COLD STORAGE

What follows are text messages I received after readers finished Cold Storage. I printed only 100 hardcover copies of the book. Every copy was donated to Get Busy Giving Inc., a nonprofit created and run by my children and the Kline family. At a small book-signing fundraiser just before Christmas 2025, all 100 books sold for $100 each, raising $10,000 for charity. The messages below do not include the many phone calls I received from readers after they finished the book:

From my nephew William writing from Mount Athos:   The book was really amazing, I actually finished it all in one sitting which is rare that I do that, there were a few parts that really stuck out to me that I liked. Well more then a few but it would take to long to comment on everything, I actually really liked the character of Sergei and how he unfolds throughout the story, even his very first line in the book seemed to be kind of a foreshadowing of his character, by his first line him saying “money is power” you instantly think he’s some kind of false prophet looking to make money himself, then as he goes on to say afterwards that money corrupts if that’s all we choose to serve and we must choose between money or God. So really, I saw this line as something integral to his character in the story. Because this line of dialogue his character starts out as shady and later on you realize you’re judging a book by its cover. It was fitting to be his first line and cleverly done there I’m not sure if that was intentional or not but I liked it. It’s also kind of how it is with Oscar in real life, I was just talking to a friend a few weeks ago he’s a good friend of ours and he would not believe me Oscar was a man of God he didn’t even know he was in Russia studying to be a priest, he’s still seen as someone working as a model living a degenerate lifestyle in Japan, so that part also reflected reality cause he wouldn’t believe it about Oscar. I also loved the emails and messages Michael was getting throughout the story it really kept the pressure on throughout the book. And was really great that after the deadline passed the bigger picture came more into view that almost made the problem seem irrelevant, which was God and Family and money became less of a thing at the end. Loved how descriptive the scenes were I felt like I was watching a movie in my head. I really appreciated that Alex was a part of the story cause in reality she was a major part of the journey, I remember it was right after she passed away that I started this search for God cause I thought, if someone that young that healthy and that much going for them can die so unexpectedly what can be the point of life, to enjoy as much as possible before we die? It all seemed like vanity. So I bought a bible and started praying but it all felt rather incomplete, to make a long story short a series of events happened which lead to Orthodoxy finding me rather then I finding it. And Oscar had a lot to do with it. But you really captured Alex’s character quite well I was really moved by it. She’s one of my biggest inspirations to spend life praying for those I love because it was the Orthodox Church that really teaches how important this concept is for those passed on. And I saw the part about her being a pilot or was it a flight attendant as something symbolic as well. I loved the part from Billy’s speech where he says “I’d stand in front of these monuments people worship online and feel nothing, I’d take a picture and move on, take another picture move on. It all felt shallow. Like I was walking through someone else’s idea of a life” this was a quote that was beautifully articulated better then I could’ve put it but I definitely felt the essence of when I was in Berlin and Germany not long before coming to Athos, like I’ve seen the effiel tower now what’s next? You leave there with nothing but a memory that doesn’t fill you with anything. Kinda the opposite of what I got in the Orthodox Church, I felt like I left with something everytime I went. I loved the dialogue from the abbot, it was all beautifully put when talking about monastic life, that it seems dreary from the outside but it’s full of joy especially if you love the brothers, the abbot and the land. The Bible verses you chose were also amazing, the one from proverbs just so happen to be my favorite one from that book I read/listen to that chapter every night so that was also amazing that’s what you chose to be put in the letter I wrote. Overall, while the specific points of the story may not be entirely spot on in all places you really captured the essence and ethos of the journey beautifully. It was a tough read at some points because it was very real, like how family is the biggest sacrifice in this life but it was honest and that’s what made it hit home for me. It wasn’t over the top but to me it captured the raw emotion of a story that I hope can benefit other people and see that at the center of the story is not I or Athos but God. And it’s he who moves through all people bringing them from their old life into a new creation or as Saint Paul says, “if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away” 

From Alexandria’s mother:   I loved how you portrayed her. She was non pretentious- she was not materialistic. I could see her pulling off a mission like the Mt. Athos mission in real life. I loved that part of the book. The part where they locked eyes and in that moment she realized that the Will she knew was no more, but had to accept that he was where he belonged. That part pulled on my heart strings. I was expecting her to die in the book, but was pleasantly surprised that she didn’t  - I felt the ending where she was  in flight school was a metaphor for her transcending to Heaven. (Not sure if it was supposed to be or just a coincidence) I loved it either way. I like how her description often involved sunlight in some way (I pictured an angelic aura around her). I was honored that she was a main character. The book brought my daughter to life and I was very emotional reading it. My only complaint is that it was not longer … I was moved by Mikey’s character because his character said the quiet parts out loud. The raw feelings of perceived loss/abandonment by Will’s choice. I became close with Will following Alex’s passing and even I struggle with him being in Greece. I experience conflicting feelings - I want him to be happy, but I also selfishly wish he were here because he is a connection to my daughter. If I struggle w/ Will’s decision, I can only imagine what his family feels. I feel like I resonate most w/ Mikey’s character. I am very proud of Will, and his strength and knowledge never ceases to amaze me.

Janice S:          Thank you for sharing your beautifully written story. I could not put it down! You are truly  blessed with an amazing talent! I read over 40 books a year and this is the most touching, beautiful story I’ve read in a long time!

Jeane B:           I thought it was fantastic Erik!!!! I’m still processing how much it moved me. The way you write makes it flow naturally and feel approachable yet quietly opened up so many big questions for me about faith, what money really means in our lives, and the complexities of family bonds. It’s a perfect mix of light to read but deep in the best way: thought-provoking on multiple levels you have a gift. Thank you for writing this. It really made an impact.

Matt C:              Not really sure where to start. First, congratulations on starting and finishing this project. It is a huge achievement that should not be taken lightly. Writing is a solitary endeavor that is both the best and the worst at different times. The discipline it takes to write to completion is far more difficult than it appears. I found myself lost in the story, wondering where it was going and where it would end. Your writing is direct and descriptive. It doesn't meander and finds color all the way through. The efficiency of your prose, the picture you painted, kept me reading further. The characters were rich and complicated. They were plainly human, which I connected with. I  discovered who they were more fully as the story unfolded, not all at once. That discovery built momentum, which fed me all the way through. I always appreciate when passion and faith come together. It is something I struggle with. I have a ton of passion but very little faith. This is probably saved for another time, another conversation in person.Thank you for sharing this with me! Keep writing! Your voice is strong.

Megan M:         I finished Cold Storage. It was incredible- so beautifully written!!!  Fast-paced and kept me on the edge guessing what was going to happen!  I was really impressed w your character development- especially Lexi’s -  she wound up being my favorite character, for many reasons.  I loved her acceptance of Billy, it made me love her!  So freaking brave too holy shit!  That might’ve been my favorite scene to read.  I literally felt Mikey’s stress coming off the pages- you wrote his part so perfectly.  I was twitching w his anxiety in some chapters. When I see you next, I could go on and on… But the main thing I want to convey to you is this: When I first heard the premise of the book, and Billy’s story, I was not happy w his choice. I thought it selfish, self-indulgent, and extremely unbelievable. And I carried this preconceived notion all the way up until the middle of the book. But then something shifted… As the author, you made the reader (me.. cynical and doubtful as I was) change my perspective 100% by the end of the book. That is not easy to do, especially with my stubborn ass.  Not only do I now understand fully his reasons for joining the monastery, but I’m actually behind it!  my thoughts went from crazy, selfish decision to sheer admiration.  You were able to make the reader see it from Billy’s perspective and actually understand his decision, and not as a selfish one.   my initial thought about Lizzie was “oh my heart breaks for this mom… how could her oldest son ‘abandon’ them like that?” But by the end of the book my thoughts were “oh she must be so proud of the man Billy has become, the courage it took, etc….  Who helped me come around was Lexi - and how she handled it.  She had the “right” to be mad at Billy or challenge him or demand his return… But she surprised me by seeing into his eyes on that first encounter - her restraint and understanding that he was at peace. I believed it 100%.  That was the most important scene in the book, IMO. Then…. to read that the boys actually visited Billy and had an opportunity to hear him out was a huge shocker! Loved that scene in the vineyard. After reading that chapter, I was convinced Billy had made the right decision for himself. The scene w Helena was fresh and unexpected!  I loved the way you described her animation and her style. Loved the sea captain Andreus, loved all of his lines!!! Bad ass. I was 100% convinced that was what Liz was currently doing and I thought it was odd and unexpected but I was loving it at the same time. The other underlying feeling I had throughout the book was i should be buying more XRP.  Amazing read- fun, educational, exciting suspenseful and relatable. You took an extremely rare, unbelievable storyline, and made me believe and understand Billy’s choice, his path in life.  And sometimes when reading, I would laugh because I couldn’t believe I was reading YOUR book! So freaking wild! I hope you keep feeding your creative streak, excited to hear about your next endeavor! So so proud of you, we all are!!

Christine B:   I just finished your book. I absolutely loved it! I read a lot and was hooked from page one. I started it Thursday night and just couldn’t put it down until I finished today. What an amazing journey for your three nephews and your family. You did a tremendous job capturing all the love and chaos of this crazy journey. I absolutely loved how you wrote all the dialogue. It was exceptional. Congratulations on writing such a tremendous first novel! I say keep ‘em coming! GBL!     I loved all the scenes at the monastery! You really did an amazing job creating the scene for that. I was able to create a visualization in my mind. The sign of a great author. Not easy to do. My favorite part was the when the brothers got back together on the mountain. I was hoping for that but wasn’t sure it was going to happen

Margaret S:    I mean it is just so beautiful how you captured all the emotions, facts, everyones journey with his decision and it was done so visually well with your words. I truly enjoyed it. In addition to what I took away from it after reading as well is how do we as our own persons find this inside ourselves without going there? If it’s possible to find even a piece of that (what he (Billy) found) we would all be better people, parents, friends, etc in life! I myself am going into 2026 in that thought process thanks to your beautiful book. Let’s break bread soon!

Ray Y:                 Just finished your book. I really enjoyed it. You wrote with such insight and made me the reader feel like I was right there. I was able to see every nuance of the environment and understand every thought and feeling that pulsed through the characters. You did a fantastic job with this and the message was profound. Thanks for sharing.

Bridget:            DUDE! LOVED IT! It was such a satisfying read. I loved the brother's relationship - great character development in such a tight / concise story. I was hooked on the adventure from the start and want more. You have got to be proud. I mean YOU WROTE a book and a GOOD ONE at that. I want more!

Rich M:             Just finished. REALLY thought it was excellent. Wow. Amazing stuff. Very easy read and very thought-provoking. Will make lots of people look at themselves and question their choices. I’m so impressed not only that you had the courage to write it, but also that you found the time to do so. Well done! The character development is great, and the imagery is giving me a glimpse into the movie to come. I re-watched the 60 minutes video with Berta (his wife) and her parents because I was telling them about the book.

Jim F:                 I just finished it and honestly, I’m blown away. For your first book, the storytelling is incredible- I couldn’t put it down. The fact that it’s all true makes it even more powerful. I’m passing it off to Amanda (his wife) next, she’s dying to read it. So proud of what you’re doing for Get Busy Giving. Let’s get the word out. Do you have agent for the book? I was telling Laura. I’m going to have her read it. She kind of knows a publishing person in the city.

Matt W:             So crazy. Loved the book. Really well written and was a page turner. Congrats! You killed it. Easy read, lots of great topics, especially for book clubs

Mikey K:           It’s great. Didn’t expect the last couple of chapters to go the way they did. Very cool.

Glen K:              Done! Was incredibly good. Incredible story – so cool. Will definitely have Grace read, she will love but I also think young GUYS, who generally more into crypto story, will also love. Can I tell you if I bought this book not knowing u wrote it, I would recommend to everyone… fucking awesome.

Peter B:            Finally got a chance to finish your book. It was awesome, what a great achievement! If we could only experience a small percent of Billy’s transformation we would be better for it. No doubt.

Rose B:             Finished the book and loved everything about it!!!!❤️❤️ I rarely finish a book within a week and I finished it in two sittings. I am not just telling you this, but it really was captivating. I was captivated and my mom was captivated. The book helped me get a glimpse into the world. Your book was engaging and captivating, and I really did feel like I went through all the emotions of love and loss and strength and excitement and anxiety and suspense and family!!! Seriously, this book should be on the top 10 list of all the lists. And when is the movie coming out?

Pat M:               Finished last night! Loved it. Fast moving. Right balance of tension for plot. Good character development. Here is my best friend Oscars mailing address to send him a copy. He is very close friends will Mel Gibson and could get it to him. 

Kevin H:            Well, what can I say buddy. Wonderful story and so well written. What a journey you shared that was very moving. Proud of you pal to dedicate the time and effort to write this book. I loved the quick read and the story moved along nicely. I finished in 2 days. There is a lot you could pull from.

Anthony G:     Proud of you. Never knew you had that in you. I guess you always been the Swedish machine and can do anything you put your mind to. Great work!

Kerry M:            Erik!!! Fantastic job. Absolutely loave what you did with the book. You gave the characters depth and I really understand why Billy chose his path. The connection with his brothers and Lexi. Really well done. I loved the ending.

Tommy K:        Really good Erik! Just finished. Congratulations! Your writing about your ex brother in law leaving the family and how it impacted your nephews and liz… deep. Make the movie!

Andrew K:       Just finished. Wow! Too many thoughts for a text, congratulations, the book is great!! Amazing work, really impressive. It’s so hard to believe a place like this exists and the same time comprehend the devotion and faith. The book is so good on so many levels!!! The messages and stories and character development woven into a beautiful narrative is impressive. It’s an Amazing tribute to your family, you all can be very proud of this story and of each other.

Kelly R:             Wow!!! Just finished. I still have tears! Such a story! I can’t wait to chat about it!!! I really liked Mikey’s character I felt like he had so much personal growth the ending was great him giving the wallet to Harry. I let really emotional during the interaction with Mikey and Billy on the mountain it’s really good. It was suspenseful then a tear jerker but had a happy ending!! Very nice flow to the book! I’ve been reading all morning. Had to finish! Dean is reading next! Fascinating!!! I hope there is a sequel. And based on my two decades with Greek women you did that well the way they talk to each other etc personality.

Claire P:           Just finished the book! What a great story. Congratulations. You made me care about every person – they are people I feel I know in my family/in my life. The Abbots words of explanation helped me get a little closer to understanding your nephews decision. Really amazing story.

Richard G:      Just finished the book. Loved it! VERY well done. My partner and head of research is a deacon in the Greek orthodox church and has been to Athos and just about every Greek church in Europe. Can you send him a copy?

Michael S:      The book was competed yesterday! I cant’ tell how impressed I am with every little detail. Actually have no idea how you did it!!! Story was amazing! Can’t wait for another. I am having Amy (his wife) read it.

Melissa K:       I effin loved it!!!! The ending was the bomb!!! Billy’s explanation so good and it had such speed at the end – whipping pages. I really truly enjoyed it and hav to say it’s got me thinking. Bravo my friend. Just Outstanding. I felt like I was in an olive tree listening in.. watching Billy drop dirt between his fingers…

Lauren M:        Excellent book! Loved it. Can’t wait for the movie!!

Rob M:              I just finished the book. EXCELLENT! Very well written and certainly grabs the reader. You should be proud of yourself, I certainly am proud of you!

Andy S:             Dude…. I’m speechless… I just this minute finished Cold Storage. So damn good. I’m already envisioning the scenes from the Cold Storage movie! No Lie!

Dana B:            Loved the ending!! The boys are all so different. I’m not sure I liked one more than the other. I can relate to each of them. I liked Lexi a lot! And the part where she was in the monestary really stressed me out. You developed their characters well!!! Ah the romance did make it lighter. Movie next!!! I am fascinated by the life he chose. The last couple of chapters you did a great job explain it. The whole conversation with the three boys at the end was soo good!

Drew M:            Where do I even start? Erik J Larson (author) made me cry! The anticipation of the brothers finally seeing Brother William was great. And I guess the relief when it set in to Mikey that Billy still had him ust hit me hard, You really did such a great job on this and again, I’m picking out actors to play certain roles for the movie.

Elisa R:             Finished your book. Loved it!!! We definitely have to have a book club about it!! Michael was my favorite character. You really did write so descriptively where you felt like you were in Greece with them. Feeling the dirt, smelling the water, seeing the sunset and so much more. I could definitely see this as a movie! 

John D:           I read it in one night, couldn't put it down. Touches on so many levels. Family, friendship, & importantly God. With some crypto play too. Loved it. Awesome title for the book!

Robyn P:        I read it cover to cover in one sitting. It drew me in and I had to stay with it to the end. The story was full of emotion and adventure. Your words painted clear pictures and I felt as though I was on this journey with them. Your character development was really good, making the book impossible to put down. I especially loved the dialogue that took place in the vinyard between the brother's. What a great story about family, friendship, and faith. It is now on the shelf at the Keeseville Free Library for my patrons to read.

Chris H:        I read Cold Storage in one sitting last night. Didn't go to bed until 1am. I really enjoyed it. I am Greek Orthodox and have traveled to Mount Athos and stayed at that monastery multiple times.

Kyle Y:        I loved it! The personalities of the brothers, their relationships and troubles, what each of them did for family and their justifications, and their love and bond for each was beautiful. The final scene when they reunited and embraced made me tear up it was so poignant. Really enjoyed the story!!  Their personal odysseys made me feel like I really got to know them.

Samantha:     Thank you so much for sending. Received it yesterday and just finished a few minutes ago. What a story! I felt so many emotions while reading it. I couldn't put it down. Loved the bond between the brothers.