August of 68′
The Vietnam war and the riots culminated in the August 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago?
Book Description:
Do you remember one of the most turbulent times in our nation, 1968? Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy were assassinated. The Vietnam war and the riots culminated in the August 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago?
Chicago native, Steve Kaufman, a well-off first-year college student, meets Lily Stibic, a girl from a different world, socially, economically, and politically, at a summer school class. They fall in love. It’s a time when those things matter, religion, class, politics. Lily wants to demonstrate during the convention and, at first, Steve is not into this. He is conflicted about participating. But he loves her, and he tells her he’ll go. His motives are purely to protect her.
Steve and his best friend Jeff Hirsh are in a garage band with two other friends who are best friends, Tom Tavasoli and Kyle Martin. Tavasoli wants to fulfill the wish of a dying uncle to rob a check cashing company that he used to work for in the city during the convention in late August, figuring all of law enforcement will be preoccupied. Steve and Jeff always talked about committing the perfect crime, so they are intrigued. But will they go along with something that could ruin their futures?
That summer Steve finds his footing in his adult life, solidifying his own beliefs. The turmoil of the times forever changes him with a new sense of justice and purpose. What follows is exciting, heartbreaking and life changing.
Reviews for the Book
What a wonderful debut novella by Elliot Lei! This coming of age story truly captures the title's namesake and is done so in a light and engaging way. While a quick read, this book does not skimp on character or setting development; Elliot allows the reader to feel the pulse of 1968. In doing so, he opens the door for the reader to accompany Steve, the story's protagonist, on his moral journey through his young adult life, and he leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Steve Kaufman's life. - Todd R.
About the Author: Elliot Lei
Elliot Lei is a real estate executive with two prior nonfiction books. This is his first work of fiction. He lives in both suburban Chicago and Dallas. He is a big sports enthusiast and especially loves baseball and football. He is a huge fan of trains and loves the American West.
This is the first book in a series, two more are planned:
Book 2: The Parallel Line – release due December 2022
Book 3: Ready Positions
You can follow Elliot Lei on Instagram and Twitter at: Elliotlei7
And email him at: elliotlei063@gmail.com.
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