Overview

1990 On a moonlit evening in Key West, Florida, the ""Journal of Johnny Cipp"" is found on a secluded beach. It has been more than twenty-three years since the author disappeared from his home 1500 miles away. His opening journal entry is cryptic in its message. ""Unlike the lyrics to the rock classic, 'The Summer of '69, ' the Jimmy in my band didn't quit, and my Joey didn't get married. In my life, they died. In fact, except for me, they all died . . . and I have never before told our story."" Thus begins the saga of the lone survivor of a series of tragic events decades earlier. 1967 Southeast Queens, New York is in turmoil. Amid the escalating chaos, five young men form a band in hopes of escaping the mounting violence, poverty, and drugs surrounding them. Johnny Cipp, the driving force behind the group, wants to lead them to fame and fortune. Instead, he takes them down a path where one misstep can result in destruction. It is said that if you remember the 1960's you were not really there. However, this was not a time of peace and love for everyone. In Johnny Cipp's neighborhood, it is a time of violent upheaval - and he remembers every moment of it. His journal weaves an intricate tale of five young men who attempt to escape their chaotic situation with their only available weapons--their love and loyalty for each other-- and their music. As the band bonds both musically and personally, they come to realize what success means to each of them. To one, it will be a release from the abusive beatings of his father. For another, it will be a chance to be with the girl of his dreams. A third member's goal is a secret. For all of them, their music holds the promise of a brighter future. With each motivated to escape their present situation, they push toward establishing themselves as a professional band. In June of 1967, they got their big break, and it was the beginning of the end. Band in the Wind takes place during the mounting racial tensions of the decade, in a time when New York City's identity is under transformation. At its heart, this is a story about the turbulence of adolescence unfolding during an equally turbulent period in America's history. Steeped in 1960s rock and roll atmosphere, and outfitted with a killer soundtrack, this novel will be perfect for fans of A Bronx Tale, Not Fade Away, Stand by Me (""The Body""), The Commitments, and Eddie and the Cruisers.

Full Product Details

9781732746824

Table of Contents

Reviews

This tale told by Rostron succeeds...massively. It is a story told with dollops of nitty and gritty but also some blasts and burns that will thrill you as powerfully as...well...as a power chord. A giant power chord, amped up with emotions, friendship, cruelty, hate, revenge, and love. Real love for the music and the muses that make the music what it is: Rock music and the role it plays in the lives of a cast of oh-so-real characters and a storyteller that has me gasping for an encore. This is a novel that soundtracks the life and lives of what it means to be in a band for life...and...death. - James J. Spina - Music critic with contributions to Rolling Stone, Hit Parader, Mojo, and Creem Readers won't have to be from Queens, NY or have played in rock bands to appreciate this magnificent novel. Rostron's beautifully-crafted sentences, as well as his mastery of plot, characterization, and structure, help make this book a must read for book-lovers hoping to experience the lost, yet somehow lingering, days of 1960s American culture.- Michael L. Burduck, - Professor of English - Tennessee Tech University This novel really rocks! Rostron brilliantly evokes the time (The 60s), the place (Cambria Heights, Queens, NY) and most importantly the music. Most novels about Rock'n'Roll are filled with clich s that just ring hollow, but this book just gets it right. The author really knows his music and really knows how to use it to set the tone. - DSpin - formerly of MTV From Johnny's remembrances of early childhood to his final emotional words and actions years later, A Band in the Wind tells a heroic tale of fascinating characters whose lives are all changed by one night in June of 1967. - MW - editor Inserted:,

This tale told by Rostron succeeds...massively. It is a story told with dollops of nitty and gritty but also some blasts and burns that will thrill you as powerfully as...well...as a power chord. A giant power chord, amped up with emotions, friendship, cruelty, hate, revenge, and love. Real love for the music and the muses that make the music what it is: Rock music and the role it plays in the lives of a cast of oh-so-real characters and a storyteller that has me gasping for an encore. This is a novel that soundtracks the life and lives of what it means to be in a band for life...and...death. - James J. Spina - Music critic with contributions to Rolling Stone, Hit Parader, Mojo, and Creem Readers won't have to be from Queens, NY or have played in rock bands to appreciate this magnificent novel. Rostron's beautifully-crafted sentences, as well as his mastery of plot, characterization, and structure, help make this book a must read for book-lovers hoping to experience the lost, yet somehow lingering, days of 1960s American culture.- Michael L. Burduck, - Professor of English - Tennessee Tech University This novel really rocks! Rostron brilliantly evokes the time (The 60s), the place (Cambria Heights, Queens, NY) and most importantly the music. Most novels about Rock'n'Roll are filled with cliches that just ring hollow, but this book just gets it right. The author really knows his music and really knows how to use it to set the tone. - DSpin - formerly of MTV From Johnny's remembrances of early childhood to his final emotional words and actions years later, A Band in the Wind tells a heroic tale of fascinating characters whose lives are all changed by one night in June of 1967. - MW - editor Inserted:,

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available