Barriers: A Novel

by Steven Wasserman

Ever since third grade, Michael Sanders knew he wanted to become a writer. Unfortunately, life did not unfold the way he had hoped.Michael learns to navigate around family and personal issues as a teenager in Baltimore in the 1960's, then through tumultuous years as an undergrad in Syracuse and finally through unexpected complications in his twenties back in Baltimore.Along the way, he is forced to come to grips with his own shortcomings and prejudice while also testing the bonds of uncommon relationships. Set against the turbulent times of the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War, this novel follows one man's journey as he tackles continuous challenges, both self-inflicted as well as ones resulting from the vagaries of fate and society.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2021

Reviews

[Rachel Beeghley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read was a welcome refreshment to my normal historical fiction/mystery routine. The content was historic in its own way as it was written around my hometown. I became invested in Michael’s success as he grew up amid predictable teenage struggles and desegregation that characterized the US during the 1960s. The book was made even better following a discussion with its author at my local book club meeting. Steven was a gracious addition to our group and gave us some nice insight into the thought process of the book and it’s main characters. We could really tell how passionate he is for writing while speaking to him. I encourage everyone to give this MD local author a follow! I’m excited to see what he releases next!

[Megan W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent coming of age novel set in Baltimore. It is an easy and quick read with lots of depth. You will simultaneously cheer on and shake your head, as the main character, Michael, navigates growing up in the 1960's.

[Nancy Dickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The author presented a story that drew me in and had elements of my own life experiences in the mix of the tale. This made me want to see where things would go and how it would turn out. It was an easy read that brought a bit of history and imagination to the story. At the end of the book, I felt there was resolution, but I wanted to still read on and see more of the characters lives. Well done, Mr. Wasserman!

[Marcia Friedlander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I RECENTLY FINISHED "THE BARRIERS' BY STEVEN WASSERMAN. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE STORY, AND THE VARIOUS HISTORICAL FACTS CONTAINED THEREIN. ONE OF MY NEIGHBORS IS NOW READING IT, AND I EXPECT IT'LL GO THROUGH THE BUILDING SOON. AN EASY READ AND AN INTERESTING STORY. I'VE RECOMMENDED IT TO EVERYONE I KNOW.

[Brenda Fried · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a Baltimore native, I loved reading about Baltimore and places I remember from my childhood. The book was engaging from chapter to chapter because I wanted to know what happened next. Easy reading and enjoyable.

[Mackie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attention Captured

This was a very captivating story that spanned the early life of a native Baltimorean and his coming of age during changing times. It was certainly captivating and made me wonder about the author and what his life is like now.

[Darlene Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book , allot of history of Baltimore . Very well thought out .