No Better Place

Story Synopsis

For Karl, the frigid Minnesota winter of 1982 was coldly cruel, with the emotional devastation brought by his father’s sudden death and being dumped by his long-time girlfriend. Things go from bad to worse when he learns that he cannot return to college, and that he now has the unwanted responsibility of managing his ailing uncle’s financially troubled bar. Mired in his hometown, his future seemingly erased, Karl begins to find strength from unlikely sources; an abrasive, chain-smoking bartender named Elsie, Spunky the stoic WWII veteran of Guadalcanal, as well as his high school buddies who rally to his side.

As he climbs out depression and begins rebuilding his life, Karl unwittingly impacts the lives of those around him by providing support, encouragement and a sense of belonging. That is until the day he is faced with a decision that could bring an end to everything he has built.

“No Better Place” is a bittersweet step back into the heart of a small town in southern Minnesota, with all its darkness and light, humor and drama, where resilience and community are the core of life.

The story is deeply sad and laugh out loud funny. It mixes warm nostalgia with the grim reality of an economy on its heels, which serves as the backdrop for a young man trying to find his way in life.

What people are saying about "No Better Place"

OMG! Love it! It’s the right mix of good old American humor and life with all its hardships, joys, realness, and community. - Nancy D.

It’s a fun, touching, nostalgic read. At times I felt like I was right there with Karl; being back home, dealing with the loss of a parent, hanging with high school buddies, yet feeling like you’ve been forced to grow up too fast. The author strikes the perfect balance between inner monologue, small town characters, and Minnesota nostalgia. - Jon K.

No Better Place is a touching, heartrending, funny and uplifting account of a young man's coming of age in a small town in Minnesota. The story delves into heartfelt experiences with friends, family, tragedy, love and growing into a young adult. The author weaves colorful descriptions of local characters and small-town life into an interesting and entertaining story. Having myself been born and raised in a small town, he touched on many of the same experiences that I had growing up. Experiences that neither of us would change in any other way. - Craig S

No Better Place will likely escort the reader back to a time in their own youth, with all the pain, joy, wonderment and lessons learned. The author has captured a poignant chapter in his life in a warm and vivid manner – one that reminds us that it is indeed darkest before dawn.” – Ray A

Order Your Copy!

About the author

Born and raised in southern Minnesota, John found his way to Phoenix, Arizona after college, where he built a successful career in marketing.

His life is a balance between devotion to his family, a steady stream of adventures — some very dubious — traveling the world, reading, mountain climbing, skiing, scuba diving, a strange obsession with Film Noir, and continually adding to his vast collection of hats and helmets.

He describes himself as deeply conflicted by virtue of being a creative and spontaneous Aquarius, raised in a Lutheran household by a no-nonsense, conservative German father and a determined but loving Czech mother.

John has written countless articles for various trade publications and local media, plus he has authored and illustrated a children’s book. “No Better Place” is his first novel.