Magnetic North – Book Review
By Spetz
As many of you know, I love memoirs. So, I was very excited to get a copy of an upcoming release that will be available mid-August. And I’m happy to report that I really enjoyed it! Let me tell you why in this spoiler-free review.
From its opening pages, Magnetic North feels less like reading a memoir and more like riding shotgun with an old friend who has finally decided to tell you the whole story… the funny parts, the painful parts, and everything in between.
And I truly think you’ll enjoy the journey.
At its heart, this is a memoir about first love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and the long journey toward understanding ourselves. But what makes Magnetic North so memorable isn’t simply the story it tells, but the voice telling it.
Spetz is incredibly honest in his writing, combining sincere emotional vulnerability with self-deprecating comedy. One page will make you chuckle with a ridiculous metaphor or clever aside, while the next subtly examines regret, loneliness, or the lingering effects of childhood fears.
As a result, we get a very compelling story that moves you, but has enough balance to not be emotionally draining. There will be parts that are difficult to read, but they won’t seem overwhelming due to the pacing.
Another part I really loved about this story is how genuine it is. Rather than position himself as the protagonist in each chapter, Spetz will candidly confront his own errors, poor choices, and bad reasoning. In this, we get a deeply human and imperfect story.
You aren’t just traveling back in time with someone. You’re seeing them reason the significance of this history many years later. And you know what they say about hindsight…
Although the memoir’s emotional core is the connection with Valerie, Magnetic North is about much more than romance. It’s about friendship, resiliency, memory, family, mental health, and how seemingly insignificant events can have a profound impact on a person’s life. His chats with his inner voice give the story a distinctive framework that keeps you interested while also adding an unexpected dimension and serving as both conscience and companion.
I also really loved the humor. Dark humor and laughing through pain resonates deep with me and the quick humor and pop culture references in the book will definitely make you laugh. It provides some brevity for the heavy sections of the story, as well. But the humor never takes away from the gravity of the subject.
If you enjoy introspective memoirs, I think you’ll really appreciate how organically this story progresses. It takes time to examine the feelings that are underneath the memories, rather than jumping from one point in the timeline to the next. Not only does this allow you to fully immerse yourself in the story, but it also allows you to bond with the author throughout the process.
By the last several chapters, Magnetic North has grown beyond a tale of a single romance. It develops into a meditation on development, forgiveness, perseverance, and realizing that life’s detours frequently turn into the very experiences that shape who we are.
Finally, the creative way in which the narrative is written is also enjoyable and keeps you hanging on to each chapter. If you’re ready to see for yourself, just climb aboard the Spetzmobile and get comfy!
It’s five stars from me, and one I will be thinking on for awhile. Definitely recommend, especially if you love memoirs.
This review is based on the advance review copy (ARC) of Magnetic North provided prior to publication.
Coming Soon in August 2026.