SANTA CRUZ, Calif., July 31, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Life sometimes presents its opportunities in the most unlikely times, but most often than not, it's usually the most perfect time that these opportunities knock on one's door. This is what author Gary Owen echoes in his story, That Sweet Money Tune, which is a lighthearted and humorous semi-fiction that's woven based on his family history and his personal experiences.
That Sweet Money Tune is an amusing account of a young man's coming home from the Army and his struggle to find himself. It is mostly based on two separate periods of the author's life. The heart of the book details the fascinating Beach Street beer bar and after hour restaurant episodes that took place during 1958-1961, and the other part chronicles the sailing incidences he had during 1964-1968. Immerse into the young man's life as he pursues towards his ultimate goal. At first, he wishes to return to college after his military duty, but for one reason or another, he finds himself constantly being sidetracked. After a brief halfhearted, and for all the wrong reasons stint working at the post office, he finds himself the owner of a Beach Street beer bar and after-hours restaurant. He befriends a prominent blues singer, Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton, who gets attracted to the young man because of his open-faced honesty and his obvious need for a mentor. With the help of Willie Mae, his little business becomes a raging success.
Follow this young man's journey as he takes you to hours of sailing in Monterey Bay, as he introduces you to his good friends and his love interest, and as he discovers a mysterious twelve-carat diamond. Order a copy now through Xlibris.com.
About the Author
Gary D. Owen's family fell in love with and moved to the little beach community of Santa Cruz in 1944. He completed his basic education as a product of the local school system and graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1955. After high school, he attended college in San Jose. Eventually, he entered the field of procurement where he worked as a Buyer and then, Purchasing Manager for thirty-six years. In order to satisfy his two-year active duty military obligation, he entered the army in 1956 and attended Food Service School at Fort Ord, California. After graduation, he was assigned to an eighteen-month tour of duty in Korea as a member of the First Cavalry Division located on the DMZ. Upon returning home, his intention was to re-enter college the following September. In the meantime, in order to not become obligated to a full-time situation, he found himself working as a bartender at a local Beach Street beer bar and after-hours restaurant. As life would have it, opportunity knocked and by pure chance he soon found himself as the owner of the business, lock, stock, and barrel. His relationship with the establishment lasted for two and one-half years and is the background for this book. The name of the establishment was the Stein Club. Keep in mind that even though this book is fictional, or as they say, "Creative Non-fictional," for the most part all of the episodes actually occurred. The story is told through the eyes of a somewhat naive twenty-two year old young man who was trying desperately to keep an even keel in life while at the same time being surrounded by a number of questionable but lovable characters.
That Sweet Money Tune * by Gary D. Owen
Publication Date: February 25, 2008
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 380 pages; 978-1-4363-0331-6
Cloth Hardback; $29.99; 380 pages; 978-1-4363-0332-3
To request a complimentary paperback review copy, contact the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7479. Tear sheets may be sent by regular or electronic mail to Marketing Services. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x.7876. Xlibris books can be purchased at Xlibris bookstore. For more information, contact Xlibris at (888) 795-4274 or on the web at www.Xlibris.com.