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Here, Then Gone 4:030:00/4:03
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M 3:290:00/3:29
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Playboys & Dishes 3:410:00/3:41
"A lemon, jim beam, and pretzels supreme..."
Xxxxxxx wants more out of life, but for the life of him can’t figure out what that “more” is. All he knows is that he needs something, anything, to break him out of his cyclic lifestyle — cheap beer, loose joints, and failed attempts at writing in between shifts at the local grocery store. But when a quick-witted punk from the big city finds herself in his checkout line, neither of them are prepared for how much “more” both of their lives are about to become.
What starts as a chance encounter becomes two parallel, yet deeply intertwined journeys about growth, grief, and what it means to move on. Riddled with dark humour, Lemon reads like a classic Beat novel with a modern, dystopian cut.
the lemon trilogy
In January of 2021 I sat down to explore what I felt might be a storyline embedded in the three songs that make up the "Lemon Trilogy." I expected to write a short story at most — something unique to accompany the songs and lend them a little extra depth for those who wanted it — but after a few days of stringing together haphazard ideas and concepts I realized I had something much bigger than that. I spent the majority of the following year writing, and by the fall had a novel into which I had folded the loss of a career, the death of a close friend, and a near mental breakdown — and it was funny.
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Lemon (The Novel)
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Xxxxxxx wants more out of life, but for the life of him can’t figure out what that “more” is. All he knows is that he needs something,anything,to break him out of his cyclic lifestyle — cheap beer, loose joints, and failed attempts at writing in between shifts at the local grocery store. But when a quick-witted punk from the big city finds herself
Xxxxxxx wants more out of life, but for the life of him can’t figure out what that “more” is. All he knows is that he needs something, anything, to break him out of his cyclic lifestyle — cheap beer, loose joints, and failed attempts at writing in between shifts at the local grocery store. But when a quick-witted punk from the big city finds herself in his checkout line, neither of them are prepared for how much “more” both of their lives are about to become.
What starts as a chance encounter becomes two parallel, yet deeply intertwined journeys about growth, grief, and what it means to move on. Riddled with dark humour, Lemon reads like a classic Beat novel with a modern, dystopian cut.
Paperback 182 pages 5x8 trim size
Audio Excerpts
Reviews for "Lemon"
Read the APT613 review here.
“Lemon does a great job of walking you to the past version of yourself you would rather forget and reminds you of how important those hard times were to the person you are today. Stefan’s writing is honest, gritty, and reminds you that life — no matter how much of a dumpster fire — is worth living.”
Jess Pepin, Kick Me Records
“Lemon opens in a familiar place with the familiar drudgery of a small town, and a hint of 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape.' Xxxxxx dreams to find some substance, some meaning in life, but without a spark to light his fire, he lights a joint instead. Only when he has a chance encounter with M do things start to change. M has her own problems to run from, and does she ever run. They don't know it, but they're exactly what they need. As their paths continue to cross, their bond grows, and they each discover that a change of scene would do them good. Lemon is one part boy-meets-girl, two parts Kerouac-road-novel, with a twist of dada-esque surrealism, served straight up.”
Mike Holuj, Author
"An excellent tale of transition, acceptance, and coming of age: 'Lemon' takes you on a carefree ride of youthful decisions. From the first step into this sleepy little town to the last step out, the characters grasp your intrigue and don’t let go.
The simplicity of the characters and more than real emotions that flow through them truly paint a comprehensive picture of what it is like to suffer inner conflictions. Similar problems that most will face at one point or another but written about and contextualized in a manner that shines a new light on them. Easily relatable with its emotional and physical trades - their reactions make the characters quite personable. The reader will constantly find themself in an ebb and flow for each character. Agreeing with decisions they make but not their reactions or vice versa: but still sympathizing with their situations. All the while being transported to a land you have never seen and a city you have never visited but yet it seems all so familiar. The simple details of the surroundings make the places and characters so real. The execution of names in this book truly leaves the imagination open for you to be where you want the story to take place. So detailed but also such mystery allows you to easily depict the backdrop of this story and relate to it more.”
Brendon Bartlett, Unsociably High