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Juxtapositions from the Good Vibe Lounge: Volume One : The Paradise We Create
Juxtaposition : The act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side, often to compare or contrast or… to create an interesting effect.
Set in Central New Jersey, the Good Vibe Trilogy is a coming-of-age story following the lives of two young people raised in diverse yet dysfunctional environments during the late 1970s. When their lives connect, it impacts the destinies of their friends and family over a forty-year span.
Volume One, The Paradise We Create, introduces Andrew ‘Drew’ Reubens. As a teen, he is a girl-crazy, self-involved kid at the center of a clique of performing arts geeks. One of the many females in his sphere is unfiltered and misunderstood Alyona ‘Yoyo’ Zalenkov, being raised in a rural cult environment with warped family values.
The result of their unlikely relationship is represented in the modern-day events of the story, as Andrew hosts a celebration at his Central Jersey establishment, The Good Vibe Lounge. When the younger generation of his family expresses a desire to understand more about their back story, Andrew pivots, between modern times and 1977, his climactic senior year of High School to weave the story of Drew and Yoyo... and a collection of characterful events and relationships along the way.
With the help of some of his oldest friends, Andrew takes a tour of the often comedic, sometimes tragic.. but all-so-typical journey of adolescents faced with the transition to life as adults in the real world.
The Good Vibe saga is a forty-year history of characters who navigate thru the wonders, challenges, and destiny of human interplay. Along the way, they take on these dynamics, with juxtaposed tales of adolescent frivolity, dysfunctional family, enduring friendship, the depth of romance and sensuous love, criminal behavior, deception, success, failure, the thrill of knowledge, personal progression, and... a good dose of recovering from regrets.
And ultimately seeking to balance 'what might have been' with everything happening at the place where reality meets up with all of it… for a reason.
Set in Central New Jersey, the Good Vibe Trilogy is a coming-of-age story following the lives of two young people raised in diverse yet dysfunctional environments during the late 1970s. When their lives connect, it impacts the destinies of their friends and family over a forty-year span.
Volume One, The Paradise We Create, introduces Andrew ‘Drew’ Reubens. As a teen, he is a girl-crazy, self-involved kid at the center of a clique of performing arts geeks. One of the many females in his sphere is unfiltered and misunderstood Alyona ‘Yoyo’ Zalenkov, being raised in a rural cult environment with warped family values.
The result of their unlikely relationship is represented in the modern-day events of the story, as Andrew hosts a celebration at his Central Jersey establishment, The Good Vibe Lounge. When the younger generation of his family expresses a desire to understand more about their back story, Andrew pivots, between modern times and 1977, his climactic senior year of High School to weave the story of Drew and Yoyo... and a collection of characterful events and relationships along the way.
With the help of some of his oldest friends, Andrew takes a tour of the often comedic, sometimes tragic.. but all-so-typical journey of adolescents faced with the transition to life as adults in the real world.
The Good Vibe saga is a forty-year history of characters who navigate thru the wonders, challenges, and destiny of human interplay. Along the way, they take on these dynamics, with juxtaposed tales of adolescent frivolity, dysfunctional family, enduring friendship, the depth of romance and sensuous love, criminal behavior, deception, success, failure, the thrill of knowledge, personal progression, and... a good dose of recovering from regrets.
And ultimately seeking to balance 'what might have been' with everything happening at the place where reality meets up with all of it… for a reason.
- GenresComing Of Age
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2023
11 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 20, 2024
The year is 2017, fifty-seven-year-old Andrew (Drew) Rubens co-owner of the Good Vibe Lounge, in Central New Jersey, is hosting a celebratory party for his daughter who has graduated with her master’s in social work. Along with his family also in attendance are many of his beloved high school friends.
The author uses this reference point in time (2017) for Drew to reminisce about his youth. Specifically, the retelling of the pivotal year, 1977, his senior year of high school. It’s a story about first love, the power of family, lifelong friendships, loss, bittersweet endings, and new beginnings. There is sadness, parental dysfunction, and loneliness but the author does an excellent job balancing it with love, and good ole’ east coast humor.
My only criticism of the book starts with the bland cover. This is such an excellent book, that I would never have noticed it on the bookshelf due to its muted colors. Also, some of the retrospective stories dragged and shortening them would have made more room for some of the more riveting ones.
I loved so many things about this book. The triggering of my own beloved high school memories and enduring childhood friendships. The walk down memory lane, the seventies were such a wonderful time to be a kid. The blossoming story between Drew and Yoyo as her story is especially impactful.
I loved how the author used a retrospective approach to telling this story forty years later, with Drew surrounded by his dear childhood friends. In 2017, the characters might be adults, but the author reminds us through his writings, that buried beneath all that adultness, are our younger mischievous counterparts still wanting to come out to play.
The author uses this reference point in time (2017) for Drew to reminisce about his youth. Specifically, the retelling of the pivotal year, 1977, his senior year of high school. It’s a story about first love, the power of family, lifelong friendships, loss, bittersweet endings, and new beginnings. There is sadness, parental dysfunction, and loneliness but the author does an excellent job balancing it with love, and good ole’ east coast humor.
My only criticism of the book starts with the bland cover. This is such an excellent book, that I would never have noticed it on the bookshelf due to its muted colors. Also, some of the retrospective stories dragged and shortening them would have made more room for some of the more riveting ones.
I loved so many things about this book. The triggering of my own beloved high school memories and enduring childhood friendships. The walk down memory lane, the seventies were such a wonderful time to be a kid. The blossoming story between Drew and Yoyo as her story is especially impactful.
I loved how the author used a retrospective approach to telling this story forty years later, with Drew surrounded by his dear childhood friends. In 2017, the characters might be adults, but the author reminds us through his writings, that buried beneath all that adultness, are our younger mischievous counterparts still wanting to come out to play.
January 8, 2024
As most of my followers know, the two main genres of books that I find enjoyable are horror and romance. I usually stray from general fiction and definitely from coming of age stories, but after hearing so much about Kaycee Evan’s book, Juxtapositions from the Good Vibe Lounge, and of course speaking with the author himself on many occasions, I finally set my own pre-conceived notions aside, dove in head first with a completely open mind, and am so glad I did.
The story follows the lives of a varying array of friends as they relive their high school years, their accomplishments and struggles in “finding themselves” and everything in between. As you all know, I never offer spoilers (and refuse to start now), but I can genuinely say, that while reading this particular story, despite not living in the decade of the characters’ teenage years, I still saw so many antidotes that I can distinctly remember from my own “childhood”.
Evans character development was astonishing. Throughout each small tale, I found myself living it. I laughed and smiled, old memories of my own youth conjuring in the back of my mind and cried my eyes out at so many moments that I completely lost count.
I never imagined I would have enjoyed a book like this, but from the moment I picked it up, I never wanted to put it down. (I mean, seriously, I had to FORCE myself to go to sleep.)
Without a doubt, Juxtapositions from the Good Vibe Lounge is one that deserves as much attention as possible and I am absolutely looking forward to beginning volume two.
Thank you, Kaycee Evans for sending me on what can only be described as an incredible journey.
The story follows the lives of a varying array of friends as they relive their high school years, their accomplishments and struggles in “finding themselves” and everything in between. As you all know, I never offer spoilers (and refuse to start now), but I can genuinely say, that while reading this particular story, despite not living in the decade of the characters’ teenage years, I still saw so many antidotes that I can distinctly remember from my own “childhood”.
Evans character development was astonishing. Throughout each small tale, I found myself living it. I laughed and smiled, old memories of my own youth conjuring in the back of my mind and cried my eyes out at so many moments that I completely lost count.
I never imagined I would have enjoyed a book like this, but from the moment I picked it up, I never wanted to put it down. (I mean, seriously, I had to FORCE myself to go to sleep.)
Without a doubt, Juxtapositions from the Good Vibe Lounge is one that deserves as much attention as possible and I am absolutely looking forward to beginning volume two.
Thank you, Kaycee Evans for sending me on what can only be described as an incredible journey.
July 13, 2023
Juxtapositions from the Good Vibe Lounge takes readers on an intriguing journey into the lives of Andrew 'Drew' Reubens and Alyona 'Yoyo' Zalenkov, two teenagers from contrasting backgrounds who forge a connection that spans four decades. Set in the late 1970s, this coming-of-age story explores the impact of their meeting on their loved ones and friends.
As an author who recently published my own coming-of-age book, I found the portrayal of teenagers in Juxtapositions… to be refreshingly different yet incredibly relatable. The chemistry between Yo-yo and Drew was palpable right from the start, drawing me deeper into their captivating story.
I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of phrases and references from Peter Pan, a beloved tale close to my heart. The mentions of "Jolly Roger" and "fairy dust" added a touch of magic to the musical-fictional vibe of the narrative.
The writing style of Juxtapositions is reminiscent of an enchanting visit to an antique record shop, filled with classic tunes and a genuine 1970s atmosphere. The author skillfully captures the essence of the era, evoking nostalgia and creating a truly immersive reading experience.
Ultimately, Juxtapositions from the Good Vibe Lounge is a powerful tale of bravery, as its characters face the challenges of the world and embrace the opportunity for life-altering change. I highly recommend this book to those seeking a thought-provoking and beautifully crafted story that resonates long after the final page.
As an author who recently published my own coming-of-age book, I found the portrayal of teenagers in Juxtapositions… to be refreshingly different yet incredibly relatable. The chemistry between Yo-yo and Drew was palpable right from the start, drawing me deeper into their captivating story.
I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of phrases and references from Peter Pan, a beloved tale close to my heart. The mentions of "Jolly Roger" and "fairy dust" added a touch of magic to the musical-fictional vibe of the narrative.
The writing style of Juxtapositions is reminiscent of an enchanting visit to an antique record shop, filled with classic tunes and a genuine 1970s atmosphere. The author skillfully captures the essence of the era, evoking nostalgia and creating a truly immersive reading experience.
Ultimately, Juxtapositions from the Good Vibe Lounge is a powerful tale of bravery, as its characters face the challenges of the world and embrace the opportunity for life-altering change. I highly recommend this book to those seeking a thought-provoking and beautifully crafted story that resonates long after the final page.
January 7, 2025
Beautiful Book That Spans Four Decades
Kaycee Evans’ The Paradise We Create is book one in the Juxtapositions of the Good Vibe Lounge Series. This is a fascinating book that will take you back and forth between 1977 and 2017.
Andrew has a celebration at their lounge. Many friends and family are in attendance. His granddaughter, Tori, decides that she wants to hear of his past with her grandmother, Yoyo. Everyone gathers around as he shares his side of the story. His friends chime in when he overlooks pertinent information. The book bounces between current day and his senior year. We hear the stories of Drew as a senior in high school living his best life. Running around with his friends, dating many girls, and also experiencing life’s challenges as a teen.
Towards the end of the book, Kaycee beautifully relayed how Yoyo had to live her life in despair and what the future held for her. With this said, the last five chapters broke my heart into a million pieces. I’ll have tissues ready when I read the second book in the series.
Kaycee Evans’ The Paradise We Create is book one in the Juxtapositions of the Good Vibe Lounge Series. This is a fascinating book that will take you back and forth between 1977 and 2017.
Andrew has a celebration at their lounge. Many friends and family are in attendance. His granddaughter, Tori, decides that she wants to hear of his past with her grandmother, Yoyo. Everyone gathers around as he shares his side of the story. His friends chime in when he overlooks pertinent information. The book bounces between current day and his senior year. We hear the stories of Drew as a senior in high school living his best life. Running around with his friends, dating many girls, and also experiencing life’s challenges as a teen.
Towards the end of the book, Kaycee beautifully relayed how Yoyo had to live her life in despair and what the future held for her. With this said, the last five chapters broke my heart into a million pieces. I’ll have tissues ready when I read the second book in the series.
July 4, 2023
If Peter Frampton Played Scott Pilgrim…
… with a leading lady of maybe Greta Garbo (but in her youth in the 70s). It takes an outrageous amount of ability as a storyteller to finish a story at it’s start a la maybe the old black-n-white flick “Sunset Boulevard” or Marquez’s “Chronicle of a Death Foretold”, but what happens here leaves you at the edge of your bed, chair, or wherever you read despite being introduced to the couple AS a couple from the beginning. Our guy Drew, like Pilgrim, a “wanna-be lady-killer jerky-jerk” and our lady, Yoyo, if nothing else, prove the improbability of ALL relationships but, without giving up spoilers (& becoming a victim MYSELF of the Russian mob) I can’t explain specifically why this one shouldn’t. I famously hate and DO NOT READ books in serials. Until now.
… with a leading lady of maybe Greta Garbo (but in her youth in the 70s). It takes an outrageous amount of ability as a storyteller to finish a story at it’s start a la maybe the old black-n-white flick “Sunset Boulevard” or Marquez’s “Chronicle of a Death Foretold”, but what happens here leaves you at the edge of your bed, chair, or wherever you read despite being introduced to the couple AS a couple from the beginning. Our guy Drew, like Pilgrim, a “wanna-be lady-killer jerky-jerk” and our lady, Yoyo, if nothing else, prove the improbability of ALL relationships but, without giving up spoilers (& becoming a victim MYSELF of the Russian mob) I can’t explain specifically why this one shouldn’t. I famously hate and DO NOT READ books in serials. Until now.
September 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It was a slow start for me, as the many names and nicknames of characters spans across a 40-year gap in time took me a bit to follow. However, after about thirty pages in I was hooked as the easy and realistic dialogue between a bunch of long-time friends told the story of the adolescent 'player' Drew, and the high school games which inevitably result in his growing up. I liked the imagery and dated colloquialisms which set the stage for a decade long past, and the millennial offspring who help bring the conversation back to the present. I enjoyed finding out who was who in Andrew's world, Evans somehow keeping the secrets you knew throughout the book, right up until the end. I look forward to hearing more of the story in book two!
February 19, 2025
Juxtapositions from the Good Vibe Lounge: Volume One – The Paradise We Create by Kaycee Evans is a captivating read from start to finish. The storyline is engaging, and the characters are well-developed and incredibly believable.
I was especially impressed by the author’s ability to not only keep me intrigued but also craft such compelling and addictive characters. The writing pulls you in, making it hard to put the book down.
The conclusion is well-executed—it sets up the next book perfectly without relying on an over-the-top cliffhanger. Overall, this was a fantastic read. If you're looking for a great story with strong characters and immersive storytelling, I highly recommend this one!
I was especially impressed by the author’s ability to not only keep me intrigued but also craft such compelling and addictive characters. The writing pulls you in, making it hard to put the book down.
The conclusion is well-executed—it sets up the next book perfectly without relying on an over-the-top cliffhanger. Overall, this was a fantastic read. If you're looking for a great story with strong characters and immersive storytelling, I highly recommend this one!
August 22, 2023
Fantastic Storytelling
I really enjoyed the storyline. It kept me engaged from start to finish. I found the characters superbly developed and believable. I’m a newbie to this author’s work, but I will follow and read more of his books. I was impressed with the author’s ability to, not only keep me intrigued, but also with his skills to create such addictive and compelling characters. This story takes me on a journey where I found myself wanting more. If you’re looking for great story, I highly recommend this one!
I really enjoyed the storyline. It kept me engaged from start to finish. I found the characters superbly developed and believable. I’m a newbie to this author’s work, but I will follow and read more of his books. I was impressed with the author’s ability to, not only keep me intrigued, but also with his skills to create such addictive and compelling characters. This story takes me on a journey where I found myself wanting more. If you’re looking for great story, I highly recommend this one!
September 22, 2023
This is a very interesting story of friends who talk about their journey back in the 1970s. I wasn't around in the 1970s, but my father was. So it was a fun trip while talking to my father about what he grew up with. The story connects the events of then with the events in the present day.
The characters are also well developed in a way where I could relate. Also, my father could relate as well since he grew up in those times. This was a fun trip back in history that I wasn't around to enjoy, I'm a 90s baby for reference.
It's a long read but it was one I enjoyed.
The characters are also well developed in a way where I could relate. Also, my father could relate as well since he grew up in those times. This was a fun trip back in history that I wasn't around to enjoy, I'm a 90s baby for reference.
It's a long read but it was one I enjoyed.
September 11, 2023
well done
This is a pretty well written book with some fantastic pros. The pacing is fairly well done but definitely goes on longer than it needs to. That being said, if you are a fan of mammoth books, this one is right up your alley.
The conclusion is great as well because it sets you up for the next book but doesn’t leave you on an absolutely ridiculous cliffhanger. Very well done.
This is a pretty well written book with some fantastic pros. The pacing is fairly well done but definitely goes on longer than it needs to. That being said, if you are a fan of mammoth books, this one is right up your alley.
The conclusion is great as well because it sets you up for the next book but doesn’t leave you on an absolutely ridiculous cliffhanger. Very well done.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews