Brian Michels

Finding the Extraordinary Everyday

What if the most extraordinary moments of our lives aren’t grand, but mundane? What if the small, fleeting instances—a shared glance, a quiet walk, a stubborn memory—are what truly define us?

As a philosopher and writer, I’ve spent years grappling with these questions, crafting stories that challenge us to rethink what truly matters. Along the way, I earned my credentials—a Master’s in Philosophy and Writing—and, yes, a GED from the School of Hard Knocks. Maybe that explains why my books delve into how everyday people navigate extraordinary challenges, peeling back layers of love, identity, and the relentless pull of the past, all while reaching toward a hopeful future.

Born and raised in New York City, I’ve lived through its countless transformations. At 62, I’ve seen the city’s chaos and beauty—often intertwined. Growing up in the Bronx of the ’60s and ’70s, I was shaped by a place literally on fire. The grit and resilience of those years forged my perspective and my storytelling.

In the ’80s, Manhattan became my home. It was a city of extremes, where survival was an art form and ambition was currency. Two decades later, I crossed the Brooklyn Bridge, seeking solace and space. Brooklyn was quiet, raw, and affordable—until it wasn’t. Like Manhattan before it, the borough evolved.

Through it all, I stayed rooted in my passions. Philosophy taught me to see the world differently, to question its assumptions. Writing gave me the tools to share those insights through stories.

My first book, The Last Bar in NYC, a Roman à clef, captures the pulse of my fifteen years owning and operating  Circa Tabac, a SoHo lounge where art, philosophy, and conversation flowed as freely as the cocktails.

My second, The Devil Fears Nigga Jones, dives deep into themes of social justice and resilience. It tells the story of a child escaping a satanic cult and finding refuge at a holistic cancer treatment home in Brooklyn, where a Black veteran turned wheelchair-bound hero helps everyone find strength in the face of struggle.

My latest, Make Love Great Again, is a sweeping romance that explores first love, second chances, and the messy, beautiful reality of relationships. It’s a story of passion, heartbreak, and redemption, reminding us that no matter how complicated life becomes, connection is at the heart of it all.

This blog is my way of continuing the conversation. Here, I’ll share stories from my years in New York, reflections on philosophy, and lessons from the craft of writing. Together, we’ll uncover the extraordinary hidden in the everyday.

So, let’s talk. Let’s explore what it means to live, to create, and to dream. Welcome to my world—one story at a time.