognition from a "Big Daddy" father. The estranged brothers are drawn back together to share their memories after the father dies.
All the characters are very well drawn and the dialogue is swift and edgy.
In summary, this novel pushes us to re-think about our own family lineage. It is a hard-punch, challenging and surprising ride to the finish for all involved. A clever and entertaining read.
2022 FINALIST - THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS, UK
ONE CHOSE TO LIVE A LIE . . .
ONE CHOSE TO LIVE ALONE . . .
ONE CHANCE TO FINALLY MAKE SENSE OF IT ALL
RELEASE DATE OCTOBER 6, 2022
E- BOOKS
PAPERBACKS
ALSO AVAILABLE TO ORDER AT YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSHOP
FOR RETAILERS: AVAILABLE FOR ORDER @ ingram SPARK
False Neutral transports readers directly to the intersection of the current path traveled and the road not taken.
Set primarily in Boston’s Back Bay and the North End, False Neutral is a taut focused New England narrative told in Mr. Narins’ trademark compact time signature.
Conveyed in a simple elegant voice, False Neutral is a unique story with inimitable characters, perfect for fiction fans seeking a story that will not only speak but resonate.
editorial REVIEWS:
2022 FINALIST – THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
Star Rating: 5 Stars
THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS Readers’ Comments
“Loved this novel. It’s well-written, cleverly plotted and I enjoyed the development of the two central characters.” Male reader, aged 53
“Lots of drama, a little mystery, and two very different (and rather unhappy) characters. Having visited Boston back in the 1990s, I enjoyed revisiting the city in this novel. I’m very much looking forward to reading this author’s next novel.” Female reader, aged 53
“This is not in any way a rollercoaster thriller. It ́s thought-provoking with a strong, rich Boston setting. The author seems determined for the reader to not only get to know his two characters, but also highlight how different they are. Sad in parts, almost gritty, but always compelling. I was very happy to turn the page to see what would happen next. Talented author.” Female reader, aged 67
“Romance, drama, a hint of humour – perfect for readers who love character-led plots and well-defined settings.” Male reader, aged 55
To Sum It Up:
‘A thoroughly enjoyable drama populated with two memorable and very different protagonists. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
ARC REVIEW:
Amanda E. Gillette - ARC READER REVIEW ON AMAZON
5.0 out of 5 stars
A chance meeting twenty years later could change everything...
Reviewed in the United States �������� on October 6, 2022
I received an ARC copy directly from the publisher SAM SQUARED PUBLISHING, LLC for the sole purpose of writing and posting a review.
False Neutral by Joshua S. Narins centers on a chance reunion in the heart of Boston after twenty-two years, and is a novel rife with drama. We follow a married woman trapped in an artificial high-society life she utterly despises, and a lonely man with high hopes who is nevertheless inundated with a sense of failure. They both struggle with ailments, literal and metaphorical. The man is remarkably introspective, almost too thoughtful and marked by stunning precision, but this balances the woman's spirited, earnest need for action. It is evident that the man loves her, though these feelings war with his fear of her carefully crafted and ever-present artificiality, to which he easily succumbs. On the other side, you can feel her ardent desire for genuine, attentive care, which the man provides in spades. Despite their divergent paths, will a happenstance connection open their eyes enough for them to break free of their prosaic lives?
Whether you're a Boston local or an occasional tourist, you'll instantly recognize classic locales, which make for a veritably authentic setting. Reading at times was like gazing at exquisite paintings, the characters paradoxically brought to life in their elaborate portraiture. Every bit of minutiae has its own preserved life. There is a lush quality to the metaphors and a richness to the writing, livened by sharp bits of humor and romantic tension peppered throughout. The characters' criticisms of life and the changing times are at times snarky and fun, and at other times, teeming with drama and emotion.
While there was much to love, I desired more emotion in the earlier parts of the novel. At times, the characters feel a bit distant, especially minor characters, who are kept separated from the action by thick glass. In terms of the plot, mystery shrouds much of the beginning of the novel, making motivations difficult to parse, but it is certainly rewarding in the end to see how everything comes to fruition. I wish the unsympathetic distinction between the enchanted encounter and the doldrums of daily life was developed more, because the tension between these two worlds is very intriguing, yet ultimately short-lived.
Narins' debut novel is a story about two people who chose different paths in life yet now face similar unhappiness, longing to reconnect and find meaning in their lives through each other. I would recommend this to lovers of contemporary, sincere fiction packed full of drama, mystery, and romantic candor.
‘A captivating, character-led novel packed with drama, humour – and (just a little) romance.’
The Wishing Shelf Book Review, U.K Star Rating: 5
I understand this to be Joshua S. Narins’ first novel; if so, then he’s a talented writer. In False Neutral, the reader gets to know/follow/root for two central characters, both unhappy with life but in different ways. But will a chance meeting in Boston (love that city) change them? Now, there is a plot to this story but in many ways it’s secondary to the characters. And to say they are very different is putting it mildly. But they are distinct, they are fully developed, and they are interesting to get to know.
In many ways, this is a mystery novel – not the ‘who killed the butler’ sort, but a mystery, nevertheless. As I sat there enjoying the author’s succinct prose (no purple prose here), I suddenly understood why I was loving it so much. It’s the mystery of the characters; I wanted to understand them, and I wanted to know if/how romance might develop between them. That’s the sort of mystery I like the most!
In terms of readership, I’d recommend this character-led novel to anybody who enjoys drama, a little romance (but not over-the-top romance) and humour. Also, I suspect readers who enjoy ‘second chance’ novels (is that even a genre?) will find this to be a satisfying read.
Not many authors can pull readers in with simply the allure of the characters but, it seems, this author can!
‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review, U.K Star Rating 5
AMAZON READER’S REVIEWS:
Top reviews from the United States
5.0 out of 5 stars An aching meditation on young love and irrevocable consequences
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2023
With a discerning palette and a cinematographer’s eye for mood and setting, Joshua Narins’ book, False Neutral, plumbs the depths of heartbreak, when two soulmates meet again by chance, and confront their past choices and current solitude.
Passions denied. Passions jealously guarded. And passions reignited. All burn brightly, illuminating the lives of these two capable, upstanding characters, who tried their best to live but screwed it up, like the rest of us.
Vividly evoking settings, from Boston to Manhattan, from coastal Maine to the cold, dark bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean, Mr. Narins’ prose and technical mastery propel the physical action forward in convincing, visceral detail, just as the internal feeling and reasoning of the characters is given form, so we can contemplate their philosophies, like evolving, time-lapse sculptures. There is much wry commentary.
There are multiple threads of tension and an eroticism that is expressed freshly, through unexpected passages that brought real care and delight to my reading experience.
I come away from this book with a greater appreciation for how precious our potential is. How easily we fool ourselves. And how we have to hold on and be grateful for whatever lessons we can learn.
5.0 out of 5 stars Kudos for a first novel!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 27, 2022
False Neutral is excellently and intelligently written, with descriptive lines and thoughts from new author, Joshua S. Narins.
A chance meeting between a HIM and a HER takes place in and around Boston. The classic locales made me feel right at home, since Boston is my hometown. I was immediately ready to join THEM.
This novel is about "opposites attract." Nothing new in life about that; so the story must intrigue, and it does.
The story takes place before, during and after their "reunion." Yes, the Him and Her knew each other many years before , and without giving away the important details of their relationship, suffice to say, Mr. Narins has created a story of complicated lives: truth, lies, disappointment and betrayal...something with which most readers can connect. The story, to me, is seen more from the woman's pov; although the HE opens and closes this novel. Believe me, there is much to "chew on" for both men and women in this book.
Congratulations Mr. Narins, and keep on writing that "speaks and resonates."
Debbie R.
4.0 out of 5 stars A Man Looks Back
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 1, 2022
I found this book to be an insightful look back at what might have been, and what the consequences have actually been to the main characters. I particularly enjoyed the stream-of-consciousness thoughts inserted for him and for her. The only negative for me is that I could not relate to some of his references to diving, motor cycle gear, and whiskey. These probably reflect more on me than the author.
5.0 out of 5 stars Curiosity as to the outcome
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 17, 2023
A friend suggested this book and I was very curious as I knew this was the first publication for the author. I thoroughly enjoyed the details and could not put this book down was I wanted to know the outcome. I suggest you read as it was unexpected.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent debut novel
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 13, 2022
This unique novel defies categorization…..perhaps it can best be described as a cerebral romance. Two former lovers meet by chance and over dinner engage in a conversation about their past, about what went wrong. Both perceive this as a contest of sorts, with a winner and a loser—his metaphor is a boxing match, hers a poker game. They are intelligent, insightful people who have rich inner monologues; by the end of their meeting they have learned a great deal about themselves and about the choices they’ve made that shaped their lives.
False Neutral is beautifully written with exceptional attention to detail. It unfolds somewhat like a mystery: Who are these people? What is their story? Joshua Narins puts you in their heads, and I felt genuine truth in the complexity of their thoughts. I was especially impressed with his ability to see the world from the point of view of the woman, not a skill I find often in books written by men.
I highly recommend False Neutral. It’s a book I won’t soon forget.
5.0 out of 5 stars An Incredibly Filmic Novel
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2023
Joshua Narins’ “False Neutral” is a throwback to the great American novels of the early 20th century. Clean, beautiful prose literally brings a cinematographic eye to the written word. Bravo!
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023
I was given this book by a friend. I thought the story was relatable for so many who choose a path in life and wonder what if. A fast read that I found enjoyable and unpredictable.
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2023
Great book about second chances and written in a way that keeps you guessing. You keep reading to find out more about what makes the characters who they are and how they relate to each other. Overall an enjoyable read that I recommend!
GOODREADS READER REVIEWS
AR JAY
5 STARS
Reviewed - March 1, 2024
False Neutral by Joshua S. Narins is a captivating book that defies convention. Set against the streets of Boston and New York, this book weaves an absorbing tale. The locations and descriptions are a sensory delight, and the characters are vividly etched, each one a symphony of flaws and aspirations.
A must read!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
PRIOR TO EMBARKING ON A WRITING CAREER, JOSHUA WAS A VETERAN DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY. IN ADDITION TO PRINCIPAL UNIT PRODUCTION, HE SPECIALIZED IN ALL ASPECTS OF UNDERWATER, AERIAL, AND 2ND UNIT CINEMATOGRAPHY.
JOSHUA LENSED WORK ON PROJECTS RANGING FROM STUDIO FEATURES TO INDEPENDENT FILMS, FOREIGN AND CABLE FILMS, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL CAMPAIGNS, AND SPECIAL-VENUE PROJECTS.
JOSHUA RETURNED FROM NEW YORK CITY TO ONCE AGAIN RESIDE IN HIS NATIVE NEW ENGLAND.
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PAST EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 2023
Thursday 9/14/23 - Hummingbird Books in Chestnut Hill, MA hosted an outdoor book fair featuring twenty-eight local authors to meet, greet, and sign books.
DECEMBER 2023
Saturday 10/2/23 - The MetroWest Writers Guild, The Writers Loft, and Word On The Street Bookshop held their inaugural LITERARY EXTRAVAGANZA & WINTER BAZAAR featuring forty local authors across a variety of genres to sign books.
