Chris Campbell
Author
Now available
The Strangest of Places
(2025 | 2nd Edition)
A latchkey kid with abandonment issues.
A charismatic nomad searching for a home.
A playlist that tells their story.
Autumn MacLeod has always been the supporting act, never the headliner. When she meets John Walker, Autumn hears the first chord of a life she actually wants.
But when John ghosts her for their first date, Autumn digs into why she struggles to let people in. Through this journey, she uncovers the impact of generational trauma, particularly how issues like an absent father, middle school bullying, and other formative experiences shaped her perception of trust and connection. As Autumn navigates this challenging path, readers are given a front row seat to her thoughts and questions as she explores themes of healing, vulnerability, and personal growth.
With songs chosen as chapter titles for their lyrical alignment, The Strangest of Places provides a playlist that will leave you humming until the next book in the series, A Nightfall of Diamonds, is released in 2026.
Perfect for readers who love
-
Music-drenched fiction, e.g. Daisy Jones & The Six and High Fidelity
-
Flawed main characters, e.g. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and The Perks of Being a Wallflower
-
Authentic, memoir-like early internet ‘90s nostalgia
-
The found-family vibe of concert parking lots and epic road trips
​
NOTE: Amazon takes a MUCH higher cut compared to Books.By. Both are available for your convenience, but Books.By is my preferred vendor. Thank you!
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Nicholas Bromell
Professor Emeritus, UMass Amherst
“Spunky, honest, and vulnerable, its heroine, Autumn MacLeod, stands in a long tradition of alienated American teenagers telling us the truth of things. Huck Finn and Holden Caulfield would have loved this book. You will, too."
Emer S. Smith
Amazon Reviewer
I think anyone who grew up on the margins of accepted societal norms could see themselves in Autumn. The poor kids, the fat kids, the abandoned kids, the outcasts. And if you, like Autumn (and like me) knew how much salvation came with the connection to a shared community online - during a time *long* before the existence of social media - you will enjoy this book.
Duncan Nelson
Professor Emeritus, UMass Boston
“A moving coming-of-age anthem that will resonate with anyone who’s ever found themselves in the warm glow of stage lights, friendship, and first love.”