Pure American Nostalgia

When a writer stumbles upon his old stack of 45s, a wave of nostalgia and homesickness sweeps him back to the first night of summer 1964-the night that set his life's course. Determined to prove themselves as real hoods, he and his two best friends embark on a wild ride across Kansas City to witness the legendary Duke of Erle in a high-stakes drag race, where reputations are made and broken.

But as the night unfolds, tensions ignite with jocks, thugs, and local rivals. Each chaotic, hilarious encounter escalates, leading to a final confrontation with a wannabe mobster-forcing the trio into a test of loyalty and an even greater realization. Beneath the adrenaline and wisecracks lurks the terrifying question every kid must face: Who do I want to become?

Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing era, this pulse-pounding, uproarious coming-of-age odyssey cruises through reckless summer nights, unbreakable friendships, and the music that shaped a generation.

Bonus Content

This novel was designed not just to be read, but experienced.

Throughout the story, you'll encounter QR codes-each one a gateway to another layer of the world TJ has created. At the beginning of each chapter, scan the code with your phone's camera and tap the link to view a curated collection of real photographs from the early 1960s. These images breathe life into the places, faces, and memories within the narrative.

Music plays its part too. A handpicked Spotify playlist accompanies the novel, echoing the memories of the story. Use the QR code at the beginning of the book to listen along.

Even in this text-only edition, TJ invites you to step fully into the past. The story isn't just on the page-it's all around you.