Author Brian McDonald on “Five Floors Up”

Welcome Brian:

We’re joined on the Starline by a professor and author of My Father’s Gun, Indian Summer, Last Call at Elaine’s and many more including 4 ghostwritten NYT bestselling books. His latest is a story of 4 generations of firefighters in “Five Floors Up”. We welcome Brian McDonald

Brian, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Why was this story of the Feehan family one that drew you in and inspired you to write “Five Floors Up”?

As son of a cop who worked in Fort Apache, the 41st precinct, was it difficult to give credit to firefighters?                

This book was released the week of the anniversary of 9/11. Part of the book shares a story from that day. How hard as a New Yorker was it for you to write it?

The Rockin’ 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Favorite place on the Fordham campus?

2. Your mood right now using 1 word?

3. What was your last leap of faith?

4. How many countries have you visited in your life?

5. Last N.Y. Mets game you went to, who did they play and did they win?

6. Is the US political system broken?

7. Have you ever spent St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin?

8. Best Irish meal your mom made?

One Big Question:

How has researching, talking to and writing the Feehan story changed you?

What do you want readers to get out of this book?

The Wrap:

Story dropped into his lap, loves his mom’s corned beef and a NY Mets win. His book is “Five Floors Up”. We thank Brian McDonald for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with authors here.

What do you think?

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