The Mighty Six-Ninety

by Alexander Hamilton Cherin

The Mighty Six-Ninety (690) is a fictionalized account of actual events that transpired in Southern California during the Summer of 1981. A struggling AM radio station buried $50,000 in cash and gave its listeners clues as to its location, one a day, until the money was found. Set against the backdrop of a California landscape very much in flux, the story resonates evenly between desperation, hope, and suburban dissonance.A Holocaust survivor facing eviction, a schoolboy struggling with his identity, a single mother who is on the verge of being exposed for embezzlement, and a speedway daredevil whose bruised body and fragile ego are beyond repair, all find themselves scouring the Southern California landscape for $50,000 in buried cash-the grand prize of a struggling AM radio station's contest. Unknown to each other but bonded by a common desire for redemption, each is a willing participant in a treasure hunt caught between nostalgia and desperation.

"The Summer of $50,000" unfolds against a California landscape very much in flux, both culturally and geographically. Only one contestant will call on a troubled past to help walk away with the money - and the salvation that they hope it will bring.

172 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2024

Reviews

[SueCanaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

About a dozen years ago I discovered blogging, and social media, and as a lifelong reader, realized I had opinions. I also discovered that by growing your presence on socials, publishers find reviewers and are happy to give out books for honest opinions. During this time, I have read and reviewed hundreds of books, been quoted on the back of (new) author's paperbacks, had my words used in marketing campaigns and, frankly, the shine wore off. Book reading started to feel like a job, and I vowed that 2024 would be the year I didn't read to review, but returned to my youth and read only for my own pleasure.

I kid you not, within days of making that promise to myself, a fairly new book marketing company who I have worked with previously, contacted me asking if I'd like to read a new book releasing February 20th. Within days. After reading the blurb, I decided this actually sounded like a book reader Sue (versus bookstagrammer Sue) would read:

"Set against the vibrant tapestry of California's 80s culture, this treasure hunt unfolds during the summer of 1981, hosted by a struggling AM radio station. Based on the real "Summer of $50,000" contest and capturing the spirit of radio contests that defined the era, this novel is more than just a story; it's a time capsule of the 80s, intricately woven onto the pages."

And boy, oh boy, did I make a good decision.

At only 168 pages, this little novel hooked me from the beginning. Short chapters, a tale started at the end in July 1981, and putting the reader smack dab back in the glory days of the 70s and 80s, Alexander Hamilton Cherin crafted characters who embodied innocence, desperation, and hope all while making this child of the 70s and 80s recall life before.

Cherin's narrative features a Holocaust survivor, a single mom, a failing race car driver and a young boy - all desperate, all hopeful. Each was in need of money and a radio station contest with a $50,000 prize seemed to be the answer. I loved how the chapters very quickly told the story. How as a mom I could feel the desperation of my fave character Sally who was only doing her best but was now on the verge of disaster.

What I loved the most, however, was the flood of memories The 690 gifted me. What is the purpose of reading? Everyone would probably have 5-10 different answers to that. For me, in February of 2024 as I near my 6th decade on this planet, the 690s purpose was to make me step away from today and smile as I recalled life before. Radio station contests!!!! Oh my gosh I was right there for it. I could see the beige corded phone on the wall as I dialed it over and over hoping to be caller #9 to win tickets to a concert. Need to know what a foreign word meant in the days before.....ride your bike to the library, use a card catalog or speak to the wizard librarian for the information. There were no immediate Star Trekkian answers to questions. Effort was required. Excitement at discovering things for yourself. Stock car races and friends gathered in front of THE one tv in a house to watch red, white and blue clad Evil Knievel attempt the impossible......Cherin brought this all back to me.

The Mighty Six-Ninety (690) is a well written time capsule and I'm glad for the chance to have opened it.

[Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ... · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mighty Six Ninety by Alexander Hamilton Cherin is only 168 pages, but still allows the reader to immerse themselves into the world, where several people are desperate to win a large cash prize in a contest held by a local radio station. With each clue I found myself more convinced that I was part of the excitement and might be able to find the money before the others. The action introduces us to several characters who are all thinking they can find the money - for some it is their only way out of big problems they created for themselves. The background detail allowed me to care for the characters and I found myself rooting for them. If I couldn't win the prize, I had my favorite about who I hoped would: Sally was a single mom who is about to experience a catastrophe of her own making, even prison. She needs the $50,000 prize to get out of trouble. She is likable and relatable and it is easy to see that she has only gotten into trouble in an effort to parent. I became very attached to her story.

The book is a wonderful tribute to the days of radio contests, and it carried me back to the early 80s.

Thank you to the author for my #gifted copy!

[John Arfwedson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the early 80s an AM radio station buries $50,000 somewhere in the greater LA area and challenges listeners to find it. The clues are about as quirky as the characters, and the characters are delightful: magnetic, real, human! Each of them draws us into their hidden, sometimes desperate struggles and makes us care about who they are and what they need. The story moves fast, all the while evoking vanished worlds rich in detail, beauty and occasional heartbreak. Alexander Cherin knows about loneliness, longing, and how, sometimes, the mysteries of the human heart can lead to happy endings worth believing in.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations to Mr. Cherin for creating and sharing an amazing story full of hope, hardship and human connection rooted in the Southern California culture of the 70’s and 80’s.

Whether you remember AM radio, enjoy pop culture or just like a good book with beautifully sculpted characters who are real and recognizable, you are sure to become a fan of this new, exciting author and his storytelling gift.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed following these supremely well-written characters whose lives focus on an enormous SoCal radio contest in 1981. Cherin includes humor, poignancy and welcome pop culture details that make this summer tale come to vivid life.

4.5 stars.

[Christina McComiskie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read with interesting characters and a wonderful tribute to music radio.

[G Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very cool and engaging piece of nostalgia.