Groh, Brian

PERSONAL:

Male.

ADDRESSES:

Agent—P.J. Mark, McCormick & Williams, 37 W. 20th St., New York, NY 10011.

CAREER:

Author.

WRITINGS:

Summer People (novel), Ecco Press (New York, NY), 2007.

Contributor to New Republic, National Geographic Traveler, and Music Television (MTV).

SIDELIGHTS:

Brian Groh's debut novel, Summer People, is set in a seaside Maine resort town populated by the affluent and eccentric. The story centers around a young college dropout named Nathan who takes a summer position caring for a wealthy widow, believing the sojourn will help him sort out his life. Instead, he is kept busy with his ailing host, gossiping townspeople, and the local rich kids, and is drawn into the middle of a number of complicated relationships, including a new love interest. The emotional conflict and several dangerous situations—including a house fire and a fight—force Nathan to reevaluate his life and his reasons for seeking escape. In Kirkus Reviews, a critic remarked that "Groh's dry social observation, his wicked ear for dialogue and flashes of ironic humor transmute a fluffy scenario into something more philosophical." Booklist reviewer Emily Cook found the novel to be "strong, in spite of verging on inauthenticity," and a Publishers Weekly contributor called it a "solidly good book." Juliet Farmer described Summer People as a "great summer read" in a Blogcritics.org review, "with well-rounded characters, descriptive settings, and a plot that entertains."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Booklist, February 1, 2007, Emily Cook, review of Summer People, p. 31.

Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2007, review of Summer People, p. 42.

Publishers Weekly, January 1, 2007, review of Summer People, p. 30.

ONLINE

Blogcritics.org,http://www.blogcritics.org/ (April 8, 2007), Juliet Farmer, review of Summer People.

Brian Groh Home Page,http://www.summerpeoplethenovel.com (August 22, 2007).