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That Summer She Found Her Voice: A Retro Novel
Set against a backdrop of the 1970’s Baltimore music scene, this is the story of 23-year-old Margie Stevens as she pulls herself out of a spiraling, heartbreak-induced depression and begins a personal journey of discovery. Clarifying her own views on emerging feminism, social injustice, and personal spirituality—all while touring across the country as a singer in King Vido’s Swing Band—Margie encounters sexist and moral challenges that cause her to question her future path. Will she redefine her personal values in order to break away from uncomfortable ways of thinking? Will she find the courage to conquer fears of intimidation from the band leader and others on the tour? Finally, will Margie learn to speak up for herself using her authentic voice?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2024
7 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Jean Burgess
2 books7 followersJean Burgess is an author of both fiction and nonfiction, a playwright, an editor, a workshop presenter, and a former theatre educator.
Her debut fiction, That Summer She Found Her Voice: A Retro Novel, about a young woman’s journey of self-discovery as she tours the US with a swing band in the late 1970s, is currently available for pre-order on Amazon and is scheduled to be published by Apprentice House Press on April 9th, 2024.
Her nonfiction, Collaborative Stage Directing: A Guide to Creating and Managing a Positive Theatre Environment, was published by Routledge/Taylor & Francis in 2019.
Jean holds an MA in Theatre from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. in Educational Theatre from NYU.
Her debut fiction, That Summer She Found Her Voice: A Retro Novel, about a young woman’s journey of self-discovery as she tours the US with a swing band in the late 1970s, is currently available for pre-order on Amazon and is scheduled to be published by Apprentice House Press on April 9th, 2024.
Her nonfiction, Collaborative Stage Directing: A Guide to Creating and Managing a Positive Theatre Environment, was published by Routledge/Taylor & Francis in 2019.
Jean holds an MA in Theatre from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. in Educational Theatre from NYU.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 1, 2024
I am so glad that I read That Summer She Found Her Voice: A Retro Novel by Jean Burgess. The book is an interesting blend of life lessons, retro music, and ageless societal issues. Thank you, Jean, for a great reading experience. Please note that I was given an advance review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are entirely my own. Sylvia.
April 5, 2024
Told through the eyes of a young woman navigating the multiple layers of "finding her voice," it is the universal story of becoming comfortable in one's skin, a process neither linear nor easy. Together with the story line, the added bonus of reliving the late 1970s, culture, social movements, and music of my youth made this a highly engaging read.
I received an advance reading copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.
I received an advance reading copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.
April 11, 2024
An engaging novel set to the soundtrack of a time when women across America were finding their voices. That Summer She Found Her Voice takes the reader on one woman's journey to not only find her voice, but to change her destiny as she challenges the expectations dictated by societal norms of the 1970's. A great read that reminds us that we've come a long way baby! Mary B.
April 13, 2024
A delightful story. I loved the quirky characters, archetypes from my Baltimore past. If you ever wondered about the glamorous lives of touring musicians you will be engrossed. It ended too soon.
March 29, 2024
A lovely first novel set in the 1970’s and told from a female perspective. Margie comes of age on the Eastern shore of Maryland, and moves to Baltimore to find her way. If you are from Maryland, you will love revisiting Baltimore in that era, and feel nostalgia for the slower pace and small town vibe of Maryland’s bay communities. If you’re not from Maryland, you will still enjoy walking in Margie’s shoes, and following her struggles and contemplations. A wonderful reflection on coming of age in an era of change, of finding your way in a time when feminism was new, and navigating heartbreak, conflict, friendships and family in any lifetime. We can all relate to the struggle to find your authentic voice in a world filled with noise.
(I received and advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
(I received and advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
April 2, 2024
I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book and my opinions are my own. Good debut fiction. I especially liked the description of musicians' lives in the 1970s and the peek at life on the road of touring bands. Brought back a lot of memories of music from the 70s from bands like Chicago, Tower of Power and Earth Wind and Fire. I'd recommend this book.
June 13, 2024
Compelling story.
Couldn't put this book down. Needed t
o find out how she found her voice. Great characters. Enjoyed the surprise ending.
Couldn't put this book down. Needed t
o find out how she found her voice. Great characters. Enjoyed the surprise ending.
April 22, 2024
i’ve never read a “retro novel” before. it was good. hard to set myself in an era where i was three years old. i think readers who are a little older than me might enjoy this book more. also, anyone who grew up in the little italy (downtown baltimore) area might connect more.
i loved the settings. i liked the characters, but i wanted more from them, especially Ruby, Amy, and even some of the guys in the band. i felt like there were some holes in time, or jumps.
i know very little about being in a band, and even less about swing music, but the story was explained enough.
i met this author. this is her first book. she had a launch party in a nearby town. she is very nice, and i enjoyed listening to her talk about the book, the characters, the setting, her inspiration and more. i would definitely read any future books she may write.
i loved the settings. i liked the characters, but i wanted more from them, especially Ruby, Amy, and even some of the guys in the band. i felt like there were some holes in time, or jumps.
i know very little about being in a band, and even less about swing music, but the story was explained enough.
i met this author. this is her first book. she had a launch party in a nearby town. she is very nice, and i enjoyed listening to her talk about the book, the characters, the setting, her inspiration and more. i would definitely read any future books she may write.
May 13, 2024
Brought Back Memories
This book refreshed my memory of the '70s lifestyle. Thank you for creating a fast paced description of Baltimore then and life on a musical tour with King Vito's Swing band. It revived the music of Vic Damone and the concessions women made in most occupations. It is a fun read about a young girl recognizing her self-worth finding
This book refreshed my memory of the '70s lifestyle. Thank you for creating a fast paced description of Baltimore then and life on a musical tour with King Vito's Swing band. It revived the music of Vic Damone and the concessions women made in most occupations. It is a fun read about a young girl recognizing her self-worth finding
March 12, 2024
A terrific novel set in a time period near and dear to my heart, the 1970s. The novel is an important coming of age story about Margie, a 23 year old woman finding her way in personal relationships, in the entertainment industry, and in developing her adult self. I can’t recommend this book enough. “That Summer She Found Her Voice: A Retro Novel” does not disappoint.
February 15, 2025
A fun ride and glimpse into the summer of 1978 and the Baltimore music scene!
July 22, 2025
Margie Stevens can't speak up.
Her Dad is controlling and hurtful. The boy she's in love with steamrolls over her ideas and dismisses her dreams. She witnesses people around her mistreated because of their gender, religion, or skin color.
And Margie can't say a word. Her voice is frozen in fear.
When Margie takes a chance and joins King Vido's Swing Band, touring cross-country with them as a singer, her world opens up along with her mind. Through a series of interactions, both troubling and uplifting, Margie investigates her chronic silence and the paralyzing fear she harbors in her heart.
"That Summer She Found Her Voice" is a warm and wise coming-of-age tale told through immersive road trip vignettes, sparkling descriptions of 1970's music and culture, and gripping journal entries that reveal the narrator's desperate desire to grow her courage and speak truth.
As King Vido's Swing Band falls apart, Margie rises up, using her voice as a powerful tool of advocacy, both for herself and others.
This compulsively readable story tenderly examines what it costs to stay silent in the face of abuse, and the effort it takes to become a courageous person in a frightening world - standing up for oneself and others with love and conviction.
Margie is a deeply appealing narrator, honest, vulnerable, and relatable in her quest to cultivate inner strength and finally unleash fire on the bullies who benefit from her silence. Readers will root for her page after page, while reflecting on their own struggle with silence and where it shows up. Margie's poignant introspection illuminates humanity's larger "coming-of-age" on this planet as we collectively try to face, and speak up about, the world's most grave injustices and buried pain.
"That Summer She Found Her Voice" will stay with me, a beacon and guiding light, as I continue to try to find my own.
Her Dad is controlling and hurtful. The boy she's in love with steamrolls over her ideas and dismisses her dreams. She witnesses people around her mistreated because of their gender, religion, or skin color.
And Margie can't say a word. Her voice is frozen in fear.
When Margie takes a chance and joins King Vido's Swing Band, touring cross-country with them as a singer, her world opens up along with her mind. Through a series of interactions, both troubling and uplifting, Margie investigates her chronic silence and the paralyzing fear she harbors in her heart.
"That Summer She Found Her Voice" is a warm and wise coming-of-age tale told through immersive road trip vignettes, sparkling descriptions of 1970's music and culture, and gripping journal entries that reveal the narrator's desperate desire to grow her courage and speak truth.
As King Vido's Swing Band falls apart, Margie rises up, using her voice as a powerful tool of advocacy, both for herself and others.
This compulsively readable story tenderly examines what it costs to stay silent in the face of abuse, and the effort it takes to become a courageous person in a frightening world - standing up for oneself and others with love and conviction.
Margie is a deeply appealing narrator, honest, vulnerable, and relatable in her quest to cultivate inner strength and finally unleash fire on the bullies who benefit from her silence. Readers will root for her page after page, while reflecting on their own struggle with silence and where it shows up. Margie's poignant introspection illuminates humanity's larger "coming-of-age" on this planet as we collectively try to face, and speak up about, the world's most grave injustices and buried pain.
"That Summer She Found Her Voice" will stay with me, a beacon and guiding light, as I continue to try to find my own.
March 28, 2024
(First off, I was lucky to receive an ARC copy in exchange for a fair review.)
I was hooked from the very beginning. It's not just the summer love and blind side heartbreak opening that drew me in, but as a Marylander I thoroughly enjoyed how this book incorporates so much Maryland locations, especially places in Baltimore and homemade cannolis, driving over the Bay Bridge, the Eastern shore... I also love how the author masterfully introduces the characters, I can easily envision and hear their voice. I actually felt like I went on an adventure with the main character taking stops in St. Louis and Arizona as well as navigating all the things women face when first out on their own. It's clear this is a book about finding the courage to speak up and literally finding your voice. It was interesting to see social issues from the 1970s were woven in as the main character toured the country with a swing band lead by a overbearing Italian band manager and the messy dysfunctional family making up the rest of the band --so good! I'm always drawn to messy relationships - families, found families, couples, etc. What I especially like is how the story puts a mirror up to all that is happening in our own day and age as the issues women faced back in the 1970s - women's rights over their bodies, equal wages, etc. are still not resolved. We've got work to still do.
For a person who is a slow reader, I was able to read the whole thing in about a week and it is an average sized novel and yes would read it again. It makes for a great book club book, a great gift for say women about to go to college, Mother's Day gift or enjoy at the beach or over summer vacay. It really is a good book and look forward to more from this author.
I was hooked from the very beginning. It's not just the summer love and blind side heartbreak opening that drew me in, but as a Marylander I thoroughly enjoyed how this book incorporates so much Maryland locations, especially places in Baltimore and homemade cannolis, driving over the Bay Bridge, the Eastern shore... I also love how the author masterfully introduces the characters, I can easily envision and hear their voice. I actually felt like I went on an adventure with the main character taking stops in St. Louis and Arizona as well as navigating all the things women face when first out on their own. It's clear this is a book about finding the courage to speak up and literally finding your voice. It was interesting to see social issues from the 1970s were woven in as the main character toured the country with a swing band lead by a overbearing Italian band manager and the messy dysfunctional family making up the rest of the band --so good! I'm always drawn to messy relationships - families, found families, couples, etc. What I especially like is how the story puts a mirror up to all that is happening in our own day and age as the issues women faced back in the 1970s - women's rights over their bodies, equal wages, etc. are still not resolved. We've got work to still do.
For a person who is a slow reader, I was able to read the whole thing in about a week and it is an average sized novel and yes would read it again. It makes for a great book club book, a great gift for say women about to go to college, Mother's Day gift or enjoy at the beach or over summer vacay. It really is a good book and look forward to more from this author.
October 20, 2025
To heal the heartbreak dealt by a two-timing lover, a young woman singer from Maryland’s Eastern Shore joins a Baltimore family’s small time swing orchestra. On tour, Margie makes friends with some of her fellow band members and learns how to maneuver around members of the boisterous Italian family headed by “King” Vido. More difficult for her is sorting through her feelings and speaking up about issues of the day like racism and sexism including an attempted assault.
When Margie finally found her voice and exposed activities she could no longer abide, I felt a physical jolt. It was a great plot twist!
Dubbed a “retro novel,” this book will appeal to anyone who lived through or is intrigued by the 1970s. Historical details, Little Italy locations in Baltimore, and expressions of the time add authenticity to the captivating story although slang would be more effective if used sparingly.
I’m looking forward to reading author Jean Burgess’s next novel about Margie to be published in April 2026 by Apprentice House Press. Set in New York City, the book is appropriately titled Navigating Her Next Chapter.
When Margie finally found her voice and exposed activities she could no longer abide, I felt a physical jolt. It was a great plot twist!
Dubbed a “retro novel,” this book will appeal to anyone who lived through or is intrigued by the 1970s. Historical details, Little Italy locations in Baltimore, and expressions of the time add authenticity to the captivating story although slang would be more effective if used sparingly.
I’m looking forward to reading author Jean Burgess’s next novel about Margie to be published in April 2026 by Apprentice House Press. Set in New York City, the book is appropriately titled Navigating Her Next Chapter.
December 8, 2024
Jean Burgess’s debut is a unique twist on a coming-of-age tale termed a “retro novel”. It does indeed fulfill this claim as the reader settles into in a late 1970s milieu with plenty of spot-on details from that period. The setting is local to me which made the tale extra special with scenes in Baltimore’s Little Italy and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Margie, the naïve but well-intentioned heroine, must find her way through a maze of gray area that is rampant with sexism, racism, and borderline criminal activity as she is surrounded by people who are definitely not well-intentioned. As the summer progresses, so does Margie. The reader is lockstep with her on her path to grow as a young adult and find her voice (a double entendre because she is a vocalist in a swing band).
This story was especially touching as a reminder of how difficult it is to come into adulthood, no matter what decade it is happening. Applause to the author for hitting just the right “note”.
Margie, the naïve but well-intentioned heroine, must find her way through a maze of gray area that is rampant with sexism, racism, and borderline criminal activity as she is surrounded by people who are definitely not well-intentioned. As the summer progresses, so does Margie. The reader is lockstep with her on her path to grow as a young adult and find her voice (a double entendre because she is a vocalist in a swing band).
This story was especially touching as a reminder of how difficult it is to come into adulthood, no matter what decade it is happening. Applause to the author for hitting just the right “note”.
April 10, 2024
I loved reading That Summer She Found Her Voice. I was a teen in that era, but lived in the Midwest: a different lifestyle with different opportunities. It was fun to be immersed in both similar and different aspects of that era.
The similarities included more than the music. Discovering the world outside our teenage realms is both beneficial and unsettling. The main character, Margie, discovers a world of wonder and dreams in the midst of opinions and behaviors that are unsettling. Burgess wraps you into the story, engaging your mind in the quandaries Margie faces.
That Summer She Found Her Voice is a fun and thought-provoking read. This is the perfect time for a great book for a rainy April day or sitting on the beach this summer.
The similarities included more than the music. Discovering the world outside our teenage realms is both beneficial and unsettling. The main character, Margie, discovers a world of wonder and dreams in the midst of opinions and behaviors that are unsettling. Burgess wraps you into the story, engaging your mind in the quandaries Margie faces.
That Summer She Found Her Voice is a fun and thought-provoking read. This is the perfect time for a great book for a rainy April day or sitting on the beach this summer.
March 31, 2024
That Summer She Found Her Voice will strike a cord with fans of music and the 1970s culture, taking readers back in time to the transitional decade challenging the worth and rights of minorities and women. Canning tomatoes in a kitchen adjacent to an Early American design living room, Burgess’s character, Margie, could have been me in the early 1970s, learning the basics of feeding and caring for a home and family from my mom. How fun for this Baltimorean to be reminded of melodies and memories past and popular places—some gone, others still bringing Baltimoreans joy. I was given an advance review copy of the book. My opinion is entirely my own.
August 12, 2024
This is a lovely coming-of-age story about Margie Stevens, who decides to take a significant course turn after a bad breakup with the love of her life. She leaves her small hometown on the Eastern Shore of Maryland for the big city of Baltimore and joins a swing band as a singer.
As she travels with a band throughout the country, she sees many things she opposes but remains silent. However, through her experience and the people she meets, she matures and finds her voice by the end of the book. The book is a delightful read.
As she travels with a band throughout the country, she sees many things she opposes but remains silent. However, through her experience and the people she meets, she matures and finds her voice by the end of the book. The book is a delightful read.
November 3, 2024
"Music expands, connects transcends all peoples, ages, and cultures."
Jean Burgess's debut novel is a wonderful read that brings us deep into music. It follows the story of twenty three year old Margie Stevens on her summer touring with the King Vido Swing Band. Jean weaves a spellbound narrative that focuses on how Margie metaphorically and literally finds her voice.
The King Vido Swing Band consists of a magical cast of characters that come to life on the page. The saga of the drama between the six Conti siblings and their father is fascinating, but I found myself drawn especially to Jimmy and Chaz. I loved the way they blossomed on the pages as the two men introduce Margie to modern music, and how Margie herself seemed to expand with every interaction with them.
As a Maryland native, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Baltimore in 1978 and the glimpse into the past. Sometimes, when you're in the present, you don't realize that local institutions have such an impact on the world around you. Jean brought us back to Baltimore through a literary time machine and it was wonderful to see Baltimore through that viewpoint.
I loved this novel and I look forward to reading more of Jean's work.
Jean Burgess's debut novel is a wonderful read that brings us deep into music. It follows the story of twenty three year old Margie Stevens on her summer touring with the King Vido Swing Band. Jean weaves a spellbound narrative that focuses on how Margie metaphorically and literally finds her voice.
The King Vido Swing Band consists of a magical cast of characters that come to life on the page. The saga of the drama between the six Conti siblings and their father is fascinating, but I found myself drawn especially to Jimmy and Chaz. I loved the way they blossomed on the pages as the two men introduce Margie to modern music, and how Margie herself seemed to expand with every interaction with them.
As a Maryland native, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Baltimore in 1978 and the glimpse into the past. Sometimes, when you're in the present, you don't realize that local institutions have such an impact on the world around you. Jean brought us back to Baltimore through a literary time machine and it was wonderful to see Baltimore through that viewpoint.
I loved this novel and I look forward to reading more of Jean's work.
April 1, 2024
Wow! This retro novel is written in a way that it makes you feel you are right there with Margie along her cross country journey to discover who she is as a maturing young woman in the 1970's. I found the story to be intriguing, engaging, and fun. I had trouble putting it down! I highly recommend "That Summer She Found Her Voice" and it's release is coming at a perfect time for a great beach read!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2024
In That Summer She Found Her Voice, Margie’s realizes it’s time leave behind the small town she’s grown up in after her boyfriend betrays her. A classified ad for a singer in a touring swing band seems like divine intervention and a job that might broaden her horizons as well as heal her broken heart. Margie auditions for the band and takes the reader on one heck of a ride! I highly recommend That Summer She Found Her Voice!
August 30, 2024
I was able to hear the author speak this summer about her book. Being from Baltimore, I loved all the references to the area! Great story. Very engaging. Its a coming of age story for Margie, a recent college graduate, who after a difficult break up, falls into a depression and tries to work her way out of it. Who would have thought accepting a singing job with King Vido's swing band from Little Italy would recharge her love of music and help her heal and grow as a young women!
December 31, 2024
I could really connect with this read, finding your voice is not something you realize is necessary until later in life (at least that is how it was for me). This story is a very realistic one, with a music scene that comes alive in such an interesting way! I highly recommend this read to any one of any age or gender, such a good read!
January 25, 2025
Jean Burgess has created an engaging protagonist who navigates personal and professional life decisions in the novel. It's a fun read, full of period details about the era, the music scene, and Baltimore. I enjoyed following Margie on the band's tour, happy to be doing so from a comfortable chair instead of the converted trucks the band rode in. All I needed was a cup of coffee and a cannoli!
June 11, 2025
"That Summer She Found Her Voice" is a retro novel set in the late 70's in Baltimore. The story follows Margie as she finds her way in a world of music and conflicting societal values. We get a front row seat to her transformation and can't help but root for her to use voice.
This is a great nostalgic read with a message that still rings true today!
This is a great nostalgic read with a message that still rings true today!
September 11, 2025
Jean Burgess’s debut novel is a beautiful tribute to both the challenges of growing up and the journey of self-discovery. Beginning on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and spanning across North America in the summer of 1978, the story follows a young woman as she navigates the trials of youth: searching for direction, confronting difficult personalities, and facing situations that test her strength and resolve. As an adult reader, it was sometimes difficult to watch her stumble, but as I read in, my perspective changed. The story invited me to reflect and reminded me of how far I’ve come in my own journey. The novel is worth reading for the coming-of-age story alone, yet Burgess deepens it further with travel to iconic landmarks; cameos by well known performers; spiritual lessons and reflections; and... oh-so-much music. For me, what makes this novel especially powerful is the insightful and reflective way Burgess tells the story. The writing feels deeply personal, almost like reading a diary, like Burgess is not only sharing her character’s journey, but also her own… and perhaps even mine.
Watch my interview with the author here: https://www.youtube.com/live/rLMn661y...
Watch my interview with the author here: https://www.youtube.com/live/rLMn661y...
July 11, 2024
I enjoyed the book and loved the transformation of Margie, the storyteller. I got a kick out of many 70's references that brought back memories for me as I graduated from high school in 1978, the time period for the book. Jean did a great job describing life on the road, performing from town to town. Congratulations, Jean.
July 1, 2025
I couldn't put this novel down! Margie is a strong young woman who hasn't figured out quite how to use that strength. Set in Maryland's Eastern Shore and Baltimore's Little Italy, this story will touch you and make you want to know what happens next. What lies ahead in Margie's future?
July 19, 2025
I just finished reading That Summer She Found Her Voice, and it is absolutely incredible! It is a real page-turner, and I couldn't put it down. Jean Burgess has created so many compelling (albeit not always likeable) characters, and I was cheering for Margie, the protagonist, throughout the book. Five stars for sure!
April 6, 2024
More than offering an engaging read, Burgess give readers insight into how the Second Wave of Feminism was anything but a tsunami—for many in the 1970s, learning to take a stand on gender and racial inequity was a slower tide change. Regardless of whether readers lived through the 1970s, they will find Burgess’s protagonist likeable, but relatable. Afterall, who didn’t have a time in their lives when they struggled to find their voice?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews