Poet Of The Wrong Generation

Captivating. A book not just to be read, but experienced.
This book takes off in the 90's during a free concert in Central Park with Johnny and his girl Megan, and friend Andy. As Andy wanders off in search of those bootleg t-shirts he comes back with a lovely Brit in tow Jacqui. Johnny is a writer/poet. Even at the concert his notebook and pen in hand taking in all he sees around him and puts it on paper. You know from the start that Megan and Johnny are meant to be.
Megan is from money, her mother Katherine (dare I call her that) a heavy hitting self made PR woman; manipulative and cunning this woman takes no prisoners. There's no love lost between she and Johnny and she does what she does best. Drives a wedge between her daughter and the boy. His betrayal so raw he sits and pens a song about what has happened. He's in college as is his friend Andy, Jacqui is here attending school as well when she gets called home because of her father. When he passes, she remains in England. Andy is devastated. Johnny writes a song.
While in school Johnny meets and older song writer who has returned to school determined to get his degree so he can teach. Howard sees something in Johnny, he helps him along. Helps fine tune his gift meanwhile taking his music to a friend at a music label. Pulling together some old friends, Howard gives Johnny a little studio band and the label falls in love with him. Singer-songwriters in the 90's are long gone. Johnny is one of the rare treasures that don't come along often. At the same time Megan's life changes dramatically as well.
His career takes off in a huge way. A tour. Social obligations. And then there is Megan's mother Katherine, ready to cut this boy off at the knees. For no other reason than because she can. Without defense Johnny retreats to Connecticut where he lives alone, goes back to school learns to play guitar and basically removes himself from life for 5 years.
There are some things that transpire leading Johnny back into the music arena. Jacqui and Andy are married. His friends are firmly rooted in their lives. With the help of a couple of old friends he makes his re-entry into music in a huge way and also with Megan.

There aren't enough good things to say about this book. It's moving, emotional, captivating, the music and songs accompany the book (they'll wreck you) and I couldn't put this one down. Lonny Ostrow is a gifted writer. This book with it's twists and turns, magic and emotion will take you on one of the most wonder filled and painful journeys in life. Honestly I hope this makes the NY Times list. It's uncomplicated simplicity is as complex as one of Johnny's songs. He is the Poet of the Wrong Generation.

**arc from NetGalley and Publisher** in exchange for an honest review.