Navigating Her Next Chapter

by Jean Burgess

306 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 14, 2026

About the author

Jean 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.

Reviews

[Drillingcompany · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Have you ever dreamed of moving to New York City? Know a young person who does?Burgess perfectly captures the romantic love affair so many have with
New York as they begin their adult lives: the father/daughter tension, the collection of misfits and lifelong friends who tumble together in our great Metropolis with uncertain beginnings,
the heart break and the romance that seems available at every corner. The
perfect telling of one woman’s journey after she finally ‘gets out of
the car.' If there's one thing certain about what it takes to make it in New York City it's a Yiddish phrase: MOXIE. Burgess has it in spades. A treat for anyone dreaming of everything that can be theirs.”

– Hamilton Clancy, Actor,(Orange is the New Black, Billions), Producer, Director, Narrator,
and Founding Artistic Director of The Drilling Company Theatre, home of Shakespeare
in the Parking Lot......and New Yorker

I received and advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Linda Auerback]

"Navigating Her Next Chapter: A Retro Novel" is an intriguing read. The characters and
storylines are well developed and will hold your interest. Since my
background is in the field of Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health, I
was impressed by the authenticity of the inclusion of the ripple effect
of addiction on relationships with family and friends. The author truly
captured the essence of the drug culture in NYC during that time
period. It is a great escape to another era book. I give it a 5-star recommendation.
- Linda Auerback, CPP, Retired Substance Abuse Prevention Supervisor for
Carroll County, Maryland
*I received an Advanced Review Copy of
this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol Cahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navigating Her Next Chapter: A Retro Novel by Jean Burgess paints an authentic portrait of city life for a young woman in the early 1980s. The protagonist, Margie, must find her way through relationships, both personal and professional, amidst the rising AIDS epidemic and out of control drug use of the time. As she takes life head on, we also get an authentic and interesting glimpse into the music and theatre scene in the Big Apple. Ms. Burgess draws on her own experiences and thorough research to make us feel as if we, too, are in 1980s New York City. Navigating Her Next Chapter is a strong and entertaining sophomore novel for this author.

[Millie Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her singing career ends, we follow Margie Stevens as she pursues a career in New York, writing music reviews. She learns to navigate the subway system, the challenges of sharing a 6th-floor apartment with no elevator, an eclectic group of people, and events as she overcomes her self-doubt about her life's direction.
Jean’s ability to describe the people, events, streets, and even the smells of New York allows the reader to share Margie’s journey as if they were there.
This is a delightful addition to Margie’s journey.

I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel captures the joys---and the challenges---of a young woman experiencing a life-changing move to the Big Apple in the 1980s. As Margie struggles to carve out a life for herself, she learns more about who she is and what she needs to “become”. The expertly researched historic details of this early 1980s period (who knew there was an April snowstorm dropping one foot on New York City??) magically deliver the reader right into this interesting time and place.

* I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Navigating Her Next Chapter: A Retro Novel by Jean Burgess. It was exciting to read about Margie’s continued adventures in The Big Apple and the new characters were intriguing. I found myself cheering for Margie and Miguel and hope their love survived. I appreciate how the vintage details were woven throughout the story. It was an excellent sophomore sequel.

I received an Advanced Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great descriptions of the settings and New York landmarks. It draws the reader in visually and makes you feel like you’re really there. The character are all interesting and relatable. The story line keeps you interested and anxious to read what happens next. I received an Advanced Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Bill Toscano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navigating Her Next Chapter is a journey of the heart for any burgeoning, current, or reminiscing
artist creating a life and aligning their soul.
- Bill Toscano - Director, Designer, Actor, Musician, Technician