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This Is Who We Are Now
"[A] fresh take on adult existential struggles and extended family drama." – Independent Book Review
On the brink of a milestone birthday he'd rather not celebrate, Henry Bradfield returns to his childhood home to find his old belongings are the hottest items at his parents' garage sale. When Henry learns that his comic collection was sold to the son of his high school sweetheart, Erin Chadwick, suddenly vintage collectibles aren't the only things making him feel nostalgic.
Tensions in the house rise as a long-simmering rivalry with his younger brother heats up, all while Henry's own teenage sons are butting heads. His wife, Denise, becomes increasingly distant toward him and his parents, who she feels have never truly embraced her. Amidst the chaos, another chance encounter with Erin leads Henry to ponder what might have been. His only confidant is his alcoholic sister, Margo, who is wrestling with her own relationship issues.
When Denise disappears without saying good-bye, Henry must decide whether the thrill of rekindling an old flame is worth risking his stable, if all too routine, marriage.
On the brink of a milestone birthday he'd rather not celebrate, Henry Bradfield returns to his childhood home to find his old belongings are the hottest items at his parents' garage sale. When Henry learns that his comic collection was sold to the son of his high school sweetheart, Erin Chadwick, suddenly vintage collectibles aren't the only things making him feel nostalgic.
Tensions in the house rise as a long-simmering rivalry with his younger brother heats up, all while Henry's own teenage sons are butting heads. His wife, Denise, becomes increasingly distant toward him and his parents, who she feels have never truly embraced her. Amidst the chaos, another chance encounter with Erin leads Henry to ponder what might have been. His only confidant is his alcoholic sister, Margo, who is wrestling with her own relationship issues.
When Denise disappears without saying good-bye, Henry must decide whether the thrill of rekindling an old flame is worth risking his stable, if all too routine, marriage.
- GenresFiction
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2023
About the author
James Bailey
9 books36 followersHow much do you want to know? Here’s the About the Author that ran in my first novel, The Greatest Show on Dirt:
That doesn’t really tell the whole story, though, does it? If you took the trouble to come to this page, maybe you want to know more. (Maybe you don’t, in which case, feel free to keep on moving.) Here goes …
I grew up in Seattle, spent nearly 10 years in North Carolina, and have lived in Rochester, N.Y., since 2001. Graduated from North Carolina State University in 1993. While in school I worked for the Bulls for three years and started at Baseball America as an intern. That blossomed into a full-time position when I graduated, and I worked for BA for six years total in two separate stints (three if you count the summer I spent filing photos and cutting clippings out of newspapers, back before the age of the internet).
In between BA tours of duty, I returned to Seattle for three years, where I temped (full-time for 2 1/2 years solid) at Microsoft and coached 13-year-olds in Little League for three seasons. Our second team finished second in the state, one win away from winning the tournament and qualifying for regionals in Montana. It was during these years that I began to write fiction, pumping out the first draft of a truly horrible novel, which I am embarrassed to read now.
I began working on The Greatest Show on Dirt in 2006. It morphed quite a bit through several major revisions since then, finally setting in its current state four years later. (My son was born in 2009, which did interrupt progress for a bit.)
My second novel, Nine Bucks a Pound, was released in February 2014. This is also a baseball novel, about an overlooked minor leaguer who breaks through after succumbing to the lure of steroids and must later deal with the consequences when his secret is exposed.
I released my third novel, Sorry I Wasn't What You Needed, in May 2015. It has nothing whatsoever to do with baseball.
James Bailey worked for the Durham Bulls for three seasons, from 1990-92. He later spent six years covering minor league baseball for Baseball America magazine. He reviews books for Baseball America, and is an annual contributor to Lindy’s Fantasy Baseball magazine. He lives in Rochester, N.Y., with his wife Jill and son Grant.
That doesn’t really tell the whole story, though, does it? If you took the trouble to come to this page, maybe you want to know more. (Maybe you don’t, in which case, feel free to keep on moving.) Here goes …
I grew up in Seattle, spent nearly 10 years in North Carolina, and have lived in Rochester, N.Y., since 2001. Graduated from North Carolina State University in 1993. While in school I worked for the Bulls for three years and started at Baseball America as an intern. That blossomed into a full-time position when I graduated, and I worked for BA for six years total in two separate stints (three if you count the summer I spent filing photos and cutting clippings out of newspapers, back before the age of the internet).
In between BA tours of duty, I returned to Seattle for three years, where I temped (full-time for 2 1/2 years solid) at Microsoft and coached 13-year-olds in Little League for three seasons. Our second team finished second in the state, one win away from winning the tournament and qualifying for regionals in Montana. It was during these years that I began to write fiction, pumping out the first draft of a truly horrible novel, which I am embarrassed to read now.
I began working on The Greatest Show on Dirt in 2006. It morphed quite a bit through several major revisions since then, finally setting in its current state four years later. (My son was born in 2009, which did interrupt progress for a bit.)
My second novel, Nine Bucks a Pound, was released in February 2014. This is also a baseball novel, about an overlooked minor leaguer who breaks through after succumbing to the lure of steroids and must later deal with the consequences when his secret is exposed.
I released my third novel, Sorry I Wasn't What You Needed, in May 2015. It has nothing whatsoever to do with baseball.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 29, 2023
This book caught my eye on Netgalley. It’s a self-published author (only the second that I’ve read this year (with one more to read by end of 2023). The synopsis of the book appealed to me as did the cover art, and it turned out to be a lovely, well-written novel on midlife, relationships, parenting, family dynamics and figuring out what’s worth salvaging.
Henry Bradfield is on the brink of turning 50 and has returned home to his parents’ house for a birthday celebration with extended family. His layabout brother Danny is back living with their parents, his lively sister Margo is dealing with her own demons, his teenage sons Rusty and Kyle are getting up to all sorts under his nose, and his wife Denise, who doesn’t want to be there, is feeling unloved and frustrated with her lot. When Henry bumps into his childhood sweetheart Erin and feels a little something stir to life in him, he has to challenge his own passivity and decide what’s what worth fighting for.
The author’s note at the back of the book is wonderful - he gives a short description of his previous novels (there are several), many of which were inspired by his twin loves of Adrian Mole (a fave of mine growing up) and baseball.
There’s no baseball in this one thankfully but the writing is great, the pacing is perfect and the relationship dynamics play out really well - the only aspects of the book I didn’t like were the poker scenes (mercifully short but boring) and the paintball scene, though the latter did facilitate the resolution of the Henry/Danny storyline. I’d happily read more from James Bailey. I feel as though I’ve read and enjoyed a lot of similar books to this but by female authors - this one nicely captures the midlife male perspective. 3.5/5⭐️
Henry Bradfield is on the brink of turning 50 and has returned home to his parents’ house for a birthday celebration with extended family. His layabout brother Danny is back living with their parents, his lively sister Margo is dealing with her own demons, his teenage sons Rusty and Kyle are getting up to all sorts under his nose, and his wife Denise, who doesn’t want to be there, is feeling unloved and frustrated with her lot. When Henry bumps into his childhood sweetheart Erin and feels a little something stir to life in him, he has to challenge his own passivity and decide what’s what worth fighting for.
The author’s note at the back of the book is wonderful - he gives a short description of his previous novels (there are several), many of which were inspired by his twin loves of Adrian Mole (a fave of mine growing up) and baseball.
There’s no baseball in this one thankfully but the writing is great, the pacing is perfect and the relationship dynamics play out really well - the only aspects of the book I didn’t like were the poker scenes (mercifully short but boring) and the paintball scene, though the latter did facilitate the resolution of the Henry/Danny storyline. I’d happily read more from James Bailey. I feel as though I’ve read and enjoyed a lot of similar books to this but by female authors - this one nicely captures the midlife male perspective. 3.5/5⭐️
October 26, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Kindle ARC. This is the first book I've read by James Bailey and it was a good slice of life story. Henry is on the verge of his 50th birthday and, if he doesn't get his act together, his marriage is on the verge of a break-up. His wife Denise is sensitive and Henry doesn't often recognize when or why she's upset. Henry, Denise and their two boys return to his parent's home for a week and to celebrate the 50th birthday. The siblings and cousins are there but much to Henry's chagrin, he keeps running into his high school sweetheart Erin. This is Who We Are Now is a fun study in family dynamics and what could happen if and when we don't appreciate the people who matter to us.
November 1, 2023
I happened to come across this book by chance on Netgalley. The cover was so cute, with the illustration and the different colours, so retro. Then I read the description and thought I'd give it a go, since it's fairly short, and I do like books about family dynamics, because I like to reassure myself from time to time that almost everybody else's family is as messed up as mine.
It was a nice read, well-written, with dialogue that flowed naturally, and very relatable.
The story is about Henry Bradfield who is about to turn 50. He has gone to visit his parents and to meet his family. His brother, Danny, is living with their parents, and his sister Margo is drinking copiously and having relationship problems.
Henry's teenage sons, Rusty and Kyle, are getting up to all kinds of teenage shenanigans and getting grounded. His wife (what a piece of work!) is acting out because she claims that she feels unloved and unwelcome and feels that Henry is not working hard enough on their marriage.
When Henry sees his stuff being sold at his parents' garage sale, he makes a big deal about it and gets into arguments with his brother. He's reluctant to let go of that part of his life, that little slice of childhood. He also happens to bump into his childhood sweetheart, Erin, and that stirs up a few unresolved feelings within him.
There are confrontations and realizations about what is important, and what lengths one is willing to go to save what is most dear to us.
Would definitely recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
It was a nice read, well-written, with dialogue that flowed naturally, and very relatable.
The story is about Henry Bradfield who is about to turn 50. He has gone to visit his parents and to meet his family. His brother, Danny, is living with their parents, and his sister Margo is drinking copiously and having relationship problems.
Henry's teenage sons, Rusty and Kyle, are getting up to all kinds of teenage shenanigans and getting grounded. His wife (what a piece of work!) is acting out because she claims that she feels unloved and unwelcome and feels that Henry is not working hard enough on their marriage.
When Henry sees his stuff being sold at his parents' garage sale, he makes a big deal about it and gets into arguments with his brother. He's reluctant to let go of that part of his life, that little slice of childhood. He also happens to bump into his childhood sweetheart, Erin, and that stirs up a few unresolved feelings within him.
There are confrontations and realizations about what is important, and what lengths one is willing to go to save what is most dear to us.
Would definitely recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
January 14, 2025
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S THIS IS WHO WE ARE NOW ABOUT?
Henry drags his wife and sons to his parents' house for a few days. One son doesn't want to leave his girlfriend behind, his wife is trying to finish organizing a charity activity that takes place while they're away, and Henry really doesn't want to be there because his family will be celebrating Henry's 50th birthday.
When they arrive, his parents are having a yard sale, selling a lot of memorabilia from Henry's childhood and he's upset by that. A rivalry with his brother reheats, and he keeps running into his incredibly serious high school/college girlfriend.
Things go bad with his wife, his brother, his parents, and his kids. Henry repeatedly tries—and sometimes succeeds—to keep their connection alive. But the challenges (many self-created) continue. Can Henry make it through the visit with his family intact? Is it too late to come-of-age when you've hit 50?
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THIS IS WHO WE ARE NOW?
I have struggled with this post—especially because I've had to write it in bits and pieces over a couple of weeks, which I do often enough that's not the issue. But I keep changing my mind about the book every time I write—which leads to a lot of editing, re-editing, re-re-editing, and I just give up and walk away.
Even when Henry was making it really easy not to like him (which was often), there's something very charming, very effortless, and pretty entertaining about this book. His moments with his sons would largely make you wonder why his family is in such a precarious state—then you remember he doesn't have/make/take the time when they're at home to be this kind of dad. Then there's everything he says to, reacts to, or treats Denise...it's just painful.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about Henry's sister, Margo, on the other hand. Her strengths, her bad decisions, and how she reacts to them are easily the saving grace of the novel.
I enjoyed this novel while reading it. But I haven't been able to decide what I think about almost any part of it that doesn't involve Margo or Henry's kids. I think that says something about how realistic Henry, Denise, and their problems and family are. But I don't know how real I want a book like this to be.
I like Bailey's writing, I think he's amusing enough when he wants to be, he gets you invested in his characters, and I wanted to like this a lot. But at the end of this day, I like it just enough to recommend it (most days, other days I could like it a lot more or a lot less).
---
“Sorry.”
“For what?” Her honey brown eyes are equal parts amused and curious when she looks up into mine.
I don’t have an answer. Sorry is just a word you say when you have nothing substantive to offer. I’m sorry you missed your bus. I’m sorry your boss was in such a foul mood. I’m sorry everyone is such assholes these days. I didn’t cause any of these problems, and I can’t make any of them better, but I can offer you some useless empathy. I’m sorry your life didn’t turn out to be more fulfilling. Rest assured, however, in a parallel universe in which we didn’t break up, you’re happier. Maybe. And I’m sorry if you’re not. Or at least the parallel me is. He’s the one that let you down there.
WHAT'S THIS IS WHO WE ARE NOW ABOUT?
Henry drags his wife and sons to his parents' house for a few days. One son doesn't want to leave his girlfriend behind, his wife is trying to finish organizing a charity activity that takes place while they're away, and Henry really doesn't want to be there because his family will be celebrating Henry's 50th birthday.
When they arrive, his parents are having a yard sale, selling a lot of memorabilia from Henry's childhood and he's upset by that. A rivalry with his brother reheats, and he keeps running into his incredibly serious high school/college girlfriend.
Things go bad with his wife, his brother, his parents, and his kids. Henry repeatedly tries—and sometimes succeeds—to keep their connection alive. But the challenges (many self-created) continue. Can Henry make it through the visit with his family intact? Is it too late to come-of-age when you've hit 50?
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THIS IS WHO WE ARE NOW?
I can defend everything I’ve done since we arrived. Even the worst of Denise’s complaints, in isolation, would be waved away by most objective observers. Collectively, however, maybe it’s not a body of work to stake a flag in. Maybe the picture when all the dots are connected isn’t a flattering one.
I have struggled with this post—especially because I've had to write it in bits and pieces over a couple of weeks, which I do often enough that's not the issue. But I keep changing my mind about the book every time I write—which leads to a lot of editing, re-editing, re-re-editing, and I just give up and walk away.
Even when Henry was making it really easy not to like him (which was often), there's something very charming, very effortless, and pretty entertaining about this book. His moments with his sons would largely make you wonder why his family is in such a precarious state—then you remember he doesn't have/make/take the time when they're at home to be this kind of dad. Then there's everything he says to, reacts to, or treats Denise...it's just painful.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about Henry's sister, Margo, on the other hand. Her strengths, her bad decisions, and how she reacts to them are easily the saving grace of the novel.
I enjoyed this novel while reading it. But I haven't been able to decide what I think about almost any part of it that doesn't involve Margo or Henry's kids. I think that says something about how realistic Henry, Denise, and their problems and family are. But I don't know how real I want a book like this to be.
I like Bailey's writing, I think he's amusing enough when he wants to be, he gets you invested in his characters, and I wanted to like this a lot. But at the end of this day, I like it just enough to recommend it (most days, other days I could like it a lot more or a lot less).
January 3, 2024
This Is Who We Are Now offers a fresh take on the tale of returning home and tackling the past. Bailey's knack for sincere, witty storytelling shines in middle-aged Henry, whose chance encounter with his high school sweetheart kicks off a series of misfortunes and tensions that challenge him as a father, a son, a husband, a brother—everything. There's an everyday charm to Henry, though, and maybe even a universality in his doubt and desires that makes you root for him.
Simply put, This Is Who We Are Now is a story that reminds you of the beauty and messiness of being human. I loved it from start to finish.
Simply put, This Is Who We Are Now is a story that reminds you of the beauty and messiness of being human. I loved it from start to finish.
October 2, 2023
This engaging narrative follows Henry Bradfield as he returns to his childhood home and is reunited with his family. The book evokes that sense of nostalgia that accompanies a homecoming after a long absence. The prose adds a layer of authenticity to the story, with characters so realistic it's easy to forget they are fictional. This book is an honest depiction of the intricacies of family dynamics, highlighting their complexities and encompassing both old wounds and enduring love. I was pleasantly surprised by this story and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review
October 26, 2023
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.
Henry is turning 50 and goes back to his childhood home. His marriage is a mess, his children are driving him nuts and his siblings have their own issues. On top of that, his high school sweetheart reappears, just as his wife disappears.
The characters are all very relatable and will remind you of your own crazy family.
Henry is turning 50 and goes back to his childhood home. His marriage is a mess, his children are driving him nuts and his siblings have their own issues. On top of that, his high school sweetheart reappears, just as his wife disappears.
The characters are all very relatable and will remind you of your own crazy family.
December 31, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and loved the conversational tone that this author writes in. The main character of this book is turning 50 and experiencing a bit of a crisis of sorts. I really enjoyed the main character and his view on the world. The characters were well written and came full circle in the end. I would really like to read more from this author. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.
October 2, 2023
I feel like this is one many of use can relate to - dealing with the past while also addressing challenges in the present. It’s both funny and filled with pathos and the author does a terrific job in giving depth to the various characters.
October 16, 2023
Wonderfully written, complex well developed characters and story that grips you from word one- don’t miss this book!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews