Upstate Blues

by Jason Handler

At nineteen-years-old, I have the world at my feet. I was offered my dream job as a scriptwriter for a local production company just out of high school. I share an apartment with my best friend. I have some other close friends. A girlfriend.

I know I’m attractive and cocky, but I also know what I want. I have my goals. I’ve been called a few unsavory names, but I know exactly who I am, and I’m unapologetic about it.

When my life takes a turn, doors are opened to me that I never believed possible. The world is constantly changing and growing, and so are people.

Especially me.

~ Upstate Blues is part one of two interconnected, steamy romance stories about a young man who is embracing who he truly is, falling in love, and discovering just what is really important in life. ~

74 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2023

About the author

Jason Handler is an American poet, writer, and author. He has spent time traveling with a band he used to play in and has always enjoyed writing. If songs he wrote didn't work as songs, he'd repurpose them into poems. Today, he enjoys spending his free time with his family and writing books that are relatable to his readers.

Reviews

[D.L. Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

This is the story of a young screenwriter who’s unlucky in love. The thing is I’m not convinced it’s not karma.

The MMC reminds me of Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye. Totally disillusioned, cocky and brimming with satire.

His inner monologues are both narcissistic and neurotic and sometimes judgmental. Except when it comes to his buddy’s girlfriend whom he instantly decides is the love of his life. Even though she’s taken and he has a girlfriend.

Sure his girlfriend Hannah is basically a female version of him but also on the crazy side, totally bipolar. Which makes me understand why he lets her walk all over him.

I want to know more about Maria other than the fact that she’s Hispanic, beautiful and diminutive. The author notated that the two had these deep all encompassing conversations that kept them up through the night. But we never know what they talked about. This is due to the author telling us without showing us. Let me be a fly on the wall as these characters live their lives.

Overall I found this story and the characters entertaining. It’s a short read that’s filled to the brim with plot.

[S Balderas · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I can say I have never hated or disliked any female character in a book before. I might have dislike their actions even hated their actions but in this one Hannah babe you were just not it for me. I felt bad for poor Luke even though he brought on the drama to himself he didn't deserve what he got from Hannah. I loved the Chemistry between Luke and Maria I just needed more. I would have loved to been there for some of their conversations they had to see what made Luke feel she was the woman of his dreams. This is the first book that I can think of that was all strictly for a Man's POV which I loved by the way. You guys will only ever get vague hints from me if you want to know read the book. It is a nice short book takes you less than a week to read. You need to try it out.

[Melony Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story of a man and his true love

I can honestly say I fell a little bit in love with this story. Okay, a lot a lot in love.

The story follows a young man who has the misfortune of falling in love with the woman of his dreams... while he's in a relationship with someone else.

You'll get absolutely no spoilers from me, but you should definitely read this book. I will be honest. I wanted to kick the MC a few times. You probably will, too.

But I loved this story from the male perspective. The author did a great job of bringing is the other side of a story we've all read a thousand times.

Well done! 👏

[LadyAReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast journal entry style novella. A sweet male perspective love story with closed doors/fade to black spice. I would say this is a great soft read for YA-adult.

[Mary Tippett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like short books and I cannot lie. As an author, my books are on the short side. As a reader, I get antsy when a book creeps toward 400 pages. Mostly, it seems like a lot of words are wasted on the way to telling a story the way the story needs to be told. Upstate Blues took me an afternoon to start and finish, and I could not be more pleased.

But that is not all. The author's voice reminds me of another short novel. You may have heard of it. It's called Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger. Like the legendary Holden Caulfield, the protagonist in Upstate Blues (whose name is never uttered) is equal parts immature and world wise. The main character takes us through the salient days of his party-hardy dating life, giving no more and no less than necessary to form an impression of his attitude, life style, and earnestness.

In a sense we have all been this man without a name. In a sense we never have. But glued to the pages we find ourselves, relishing every snippet given from his personal life.

What I did not like:

1) Better editing could have cleaned up some confusing moments, such as one instance where a room that contained two people and then three, with no explanation for where the third came from or when; and

2) The ending was abrupt. Apt, in one sense, as a young man eager to get his story told and move on to something else would do. Still, the lack of ceremony is so abrupt, I had to laugh.

What I loved: the author's voice and the characters portrayed are as authentic sounding and colourful as...well, those of Catcher In The Rye. This made me laugh -- it so authentic and bang on. Holden Caulfield would have approved.

Also, I would have appreciated some information about the author. His bio, at least, or acknowledgments at the end of the book...anything to give me a glimpse of the creator behind his creation. But then again, Salinger rarely made a public appearance. So perhaps the lack of background is apt here too.

All and all, this is an uncomfortable story, full of priceless moments well told.

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even after dating Hannah for the last five years, he didn't think he really know who she was. He is just getting home after working late to find her at his apartment and told him that she didn't think it was working out, but when he agreed and said OK she got pissed.

During Luke's senior year of high school, he got an internship with a production company in New York. He and his friend Gary had written and starred in an online live comedy series and it reached enough popularity that they were hired directly out of high school as scriptwriters.

This story follows nineteen-year-old Luke who gets his dream job directly out of high school and his off-and-on relationship with his longtime girlfriend, but with his eyes on another.

It is very well written, totally from Luke's POV and flows almost like reflections written in a diary. Luke definitely has some growing up to do in the relationship department.

This is a new author to me and it is nice reading a story from a man's POV. I look forward to reading more from him in the future.

[Jess | dapper.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the way this novella was told - it was almost conversational in nature and I love that in a book.

We follow Luke as he figured out his life - from friendships to relationships to adulting…all of it. We hear about it from him, in a conversational tone that feels like the character is telling us the story. The main timeline is a year in his life but the epilogue gives a fast forward into what happened after as well.

It’s short and sweet - a quick read at 79 pages. It’s the perfect length for a novella, it’s not wordy, but it gives a full story.

3.5⭐️

[Kayla Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second time reading this book, and I will say it did not disappoint me this time either!

This book will have you laughing you're as* off in no time. The MMC is truly a confused guy, which adds to a lot of his dialogue.

Jason, you did a great job with this book! I can’t wait to see what you have in store next!

[Majid German · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is good at first, but after a few chapters it becomes interesting and full of events What I liked most about the book is the mixture of feelings and character structures, which gives space for analysis and enjoy and this was fun and has some challenges. The book is well-written and the author's style is interesting simple but elegant
it worth a chance.

[Sara Eubank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quick and fun one. It absolutely reminded me of my high school days and it was cool to kinda relive those times through this book. Tbh I wish the book was longer but I love the main relationship in the book. They seemed like a cute couple.

[Anneke Boshoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started writing my review and then stopped. I am not going to give any spoilers. Jason has become one of my favorite authors. I love reading romance and this book had me wanting that type of love. It had me wanting more.

[Laureys · Rating 5 out of 5]

in this romantic story you can see how much dilema a man can have in love. He is in a relationship but meets his great love . Now he's fighting against his own who will it be? You just have to read this book wonderful story!!!

[Alyssa Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that shows struggles, obstacles, and hard times in the characters life while he try’s to find who he is and what he wants. He goes through real life issues and as he starts coming through them he sees what friends are still around. Can’t wait to read the second book in this series.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Handler is an amazing writer. I read his book in 1 sitting. It is a fast paced and exciting book. This book is a must read!

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want more. This book was just not long enough. The main character seems cool but also kind of a jerk but deep down, he’s a good guy.

[Gina Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason did it again! His writing is brilliant and fast paced. This book needs to be on the top of everyone’s list. Don’t miss out. Bravo, Mr Handler!

[Samantha Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun story. No spoilers but the ending was exactly what I was hoping for!! Looking forward to reading the next book!

[Katelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started out slow for me. But I did end up enjoying it. I like that the dates were there for timeline reference.

[Karen Sokoloff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast, fun read, told honestly and youthfully (raging hormones, but also sweet and naive) by a young man living his dream. I'm curious to know where the story goes, in part 2, and I'll be cheering Luke on.

[Camille Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upstate blues is one of those feel good book that you read in one sitting. With short chapters, it is an easy and light read. It follows a young man and his teenage mindset of the world and women, exploring his platonic and romantic relationships. Upstate blues follows a blossoming relationship between the MMC and Maria, but their attraction and relationship faces one problem after another, and we begin to wonder if there will ever be a happy resolution.

Again, it is a book written entirely from the male perspective by a male author which I love to see. It always offers such a different context than male POV written by women. Very well written and an excellent addition to Mr Handlers work.

[Dymon Knapps · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The best way I could describe the writing style for this book is almost like Diary/Journal Entries but from a Man's POV which is refreshing. It was interesting to read Luke's thoughts, feelings and emotions as he's figuring out what he wants. I do wish that I learned more about Luke and Maria but I am interested to see how their character development in the next installment. This is my first time reading a book from Jason and I see why there's rave reviews.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humor + love story = great book

In this adorable rom-com, we never learn the young male narrator's name, but we do learn a lot about him as he navigates the the follies of youth and ultimately finds the right path for himself. The setup of this novella is nice too: short, pointed chapters. No fillers ... Or filters!! Highly recommend.

[io greymoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by Jason and I have been a fan ever since! This is the first novella in the Where You Want To Be series. We meet Luke, a young man discovering himself and life for the first time. There is a part two so cliffhanger.