Finding Maslow: A Novel

by Walberg Susan

Finding Maslow is set against a dramatic background of Hurricane Sandy and a massive earthquake in Mexico City, challenging the characters to rise above their own limitations and differences.Justina, an aimless law student, returns to the family home in Long Beach, New York, shortly before Hurricane Sandy is going to hit. Her father, a powerful Latino politician, is nowhere to be found, but he has sent Daniel, a local college drop-out from a poor neighborhood, to secure the family home. When the hurricane hits, Justina and Daniel are trapped together to ride out the storm and the devastating aftermath. As they join the community to help rebuild their neighborhoods, they learn that the storm is not the only challenge in their lives as their very different worlds collide.From a poor hospital in disaster mode to glittering Manhattan to earthquake-ravaged Mexico City, Finding Maslow is rich with diverse characters and tells the story of how people can overcome challenges to find hope, meaning, and love in the midst of tragedy.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2015

Reviews

[Alexandra Engellmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Maslow reads like a movie. A powerful, fast-paced, multilayered story that doesn’t give you a moment to breathe. There are two main characters and many more others, and each of them has a story to tell, a lesson to teach the reader. When I was offered a free copy for review and read the blurb, I knew just what kind of a story it was – and I turned out right. It’s like one of those drama movies where characters have to go through a big change, and it leaves you shaken for days. It also feels like life suddenly got so much brighter, and you can feel everything so much stronger than before. It gives you perspective.
The two main characters, Justina and Daniel, are trapped together in a storm. They have to work with each other not only to help themselves, but the others as well. This big task challenges them to become someone bigger than they are, to overcome their differences.
I can’t come up with one thing that I didn’t like about the book. The romance was tasteful, the drama deep, the humor subtle, and the danger thrilling. There were a lot of emotional issues, and the characters’ complexity made it impossible not to care for them. It was intense and somewhat personal, and the inspiring tone of the story tells me that the author has put more than a little piece of her soul into it.
This book is great for all ages. Whoever you are, if you love drama, this book is for you.

*I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Susan Walberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so this is my book... I thought it perhaps pretentious to give myself 5 stars, but I see other authors have done the same! So I can't give an objective review as a reader, truly, but can say that I thoroughly enjoyed writing this book and getting to know the characters throughout the process. Does that count? I liked them so much, in fact, that I am writing a spin-off, or, it is more accurate to say, they are writing the spin-off... they really do talk to me. Is that crazy? ;-)

[Velma Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. The details were great, she made the hurricane so realistic and the stories about after the hurricane were compelling. I got so involved with the characters that I didn't want the book to end. Can't wait to read her next one.

[Marianne Huey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched me deeply. I could feel the storm’s rage and the panic in every page, yet also the beauty of what came after. I loved how Justina’s privilege didn’t protect her from pain but gave her the chance to see life from Daniel’s eyes. Watching them rebuild together reminded me that hope isn’t something we find,it’s something we make

[Hannah Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Maslow left me reflecting on how fragile life can be and how courage emerges in unexpected moments. I truly loved how Justina and Daniel, from such different worlds, were forced to rely on each other during Hurricane Sandy. Their growth felt natural, and the moments of shared vulnerability made their bond unforgettable.

[Debbie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how it paints a real mood, post-storm and what the destruction does to the lives of those in Rockaway, NY. About family, disappointment, loss and discovery, as well as a love story. It continues in her newest book (who knew!!) that I am reading now.

[Nancy Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Maslow is a deeply human story about disaster, love, hope, and resilience. I laughed, cried, and felt inspired by the characters’ journey.
Justina and Daniel’s moments of vulnerability felt real. They weren’t perfect characters, which made their growth more believable.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Maslow had me holding my breath during the storm scenes, feeling the tension and fear alongside the characters. What I truly loved was the slow, believable development of romance, where trust and vulnerability built their bond naturally.

[Lily Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story made me feel the fear, chaos, and hope that come with facing a natural disaster firsthand. What I appreciated most was how the author showed community resilience, the rebuilding efforts after the hurricane felt authentic and inspiring.

[Nathan Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this novel made me question my own sense of purpose and how I handle challenges. I loved watching Justina evolve from aimless and self-absorbed to someone compassionate and empathetic. Her interactions with Daniel and the neighbors were beautifully portrayed.

[Robert Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Maslow made me laugh, cry, and root for the characters simultaneously. I noted how realistic the hurricane and its aftermath were, from flooded homes to overwhelmed hospitals. The story captured both the terror and the human spirit needed to recover.

[Jack Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me reflect on the power of connection during crises. What I truly loved was the way Daniel and Justina’s relationship developed naturally through shared struggles, honest, vulnerable, and deeply moving.

[Leo Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story made me reflect on how unexpected events can reshape lives and priorities. I loved how Justina’s journey from aimlessness to purpose felt earned, and how Daniel’s grounded perspective complemented her growth.

[Chloe Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt a deep sense of hope and resilience while reading this story. I appreciated how the narrative didn’t just focus on disaster but also on personal growth, showing how adversity can shape people for the better.

[Sarah Rusell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Maslow made me feel the weight of uncertainty and the strength people find in adversity. I truly loved how the author portrayed the hurricane’s chaos in vivid detail while showing Justina and Daniel’s emotional growth through the crisis

[Daniel Sthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Maslow had me holding my breath during the hurricane scenes, and I felt relief and joy alongside the characters afterward. What I noticed and loved most was the nuanced portrayal of class differences and how empathy bridged that gap.

[Olivia James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story reminded me how fragile yet strong human connections can be in the face of disaster. I loved the subtle romance, where Justina and Daniel’s bond wasn’t rushed but built through genuine care and shared challenges.

[Lucas Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book made me reflect on both privilege and resilience in life. I especially loved the author’s depiction of post-storm rebuilding and community collaboration, it added depth and realism that stayed with me.

[Grace Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Maslow is a story that stayed with me long after I finished it, making me think about courage, love, and hope. I truly noticed how the characters’ flaws and vulnerabilities made them real, and I loved that nothing felt forced or clichéd.

[Michelle Olms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book