Francis Paulson is a young teen, an A student, altar boy, the polar opposite of his friend Izzy, who fears no nun or priest, just his old man. Francis plans to help Izzy, who is grieving the loss of his only brother, by secretly earning money for a taboo canoe trip thinking it will help ease his friend’s pain.

The Paulson family also suffers struggling to keep their family candy factory running. Earning funds is tough for Francis when incidents involving his twin sisters occur and a cute rambunctious classmate threatens his friendship with Izzy.

While these teens attempt to navigate the chaos in their lives, they witness first-hand the turmoil occurring in 1964-1968 America and more trauma attempting to navigate a dangerous river.

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Mike loves writing about historical time periods. His other passions include exploring and writing about wilderness canoeing and “Up North” and “Out West” off the beaten path outdoor places and spaces. He’s also a volunteer public radio producer. Mike helped raise four children in St. Paul and now enjoys when his young grandchildren visit his “writing cabin” at the lake and is currently looking forward to their first visits to his winter “Writing Hacienda” in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains.

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“Elliott has a finely tuned ear for the melodramas of adolescent intramural squabbles. Francis' family also owns a failing candy factory and the novel concludes with recipes for treats like Frank's hot-lava butter almond toffee.”

— Kirkus Reviews
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“A tender tribute to friendship and a young man questioning everything he was taught by his school's nuns and priests. Elliott does it right in a coming-of-age story about Francis Paulson and his wild friend Izzy, set in 1968.”

—Mary Ann Grossman, St. Paul Pioneer Press
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"This story explores themes of family dynamics, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating difficult choices, leading to moments of both laughter and tears."

— Publishers Weekly
“Escaping Limbo is a profound journey through the intricacies of youth and the pivotal moments that define us. With every page, readers are swept into an evocative narrative that captures the essence of coming of age.”

“If you liked This Tender Land, you’ll love Escaping Limbo. Reminiscent of Huck and Jim and their journey down one river, Francis and Izzy’s trip down another is just as sprawling and compelling.”

—David Housewright, Edgar-Award winning author of In A Hard Wind
“Amazing service. Can’t wait to find out what’s next!”

“A joyride of a read, traveling through the ’60s with Francis and Izzy as they walk a fine line between raising Hell and trying not to end up there. Their antics at the Paulson’s family candy factory are a hoot, but as the author’s dentist, I cannot condone Francis bartering boxes of chocolate in exchange for dental services. You will laugh and cry and be thoroughly entertained.”

—Tom Musser, DDS
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For those who remember life in the sixties, Escaping Limbo is a poignant trip back in time. For those too young to remember, it’s an accurate, yet entertaining education. Engaging from page one, Elliot’s debut novel held me in its grasp, alternately through smiles and tears, until the final page.

—Margaret Standafer, best-selling and award-winning author of the coming of age novel, I Know an Old Lady.
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“I loved Escaping Limbo by Mike F. Elliott. The author created a recipe which masterfully combined the ingredients of this coming-of-age story. The characters draw the reader into this tender, hilarious, touching portrait of these young boys’ journey through the 1960’s.
The underlying themes of water, snow, ice, fire, canoe paddles, candy paddles, adventure, guilt, religion, loyalty, loss, grief and healing imbue this novel with layers of sweet and sour flavor. A sweet and sometimes sour taste of an era of innocence and angst.
Historical and hysterical, heart-warming and insightful.”

—Terry Moser McAnnany, Poet.
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“Readers will delight in Elliott’s vivid reimagining of a boyhood in 1960’s St. Paul with this unforgettable cast of characters as they discover the true meaning of friendship, family, love and honor with charm and bravura (and the occasional test of nuns’ patience). This is a book to savor, with its homage to the candy factory and its honest depiction of friendship forged and hard choices made in complicated times.”

—Kate St. Vincent Vogl, author of Lost and Found: A Memoir for Mothers

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"Felt like being a kid again!! This felt like a walk down memory lane! Having been raised in the 60's, going to a Catholic grade school and High school, and living near the West Side (of St Paul), all the memories came pouring back. Mike does a wonderful job of story telling, wrapped in love of family & friends. It was a delightful read, and I am currently missing Izzy, Francis, and even Susan! (& the author assures me she was NOT fashioned after me!) Can't wait for the next book Mike!!

Amazon Customer Review

ESCAPING LIMBO

Mike F. Elliott

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“Escaping Limbo is a profound journey through the intricacies of youth and the pivotal moments that define us. With every page, readers are swept into an evocative narrative that captures the essence of coming of age.”

“Amazing service. Can’t wait to find out what’s next!”

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