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Reckoning Daze
"An actress is always a starving artist," so says Lindsay Harmon-Foster, a talented but struggling Los Angeles actress in Michael Beaulieu's gripping debut novel, the #1 Amazon best-selling satire Reckoning Daze.
Lindsay, 19, a former star of a critically acclaimed but canceled series, is now doing a pilot that might prove to be the role of a lifetime, but her anorexia and other habits could kill her before she's cast for the full series. Although she has long been self-destructive, she's never been more so than now, making her a threat to herself and others.
Aside from losing the show she loved, Lindsay thought she had found her soulmate in a rising music star named Jesse, but he committed suicide and she blames herself. Will she land the new series and allow herself to find love again with a handsome actor named Marc or will addictions - and suppressed family secrets - make her die hard?
While Lindsay's demons are portrayed with unflinching honesty, the way she views Los Angeles and the business is often comical. If you like Bret Easton Ellis and Chuck Palahniuk, you'll find Reckoning Daze's blend of high drama and satire to be a perfect mix of laughs and suspense. Get it today and find out whether or not Lindsay's dreams come true.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2017
51 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Michael Beaulieu
10 books25 followersBorn in Lowell, Massachusetts, birthplace of Jack Kerouac, Michael Beaulieu knew he wanted to be a writer since he was eight years old and wrote his first novel. It was only 52 hand-written pages, but in his mind he’d written the greatest murder mystery in the world.
Prior to his novels, Michael wrote 30 original screenplays of varying genres, many of which he plans to direct as independent films. In addition to writing fiction, Michael has been an entertainment journalist since 1995, having written for such magazines and websites as LiveWire, Lollipop, Film Threat, Rocknet and Cinezine.
Michael released his first novel, Reckoning Daze, in March of 2017. The new adult book climbed all the way to #1 on both of Amazon’s best-selling satire categories. Michael’s current project is the young adult series Book of Shadows. The first two volumes, Casting and Rising, were also released in 2017. On February 8, 2018 Book of Shadows: Volume 3: Hunting was released. Book of Shadows 4: In Memoriam was released during late 2018. Michael's latest release is his lost literary fiction satire Becoming Madonna.
Currently, Michael is writing Book of Shadows 5 and polishing his memoir Fear & Self-Loathing in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing novels, Michael is the editor and primary writer for his music and pop culture website Love is Pop, which you can visit at www.loveispop.com. In addition to regularly interviewing pop and rock stars, Michael has interviewed several authors, among them such best-sellers as Jay Asher, Francesca Lia Block and Adriana Mather.
Michael resides near Boston, Massachusetts with his cat, Mister Logan Black, and his turtle, Johnny Rocket. To learn more about Michael visit him at www.michaelbeaulieu.com. Be sure to sign up for his mailing list to be the first to learn about Michael’s other upcoming books.
Prior to his novels, Michael wrote 30 original screenplays of varying genres, many of which he plans to direct as independent films. In addition to writing fiction, Michael has been an entertainment journalist since 1995, having written for such magazines and websites as LiveWire, Lollipop, Film Threat, Rocknet and Cinezine.
Michael released his first novel, Reckoning Daze, in March of 2017. The new adult book climbed all the way to #1 on both of Amazon’s best-selling satire categories. Michael’s current project is the young adult series Book of Shadows. The first two volumes, Casting and Rising, were also released in 2017. On February 8, 2018 Book of Shadows: Volume 3: Hunting was released. Book of Shadows 4: In Memoriam was released during late 2018. Michael's latest release is his lost literary fiction satire Becoming Madonna.
Currently, Michael is writing Book of Shadows 5 and polishing his memoir Fear & Self-Loathing in Los Angeles.
In addition to writing novels, Michael is the editor and primary writer for his music and pop culture website Love is Pop, which you can visit at www.loveispop.com. In addition to regularly interviewing pop and rock stars, Michael has interviewed several authors, among them such best-sellers as Jay Asher, Francesca Lia Block and Adriana Mather.
Michael resides near Boston, Massachusetts with his cat, Mister Logan Black, and his turtle, Johnny Rocket. To learn more about Michael visit him at www.michaelbeaulieu.com. Be sure to sign up for his mailing list to be the first to learn about Michael’s other upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 15, 2017
Lindsey is a nineteen year old struggling actress. After the series she is starring in is cut short, she finds herself unsure of what's to come next for her.
Lindsey battles with anorexia, also with a diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder and heavy drug abuse, she talks a lot about her mother whom passed away and competing against her in terms of weight as she used to make Lindsey think she was fat by name calling her.
After a night out with her friends, they find one of their friends dead, unable to revive them. So just what happened?
Well, it's a shocking ending and shows how you can never fully know those who grow closest to you as secrets come to light between Lindsey and new love, Mark.
Lindsey is extremely self destructive in her behaviour towards herself as those closest to her pass away, her boyfriend included as Jesse committed suicide, she feels guilty and responsible so turns to self harm, drugs and anorexia to keep control as much as she can.
Its a very crazy book, I suggest you're late teens at least to read this to handle the issues raised. I found it good but a bit too much in parts. It does however show how sick the world can be.
Thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
Lindsey battles with anorexia, also with a diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder and heavy drug abuse, she talks a lot about her mother whom passed away and competing against her in terms of weight as she used to make Lindsey think she was fat by name calling her.
After a night out with her friends, they find one of their friends dead, unable to revive them. So just what happened?
Well, it's a shocking ending and shows how you can never fully know those who grow closest to you as secrets come to light between Lindsey and new love, Mark.
Lindsey is extremely self destructive in her behaviour towards herself as those closest to her pass away, her boyfriend included as Jesse committed suicide, she feels guilty and responsible so turns to self harm, drugs and anorexia to keep control as much as she can.
Its a very crazy book, I suggest you're late teens at least to read this to handle the issues raised. I found it good but a bit too much in parts. It does however show how sick the world can be.
Thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
April 11, 2020
Reckoning Daze. The author sent me this to review along with another young adult book on witchcraft.
As far as I can remember, this story was a bit hard to read. Hard because the main character seems to have it bad. Really bad. Yes, she's an actress and we have this concept that celebrities have a grand life. Well, not all. Lindsay's history and experiences are very harrowing and traumatic. At first, it will appear that the story is going nowhere. It seemed like the main character is intentionally destroying herself. I asked myself if there's an end to this. Fortunately, all my questions were answered before the story ended and thank the book gods, it ended well. The reason for Lindsay's destructive behavior was finally unveiled and her life is like a horror movie. It's sort of a miracle that Lindsay is still alive after all she'd been true. Her being anorexic, I think, is a result also of her tragic experiences growing up. I think, all root causes of all disorders go back to childhood and is related to family issues and domestic violence. I am just thankful that this story has a good ending. In the end, I was also rooting for Lindsay to find her strength amidst the chaos that is her life.
I think, part of Lindsay's recovery could be attributed to her one best friend Liz. She was always there for her through the good and the bad. She was always dependable and I think that was one thing that kept Lindsay sane also. That she still has one loyal person she can hang on to. Yes, friendship and love does move mountains. Same here for Lindsay. Liz's friendship has helped her in her recovery. But the most important think of all is of course - self-love. Our self should be the most important thing. It's different from being selfish. Loving one's self is treating yourself with dignity and respect.
One of the things which resonate with me in this story is self-love. I could honestly say, I don't love myself enough which would directly relate to having a healthy self-esteem. Thank God, I am not self-destructive as Lindsay but I know that I don't love myself enough. I am not sure how to explain it but sometimes I feel like I can't even live with myself. I don't wish to be someone else but I wish that I were always as confident as my other friends. Growing up, I was bullied. I feel like I was a bully magnet, even in college and in some of the companies I've worked for. Sad truth is there are always people who are bullies. They like to make people feel less to make them feel more. What I hate about these situations is realizing that the people you thought were your friends were actually not. So now, I don't worry about not having too many friends. I am happy with just a few knowing these are people I can count on through the distance and no matter what happens. I am proud to say, I have found my people. Get rid of all the negative people in your life. You don't need them.
I give this book 3/5 bitter pills. I honestly don't want to read this story again. It leaves goose bumps and a very uneasy feeling. It's so harrowing to think that what happened to Lindsay here may actually be happening to someone in real life. That's just too mean. No one ever deserves that kind of life, no matter what s/he has done to contribute or to pave the way for those things to happen. One time is enough for me. I don't want to relive Lindsay's experience again. One time is enough and they've been imprinted in my brain. I don't want to read these kind of stories again where tragedy after tragedy strikes the hapless main character. I want him or her to at least fight. To not just let all these bad things happen to her one after the other. To just lay there. To not always be the victim. Again, I am just thankful that Lindsay finally found the courage to end all her suffering. To do something. I think that was what I was waiting for all along. For her to move, even just a tiny bit. To do something, to not let all these people walk all over her. To stop the abuse. And I understand, it was no easy feat. I think it took all of Lindsay's sanity and strength to do that which is very admirable. So, I hope to all those suffering from domestic violence and all other forms of abuse, please seek help. Reach out. I am sure, there is going to be one kind and generous soul who will see right through you and help your plight. You just have to extend your hand and let that other person pull you out. Do not ever think that you deserve that kind of life. No one does, ever!
I think he's been listening. He's just answering my prayers by repeatedly delivering the exact opposite of what I want.
Anorexia is the purest form of self-destruction.
I almost wish I could just binge and purge. But you don't choose your disorder, it chooses you. Sometimes I wonder if it's like being gay or lesbian, if it's not something inside of you, part of your genetic make up.
- Michael Beaulieu, Reckoning Daze -
Thank you again, Michael Beaulieu for the review copy. Sorry for the long overdue review.
As far as I can remember, this story was a bit hard to read. Hard because the main character seems to have it bad. Really bad. Yes, she's an actress and we have this concept that celebrities have a grand life. Well, not all. Lindsay's history and experiences are very harrowing and traumatic. At first, it will appear that the story is going nowhere. It seemed like the main character is intentionally destroying herself. I asked myself if there's an end to this. Fortunately, all my questions were answered before the story ended and thank the book gods, it ended well. The reason for Lindsay's destructive behavior was finally unveiled and her life is like a horror movie. It's sort of a miracle that Lindsay is still alive after all she'd been true. Her being anorexic, I think, is a result also of her tragic experiences growing up. I think, all root causes of all disorders go back to childhood and is related to family issues and domestic violence. I am just thankful that this story has a good ending. In the end, I was also rooting for Lindsay to find her strength amidst the chaos that is her life.
I think, part of Lindsay's recovery could be attributed to her one best friend Liz. She was always there for her through the good and the bad. She was always dependable and I think that was one thing that kept Lindsay sane also. That she still has one loyal person she can hang on to. Yes, friendship and love does move mountains. Same here for Lindsay. Liz's friendship has helped her in her recovery. But the most important think of all is of course - self-love. Our self should be the most important thing. It's different from being selfish. Loving one's self is treating yourself with dignity and respect.
One of the things which resonate with me in this story is self-love. I could honestly say, I don't love myself enough which would directly relate to having a healthy self-esteem. Thank God, I am not self-destructive as Lindsay but I know that I don't love myself enough. I am not sure how to explain it but sometimes I feel like I can't even live with myself. I don't wish to be someone else but I wish that I were always as confident as my other friends. Growing up, I was bullied. I feel like I was a bully magnet, even in college and in some of the companies I've worked for. Sad truth is there are always people who are bullies. They like to make people feel less to make them feel more. What I hate about these situations is realizing that the people you thought were your friends were actually not. So now, I don't worry about not having too many friends. I am happy with just a few knowing these are people I can count on through the distance and no matter what happens. I am proud to say, I have found my people. Get rid of all the negative people in your life. You don't need them.
I give this book 3/5 bitter pills. I honestly don't want to read this story again. It leaves goose bumps and a very uneasy feeling. It's so harrowing to think that what happened to Lindsay here may actually be happening to someone in real life. That's just too mean. No one ever deserves that kind of life, no matter what s/he has done to contribute or to pave the way for those things to happen. One time is enough for me. I don't want to relive Lindsay's experience again. One time is enough and they've been imprinted in my brain. I don't want to read these kind of stories again where tragedy after tragedy strikes the hapless main character. I want him or her to at least fight. To not just let all these bad things happen to her one after the other. To just lay there. To not always be the victim. Again, I am just thankful that Lindsay finally found the courage to end all her suffering. To do something. I think that was what I was waiting for all along. For her to move, even just a tiny bit. To do something, to not let all these people walk all over her. To stop the abuse. And I understand, it was no easy feat. I think it took all of Lindsay's sanity and strength to do that which is very admirable. So, I hope to all those suffering from domestic violence and all other forms of abuse, please seek help. Reach out. I am sure, there is going to be one kind and generous soul who will see right through you and help your plight. You just have to extend your hand and let that other person pull you out. Do not ever think that you deserve that kind of life. No one does, ever!
I think he's been listening. He's just answering my prayers by repeatedly delivering the exact opposite of what I want.
Anorexia is the purest form of self-destruction.
I almost wish I could just binge and purge. But you don't choose your disorder, it chooses you. Sometimes I wonder if it's like being gay or lesbian, if it's not something inside of you, part of your genetic make up.
- Michael Beaulieu, Reckoning Daze -
Thank you again, Michael Beaulieu for the review copy. Sorry for the long overdue review.
April 10, 2019
Lindsay, 19, a former star of a critically acclaimed but canceled series, is now doing a pilot that might prove to be the role of a lifetime, but her anorexia and other habits could kill her before she's cast for the full series. Although she has long been self-destructive, she's never been more so than now, making her a threat to herself and others.
Aside from losing the show she loved, Lindsay thought she had found her soulmate in a rising music star named Jesse, but he committed suicide and she blames herself. Will she land the new series and allow herself to find love again with a handsome actor named Marc or will addictions - and suppressed family secrets - make her die hard?
While Lindsay's demons are portrayed with unflinching honesty, the way she views Los Angeles and the business is often comical. If you like Bret Easton Ellis and Chuck Palahniuk, you'll find Reckoning Daze's blend of high drama and satire to be a perfect mix of laughs and suspense. Get it today and find out whether or not Lindsay's dreams come true.
Welcome to a different world where sex, drugs and aspirations overcome common sense. Lindsay Harmon-Foster is an aspiring actress and caught up in a world no one should have to live through.
This was a well written study on a very serious matter.
The character of Lindsay was well developed.
The plot is much more than the blurb suggests with lots of twists and depth.
The subject matter is dark and gritty but very well written.
Recommend reading.
I received this via book funnel and this is my own voluntary review.
Aside from losing the show she loved, Lindsay thought she had found her soulmate in a rising music star named Jesse, but he committed suicide and she blames herself. Will she land the new series and allow herself to find love again with a handsome actor named Marc or will addictions - and suppressed family secrets - make her die hard?
While Lindsay's demons are portrayed with unflinching honesty, the way she views Los Angeles and the business is often comical. If you like Bret Easton Ellis and Chuck Palahniuk, you'll find Reckoning Daze's blend of high drama and satire to be a perfect mix of laughs and suspense. Get it today and find out whether or not Lindsay's dreams come true.
Welcome to a different world where sex, drugs and aspirations overcome common sense. Lindsay Harmon-Foster is an aspiring actress and caught up in a world no one should have to live through.
This was a well written study on a very serious matter.
The character of Lindsay was well developed.
The plot is much more than the blurb suggests with lots of twists and depth.
The subject matter is dark and gritty but very well written.
Recommend reading.
I received this via book funnel and this is my own voluntary review.
August 8, 2023
I feel like this book was one of those “could have been way better but just wasn’t” books. The premise is interesting, and the main character swings between sympathetic or and the love-to-hate-her type of compelling. However, the timeline felt all over the place, and so much of the plot just wasn’t believable. On top of that, the ending felt rushed and discordant with the rest of the story. It probably would have been two stars from me, but I really appreciated the author’s depiction of how self-harm and self-destruction feel for the person doing them. That, if nothing else, really struck a chord. Anyone struggling with an active eating disorder or self-harm problem should stay far away though, as should anyone triggered by depictions of death, incest, and verbal, emotional, and physical abuse. This author pulls no punches, and, while I personally resonated with those sections because of that, it has the potential to be incredibly triggering. All in all, I would say that the book wasn’t exactly a waste of my time, but isn’t something I’ll be revisiting either.
May 22, 2017
I had some problems relating to the characters in this story as anorexia and drug addictions are not things that I have had to deal with in my life, but this was a well written study on a very serious matter. Because the subject matter was so serious, I failed to find the satire advertised in it; perhaps I have a different sense of humor. I think comparisons to the popular young adult novel Go Ask Alice are somewhat apt, though I don't view that as a negative statement. The twist at the end of the story was somewhat disturbing, but also unexpected, which is the way things like this are supposed to work. The character of Lindsay was well developed, and I was able to develop some kind of sympathy for her predicament, particularly by the end of the novel. This is certainly a cautionary tale for people dealing with these kind of issues in real life, and I would recommend it particularly to that demographic.
October 23, 2018
Wow just wow
I was expecting the story to just be about an actress who thinks she's overweight and suffers from an eating disorder. The story starts to unfold in your hit with new issue after new issue after new issue with so many twists and turns that you cannot possibly see coming. This story is a total mind game. I was extremely disgusted by the end of it but could not put the book down. It's been a long time since an author has been able to trick me and Lead Me Down The Rabbit Hole. Can't wait to see what else the author puts out.
I was expecting the story to just be about an actress who thinks she's overweight and suffers from an eating disorder. The story starts to unfold in your hit with new issue after new issue after new issue with so many twists and turns that you cannot possibly see coming. This story is a total mind game. I was extremely disgusted by the end of it but could not put the book down. It's been a long time since an author has been able to trick me and Lead Me Down The Rabbit Hole. Can't wait to see what else the author puts out.
May 12, 2021
What I liked so much about this book was how raw it was. No one in this story was likeable or empathetic toward anyone else's feelings and it went so perfectly with the era of which it was written. What I will say is that every page holds a trigger. Whether it's your bad relationship with food, your addiction, the need to cut, or your volatile personal relationships, this will more than likely set you off.
By the end everything has completely turned on its head and it really leaves you questioning everything you read. First book I've liked in a very long time.
By the end everything has completely turned on its head and it really leaves you questioning everything you read. First book I've liked in a very long time.
January 21, 2018
First, I think the book should have a warning for explicit language and more. If you overlook that, the story is okay and one that I think more people than most know have gone through. Welcome to a different world where sex, drugs and aspirations overcome common sense. Lindsay Harmon-Foster is an aspiring actress and caught up in a world no one should have to live through. The author has written a gritty novel that looks behind the glamour.
September 29, 2018
I was taken in with this book....a great expose on the darker side of those who strive to survive in the bright lights of Hollywood....the hidden pains associated with success....deep; thoughtful; and insightful.....Michael draws on his own first hand knowledge and sheds light on subjects we often try to pretend is not a problem....but we do need to know more of them and he delivers a powerful story for us
December 5, 2017
This book was so raw and powerful and the ending was insane in a good way and a surprising way. I thought the plot was well developed if not hidden in some ways and the character development was strong. Be warned that this book deals with a lot of difficult subjects like anorexia and drug abuse. Ultimately, this book is a roller coaster ride and an impressive piece.
May 10, 2017
A fast paced story that has a lot of drama and drama. Throw in suicide, anorexia, addiction, career problems, rape, childhood abuse and so much more. A party girl actress and her very active life. I received a reader copy of this book from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
December 27, 2023
wow! people need to seriously stop talking bad about books without first reading it all. This book was hard yes, they were hard things to read. BUT the story was AMAZIN! I just LOVED it, I hope some day can be a movie, it would be a great one, Thanks Mr Michael B for writing it. God Bless!
June 11, 2017
Lindsey is an actress with a lot of personal issues. Anorexia, drugs, and more. Tough subject to read but interesting nonetheless. Received an ARC and my pleasure to review
August 23, 2018
Would not recommend
Uncomfortable reading. Story line gets very jumbled and the ending was rushed. None of the characters were very likeable or believable.
Uncomfortable reading. Story line gets very jumbled and the ending was rushed. None of the characters were very likeable or believable.
September 6, 2018
Again i loved this book, although the language is sometimes strong. The subject matter is dark and very gritty....... well written
June 5, 2024
Just read this because it's triggering as hell and I wanted to feel something.
April 8, 2017
SPECTACULAR BOOK!!!
This book was absolutely amazing. I am at a loss for words right now, so many emotions. Throughout the book, i was completely engrossed in Lindsay. Such a sad, broken girl. I laughed, i cried, i was shocked, confused, angry, upset, happy. I've never gone through so many different emotions while reading a book. This is by far the best I've read yet. I wish it wasn't over, although the ending was perfect. I highly recommend reading Reckoning Daze. I'm going to bet you won't be let down.
This book was absolutely amazing. I am at a loss for words right now, so many emotions. Throughout the book, i was completely engrossed in Lindsay. Such a sad, broken girl. I laughed, i cried, i was shocked, confused, angry, upset, happy. I've never gone through so many different emotions while reading a book. This is by far the best I've read yet. I wish it wasn't over, although the ending was perfect. I highly recommend reading Reckoning Daze. I'm going to bet you won't be let down.
April 22, 2017
I rate this book 3.5.
The book is great. The writer is a genius.
It's about an actress called Lyndsey she's struggling with an eating disorder, addiction. She became self-destructive. She's harming herself and everyone around her.
Reckoning daze is not a self-help book by any mean. It's full of drama and self-blame.
Reckoning daze could be a great movie.
A movie about young actresses and what they might be going through. I'm willing to watch it
a thousand times.
What I really hated was that the whole book she was doing the same thing to herself and suddenly in the last two pages truth was revealed which was shocking. My mind couldn't process it. I kept saying WHAT!! I wish there was a motive for her to change because it's a fact, people don't change without a motive!!
The book is great. The writer is a genius.
It's about an actress called Lyndsey she's struggling with an eating disorder, addiction. She became self-destructive. She's harming herself and everyone around her.
Reckoning daze is not a self-help book by any mean. It's full of drama and self-blame.
Reckoning daze could be a great movie.
A movie about young actresses and what they might be going through. I'm willing to watch it
a thousand times.
What I really hated was that the whole book she was doing the same thing to herself and suddenly in the last two pages truth was revealed which was shocking. My mind couldn't process it. I kept saying WHAT!! I wish there was a motive for her to change because it's a fact, people don't change without a motive!!
May 2, 2017
Well....this was terrible. Overwrought unnecessary drama. Not okay for teens, not okay for young adults, not okay for anyone.
Lindsay is a teen star with a severe drug addiction, family issues, a failing career and an inner voice that won't shut up.
This is like...well, remember that book Go Ask Alice? How mind-blowing it was the first time you read it? That's what this was trying to be and failed.
Ugh, I can't even talk about the twist because it's so disgusting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Lindsay is a teen star with a severe drug addiction, family issues, a failing career and an inner voice that won't shut up.
This is like...well, remember that book Go Ask Alice? How mind-blowing it was the first time you read it? That's what this was trying to be and failed.
Ugh, I can't even talk about the twist because it's so disgusting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 3, 2017
way too repetitive, lacked an actual story line. I was confused pretty much the entire book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews