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Goodreads asked Brian Michels:

Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Brian Michels AFTERLANGUAGE began with a late-night conversation with a close friend—one of those rare, intense debates about whether language describes reality or shapes it. We argued, laughed, wandered through philosophy and grief, and landed on a simple but unsettling idea: words aren’t passive. They act on us. They change us. When my friend passed away soon after, that question deepened into something urgent: what happens when language moves beyond our control, and how does loss alter the way we hear the world? The novel grew from that spark—an exploration of grief, connection, and the power of communication to both save and undo us.

More Answered Questions

Shaun

Shaun asked Brian Michels:

So very glad to see you wrote another book, Brian. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Last Bar in NYC"; especially the part clinging to a empty beer keg out on the Hudson and getting rescued by the NYC and/or Coast Guard. HEE-LAIR-EE-US! Your book has stayed with me all these years later because of your exceptionally good writing. Someone in Hollywood, please make that book into a movie?!? You rock, mi Amigo!

Heather

Heather asked Brian Michels:

Hi Brian, what are you working on now? Have you read Ishigura's Klara and the Sun? I'm starting it after seeing him in conversation at NYPL. Hope all is well...Heather

Rosie

Rosie asked Brian Michels:

Dear Brain I was very impressive with your comment 'I don't think the best way to succeed is to fight a power that has a clear advantage. It is better to erode and cripple', from the message you left on 'the fire next time' book review in 2017. I want to discover 'erode and cripple' further, any book recommendations?

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