Magic Pier Book Review

In full disclosure I was given a copy of Magic Pier to Review and Dan is a friend of mine, all thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way influenced by his ability to dance the worm at my wedding. This post contains affiliate links.

When Hurricane Sandy swept up the east coast and smacked into the Jersey shore, images of the Jet Star roller coaster, from Casino Pier, sitting in the ocean became synonymous with Hurricane Sandy. That image represented the challenge that rebuilding would be for New Jersey. It is this image that fuels Magic Pier
by Daniel P. Grote and is a catalyst for all of the events throughout the book.

 

Magic Pier takes place in the days and month following hurricane Sandy. Drake Garrison an attorney and former employee of Magic Pier is drawn back to his old stomping grounds with rose colored dreams of bringing the pier back to the way he remembered it. When his former boss has a heart attack Drake steps in and turns repairing Magic Pier into a job, only problem is that Drake still has to keep his day job and keep is pregnant wife Stephanie happy.

Drake’s quest to save Magic Pier, starts as a spontaneous idea that turns into a full blown obsession. It quickly interferes with his job, his marriage and his friendships. His obsession with the pier serves as a way to distract himself from his responsibilities and his impending fatherhood. And while Drake considers saving the pier to be a selfless act of charity, his wife views it as a selfish obsession. Drake’s obsession with the pier becomes a make or break point in his relationships.

Meanwhile Drake’s friend, Congressman Charles Kilgore is attempting to push the Sandy relief bill through congress, with hopes of getting the Jersey Shore back in business before Memorial Day weekend. Kilgore’s bill is quickly challenged by Tea Party activists, that send some of his supporters into hiding.

Magic Pier serves as a love letter to Seaside Heights and post-Sandy New Jersey. But it’s also a coming of age story about how Drake needs to let go of his past in order to be a proper father and husband. Readers will be able to relate to Drake’s struggle let go of the past and accept his present responsibilities.

Will Drake save the pier? Will Stephanie stand by her man? Will Congressman Kilgore get the bill passed and Will Magic Pier reopen in time for the summer season?

As someone from South Jersey, Magic Pier instantly takes me back to the days after Hurricane Sandy when so much work needed to be done and there seemed to be so many obstacles for my little part of the world. Those of us who love the Jersey Shore or call it home will appreciate all the wonderful Jersey-centric references.

Magic Pier will make you want to go back to your favorite amusement pier and ride the tilt-a-whirl or take your chances with the crane machines.

Magic Pier can be purchased on Amazon in digital and print formats.