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by Tiffanie DeBartolo
From Tiffanie DeBartolo, author of God Shaped Hole, How to Kill a Rock Star, and Grace: The Jeff Buckley Story, comes Sorrow, a poignant story about friendship and love, art and music, and how these pursuits can save us from ourselves.
Joe Harper has backpedaled throughout his life. A once-promising guitar prodigy, he's been living without direction since abandoning his musical dreams. Now into his thirties, having retreated from every opportunity he's had to level up, he has lost his family, his best friend, and his own self-respect.
But Joe finds an unlikely path to redemption when he starts working as a carpenter for the bohemian conceptual artist October Danko. The job returns him to his hometown, loaded with bittersweet reminders of his former life, in the shadows of his beloved redwood trees. As Joe's relationship with October develops, he yearns to take a daring step toward a bold future, but struggles to escape the craven decisions of his past.
Sorrow is a stunning, moving novel that explores masculinity and suspended adolescence, all the while examining: Can courage be learned? And is it ever too late to follow your heart?
Paperback Original
You can see the full discussion in our legacy forum here. This discussion will contain spoilers!
Some of the recent comments posted about Sorrow:
"The Clock Is Ticking"
As no one knows there life span, the clock is ticking can only be based on am actuary table, which is no way to live. It would be better "to not put off to tomorrow what you can do today", join activities which enjoy, and plan pleasures for the ... - bill
Ask the Author
HA HA. It is real, indeed. I read an article on a different type of synesthesia years ago, and saved it in my writing file, to possibly research and use in a book at some point, as I found it really intriguing, and something I'd like to study a bit ... - vickys
Cal states, "It's impossible to become less of yourself by doing something you really wanna do. You can only become less by not doing it." What do you think of this statement? Do you agree?
I think it is too all encompassing. If you want to do something that might be hurtful to yourself or someone else, then you become a better person or more yourself by resisting. - peggyt
Cal states, "It's never too late to be the person you really are." Does Joe seem to buy into this philosophy at any point in the novel? Do you agree or disagree with Cal's assessment?
I believe that Joe really embraced that towards the end of the book. When he began playing guitar again and creating art, he was taking a turn towards his true self. I do believe Cals statement though and I think many people believe that they need to... - Brittany P.
Cal tells Joe that "Dreams aren't just ideas… They're maps." What do you suppose he meant? Do you think that's true?
I think this means two somewhat different things. There are the dreams we have in our waking lives, which are perhaps more accurately called aspirations or hopes. These can definitely serve as a roadmap to the future, if we choose to act on them. Cal... - juliaa
"A lost soul confronts a lifetime of regrets and the power of art in this novel ... A smart, thoughtful work that balances romance with intriguing philosophical questions." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"DeBartolo is no stranger to stories and music, and it shows in her carefully crafted details, humorous dialogue, and nuanced characterization." - Booklife by Publishers Weekly
"I lived and breathed the words and worlds of Joe and October. Reading Sorrow was a unique and galvanizing experience." - Kindle Crack Book Reviews
"Sorrow is a romantic novel whose reluctant antihero is forced to learn the lessons necessary to turn him into the hero of his own life." - Forward Book Reviews
"Drawn from DeBartolo's extensive experience in the worlds of music, art and academia, Sorrow delivers a heartbreaking yet empathetic critique of the male psyche and lays bare a quick-witted social commentary on the widespread malaise plaguing so many of us today." - Books By Women
"'Sorrow is perfect for those who love books mixing art and music and the deep emotions they both inspire. This book is a beautiful reminder to always live your life to the fullest." - Book Bellas
"In a monotonous world where there is no shortage of the formulaic, Tiffanie DeBartolo is a shot of pure adrenaline. With Sorrow, she once again masterfully captures love in all of its beautiful and devastating forms." - Agents of Romance
This information about Sorrow was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Tiffanie DeBartolo grew up in Youngstown, Ohio where she insists there was nothing to do but read and listen to music. It is no surprise then that after graduating high school a year early to study philosophy at UC Berkeley, she became a writer and founded a record label.
Tiffanie's most recent novel is Sorrow. Her previous works include God Shaped Hole (2002), How To Kill a Rock Star (2005), the graphic novel Grace: Based on the Jeff Buckley Story (2019), and the film Dream for an Insomniac (1996), which she wrote and directed.
She is the founder and Chief Executive Super Goddess of Bright Antenna Records, whose roster includes The Wombats, Sports Team, Fana, Wilderado, and Prep. She also co-founded the ShineMaker Foundation, a charity organization dedicated to making the world a better place. And she is a faculty member of the Jackson Hole Writers Conference, where she teaches writing every June.
In her spare time, she is a runner, hiker, yogi, world-traveler, cook, poet, and artist.
Tiffanie lives in Mill Valley, California with her husband Scott Schumaker and her two Irish Wolfhounds, Dipsea and Kazoo.
You will find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TiffanieDeBartoloAuthor
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