It’s the 1950s! Jason Blue and Billy Sanders meet in high school and fall in love. Jason looks like Elvis, while Billy resembles James Dean. As you can imagine, sparks fly! A light-hearted LGBT romance that fuses pop music, hot rods, and fashion of the time as a landscape to tell this engaging love story. Perfect for LGBT youth! Audiobook brilliantly narrated by Faris Monshi. Lyrics of the song “Too Young,” written by Sidney Lippman, given by kind permission to re-print to the author Waide Riddle.
As Billy Sanders navigates his 18th year, the world around him is a vibrant celebration of youthful exuberance, fast cars, and rock-n-roll. Set in the late 50s, this coming-of-age tale showcases the fantasies of a boy captivated by the era’s icons, most notably Elvis Presley and James Dean. Billy and his friend Jason Blue decide to channel these legendary figures, captivating their hearts with their charisma and charm.
In the summer of ’59, the streets come alive with the sounds of jukeboxes playing classic hits. Each note resonates with memories of countless evenings spent dancing with friends at local hangouts, including a lively gay club where music fills the air. The thrill of dancing to Elvis’s “Hound Dog” captures the era’s essence, inviting everyone to join in the celebration.
The charm of the 50s is further amplified by the budding romance between Billy and his crush, Jason Blue. Their youthful encounters are filled with laughter, flirtation, and innocent affections, highlighting the sweetness and simplicity of young love. As they navigate the challenges of adolescence, the vibrant culture of the 50s serves as the backdrop for their story, reflecting a time when dreams were ripe, and possibilities felt endless. With a happy ever after in sight, Billy’s summer of ’59 remains a nostalgic tribute to an unforgettable coming-of-age journey.
About the Author
*1985 PLAYGIRL MAGAZINE model*
Waide Riddle is a Bradbury, Hemingway, and Andromeda Award-Winning author, poet, filmmaker, and proud SAG-AFTRA member. He is a Literary Global Books Award Winner and Finalist for his literary works “Meet Me At Third And Fairfax!” and “The Little Boy In The Little Red Dress.” His short paperback, “They Crawl On Walls,” is a 2023 Kirkus Book Reviews Pick.
Born in Kingsville, Texas, and raised in Spring Branch, Houston. He now resides in Los Angeles. His poems and short stories are archived at UCLA Library of Special Collections, Simon Wiesenthal Center/Museum of Tolerance, Poets House/NYC, USC ONE Institute, and the Bodleian Library at Oxford University.
As a filmmaker, Mr. Riddle’s short film “Two Men Kissing” premiered at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, Palm Springs ShortFest, Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, and the North Carolina International LGBT Film Festival.
To find out more about Waide Riddle
https://www.instagram.com/waideriddle/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0725779/
