Music and Politics in the 1960s - an Editorial Review of "The Guitarist Association:

Book Blurb:

The Guitarist Association is a story about three friends who live in one of the most exciting times in American History: the 1960s. It's about their perspective toward music, politics, and the changing times through the television program they have. It’s about music people love and still relate to even today. This vivid, engaging tale brings the reader back to one of the greatest eras in music.

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/tHvA

Author Bio:

T.M. Greene was born in Washington, D.C. He enjoys writing, drawing sketches, walking, collecting things, watching film and television, reading books, and playing video games. He also enjoys spending time with friends, going to events in his hometown, and traveling, buying, and listening to vinyl records. The Guitarist Association was originally a one act play that Greene turned into a novel.

Editorial Review:

The music scene. America in the ‘60s. Three friends. Already, the nostalgia is real. “The Guitarist Association” by TM Greene is a return to that tumultuous decade, to friendship and the days that seemed so golden, at least in hindsight looking back now. The characters of Melody, Christopher and Karen exist together with real historical references, and it is obvious that the author is well-versed in musical history. Who else will be quietly humming Teach Your Children Well as they read this book?

The casual references to musical superstars firmly grounds the novel in the 1960s, and the personal and social angst of the characters confirm it (including references to the draft). With three central characters, there is always the danger of unequal billing, or a character that seems more well-rounded that the others, but Greene has created a set of three friends who each hold their own and do not outshine the others. The settings are also vivid, with references to several major American cities.

““It was a simple autumn morning of seemingly little consequence. School was letting out the following week for Thanksgiving, and most students were going back home for the holiday. Christopher was staying. He was attending The University of California in Los Angeles, studying film. He wasn’t able to go back home to his family in New York for Thanksgiving because with his heavy workload, he could only have stayed for a few days. Friday morning, Christopher left his small apartment, which was littered with various records, and had breakfast at the local diner. Afterwards, he went to the payphone to call his mother. “Mom,” he said. “I won't be home for Thanksgiving. I've got to finish this thing for school. Sure, I'll be home for Christmas. I'll likely be done by the summer. Once I get done with this, I finally get to do what I want. I think have an idea of what I want to do after school…””

The pacing of “The Guitarist Association” is swift, in part because of the lively conversations between the characters. The dialogue is highly relatable. Greene has created an authentic circle of friends and peers who exist in the 1960s, caught up in the world of music and the upheaval of Vietnam, of Kennedy, of civil rights, and well, everything. Because the central theme is music, be prepared for immersion in concert references, in clubs and events and parties.

The character arcs contain all the rites of passage familiar to many, the balancing, the uncertainty and the reluctant personal growth that is the timeless lot of all teenagers and young adults, whether they realise it or not. The story is a snapshot in time, but readers will still be able to identify change in the characters and the way they relate to each other.

““Isn’t she in a relationship with one of the members of Crosby, Stills, and Nash?” asked Melody. “And Young,” added Karen. “We actually knew Graham Nash. Back when he was in The Hollies,” said Daniel. “Of course, you Americans took him and Davy Jones,” Rupert told them. Then he whispered to them, “Hey come on chaps take me, I could be your drummer.” “Oh no you don’t you right twit. You’re staying with us,” Daniel told him. “Bollocks,” said Rupert. Matthew stumbled across them, talking to some girl, and eating a bowl of granola. “I’ll be sure to see you later, love,” he told her as she left, then told his band mates, “Mates, you’ve got to get some of this granola, it’s not bad.” He poured it in their hands and they ate it. “It’s pretty good,” said Daniel. “I know this lot try what they can, but I’m dying to get some fish and chips,” said Rupert. “I’d prefer a Bacon Butty,” said Daniel. “I’d like a good dish of haggis,” said Matthew. Daniel and Rupert grunted in disgust.”

The structure of “The Guitarist Association” focuses on the music scene, and some readers may find the narrative format different from what they would expect. Others will appreciate the overall picture that the author ably paints of such a turbulent time. The characters’ paths are sometimes not linear, but surely, that is life, made up of times of drama but also times of predictability and everyday life.

““Miss us?” Karen asked. “I thought you were coming with us to Canada.” “Sorry guys, but I’m in love,” he said. Then John arrived and put his arm around Michael's shoulder. The trio were confused. “Well, not what I was expecting, but I’ll take it,” Melody said. Michael and John just laughed. “Guys I’m not in love with John, I’m in love with Carla,” he told them. “I always thought you two looked good together,” Karen said. “Me and Michael or John and Michael?” asked Carla, who just walked up along with Tracy. “You know what I mean,” Karen said flatly.

“The Guitarist Association” by TM Greene is a vibrant and intriguing novel set in the American music scene of the 1960s. As might be expected with such a theme, the characters and their lives spill off the page, doing their best, succeeding, and also finding their way. The references to music and cultural legends throughout the storyline is a nod to nostalgia that all music lovers will appreciate.

*****

“The Guitarist Association” by TM Greene receives 4 stars from The Historical Fiction Company

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