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Between Hello and Goodbye
The Soundtrack to my Life trilogy is a creative blend of fact and fiction, drawn from my many memories of growing up in York Beach, Maine. The small seaside town continues to be the perfect backdrop for this lighthearted trilogy. Four years removed from The Empty Beach, this book takes place in the summer of 1999, where music continues to provide a nostalgic soundtrack to my life, my moods, and my constant pursuit of finding “it”. By the time 1999 rolled around, many of my friends had moved on from the beach life. Most were married – some with kids – almost all with successful careers. For me, all of those boxes still remained unchecked, and to make matters worse, I was on the verge of turning the dreaded 30. I was depressed, jaded, and beaten down by the black cloud known as my life. It is said that 1999 was my “woe is me” summer. This was more or less true, with the exception of two weeks and the arrival of Anna Jensen from Iowa. It would be two amazing weeks that would change my life forever.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 29, 2019
This was as good if not better than Book 1. Following Josh and his friends into their mid-20s, finding their way in the adult world - or not - and still searching for "it" keeps you wanting to know more. Can't wait until I get Book 3.
March 5, 2021
Definitely not literature, but an escape back to the 90s. Some crude language as well. I loved the references to one of my favorite summer town. All in all I enjoyed it.
June 5, 2019
I have no idea how to begin this. Have you ever read a book that just touched you and has stayed with you? I have. Welcome to my review of Between Hello & Goodbye. The book that has opened my eyes, had me laughing, ugly crying like a baby in public on an airplane, and comforted me all between 312 pages.
This book hit me in the feels. Just when you think you’re sitting down to read more about Josh and his summer shenanigans the book takes a serious turn and turns into something I needed at that point in time. This is a book we ALL can relate to.
Yes, this book still has the strong language as the first, but don’t let that deter you from this heartfelt novel. Truly this book can be read as a standalone. Don’t ask to read my copy of it because I’m not letting this book leave my side.
We are at a crossroads in Josh’s life. He is turning 30 and is becoming jaded to everything in life. He has come to partner with Doug at his bar, but he still feels empty inside. A summer fling unexpectedly comes along and changes his summer. Will he find the one? You’ll have to read this one to find out…
I want to leave a small passage from this book that slapped me in the face when I read it.
‘Hellos always come so easy…and goodbyes too f***ing fast.’ Scott got up and walked over to the fridge. He grabbed a couple bottles of water and tossed me one. ‘Maybe we should just be happy that hellos come at all.’
Deep. From this point on in the book it takes a serious turn and really drives home to live your life. You have dreams and aspirations, go after them. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow or even today; go out and do what you want to do. Make your life the one you want to live.
I moved from New England to the West Coast and it’s still hard for me even though I’ve been out West 17 years now. I love the life I have and the family that surrounds me here, but I miss the family I feel I left behind. Some things are going on and I had a semi-small break down when I was there and then this book happened. Perfect timing. The inner dialogue I had with myself after I finished this book was therapeutic and well needed. This book gave me that clarity.
Understand that Josh, our main man, went through life always wanting to write a screenplay and thanks to some inspiration, decided to take the horrid screenplays he wrote as a teen and turn them into books. He did it. I would like to note that I absolutely could see Between Hello & Goodbye as one of the ultimate summer/fun comedy/chick flick movie. Truly. If you have any Hollywood connections please get them a copy of this book. Seriously.
This is a 5 star read. Once you dive in to this book there is no turning back. It is very rare to find books like Between Hello & Goodbye, but here it is right in front of you. Do yourself a favor and order this one. If you regret reading it and think it’s the biggest piece of crap you’ve ever read, 1) you’re lying and 2) I’ll pay you back the $15. Because as this book tells us…”Sometimes, it’s not until you realize that nothing ever lasts for long, that you truly appreciate the fact that it ever existed at all.”
This book hit me in the feels. Just when you think you’re sitting down to read more about Josh and his summer shenanigans the book takes a serious turn and turns into something I needed at that point in time. This is a book we ALL can relate to.
Yes, this book still has the strong language as the first, but don’t let that deter you from this heartfelt novel. Truly this book can be read as a standalone. Don’t ask to read my copy of it because I’m not letting this book leave my side.
We are at a crossroads in Josh’s life. He is turning 30 and is becoming jaded to everything in life. He has come to partner with Doug at his bar, but he still feels empty inside. A summer fling unexpectedly comes along and changes his summer. Will he find the one? You’ll have to read this one to find out…
I want to leave a small passage from this book that slapped me in the face when I read it.
‘Hellos always come so easy…and goodbyes too f***ing fast.’ Scott got up and walked over to the fridge. He grabbed a couple bottles of water and tossed me one. ‘Maybe we should just be happy that hellos come at all.’
Deep. From this point on in the book it takes a serious turn and really drives home to live your life. You have dreams and aspirations, go after them. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow or even today; go out and do what you want to do. Make your life the one you want to live.
I moved from New England to the West Coast and it’s still hard for me even though I’ve been out West 17 years now. I love the life I have and the family that surrounds me here, but I miss the family I feel I left behind. Some things are going on and I had a semi-small break down when I was there and then this book happened. Perfect timing. The inner dialogue I had with myself after I finished this book was therapeutic and well needed. This book gave me that clarity.
Understand that Josh, our main man, went through life always wanting to write a screenplay and thanks to some inspiration, decided to take the horrid screenplays he wrote as a teen and turn them into books. He did it. I would like to note that I absolutely could see Between Hello & Goodbye as one of the ultimate summer/fun comedy/chick flick movie. Truly. If you have any Hollywood connections please get them a copy of this book. Seriously.
This is a 5 star read. Once you dive in to this book there is no turning back. It is very rare to find books like Between Hello & Goodbye, but here it is right in front of you. Do yourself a favor and order this one. If you regret reading it and think it’s the biggest piece of crap you’ve ever read, 1) you’re lying and 2) I’ll pay you back the $15. Because as this book tells us…”Sometimes, it’s not until you realize that nothing ever lasts for long, that you truly appreciate the fact that it ever existed at all.”
July 12, 2020
Jody Clark hits it out of the park with book two of this trilogy!! Having vacationed in York Beach Maine for over 25 years it's like visiting home reading this story not to mention the music references which take you back. You are not going to beable to read just one, you'll have to and should read all three!!
June 4, 2020
Great read
I loved the ups and downs of this book. Made me remember growing up in York and all the adventures I had with my friends. So all in all I recommend this book as a nice light read.
I loved the ups and downs of this book. Made me remember growing up in York and all the adventures I had with my friends. So all in all I recommend this book as a nice light read.
May 21, 2018
Awesome!
Jody does it again! He hit a home run. Loved this book. The characters are so relatable and well thought out. It’s a great read and an awesome story. Well done!
Jody does it again! He hit a home run. Loved this book. The characters are so relatable and well thought out. It’s a great read and an awesome story. Well done!
June 3, 2019
Another great read! Looking forward to reading the 3rd book in the trilogy.
September 24, 2019
Sometimes things happen and you aren't sure how it all came about. The only thing you know for sure it that you were lucky it happened at all. Thanks Jody!
September 3, 2019
5 out of 5 stars for every book in this trilogy! If you're looking for a great story that will capture your music loving heart look no further! Jody Clark's Soundtrack to my Life Trilogy is fun and had memories of Maine flooding back to me. It is a rare find as a love story (stories?), of sorts, told from the male perspective.
Josh and his friends will linger in your heart and mind for a long time to come. You'll also find musical references sprinkled throughout in a way that makes the music an additional character who has as much impact as the human characters. I can't recommend this trilogy highly enough!
Josh and his friends will linger in your heart and mind for a long time to come. You'll also find musical references sprinkled throughout in a way that makes the music an additional character who has as much impact as the human characters. I can't recommend this trilogy highly enough!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews