Finding Maslow – A Novel
Susan Walberg’s first book, which has earned multiple awards, was inspired by the time she spent working as an interim compliance officer in Far Rockaway, New York. Susan’s contract there ended mere days before Hurricane Sandy devastated the region, leaving the neighborhoods where she had lived and worked for over a year completely destroyed. Although ‘Finding Maslow’ is a novel, the story is set against a backdrop of the very real destruction experienced by the people in those New York neighborhoods and the hospital, which ended up serving as a refuge for the community. Those aspects of the book accurately portray the experience in the region and the difficult recovery.
Justina, an aimless law student, returns to her family home in Long Beach, New York, right before Hurricane Sandy hits. Her father, a powerful Latino politician, is nowhere in sight, but has sent someone in his place to shore up the family home. Daniel is a local college drop-out who is drifting through life doing odd jobs and trying to deal with his grief and guilt over the recent death of his mother.
When the hurricane hits, Justina and Daniel are trapped together to ride out the storm and the devastating aftermath. As they work to help their communities rebuild, they discover that the storm is not the only complication in their lives…
Finding Maslow is the winner of Feathered Quill Book Awards- Silver for Best Romance and Bronze Award for Women’s Fiction, and Reader’s Favorite Honorable Mention in the Fiction-Drama category.
Reviews of Finding Maslow - A Novel
“I’m not sure exactly how to describe “Finding Maslow”, other than say it is by far one of the most unique and captivating novels I’ve read in a long time! I have already loaned it to my mother to read, as she lives on the East coast and was affected by Sandy … The author Susan Walberg pulls us in to the story right from the beginning pages, and skillfully narrates a wide-ranging storyline full of complex and deeply emotional issues. In my opinion it really is the characters who made this story so good, each so original and conflicted in their own way, and we pull for them throughout their personal journeys. A memorable read and a keeper for sure, and the fact that is involving real events makes it even more impactful. Recommend for fans of literary fiction/drama. Would love to read more from Ms. Walberg in the future!”
—Reviewed by Megan for Indie Book reviewers
“As I read this book by Susan Walberg, I found myself completely transported to Justina’s life, on the other side of the country, and in the midst of an event that I only watched on TV from the comfort of my home, next to a cozy fireplace. Although inspired by real-life events, “Finding Maslow” is a powerful novel that touches on so many more elements than just a ‘hurricane’… with more tangents and sub plots than many others I’ve read, with a large cast of characters each of whom have their own stories to tell and challenges to overcome. Gritty, honest, deep, intense, and ultimately inspiring—way too much to properly delve into here, but this is a book I won’t soon forget. Great writing too!”
—Reviewed by Sherrie for Indie Book reviewers
“Finding Maslow is a novel showcasing the vast divide between the haves and the have-nots. Author Susan Walberg has done an excellent job in exposing the reality of the worlds of the poor and the rich. The language used is semi-formal to reflect the seriousness of the author’s message. I love the fact that the author included a thread of romance which many readers can relate to. This tactic also allows us to wish that we could be the hero/heroine and be a partner in a loving relationship. This book encourages the concept of true love despite the odds. It also has a realistic feel to it in that the disaster and its effects are mentioned. I love the irony whereby the two main characters find each other again in a different yet negative environment. Were they destined for each other? Overall, Finding Maslow is an engaging book filled with encouragement. I recommend it to all readers.”
—Reviewed by Valerie Rouse for Readers’ Favorite
“…I loved how seamlessly everything flowed in “Finding Maslow” … It had it all, seriously…romance, drama, humor, danger, friends, enemies…all come together to create an unforgettable, and ultimately fulfilling journey that I won’t soon forget. Interesting and flawed characters and even though I didn’t like some of them *ahem, Eric*. It all came together to tell a compelling story that exceeded my expectations. Also really puts a real focus on a terrible tragedy that changed so many people’s lives forever. A great, fulfilling read and one I’d recommend without hesitation.”
—Reviewed by Darlene Cupp for Indie Book Reviewers