Literary Fiction Novella
Date Published: March 30, 2026
Publisher: Manhattan Book Group
For nineteen-year-old Tina, the answer is simple: live.
After receiving devastating news, Tina refuses to spend her final hours
confined to a hospital bed. With time slipping away and an impossible dream
still burning inside her, she convinces Jake, a fellow patient, to run.
Together, they escape the hospital, steal a car, and set out for New York
City—determined to squeeze an entire lifetime into one unforgettable
day.
As their frantic parents race to find them, Tina and Jake chase freedom
through the heart of the city. From the peaceful lawns of Central Park to the
dazzling lights of Times Square, every stop becomes a stolen moment, every
laugh an act of defiance, and every heartbeat a reminder that time is the one
thing no one can bargain for.
But as the sun begins to set, their breathtaking adventure turns into a race
toward one final, symbolic destination—one that will test their courage,
their bond, and the meaning of a life fully lived.
Emotional, urgent, and deeply human, Summer of the Blue Jay is a poignant
contemporary novella about friendship, love, resilience, and the power of
choosing joy when the clock is running out.
Perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt coming-of-age fiction, emotional
literary stories, and thought-provoking books that ask life’s biggest
questions, this unforgettable debut reminds us that tomorrow is never
promised—and that one day can hold the meaning of a lifetime.
About the Author
career has spanned more than twenty-five years in corporate Information
Technology, including leadership roles supporting global teams across the
pharmaceutical, biotech, and specialty food industries.
After decades of solving complex technical challenges, Mike turned to writing
as a way to explore the human stories behind pressure, change, resilience, and
time. What began as humorous reflections on life in IT soon evolved into a
deeper creative calling, leading him from industry commentary and tech-focused
articles into fiction.
His debut novella, Summer of the Blue Jay, asks one of life’s most
powerful questions: what would you do if you only had twenty-four hours left?
Inspired by Mike’s own reflections on career disruption, identity, and
the urgency of living intentionally, the story blends emotional depth with a
fast-paced journey about friendship, courage, and the priceless value of the
present moment.
Mike continues to develop a diverse range of writing projects, including
humorous technology-inspired work, fiction, and thriller concepts. Through his
storytelling, he hopes to remind readers that time is never
guaranteed—and that the moments we choose to truly live are the ones
that matter most.
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