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Extreme
Hope Ellson is from the wrong side of the tracks, but her genius transcends class. When Hope joins FearToShred, a Silicon Valley extreme gaming startup, Hope's mission is to groom the scrappy company for prime time. Enter Doug Wiser, her very married ex. While the two work in tandem, nefarious forces are at work behind the scenes. Adding to the excitement of this thriller are the stars and heroes of surfing and skateboarding. With a keen eye on women in tech, business ethics and dangerous stunts, "Extreme" will leave you breathless.
Winner of the Cervena Barva and Chaffin Fiction Awards, Joan's work has appeared in The Huffington Post, Vanity Fair, Rattle, Pank! The Meridien Anthology of Contemporary Poetry, The Los Angeles Review of Books, Chicken Soup for the Soul and over 200 literary journals, blogs and magazines.
A member of the National Book Critics Circle, Joan has worked for California Poets in the Schools, Poetry Out Loud, Chiat/Day Advertising and other Bay Area companies. She currently coaches writers and teaches in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Winner of the Cervena Barva and Chaffin Fiction Awards, Joan's work has appeared in The Huffington Post, Vanity Fair, Rattle, Pank! The Meridien Anthology of Contemporary Poetry, The Los Angeles Review of Books, Chicken Soup for the Soul and over 200 literary journals, blogs and magazines.
A member of the National Book Critics Circle, Joan has worked for California Poets in the Schools, Poetry Out Loud, Chiat/Day Advertising and other Bay Area companies. She currently coaches writers and teaches in the San Francisco Bay Area.
282 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2020
4 people are currently reading
7394 people want to read
About the author
Joan Gelfand
9 books287 followers The author of three poetry collections, a chapbook of short fiction and the Amazon #1 best seller "You Can Be a Winning Writer" (Mango press) Joan's debut novel, "Extreme" was published by Blue Light Press in July 2020.
Her letters, articles, reviews and poetry have appeared in numerous national and international magazines including The Huffington Post, Los Angeles Review of Books, PANK! Poetry Flash, Rattle, The New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, Levure Litteraire and Poets & Writers. Widely anthologized, Joan's poetry and essays are published in numerous literary journals, including: Chicken Soup for the Soul, Meridian Anthology of Contemporary Poetry, Jewish Womens Literary Annual,Kalliope and If Women Ruled the World, an international anthology. "Here & Abroad" can be found on 'thelostbookshelf.com."
"A Dreamer's Guide to Cities and Streams" was published in 2009 by San Francisco Bay Press.
Seeking Center A Collection of Poetry was published by Two Bridges Press in 2006.
Joan is a member of the National Book Critics Circle, A Judge for the Northern Ca. Book Awards and President Emeritus of the Women's National Book Association.
Her letters, articles, reviews and poetry have appeared in numerous national and international magazines including The Huffington Post, Los Angeles Review of Books, PANK! Poetry Flash, Rattle, The New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, Levure Litteraire and Poets & Writers. Widely anthologized, Joan's poetry and essays are published in numerous literary journals, including: Chicken Soup for the Soul, Meridian Anthology of Contemporary Poetry, Jewish Womens Literary Annual,Kalliope and If Women Ruled the World, an international anthology. "Here & Abroad" can be found on 'thelostbookshelf.com."
"A Dreamer's Guide to Cities and Streams" was published in 2009 by San Francisco Bay Press.
Seeking Center A Collection of Poetry was published by Two Bridges Press in 2006.
Joan is a member of the National Book Critics Circle, A Judge for the Northern Ca. Book Awards and President Emeritus of the Women's National Book Association.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 17, 2020
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Wow, this book turned out to be much better than I expected! It’s a nice contemporary + techy read which gives it a unique touch.
The highlight of the story was Hope’s character development. It was interesting to see the various emotions she goes through. On one hand, I liked how she balances her connection with Richard over her volatile relation with Charlene. On the other hand, I also liked her relationship between James and Doug. Moreover, you can see how Hope tries to balance her work life as she comes across the problems she faces. On top of all this, you also see her facing her fears and doing something extreme to give her life meaning. I really enjoyed how she juggled her emotions in a realistic manner. Hope is true to her name, where she highlights that no matter how many challenges we face in life, we have to move on. On a side note, I also liked Doug’s story-line. It was interesting to see how he balances his marriage with Katie.
The only reason that stopped me from giving it 5 stars was the technical side of it. The story gets very technical at times with the challenges the team face. While it is interesting to see how members of the team react to the situation, I couldn’t really understand the seriousness of the issue. Moreover, the concept of the startup is very interesting, but I also found it too extreme at times. I’m not sure I would feel comfortable witnessing something like that if it existed in reality. Also, I felt the story focused on Hope and Doug a lot, and I would have liked more background on others as well, like Julie and Jeff. However, apart from that, this story is very engaging and worth reading.
February 16, 2021
Extreme by Joan Gelfand is a wild ride through the world of tech startups. Hope is the main character, full of energy, a complicated background, but seemingly starting over at a new job with Fear To Shred. The worlds of high tech and extreme sports combine to make this a fast paced book, one with great characters and a quick moving plot. Soon, Hope entices her ex, Doug to join the team at Fear To Shred, to fix the technical problems with the app. With two concurrent plots, the attraction between Doug and Hope and the urgency to get Fear To Shred up and running, the author has created a winning combination with a most tenuous balance. This skill is also highlighted with the dialogue, bouncing around between the characters, creating a sense of unease and tension. Beautiful word imagery runs throughout, marking a notable contrast to the story line which feels unique. If you are looking for a fast paced read, some unexpected tones, and sophisticated writing, this is a perfect book. Highly recommended.
September 23, 2020
This novel begs for a sequel. I wonder what happens to Hope Ellson, the proganist of Extreme. In five years, is the stunning and high-powered Silicon Valley executive and UC Berkeley grad from the wrong side of the tracks a billionaire CEO? Or is she an anxiously pregnant and frenzied master planner of another start up?
“Extreme” is a romantic novel and high-tech thriller. The book is an intense snapshot of the simmering kettle that heats up Silicon Valley with business and sexual energy. Hope’s co-protagonist is Doug Wiser. She lures Doug, her ex-boyfriend, to join the startup team of Fear to Shred as the only technical genius who can fix the ailing app as it nears launch date.
There are two extreme components of the novel. Fear to Shred is a viewers’ voting app for the most daring and dangerous stunt based on a minimal description of the contest to be performed by surfers, skateboarders, jumpers and other like-minded extreme sport enthusiasts including daredevil Hope herself. The other tension is generated by the attraction of Hope and Doug—stalled a few years before when Hope abruptly abandoned the relationship.
The author’s unique ability to weave imagery and description on every page helps build the intensity of these two threads. After a pivotal meeting during the app’s launch, Gelfand describes Hope’s state of mind as ‘a kaleidoscope, all colorful, broken pieces, all and rearranging themselves by the moment.” As for Doug, she notes that after an eventful evening, questions “hovers like plastic ribbons from a cruiser’s car antenna or the tail of a kite—afterthoughts that follow him through the night, but never divert his attention.”
Joan Gelfand is an author, poet, and writing coach. The careful selection of words and imagery tracks her success as an award-winning poet. With experience in fiction evinced in short stories, her literary skills shine in this new work. Gelfand concedes that she possesses high tech expertise by marriage—her husband is an executive at a high-tech company. She skillfully weaves the madcap world of startups with a keen eye for dialogue and the description of natural and office settings. Add this up for an extremely fun ride in the high-tech world.
“Extreme” is a romantic novel and high-tech thriller. The book is an intense snapshot of the simmering kettle that heats up Silicon Valley with business and sexual energy. Hope’s co-protagonist is Doug Wiser. She lures Doug, her ex-boyfriend, to join the startup team of Fear to Shred as the only technical genius who can fix the ailing app as it nears launch date.
There are two extreme components of the novel. Fear to Shred is a viewers’ voting app for the most daring and dangerous stunt based on a minimal description of the contest to be performed by surfers, skateboarders, jumpers and other like-minded extreme sport enthusiasts including daredevil Hope herself. The other tension is generated by the attraction of Hope and Doug—stalled a few years before when Hope abruptly abandoned the relationship.
The author’s unique ability to weave imagery and description on every page helps build the intensity of these two threads. After a pivotal meeting during the app’s launch, Gelfand describes Hope’s state of mind as ‘a kaleidoscope, all colorful, broken pieces, all and rearranging themselves by the moment.” As for Doug, she notes that after an eventful evening, questions “hovers like plastic ribbons from a cruiser’s car antenna or the tail of a kite—afterthoughts that follow him through the night, but never divert his attention.”
Joan Gelfand is an author, poet, and writing coach. The careful selection of words and imagery tracks her success as an award-winning poet. With experience in fiction evinced in short stories, her literary skills shine in this new work. Gelfand concedes that she possesses high tech expertise by marriage—her husband is an executive at a high-tech company. She skillfully weaves the madcap world of startups with a keen eye for dialogue and the description of natural and office settings. Add this up for an extremely fun ride in the high-tech world.
March 1, 2021
Gaming and skateboarding are areas I’m very, very familiar with. Surfing, not so much, but still this book really grabbed my interest. It is no surprise to see that Gelfand has been featured and acclaimed all over the web, she knows how to engage a reader. Hope and Doug work great together and they seem very, very real (I’d even guess they were modeled after people Gelfand knows).
The writing here stands out as well. There is a lot of good, solid showing in this book…and a lot of the mistakes that newer authors make are absent here. Gelfand writes well, the book is paced well and there are no issues that stand out.
We start with Hope, in pre-FearToShred existence, navigating her way (both physically and otherwise) through the harsh and booming tech world. (Side note, I’m not sure if Hope being an empowered woman leaving a company called “Manuserve [man u serve]” was intentional, but it certainly felt pretty clever.)
I feel like Hope’s journey is an honest one, and despite the twists, problems (with the app and her love life), reflect some of the more naked truths we face. Gelfand writes this novel as a poet. I’d absolutely recommend this and would look forward to a sequel if one were to come.
The writing here stands out as well. There is a lot of good, solid showing in this book…and a lot of the mistakes that newer authors make are absent here. Gelfand writes well, the book is paced well and there are no issues that stand out.
We start with Hope, in pre-FearToShred existence, navigating her way (both physically and otherwise) through the harsh and booming tech world. (Side note, I’m not sure if Hope being an empowered woman leaving a company called “Manuserve [man u serve]” was intentional, but it certainly felt pretty clever.)
I feel like Hope’s journey is an honest one, and despite the twists, problems (with the app and her love life), reflect some of the more naked truths we face. Gelfand writes this novel as a poet. I’d absolutely recommend this and would look forward to a sequel if one were to come.
January 16, 2021
In EXTREME, Joan Gelfand’s franticly ambitious characters pop off the page, revealed layer by layer until one feels as though they are old friends. Their story, a manic tale that resonated with my own memories of life in the start-up world, enthralled me. The grammar policewoman in me wanted to scream at all the within-scene POV shifts and dizzying changes in verb tense. But the frenetic pace of the writing served the story well. EXTREME is a fun, fast-paced romp, at times poetic. For me, it is a poignant revisiting of the muscular, delusional Silicon Valley tech-storm that so many of us fell prey to—and continue to fall prey to, even while sheltering in place. We bring to the battle all our assorted baggage. We know it has to end. But we don’t want it to—unless it’s on our own terms.
February 18, 2021
Just captivating.
February 18, 2021
This book really was so awesome!
February 3, 2021
Joan Gelfand allows you to live through her characters in her novel, Extreme. The dream of working in the famous Silicon Valley and rubbing elbows with greatness has its good and evil. Hope Elison has worked harder than most to get where she was at, and now she was in demand by one of the greatest startups. She magically brings FearToShred where it needs to be, while she flounders in her personal life. Doug Wiser, her ex-boyfriend, brings his experience in and they make a commanding duo. But in the end, they have to decide if they made a deal with the devil.
Extreme is a novel that comes from an angle that I have not seen anywhere else. Joan Gelfand is an impressive author that keeps the suspense building and the drama continual. You feel engage with the characters and are torn just as they are at the end. Doug's father wisely told him that losing one day doesn't mean you won't win the next. And sometimes winning isn't as rewarding as you would expect.
Extreme is a novel that comes from an angle that I have not seen anywhere else. Joan Gelfand is an impressive author that keeps the suspense building and the drama continual. You feel engage with the characters and are torn just as they are at the end. Doug's father wisely told him that losing one day doesn't mean you won't win the next. And sometimes winning isn't as rewarding as you would expect.
February 16, 2021
Joan Gelfand has written a fast paced and high stakes drama about the goings on in silicon valley that kept me on the edge of your seat! Hope Ellison and Doug Wiser are the main characters in this novel and along with a great cast they totally submerged me in the story. Although it is a very fast paced and techy plot I found it easy to follow , and also quite surprising at times too. You may even find yourself (as I did!) learning a lot.
February 18, 2021
One of the best books for readers everywhere!
February 18, 2021
Breathlessly atmospheric.
February 23, 2021
Extreme by Joan Gelfand
Enjoyed the story about Hope and her entanglement with work and men.
Story follows her in and out of work til she lands at a job that she thrives on. She enlists Doug to also sign up because she knows how he works and they've partnered many times in the past.
Like the idea of the extrema videos people are compelled to submit to the project.
Love the coding and technical issues in this business drama. Like hearing how they play harder to conquer their fears.
Their past comes to light and there are secrets. Lot of characters, some I wish had played more of a part in the story.
Great ending, didn't see it happening like that.
Received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.
Enjoyed the story about Hope and her entanglement with work and men.
Story follows her in and out of work til she lands at a job that she thrives on. She enlists Doug to also sign up because she knows how he works and they've partnered many times in the past.
Like the idea of the extrema videos people are compelled to submit to the project.
Love the coding and technical issues in this business drama. Like hearing how they play harder to conquer their fears.
Their past comes to light and there are secrets. Lot of characters, some I wish had played more of a part in the story.
Great ending, didn't see it happening like that.
Received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.
February 18, 2021
Fantastic characters!
February 18, 2021
Very entertaining story. I loved it.
February 10, 2021
What a superb talent for painting the picture with the motion and setting I think this author Hass to be one of the best. Not only did she paint hope to be confident and insecure at the same time but was linked with sickly talented enough that it was the perfect amount and not a dowel protest too much moment. I knew from the very beginning in the CVS when she describe how Hope felt after seeing Doug for the first time in over a year but I was in store for a great read. The story went along flowingly as I said with great description and although I didn’t like that Hope wanted a married man, that is the situation I notice for a lot of high powered women. Having said that this book is still worth reading a completely awesome book not to mention if you like X games you will know some of the names in this book as I did the hair professional snowboarders surfers etc I loved it!
February 26, 2021
First, I loved that Hope is in tech. She's brilliant and likeable. Although the opening doesn't grab you immediately it does draw you in subtly. A thriller with a side of romance, this is a unique read. There are parts that went over my head, but wanting to know what happened next helped my breeze by them. The imagery in this book makes you feel like you’re watching a movie unfold. If you’re looking for a techy thriller, based around a silicone valley start up, with interesting characters, and an engaging plot, then look no further!
February 17, 2021
This was epic.
February 22, 2021
This fast-paced novel by Joan Gelfand is a real eye opener into what really goes on behind the scenes in Silicon Valley’s corporate tech culture. An expertly written story with a good mix of characters that are relatable (especially for women). The novel is mainly a love story with a good mix of conflict, modern life, business and intrigue so if you love non-stop action then I recommend reading Extreme! Highly recommended, 5 stars from me.
February 18, 2021
Most enjoyable book I’ve read in a while!
March 16, 2021
An interesting read, I really enjoy getting out of my comfort zone once in a while, and this kind of books really help me see what else is out there in the book world, this kind of stories are truly new for me and so original in its own kind.
This time, we have Hope Elson, and how her characters develop through the pages of the story, it’s a contemporary tech-sci fi in my opinion; the world this author created is really remarkable and in my opinion in this kind of stories is best if you go in blind.
This time, we have Hope Elson, and how her characters develop through the pages of the story, it’s a contemporary tech-sci fi in my opinion; the world this author created is really remarkable and in my opinion in this kind of stories is best if you go in blind.
November 12, 2021
Extreme is an apt word for the title of a book that brings together the extremes of start-up culture and adventure sports. The tale of a startup that gamifies extreme sports combined with social media to create a platform that is ripe for acquisition by a big media company. Each of the characters has their own reason for participating in this startup moment, and all have their own emotional wounds, which drive their behavior.
As an ex Silicon Valley exec, I can tell you that Gelfand captures well the subtleties of Silicon Valley culture and the the run up period to that potential acquisition or big deal; the hope and the darkness, the power of riding high on success, flipped to lack of control when decisions are made without your input. The pressure cooker environment where lust for power and success combine with nonstop proximity to sometimes translate to physical attraction. And at moments, the senselessness of it all.
Extreme provides an insider’s view, packed with locations that I recognized. I felt my pulse throb with familiarity as the characters work through backroom dealings, even backstabbing. And the moral ambiguity is well-portrayed; a moral fluidity only Silicon Valley can justify (For example: “Our product killed someone?”– “Well, it likely would have happened anyway”).
Sharp, smart, savvy real-world contemporary fiction filled with poetic descriptions. A wild ride through all the ambiguities of startup land.
As an ex Silicon Valley exec, I can tell you that Gelfand captures well the subtleties of Silicon Valley culture and the the run up period to that potential acquisition or big deal; the hope and the darkness, the power of riding high on success, flipped to lack of control when decisions are made without your input. The pressure cooker environment where lust for power and success combine with nonstop proximity to sometimes translate to physical attraction. And at moments, the senselessness of it all.
Extreme provides an insider’s view, packed with locations that I recognized. I felt my pulse throb with familiarity as the characters work through backroom dealings, even backstabbing. And the moral ambiguity is well-portrayed; a moral fluidity only Silicon Valley can justify (For example: “Our product killed someone?”– “Well, it likely would have happened anyway”).
Sharp, smart, savvy real-world contemporary fiction filled with poetic descriptions. A wild ride through all the ambiguities of startup land.
June 1, 2021
Joan Gelfand’s novel Extreme rips through the allure of Silicon Valley like a skateboarder on a halfpipe. Fun to read and poignant, the novel presents the startup culture in its glory and personal impact. Hope, the primary point of view character, immediately engages the reader with her chatty musings and perceptions, the voice of a close friend sipping a non-fat latte across the table. Brilliant and attractive, Hope draws us into her risky decisions about romance and career while revealing the ambitious drive that pulled her beyond her sketchy childhood and clinging family. As a woman in tech she endures waves of self-doubt and the urge to out-risk her comrades, pushing herself to the extreme. Doug, her erstwhile love interest and fellow startup guru, is also well drawn, with his personal demons and logical thoughts revealed during long runs and bike rides. Doug’s penchant for endurance contrasts with Hope’s thrill of the moment. Immersive action scenes punctuate their desires for success and one another, and the ending is 100% genuine Silicon Valley. As a veteran of several startups myself, though I typically labored a few layers down from Hope and Doug, the novel rings true, and I gained insight into the people who make it all happen.
October 8, 2021
I could so relate to this novel. The startup game and how it affects those who play it are very familiar. I have many friends and past clients who’ve played it—some winning big and some losing big. I think Joan Gelfand captured the essence of Silicon Valley—the energy and drive that’s palpable. People who haven’t lived the Silicon Valley vibe really don't get it, and the author has managed to create it in the novel. I loved the setting descriptions because I knew every one of them, and this created a believable reality with the fictional characters and story. The Extreme Sports world is also 100% accurate from my experience. Joan Gelfand has flawlessly captured the Peninsula environment and I have only extreme praise for "Extreme".
February 18, 2021
Absolutely captivating!
March 4, 2021
This was awesome!
August 25, 2020
I really thought I would have little interest in the Silicon Valley setting and characters in this book, but Gelfand's skilled writing and presentation of the characters and how they maneuver and survive is worth the read. Add to that the tenacity of Hope, the lead character, and you have a winning, page turning, combination.
September 25, 2020
Great descriptive writing , strong interesting characters, fast read. I really enjoyed the ride.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews