Insignificant Ones
July 2021
Matty thinks he's found his life's idyll. A dream job as beat writer for the Atlanta Braves. An intelligent and beautiful girlfriend. But his life takes an unexpected turn when Lana gets tied up in serious legal trouble at her firm. What follows is a winding journey—sometimes challenging, sometimes wonderful—through the trials of today, as well as all of the memories, love, and nostalgia that came before.
Adjacent Others
The world is much smaller than it seems. At least that's how Mike comes to see it after a series of life's ups and downs remind him that there's people out there going through it all too—the good and the bad. A lot of people, some of whom we encounter when we least expect it. Sometimes, they've been with us all along.
Writing Style
Reviewers have characterized Brian's style as “personal,” “thought provoking,” and “authentic.”
His memoir-like storytelling style weaves in common life themes that people can identify with.
He writes in a way that enables readers to personally connect with his characters like they were friends or family.
In + One, Brian Baleno has rendered in vivid contours and colors the age-old human struggle between love and work, a conflict made all the more acute when one happens to love one’s work, as well as one’s romantic partner. Jake, our protagonist, finds himself wedged into an impossible predicament, and what endures most within the reader—besides the sheer, smooth skill of the language—is this man’s valiant attempt to navigate between the Scylla and Charybdis of his existence. This novel will stand as an emblem for all those whose life course takes them down the road less traveled, a road not meant only for couples.
Take a journey with Brian Baleno as he runs a half marathon in every state. Experience an inside view of preparing, traveling, running, and recovering as this three year endeavor vividly recreates the imagery of the vast American landscape. This adventure is less of a story of personal accomplishment and more of a celebration of an often unseen American beauty; a story that encourages exploration, imagination, and self reflection.
One cannot tell the story of Tony Baleno without a nod to the generations that preceded him and those that followed. In Generational Lessons from Dad, we're invited to explore all that has formed Tony Baleno the man, from the immigrant Italian family that brought the Baleno name to America, to the fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, and eventually children and grandchildren that together help tell this man's remarkable story. Marked by hard work and an inimitable commitment to family—by both tremendous success and painful personal loss—Tony's is the story of a family built on values and ethic passed down through generations.
Bio
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I grew up in a large family which includes my four brothers and two sisters. Our parents emphasized the importance of family while also teaching us lifelong lessons that centered on work ethic, humility, generosity, and caring for others. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1996 with a degree in chemical engineering but like most other college students I had no clue about what I wanted to be when I grew up. Some days I dreamed about working on Wall Street while on other days I thought about becoming a writer. Directionless, I started writing in college and that passion has continued some twenty plus years later.
My first book, a fictional novel called + One, was published in 2012. Since then, I have written several non-fiction books including Fifty Halfs from First to Last and Generational Lessons from Dad. This year I released my second fictional novel, Insignificant Ones.
I currently live in Milton, Georgia with my wife Irene and my two sons.
You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram. I hope to hear from you soon.
Brian