Band In The Wind: A Novel (Cambria Series)

Against the backdrop of 1960s music and culture, comes a tale of memories and mayhem...and loyalty and love...and racism, revenge, and rock n' roll.

1990 - Key West, Florida - On a moonlit evening, the "Journal of Johnny Cipp" is discovered on a secluded beach. It has been more than twenty-three years since its author disappeared from his home 1500 miles away. His opening journal entry is cryptic in its message. "Unlike the lyrics to the classic rock song, '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."

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. Their story, as told in Johnny’s Journal, weaves an intricate tale of five individuals who attempt to succeed with their only available weapons—their loyalty to each other and their music. As the group bonds both musically and personally, each band member comes to realize that the band holds the promise of a brighter future. In June of 1967, they got their big break, and it was the beginning of the end.

Praise for Band in the Wind . . .

"This book is an almost perfect blend of music, nostalgia, a coming-of-age story...and tragedy! It really does have a bit of everything. Highly entertaining."

- Online Book Review (4/4 stars)

“Rostron manages to capture the mood of this tumultuous time—a feat that takes skill, a great memory, and the ability to put emotion into words.”

- Writers Digest Self Published Book Awards

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

- James J. Spina (contributor to Rolling Stone, Hit Parader, Creem, and Mojo)

"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

Born and raised in Queens, NY, the author now splits his time between his home on Long Island and traveling the country in his Tiffin motorhome. When not writing, he is busy completing a bucket list of travel adventures. In the past 14 years, he and his wife Marilyn have traveled 115,000 miles. These travels have taken them to the 48 contiguous states, 133 national parks, all 30 major league baseball stadiums, 154 cities and towns, two Canadian provinces, and a variety of unusual experiences and locations. Many of these destinations color Band in the Wind, as well as its sequels, Sound of Redemption and Brotherhood of Forever. Two of his short works, "Pretty Flamingo" and "In the Garden of Eden," have been read and performed on stage in New York City. More information on his books, his blogs, or to view videos of performances can be found at the website: williamjohnrostron.com
In the past, he has published over two dozen non-fiction articles in newspapers and magazines. These writings included four full-page op-eds in New York Newsday. He was also presented an award by Nelson DeMille for his historical fiction short story, "The Last Artifact."