Navigating Her Next Chapter

by Jean Burgess

306 pages, Paperback

Published 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

[Karen Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading an Advanced Reader Copy of Jean Burgess’s new novel, Navigating Her Next Chapter, was a great pleasure. Her protagonist, Margie, bravely left her home on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and headed for the Big Apple. Her first challenge, however, was getting out of the taxi on her arrival.
With trepidation, Margie gingerly steps into a new life in New York City. By her second week, she has landed a new job at Radio City Music Hall, where she falls in love with her new office location – in a hallway.
With her descriptive phrases for the architectural elements and furnishings at Radio City Music Hall, Burgess offers a virtual-reality tour via words. Her wonderful pictorial descriptions continue through multiple locations in the book.
Readers remain engaged as Margie discovers the quirks and gifts of the people she meets in the city. Each character harmonizes intriguingly with Margie and the other members of the book’s cast as they develop new relationships and face the cultural challenges of the 1980s.
Burgess pulled me into this second novel about Margie’s life in a way I hadn’t experienced in her earlier book, That Summer She Found Her Voice. As Margie continues to find ways to improve her life, Burgess has found increasingly engaging ways to hold her readers’ attention. You won’t want to put the book down, not because of suspense, but because you can’t wait to discover how Margie navigates her next experience. Her job growth, friendships, love life, and the social issues of the time weave together intricately, pulling you from one page to the next.
Days after finishing the book, I kept thinking about what Margie might do in her next chapter of life. Although Navigating Her Next Chapter is just arriving on the market, I hope Burgess is working on the next book in this series.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So tickled to have an advance copy of this book. I loved Jeans first book set in both Cambridge/Church Creek & Baltimore, a juicy set of great characters from the 1970s, and was really drawn in by the music and musical aspect of the story and coming of age journey. If you are a fan of the first one, this follow up does not disappoint. I love how it easily puts me back in Margies shoes but in New York City and in the very early 1980s. The new cast of friends she meets through work and living in her teeny tiny new apartment with her friend feels super authentic down to the "rad" slag. This is my era, so I have happy seeing nods to the Beastie Boys and talk about writing - including plays (with nods to the theater life in NYC), sucked me right in. This book keeps me turning the pages as I really enjoyed navigating Margie's journey in finding herself at a crossroads in her life as social issues come at her from all sides and is forced to sort though it all. Not just in NYC, but also back home where family matters from the first book do extend into this one, and they're juicy! If you like stories with an endearing female lead trying to figure out life with some light romance and found family in a New York City setting (think the tv show Friends) during the 1980s, you're going to love this book!

[Cheryl Schuster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Burgess definitely has a way with words... I read her first retro novel, That Summer She Found Her Voice and I've had the privilege to read an advanced copy of her soon to be released Navigating Her Next Chapter.

I fully enjoyed this fast-paced book so much that I read it in four days. The main character, Margie, is starting a new path forward with all the ups and downs life has to offer when you're in your 20's and trying to figure out your life. She begins her new adventure in New York. Having been to New York myself over the years, the story brought me back to the sights, sounds, and smells of early 80's NY. I could relate to Margie having pizza there when she spoke about the greasy pizza served on a white paper plate - 'Just as God intended.' Oh, my, yes.

You'll enjoy this life adventure of Margie's. The twists and turns as she navigates her way through relationships with new friends. Successes, disappointments, love, and loss. The characters are so well developed you can't help but feel connected to them and be hopeful for Margie.

I highly recommend adding this book to your Must-Read list.





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

[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.

[Charissa Costa Bauhaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a year of anticipation, Jean Burgess delivers the long-awaited continuation of Margie’s story from THAT SUMMER SHE FOUND HER VOICE. I was fortunate to receive an ARC of NAVIGATING HER NEXT CHAPTER, and it did not disappoint. Watching Margie’s next adventure unfold was every bit as fun as I’d hoped.

What I love about Burgess’ writing is the combination of heart and skill she has brought to each book in this series. Her characters feel genuine, especially Margie, and it’s that connection to Margie that keeps you grounded even when the story ventures into deeply uncomfortable, but important places. Even within a story full of warmth and humor, Burgess doesn’t shy away from topics that matter. Readers experience events that impacted New Yorkers and Americans in the early 80s, and some of those aren’t easy.

This continuation was everything I needed after THAT SUMMER… but two books in, and Burgess has made it clear she knows exactly how to close a chapter without closing a story. I have a feeling Margie isn’t done yet, and I can’t wait.

[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.

[Robert L · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the early 1980s, and Margie Stevens struggles to make a go of it as a writer in one of the nation’s most unforgiving venues — New York City. She makes some wonderful friends and lands an amazing job at Radio City Music Hall, but AIDS and cocaine addiction take their toll on some of the people she loves the most. As she valiantly strives to overcome the hurdles of life in New York, Margie must stay true to herself despite her father’s insistence that she find a man, get married, and raise a family. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navigating Her Next Chapter: A Retro Novel by Jean Burgess was a much anticipated read after being introduced to Margie in Burgess' previous book That Summer She Found Her Voice. In Navigating Her Next Chapter, I was captivated to learn more about Margie as she embarked on her journey to big city living and the new opportunities that awaited her. This book is engaging and hard to put down! I highly recommend this light hearted and fun read while pool/beach sitting or during summer travels. Enjoy!

[Kaitlyn Barnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed reading Navigating Her Next Chapter. The author does a great job at transporting readers to a different place and time, New York City in the early 1980’s, without needing to overload with verbose detail. Burgess’ writing would certainly appeal to fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid or anyone who likes to root for a scrappy, female protagonist. I can’t wait to follow along on Margie’s next adventure!

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

[Mary B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navigating Her Next Chapter: A Retro Novel, is a journey back to the days of the turbulent 1980's. Margie dives head first into her new life in New York City and finds her way into a career that she hopes is right for her. Circumventing the drug culture, the AIDS crisis and a anew love interest, the author takes readers along with Margie as she grows into a confident and determined young woman. Those readers who lived through the 80's will enjoy a glimpse back into the "Decade That Made Us" while sharing in the excitement of the entertainment industry in New York City.

[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.

[Barbara B]

“Navigating” is certainly an apt word for the title of Burgess’ second novel in which she deftly creates a cast of diverse and lovable characters with humor and compassion. In pursuit of a writing career, the twenty-something protagonist Margie Stevens finds a family of friends as she wends her way through the maze of New York City in the early 1980s at the onset of the HIV/AIDS and cocaine epidemics. An engrossing and heartwarming read.

I read an advanced review copy of this novel.

[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.

[J Teeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Navigating her Next Chapter. Having gotten to know Margie in That Summer She Found Her Voice, I was delighted to join the young writer starting her career in New York City. I experienced her joy, heartbreak, success & failure. The author paints a vivid picture of the city in the 80’s - the gritty and the grand!

Janice T.

[Sally Slattery · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dream of moving to NYC after college didn’t come true, but reading an advanced copy of Navigating Her Next Chapter presented a distinct picture of how it may have been. This author brings the period and experience alive for any generation contemplating the chapters of their lives.. Highly recommended.

[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

[Tina Mawhinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished an advanced review copy. What a great read! The time period references are relatable and the memories from them put a smile on my face. Cant wait to see what's in store next for Margie. Highly recommend!

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navigating Her Next Chapter: A Retro Novel is an enjoyable, light read that also deals with serious topics, such as drug addiction, and the AIDS epidemic.

Set in New York City of the 1980s and filled with strong, memorable characters, this is a story that will keep you hooked until the last page.

I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. — Hilary P.