Review: ON THE BRINK

Lily

3 years ago

ON THE BRINK, Chaos and Mayhem at the Office
by Michael A. Sisti

At age eleven, Dave Powers concludes a profitable but error-ridden venture selling illegal fireworks that leaves him brimming with confidence and captivated by the promise of entrepreneurship.

Over the next few years, a series of tragic events shatters his world. Dave must learn to navigate life’s challenges, including basic survival, business, and love. Upon entering the advertising world during the Mad Men era, he struggles to find his way amid the excesses of nepotism alcohol consumption, and the exploitation of women. Can Dave find the maturity to achieve his dreams? Or are his scars too deep to overcome?

Based on true events, On the Brink is a novel for young readers beginning their own journey, nurturing adults trying to soften their failures, as well as seasoned entrepreneurs and business executives.

4 out of 5 fairies

This was a journey through one man’s life, and the twists and turns will keep you turning pages for hours. Dave is a complex character, and we get to see how his early experiences shape him as he grows and eventually enters the workforce. My only real complaint is that sometimes the story gets a little bogged down with extensive descriptions that could be pared down or spread out a little more. Otherwise, this was an interesting story, and takes a peek into one man’s life. Watching the events that shaped Dave as a man unfold added depth to this character. There were times when my heart absolutely broke for him, life certainly threw him some curveballs. All the same I was rooting for him to come out on top, even if the work environment he lands in isn’t ideal. I won’t give any spoilers, but if you enjoy character-driven stories, you’re going to enjoy taking this journey with Dave.

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Michael A. Sisti is an author, branding and marketing consultant, and serial entrepreneur, having founded over twenty-five companies since age eleven. An International Book Award winner for his debut novel, Executive Crumple Zone, he has published five other novels, three humor books, and a popular self-help book. He recently co-authored a pilot for a TV drama series, and he provides design, editing, and production advice for several other authors.