Review of Full Circle

[Terry Kimble]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Full Circle" by Sam Bierstock.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Friends and band members Mick, Rusty, Danny, and Jack are the main characters in “Full Circle.”
Although musically gifted and well-received, they don’t have a ‘hook’ to take their band’s celebrity to the next level. Time marches on, and their lives inevitably move off into other directions: marriages, work, children, military service, drugs, and alcohol. But their mutual admiration for each other never wanes. As they reach their golden years, Mick’s “ill-begotten [bleep]” drops him into the Bayside Retirement Home—and the revelry begins!

Author Sam Bierstock takes the reader on a laugh-out-loud journey through the ups and downs of the lives of four septuagenarian musicians. While the book is fun, it also cuts a gut-wrenching depth and eye-opening look into PTSD and our ignored or forgotten aging citizens residing in nursing homes. This fictionized exposé reveals how every life has a story and something to teach us if we pay attention. "Full Circle" renders surprises, enlightenment, and acts of compassion that will affect any reader with a pulse.

Read how Mick’s ingenuity (engineering a notable hook) and nostalgia for his band reunites the four aging friends and how, through acts of care, they brighten the depressive shadow looming over the nursing home. Readers will delight in this aspect of the story. Read the book to discover who the real people and heroes are, which inspired many parts of the story. Bierstock includes links to the band’s parody songs and his instrumental creations, which can be found on YouTube. For anyone confused at one time or another over the ever-changing COVID-19 mandates, their song “Might as Well Facemask—We’re Addicted to Gloves” will resonate! (Now read that song title again and think, Robert Palmer!)

The hook—I mean, the book pretty much planted a smile on my face from beginning to end! Throughout the story, I admired the author's respectful homage to veterans and the aging population. There was nothing to dislike about this well-edited story. I respectfully give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

"Full Circle" is for readers interested in books about toils and conquests of the human spirit written with heart and humor. Musicians, veterans, and the over-fifty crowd will especially enjoy it! Due to adult language and sexual innuendos, this book is appropriate for adults only.

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Full Circle
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[RJ Reviews]

Full Circle sounds like an enjoyable read with topics that are relatable. I appreciate the warning about mature content. You captured the essence of the book perfectly, and I found the rating encouraging. I will look forward to grab a copy. Thank you.

[Alissa Nesson]

Sounds like a fun and heartwarming tale! This is definitely a book I will keep in mind in the future. Thanks for a fun, informative review.

[Claudia Angelucci]

Thank you, Terry, for giving us a taste of this book. What an interesting story. I like books that make you laugh and think. I am going to check out these parody songs on YouTube! You did a fantastic job, Terry! All the best.

[Gerry Steen]

"Full Circle" is a must read for me. I am in the passed the fifties crowd. I am interested in reading what Mick and his band member friends do for the old age home. The band's anecdotes regarding music and comradery is something I am interested in. I am an amateur musician and I hope to be able to entertain if and when I end up in a home. Great review as usual. Also made me chuckle!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

What a fun way to highlight a sad part of our aging population's blight. I love that in their 70's they 'got the band back together.' I'm adding this one to my list, thanks so much.

[Marvelly]

Join author Sam Bierstock on a sidesplitting and heartwarming journey with four septuagenarian musicians as they navigate life's ups and downs. This captivating tale masterfully balances humor with a poignant exploration of PTSD and the often-overlooked experiences of nursing home residents. Through fiction, Bierstock sheds light on the untold stories and valuable lessons that can be learned from every life. "Full Circle" is a moving and enlightening read that will resonate with anyone who has a pulse, leaving a lasting impact long after the final page is turned.

[Chinazo Anozie]

I thoroughly enjoyed this review! And I'll definitely keep an eye out for this book. It's great that the author used the elderly as the main characters; I think that's refreshing! I'm glad the friends finally found the right hook for their song.

[Mojisola Omowunmi Omotosho]

Based on your comprehensive review of "Your Sins Will Seek You Out" by Neil Daly, it sounds like a gripping crime novel with deep character exploration and authentic procedural details. Your insights provide a balanced perspective for potential readers. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this intense narrative!

[Igwe Ifeanyi]

I love how playfully you wrote the review, it reveals your honest feelings about the book. From your descriptions, the author must have put a great amount passion into bringing this book to life with even the YouTube references. Sounds like great read though (and a melancholic one).

[David Awunor]

It's great to see the older generation coming together and reigniting their passions. This is definitely going on my list. Thanks!

[Amy Luman]

I like stories about the aging population. Hopefully we are all headed that way some day and why shouldn’t we make it fun. If only we could all spend our final years with friends!! I am glad that you found it so well edited and I think that I will take your recommendation. Thanks!

[Dandelion Writes]

Oh boy, this book sounds like a hoot! I reckon "Full Circle" would be a good read, especially for us seasoned folks who appreciate some heartfelt humor. The author seems to tackle important topics like aging and PTSD in a light-hearted yet meaningful way. The bond between the band members and their journey through the nursing home sounds like a delightful adventure. I can't wait to give it a read! I'd gladly rate this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars! Resonant themes, left a profound impact.