Give Me Shelter

by David B. Seaburn

The dual challenges of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis that threatens the world and the unexplained loss of parents that threatens a family are the driving forces behind the lives of two boys and their grandfather.

Willie, Denny and their grandfather, Pop, have lived together for nine years, ever since the boys' parents died in an accident that remains a mystery to the boys. Denny reluctantly leaves for college, while Willie enters sixth grade, fearful of the menacing missile crisis and curious about his parents' fate.

Willie's best friends are Lucy and Preston. Lucy wonders about the 'man in the suit' who seems to be everywhere she goes. Her mom, Trish, grapples with unemployment. Preston is burdened by the trauma his father is experiencing due to his military service. Denny meets his first-ever girlfriend at college, Lucy, who has one leg that's shorter than the other. Good neighbor, Robert, is building a bomb shelter in the back yard. Muriel, his mother is a shoot-from-the-hip older adult with dementia.

Over time, the connections between them create the shelter they need for their common journey. Seaburn again tells a story of human vulnerability, endurance, secrets, truth, loss, humor, resilience and love.

317 pages, Paperback

Published December 14, 2022

About the author

David Seaburn is a retired therapist and ordained Presbyterian minister. He also writes for Psychology Today magazine.

Reviews

[Lynda Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel charts the lives of several individuals living in a close-knit community of the US during the early sixties. To be precise, at the heart of the Cuban crisis, where Willie, ages 12, lives in abject terror of what nuclear war might really mean. His neighbour meanwhile is busy building a shelter.

Willie and his brother Denny live with their grandfather, a janitor at the local school. Only slowly do hints gather about an early tragedy that took the boys' parents. The novel is in no hurry to peel away the mystery of what happened there.

Denny moves far away from home to experience college life. He meets Becky, a spirited girl, but born lame.

Willy has a female friend Lucy too, the daughter of an alcoholic who had her at 15, still with a reputation, and unable to hold down a job for long. When she gets temporary with with Willie's grandfather however, Lucy's mother begins to sense new possibilities beyond her current unhappy role in life.

This is a novel about finding healing and redemption through true friendship and love. Real life may well crush the spirit of many of those less fortunate all too often, though this book entertains the hope that it can happen, and that mushroom soup can be made from the fear of mushroom clouds.

It manages not to become too schmaltsy or sentimental. This novel was a little difficult to get into initially, but the writer is successful in getting the reader invested in the fate of his characters.

It should be a satisfying read for those who enjoy this type of novel.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

The author has done an incredible job once again finding just the right balance between the genre of the novel and the emotional weight of the character’s journey. The historical fiction aspect of this novel showcasing the tense atmosphere of the missile crisis was brought to life perfectly on the page, showcasing the heart-pounding fear and paranoia that so many were forced to live in on a daily basis for so long. The intimate look into these characters’ lives and how their past and present circumstances are impacted by this crisis was amazing to get lost in.

The emotional character development and vivid imagery the author used to bring these settings to life made the story soar. The realism that the author utilizes in their writing style and narrative not only adds relatability to the story but kept readers invested in these character’s lives as they dealt with everything from loss and grief to caring for a parent in their elderly years and living in a state of fear and trying to find the hope to combat that fear.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, captivating, and engaging, author David B. Seaburn’s “Give Me Shelter” is a must-read historical fiction meets drama novel. The imagery almost reminded me of the nostalgia and style of Blast From the Past with a more mysterious and intriguing tone to the narrative, and the realism of the characters and their individual plights will help readers feel more invested as the story winds down.

[Beth Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give Me Shelter really touched my heart. I did not grow up in the shadow of the Cold War and all the fears that involved in the 1960's but David B. Seaburn did an amazing job of showing us that world. Will and Dennis timidity and fears for themselves and the world reflected my own growing up. I was incredible shy and suffered anxieties and was fearful for my friends and family. Of course this book is much more than that . I would classify this books as a coming of age story, adult fiction, historical fiction & family mysteries solved . Well worth anyones time.

Thanks to NetGalley , Seaburn and Black Rose Writing for the opportunity to read and offer an honest review

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Give Me Shelter’ is a historical thriller set in 1962 when the Cuban missile crisis threatened the world. The story revolves around Willie, Denny and their grandfather. He takes care of the children after their parents die in an accident. While I found the concept of the story to be novel, I also enjoyed the connection, bond and characters syncing with each other. This is a heartfelt story and is very engaging. The descriptive writing adds to the reader’s enjoyment, and the author invites you to a world where you walk through everything.

This is a coming-of-age story. I recommend this book to those who like to read historical fiction.

[Deena Lipomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a small PA town in 1962, 12-year-old Willie is working through his anxiety about nuclear war, his big brother leaving for college, and his parents' death when he was four that no one will talk about. Meanwhile, his friends, Pop, and their neighbors have their own challenges and successes throughout the fall. Despite the number of characters and points-of-view in this novel, the reader connects with each one, and they all inform others. The novel is well-paced, quiet, and soothing despite the characters' fears, to be read slowly to think about the meanings of shelter, and how we both give and receive it.

[Melba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, and it made me think of how much the world has changed. Folks have gone through different threats to the peace of our country for decades, and each one faces different challenges. The characters were well developed and likeable, more like those I know than just characters in a book. It put me in mind of the show, 'The Wonder Years', and it would make a good movie, in my opinion. I will try to find more like this.

I received a free e-book.

[Cookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give Me Shelter

This author did an excellent job of capturing life in a small town during a tense time in our nation's history. He brought to light the fears, social pressures, morality, family issues, and discrimination society faced then which, sadly, continue to be issues today.

[Nancy Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought back so many childhood memories

Reliving those times was cathartic for me. The emotions of the characters, and their individual and collective traumas, were vividly evoked in this wonderful read.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great POV. Loved the characters. Brought back a lot of memories.