Band in the Wind: 1

1990On 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 didnt quit and my Joey didnt 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.1967Southeast 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 1960s you were not really there. However this was not a time of peace and love for everyone. In Johnny Cipps 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 members 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 Citys identity is under transformation. At its heart this is a story about the turbulence of adolescence unfolding during an equally turbulent period in Americas 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.