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Last Night's Heroes
by Guy Thomas Breen
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Overview


"Last Night's Heroes" takes you on a captivating journey back to Brooklyn in the scorching summer of 1979. Follow the gripping tale of a young man grappling with a friend's grave illness and his own reluctance to leave his beloved borough. In a world where punk rock, disco, and rock music dominate the airwaves, delve into the lives of eight young men facing an array of challenges as the 70s come to a close. As the night unfolds, each character is put to the test, leading to an unforgettable climax at the legendary Max's Kansas City. From the streets of Williamsburg to iconic venues like CBCG's, Danceteria, and the Mudd Club, immerse yourself in the music and the adventures of these characters as they navigate the spectral landscape of 1970s New York City. For those who grew up in Williamsburg in the 60s and 70s, "Last Night's Heroes" offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane—a time when families gathered for dinner, cars were washed on Saturday mornings, and neighbors chatted on stoops during sultry summer nights. And for newcomers to the neighborhood, discover the essence of your new home through the familiar Williamsburg streets and venues depicted in the book. This compelling narrative is enriched with vibrant characters, authentic dialogue reminiscent of Thomas Wolfe, and unexpected plot twists that will keep you engrossed until the very end. "Last Night's Heroes" is a literary time machine that transports you to a bygone era, offering a vivid and immersive experience of 1970s Brooklyn.
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Description


"Last Night's Heroes" is a captivating journey into the life of Gary De Giose, a budding radio disk jockey in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, whose world is shaken when he receives the devastating news of his mentor and friend Matt's passing back in their hometown of Brooklyn, New York. Overwhelmed with guilt for missing Matt's funeral, Gary embarks on a poignant pilgrimage to visit his friend's final resting place, igniting a profound reflection on his own life's direction. Set against the backdrop of a sweltering August night in 1979, the narrative unfolds as Gary retraces the last night he spent with Matt, leading to a chain of wild and dramatic escapades that forever alter the course of their lives. In the heart of working-class Williamsburg, Brooklyn, you'll meet a vibrant cast of characters. Anthony, the man at a crossroads, and the contrasting cousins, Billy and Mario, whose unshakable loyalty defines their bonds. Lenny's uproarious antics with his date for the evening, Johnny and Eddie's roles in the unfolding events, and Joe's contemplation of marriage to Lena all contribute to the rich tapestry of their interconnected lives. As Gary navigates the changing landscape of his beloved hometown, transitioning from the carefree days of the 60s to the evolving 70s, readers witness the evolution of friendships, self-discovery, and the challenge of adapting to a shifting era. Each character's strengths, flaws, and motivations come to the forefront, painting a vivid portrait of their individual journeys. "Last Night's Heroes" is a time machine that transports you to a bygone Brooklyn, where street games, enduring friendships, and self-exploration intertwine. Sit down at Sid's Luncheonette with an egg cream before rocking out at the iconic Max's Kansas City, the preeminent Punk Rock Club of New York City. Beyond the personal stories, the book also delves into the gritty reality of Williamsburg during the 70s, when New York City grappled with financial woes, urban decay, racial tensions, and rising crime rates. The narratives of these relatable characters ultimately converge into an unforgettable night of self-discovery, the cementing of camaraderie, and a senseless tragedy that forever alters their lives. "Last Night's Heroes" is a literary tour de force that captures the essence of an era and the timeless human experience of growth, friendship, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Read more

About the author


Guy Breen, known as "The Ghost," is a multi-talented creator whose presence reverberates across the digital soundscapes of Soundcloud.com. With a diverse portfolio, Guy is an accomplished author with a published body of work featured in renowned publications such as Brooklyn Bridge Magazine, Army Times, and The Christian Science Monitor. His literary prowess extends to the anthology "Writing for a Lifetime: Contemporary Readings from Popular Sources," where he contributes a compelling essay. In addition to his written achievements, Guy has lent his voice to the world of sports broadcasting, covering the New York Jets as the charismatic "Guy, the Jets Guy" on WLIE in Long Island, N.Y. With a passion for both the written word and the airwaves, Guy Breen is a versatile creative force making his mark in various artistic domains. You can email him at: Lastnightsheroes2024@yahoo.com
Read more

Book details

Genre:FICTION

Subgenre:Literary

Language:English

Pages:272

eBook ISBN:9798350944075

Paperback ISBN:9798350944068


Overview


"Last Night's Heroes" takes you on a captivating journey back to Brooklyn in the scorching summer of 1979. Follow the gripping tale of a young man grappling with a friend's grave illness and his own reluctance to leave his beloved borough. In a world where punk rock, disco, and rock music dominate the airwaves, delve into the lives of eight young men facing an array of challenges as the 70s come to a close. As the night unfolds, each character is put to the test, leading to an unforgettable climax at the legendary Max's Kansas City. From the streets of Williamsburg to iconic venues like CBCG's, Danceteria, and the Mudd Club, immerse yourself in the music and the adventures of these characters as they navigate the spectral landscape of 1970s New York City. For those who grew up in Williamsburg in the 60s and 70s, "Last Night's Heroes" offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane—a time when families gathered for dinner, cars were washed on Saturday mornings, and neighbors chatted on stoops during sultry summer nights. And for newcomers to the neighborhood, discover the essence of your new home through the familiar Williamsburg streets and venues depicted in the book. This compelling narrative is enriched with vibrant characters, authentic dialogue reminiscent of Thomas Wolfe, and unexpected plot twists that will keep you engrossed until the very end. "Last Night's Heroes" is a literary time machine that transports you to a bygone era, offering a vivid and immersive experience of 1970s Brooklyn.

Read more

Description


"Last Night's Heroes" is a captivating journey into the life of Gary De Giose, a budding radio disk jockey in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, whose world is shaken when he receives the devastating news of his mentor and friend Matt's passing back in their hometown of Brooklyn, New York. Overwhelmed with guilt for missing Matt's funeral, Gary embarks on a poignant pilgrimage to visit his friend's final resting place, igniting a profound reflection on his own life's direction. Set against the backdrop of a sweltering August night in 1979, the narrative unfolds as Gary retraces the last night he spent with Matt, leading to a chain of wild and dramatic escapades that forever alter the course of their lives. In the heart of working-class Williamsburg, Brooklyn, you'll meet a vibrant cast of characters. Anthony, the man at a crossroads, and the contrasting cousins, Billy and Mario, whose unshakable loyalty defines their bonds. Lenny's uproarious antics with his date for the evening, Johnny and Eddie's roles in the unfolding events, and Joe's contemplation of marriage to Lena all contribute to the rich tapestry of their interconnected lives. As Gary navigates the changing landscape of his beloved hometown, transitioning from the carefree days of the 60s to the evolving 70s, readers witness the evolution of friendships, self-discovery, and the challenge of adapting to a shifting era. Each character's strengths, flaws, and motivations come to the forefront, painting a vivid portrait of their individual journeys. "Last Night's Heroes" is a time machine that transports you to a bygone Brooklyn, where street games, enduring friendships, and self-exploration intertwine. Sit down at Sid's Luncheonette with an egg cream before rocking out at the iconic Max's Kansas City, the preeminent Punk Rock Club of New York City. Beyond the personal stories, the book also delves into the gritty reality of Williamsburg during the 70s, when New York City grappled with financial woes, urban decay, racial tensions, and rising crime rates. The narratives of these relatable characters ultimately converge into an unforgettable night of self-discovery, the cementing of camaraderie, and a senseless tragedy that forever alters their lives. "Last Night's Heroes" is a literary tour de force that captures the essence of an era and the timeless human experience of growth, friendship, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Read more

About the author


Guy Breen, known as "The Ghost," is a multi-talented creator whose presence reverberates across the digital soundscapes of Soundcloud.com. With a diverse portfolio, Guy is an accomplished author with a published body of work featured in renowned publications such as Brooklyn Bridge Magazine, Army Times, and The Christian Science Monitor. His literary prowess extends to the anthology "Writing for a Lifetime: Contemporary Readings from Popular Sources," where he contributes a compelling essay. In addition to his written achievements, Guy has lent his voice to the world of sports broadcasting, covering the New York Jets as the charismatic "Guy, the Jets Guy" on WLIE in Long Island, N.Y. With a passion for both the written word and the airwaves, Guy Breen is a versatile creative force making his mark in various artistic domains. You can email him at: Lastnightsheroes2024@yahoo.com
Read more