The Summer Springsteen’s Songs Saved Me Release
Local Author Scripts Inspirational Journey Based On The Boss’ Songs
Forty-something-year-old Sofia Catherwood adopts a dog during Wonder Bar’s popular Yappy Hour and her jogging route takes her through Ocean Grove into Asbury Park. The protagonist in The Summer Springsteen’s Songs Saved Me is struggling to overcome a failed marriage and a darkness that crowds her mind, author Barbara Quinn said.
A self admitted dedicated Bruce Springsteen fan, Quinn structured her heroine’s inspirational journey around the Boss’ songs.
“I’ve been a fan of Bruce since 1973, when a friend who was a part time DJ brought over Springsteen’s first album,” Quinn said. “And when I moved with my husband to Bradley Beach in 2005 [Springsteen country], I dove into exploring the area where so much of his music is still made.”
Quinn, whose past jobs include lawyer, record shop owner, reporter, process server, lingerie sales clerk, waitress, and as a postal worker, has traveled across 47 states and five continents; all inspirations for her work as a writer.
She is the author of four other novels: 36C, Slings and Arrows, Hard Head, and The Speed of Dark. Her short stories garnered accolades from Writer’s Digest and the National Writers Club. And over time, the writer’s travel into exploring Springsteen’s work led to the formation the new book.
“Finding a song for each chapter presented an enjoyable challenge,” Quinn said. “I pored over lyrics and listened to song after song until I found the right one that related to the struggles of my characters.”
The Summer Springsteen’s songs Saved Me is being released today [Oct 24] via Lakewater Press.
Catherwood, who has faced her fair share of life’s challenges, finds her husband with another woman is all it takes to push her over the edge, Quinn said. The protagonist finds solace in the quiet beachside town of Bradley Beach; once the home of The Boss himself. With the help of new and old friends, a sexy neighbor, and the messages within Springsteen’s lyrics, she learns to accept her past in order to embrace her future.
“And yes, in the background was always my own struggle to deal with my losses and pain and those of my loved ones, coupled with humor; because nothing makes you feel better than a little silliness,” Quinn said. “We all struggle, suffer losses, and need to be able to step away from that deep abyss and have a little fun.”
Quinn said she used a family edict that salt water heals everything coupled with music and books as a genesis.
“As I wrote this book, I learned that Springsteen’s music can help with any type of struggle,” Quinn said. “The music is always there, waiting to transport me somewhere else. His songs explain what I’m going through and validate my feelings.
“I’m hopeful that my novel can help show readers a way forward when they’re stuck in a dark place,” she added. “It’s a story that embodies friendship and the ability to press forward, no matter the obstacles. Like Bruce’s train, which carries saints and sinners, losers, and winners, I hope this book has something for everyone.”
The Summer Springsteen’s Song Saved Me is available as an e-book and paperback via Amazon and Barnes and Noble, among many other retailers.
———————————————————————————————————
Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.
