On the Waterfront

by Mike McCoy

It was the best summer of his life and the darkest days he ever lived.

At thirteen years old, Danny Novak faced challenges of self-acceptance, abuse, mortality, and death. It was the best summer of his life and the darkest days he ever lived.

When Danny arrives at Camp Baker in June 1978, he is happy to be away. Away from his mom, his bratty little brother, their crappy house, and his sad life. Danny is the youngest boy hired to work as camp staff, but he’s confident he’ll fit in. He quickly learns that he doesn’t.

Mark Colby, at sixteen, has a bad reputation that follows wherever he goes. He works on the waterfront and is the strongest, meanest boy on staff.

When Danny fails a swim test to work on the waterfront, a senior staff member forces Mark and Danny to spend every afternoon together. Mark wants nothing to do with the boy who has ruined his summer, but he must teach Danny to swim or get sent home. Home is the last place Mark wants to go.

The other boys on staff are afraid of Mark. Danny fears Mark too, but he’s determined to be on the waterfront crew. If Danny passes the test to work on the waterfront, will the boys accept him as one of them?

On the Waterfront is an engaging tale of two boys. Their struggles for acceptance, understanding, friendship, and learning that suffering can lead to a meaningful life.

Genres: Fiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published February 13, 2023

About the author

Mike McCoy is a novelist. His debut novel ASTEROIDS–Bridge to Nowhere, received high praise from critics and was selected as a semifinalist for the 2020 Publishers Weekly Booklife Prize with a rating of 9.5 out of 10.
Because of the research Mike conducted for the novel, he has been a frequent guest on talk radio shows, including Coast to Coast AM with George Noory discussing asteroids and their risk to Earth.
Mike is an international businessman and a serial entrepreneur who has traveled extensively. Mike worked in the consumer electronics industry for thirty years. The company he founded developed a variety of innovative products which were sold in retail stores in over forty countries around the world. Many innovations Mike and his company developed were “first in the world” products.
Mike is also an accomplished athlete known for long distance events. He completed a full Ironman Triathlon in 2006. He thought running fifty miles would be a wonderful accomplishment, so for his fiftieth birthday, he ran a double Marathon (52.4 miles). In 2018, Mike celebrated his sixtieth birthday with a six-hundred-mile bike ride from Florence, Oregon, to San Francisco, California.
Somehow, he finds time to write.

Reviews

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it takes a walk through darkness to see yourself in the light. The two boys at the heart of this story are friendless and both have difficult home lives. When they are forced together at summer camp they form an extraordinary friendship which changes them both.
The author has written a charming and poignant novel drawing deeply on personal experiences from summer camps in the 1970s. There are echoes of Swallows And Amazons, Chariots Of Fire and Lord Of The Flies. I loved the characterization and the overwhelming grief when tragedy struck. A story I will never forget.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author prefaces this story by saying it is deeply personal and revealing and that was definitely true.

This is set in the summer of '72, when a 13 year old boy was dumped off at a summer camp to work. He'd attended it so it wasn't all new but he'd be working and as the youngest, he knew he'd take some flack.

I had something different in mind going into this. I expected more contemporary fiction than a coming of age story that men would probably better relate to. I think a nonfiction book could have been a better option.

This will be a great book for the right audience as it was well-written and has a lot to say.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great coming of age story. I loved it.

[Matt Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

-ARC provided by the author via LibraryThing.-

The tale that makes up the body of this short novel is intimate and relatable, and the short cast of characters quite real and differentiated; there is much here of time, place, and personal growth that strikes close to my own experiences. There are no really phony moments or exaggerated boogeymen in On the Waterfront to muck it up, a truly refreshing absence. The scope and theme of a coming-of-age tale like this can encompass too much sometimes but, to me, the story here is too spare and the pace too rushed (especially in the last third of the tale) to be satisfying: it's as impatient to get to the point it wants to tell as an ABC Afterschool Special from the same 1970s culture portrayed. I wish McCoy had taken a bit more time to let the reader get to know the main character after Danny chooses to become Dan because, without that, the pasted-on coda of Dan's adult retrospective about his athletic success reads as vicarious bragging.

The lagniappe short story that follows the main tale is actually the ghost story told by the boys at the camp, a perhaps-unnecessary but entertaining addition.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really beautiful tale! I did really enjoy this, which was a surprise considering the storyline as I do not usually read in this genre! A really great story, amusing, I felt as if I connected with the main character very quickly & was really drawn into his adventures & escapades! Ups & down of the story had tears pricking my eyes at points, quite an emotional roller coaster, despite it sort of having a happy ending! Both of the books I have read by this author have been really great & I will for sure look for more in the future! I do recommend!

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My alternate title for this book would be "The Year I Grew Up". Danny was a disadvantaged boy from a broken home. When he got accepted to work at a Boy Scout camp for the summer, he was anxious to get away from home and earn some money, as well as try to have some fun. As the youngest and smallest of the camp staff, he endured some issues with the other staff, but managed to earn their respect. When he got partnered up with the "bad boy" of the staff, he was warned to be careful, but they gradually become friends. This story was written by an adult, but accurately portrays how a 13-14 year old thought and felt about his life and the events unfolding around him. It is more than suitable reading for boys in middle school and up, although a tragic event at the end may be too much for younger boys to process. This book should be in every middle school library. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sally Van Slyke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written coming of age novel. My grandson is the same age as the character in the book and I kept thinking this would be a great book for him to read. Brought back memories of the 60's and 70's when I was growing up and the freedom we had. Enjoyed the story from start to finish. Thank you for a story that I could relive some of my own adventures.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danny Novak's upbringing was far from idyllic, having been raised in an unhappy home with a struggling single mother and facing constant bullying from his schoolmates. Seeking a positive change, he secures a job as a staff member at Camp Baker for his 14th summer, only to realize that the coming months will be more eventful than he ever imagined.

On the Waterfront by Mike McCoy is a moving coming-of-age story that delves into Danny's experiences at Camp Baker. Young readers will undoubtedly relate to Danny's quest for a summer free from his troubled life and a chance to earn some extra money. However, fitting in with the other boys on staff proves challenging, and Danny faces setbacks with his swimming skills while drawing the attention of the camp's most fearsome figure. Despite this, Danny perseveres, finding joy in his surroundings, forming unexpected friendships, and experiencing the typical rites of passage that teenage boys encounter. However, a singular event will forever change the summer that Danny had hoped would be his best.

While reading On the Waterfront, I was genuinely moved by Danny's struggles and felt deeply invested in his journey. The author's vivid descriptions immerse the reader into this emotionally riveting journey that Danny embarks on. McCoy's storytelling is both imaginative and compelling, making for a heart-wrenching read. The author adeptly captures the essence of adolescence, bringing Danny's character to life as he confronts the many challenges he faces. The tragedy that Danny endures is shocking and heartrending, but it is also the turning point in which the reader sees Danny's character evolve. Themes of friendship, loyalty, self-discovery, and embracing one's true self are explored throughout the story. Furthermore, the author includes a chilling short story that perfectly adds to the camp ambiance.

On the Waterfront by Mike McCoy is a must-read coming-of-age book that perfectly showcases the author's creative storytelling abilities, making it an engaging read for readers of all ages. In addition, it is the perfect choice for young readers seeking a feel-good adventure with its share of ups and downs, making it a journey that is undoubtedly worth taking.

[Marcia Vida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the summer, Danny Novac was a staff member at Camp Baker. Although he was far from family issues, the sense of freedom made him feel better. Having the moment to himself would allow him to have fun and make friends. 

Unfortunately, his first day was not what he had expected. As well as Danny seeing himself alone, he faced the same problem at school: bullying. His mind was filled with questions about why it occurred and what he could do to prevent it. As a result, he concluded that his life was a nightmare in many ways.

Thus, he decided to befriend his enemies differently. Maybe he could get along with someone if he acted like that. Having nature surrounding him allowed him to relax peacefully. His decision was backed by a lot of confidence. 

In time, Brian, who managed the waterfront staff, asked volunteers to help. Rather than scrubbing pots, Danny saw an exciting opportunity. His certainty is that in doing this, he will be able to fit in with the rest of the group and not feel left out.

Even so, he failed the swim test, leaving him embarrassed. The good news is that nothing is lost. Mark, a complicated man, has tasked him with teaching the boy how to swim, boat, sail, and canoe.

It is impossible to put into words the magnitude of the impact this book has on the reader. As you read the story, you are moved by Danny's character and have compassion for him. The ability to overcome struggles is what gives you strength and maturity. Learnings like these will never be forgotten. This occurs when a character's actions are convincing enough for us.

You should try it. It's a must-read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a story about a young 13-year-old-boy named Danny who ends up working as a summer worker at a boy scout camp. As the youngest worker, he has a lot to prove and he does what he can to do a good job, encouraging the other teen workers to work as a team to get the job done faster. When presented with the chance to work in one of the coveted jobs on the waterfront, he tries out but due to a series of unfortunate events, he ends up having to swim with a waterfront worker named Mark, who is older, scarier, and seen as a troublemaker.

This book made me fondly imagine Danny’s plight of having to fit in with the group of teen workers and then having to swim with Mark. It was endearing how much Danny grew throughout the two months that he worked at the camp, both physically and mentally. I loved that the other teen and adult staff noticed all the little things that he did and said without expecting anything in return. My brothers were in Boy Scouts, and my sister and I were in Camp Fire girls, so thinking back to my childhood and camping, which brought back some very fond memories of camping and the camaraderie that camping events inspired. I laughed, smiled, and sighed thinking about my experiences in relation to his. The bad thing that had made me cry and shout in disbelief. That was the hardest thing I think that I have ever had to read. All in all, it was a good book and well worth the read.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit that I did not expect to be so easily drawn into these coming-of-age stories. The first is a full length tale focusing on two teens – each of whom arrives at camp carrying his own personal burdens. Forced to work together for the summer, each boy eventually shares his story with the other and the two eventually become friends.

It is this first camp story that drew my attention. Even though the story is set at a boy’s camp, many of the internal emotions of each boy can easily be experienced by a girl. Feelings of wanting to belong, fit in, and have friends are not gender specific.

Mr. McCoy made me feel as if I were sitting right there. I felt like I knew and understood both Danny and Mark. Teen-age years are difficult ones and it was hard to experience their hard times and uplifting to see when things were working out.

The second story is very short and reminds me more of a ghost story that kids tell each other. Yes, I remember young girls telling them, too. I am not a fan of ghost stories, and this one gave me the same chills as when I heard them as a child.

I received my copy of this book directly from Mike McCoy through the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing. No promise was made of a positive review.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A GRIPPING COMING OF AGE STORY!

I did not know what to expect from this book as this is not my usual trope but I soon got myself immersed into Danny’s soulful story!

A very compelling coming of age story about finding acceptance in yourself, making friends and growing up.

Danny had to walk through darkness, face his fears, experience loss to find his true self.

“ That summer I walked through darkness, faced mortality, suffered pain, and broke through the walls I had built.”

It was sweet and sad to experience the growth of a deep friendship between the main characters until tragedy struck…

It was a different experience for me as a reader to read a story based on facts and I must admit I really enjoyed it!

You have to face your darkest fears to become the person you are meant to be…..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patrick Henry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I worked a few summers as the waterfront director of a Catholic summer camp in northeast Ohio. And so, I was drawn to this title. My first impression was from the cover supposedly depicting a young teen. But that is not the person in the image. So, from the front cover onward I was disappointed as the story did not seem genuine.

The secondary characters were flat; each consumed with ragging on one another. The bond of Dan and Mark was predictable and unrealistic. The final chapters galloped through the tragedy to get to the end. There was little character development beyond their background of being poor, misunderstood, and lacking wholesome families. There was little evidence of how these externals left their mark in the characters.

Mark's legal jeopardy was unrealistic and just plain silly.

The incidents of being trapped in the sand and the tragedy were beyond believable. I regret writing a negative review and wish I could be more supportive of an author's work.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was sent to me as an Early Reviewer.

By no means is this a bad book/story; however, I feel I may not be the target audience to appreciate it. It's written well as a coming-of-age story of a teenage boy. The writing style feels as though it would make a great, relatable read for a teenager, but it also includes some inappropriate topics and a few insensitive moments which would keep me from calling it a book suitable for YA. I felt there were inconsistencies with some of the actions/words of some characters without a clear lead-in or understanding as to why. Finally, the pacing left something to be desired, as there was a large set-up, yet the climax and ending seemed incredibly rushed.

I feel this book would be appreciated by the right audience, and unfortunately, that may not be me this time around.

[Anthony Fall]

Excellent book. On the Waterfront is the story of Danny as he comes-of-age at a summer camp in the late 70s. This is fiction inspired by the author’s childhood and it’s clear from the start that it was written from author’s heart . While I wasn’t born until the late 80s, I did appreciate the glimpse of life at the time and felt a tinge of nostalgia for the time before smart phones and social media. A little short for my liking but it packed a punch in the story it told. I would have liked to hear the background of all of the camp workers; it would be nice to know how they came to be who they are.
I also enjoyed the author explaining the real-life experiences that inspired him to write this story- it added to the appreciation of the story.

[Ric Eberle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book ! Boy does this take me back to Summer camp, Boy Scouts and Red Cross swimming lessons. I was an Eagle Scout, have the Mile Swim badge and merit badges in Swimming, Life Saving, Sailing and Canoeing.I was also in Order of the Arrow. Except for my week at Summer Camp I spent 4 summers teaching Red Cross swimming lessons every morning from 8 until noon and spent the afternoon life guarding.

I digress, the story of Mark and Dan's growing friendship is true to life and so heartwarming. The ending is tragic but very realistic and the sand trap was terrifying ! Loved the relationships of the boys and the changes form the beginning to the end.

This book would make an excellent coming of age movie !

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book from LibraryThing.com for Early Reviewers.

This was a really good coming-of-age novel from a male point of view. 13-year-old Danny Novak is hired to work at Camp Baker and is the youngest boy hired as camp staff. He is happy to be away from his mother and spoiled brother.
He is assigned kitchen duty as the pot scrubber. His goal is to work on the waterfront crew. With that goal in mind, he meets Mark, who everyone believes has a criminal record. Mark is very gruff with Danny, and it becomes harder and harder to achieve his goal.

This is very sentimental and really makes you think about what other young people go through in their goals to become more grown up.

[Gabriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the Waterfront was a very genuine and nostalgic portrayal of adolescence - the awkwardness and bullying, but also the adventures and friendships. Danny/Dan, the thirteen-year-old main character, reads very earnestly like a child trying to grow up, while still feeling immature and less experienced than the older teenagers around him. He flounders in a lot of his attempts to act mature and connect with the other boys, but he comes into his own as well.

Technically the writing was not always top-notch and I would have liked to see more of Mark and Dan's after they'd started to understand each other. Overall, though, it was a pleasant read.

[Tracy Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

My one and only scout camping trip was in the middle of winter in NH, sleeping on the frozen ground and coming home with the flu. No wonder I never took a second trip. Danny (a main character) was wiser than I and turned his passion for scouting into great summer job working at the scout camp... or did he? What he felt would be an easy entry into a cool summer gig, was anything but. The life lessons learned along the way are well developed in the story line and make for a truly enjoyable page-turning read. Grab a beach chair, your favorite beverage and be prepared for a fun summer journey through the adolescence in the pacific northwest. Scout's honor, you'll like it!

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Danny doesn't have a father figure in his life, and going to Camp Baker in 1978 will help with the masculine traits he doesn't get staying at home. He experiences bullying, something he is already accustomed to. Danny and Mark need to depend on each other to see through the summer which means the confidence Mark has Danny can pick up and the humility Danny has Mark can pick up. This is a heartfelt enemies-to-friends story.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deanna Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh, the angst of being 13. So much of this story hit home as I thought back to my days struggling to fit in. Wanting to be one of the cool kids is a familiar theme for young teens and the author did a good job of portraying the difficulties of both the younger teen and the cool, yet very troubled older one. I enjoyed this book and found myself disappointed when it seemed to be cut short. I would have liked to read more of the friendship that built between the two boys after they discovered their similar situations.

[Ashley Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Waterfront is a coming of age story that takes you back to those tough teenage years. Mike McCoy makes you feel like you are back in those middle school locker rooms or that summer camp mess hall. This book hits on the hard topics teenagers still face. This is well written and an easy, quick read. I would recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah the escape of summer camp! A summer to make memories that last a lifetime. And learning to make friends, get along with those we don't like and behave as we want, To feel so grown up yet still a young teen. The relationship between Mark and Danny is interesting to see it unfold to friendship. The ending is sad. The book is interesting.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a GREAT book. Especially I don’t really read this genre.
With that being said, I connected with the main character, Dan/Danny so well that I enjoyed going through his ups and downs with him.
This can be an emotional book for the right readers.
Thank you so much Mike McCoy for letting me enjoy this book!

[Susan Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this easy to read book about a young boy and his time spent one summer at a Boy Scout camp. Danny is the main character and you begin seeing yourself in his lack of self confidence and his self doubt. We have all been in his shoes. It's all about growing up and becoming who we are through trials, fears, and loss.

[Rebecca Starks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thankyou to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this ARC.
This is my first title from this author, i really enjoyed and will be reading more from them in the future.
This book is full of friendship, love and hope.
This was full of emotion and well written.
I found this book to be very moving and i recommend to others.
4/5 stars

[Brittany Murhammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read about growing up. I loved how the author described the scenes, being from the PNW, I could easily picture the landscape. I was not expecting the end and I totally cried.

Thank you Mike McCoy and Goodreads Giveaways for my signed copy of this book.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written coming of age story. Mr McCoy enthralls us with his story of his experience at summer camp at age 13. Brought me back to my own youth! Thank you, Goodreads and Mr McCoy, for the ARC.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part I enjoyed this book. It's filled with all the angst of growing up, especially when you feel no one likes you. I did take exception though with the ending. It felt very rushed, but then maybe that is also what real life is like.

[Jennichole Arnold Arbucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great coming of age novel for young men. The book was about young men attending summer camp. The main character matures and learns about life. On the Waterfront is full of adventure. I thought the book was written and flowed well.
I recommend this book for teens.