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August 9th
Imagine it’s August 9th, 1969. You’re Dan Brewster, an 18 year old UCLA student, with your girlfriend Maggie, in Anaheim, CA, about to witness a rock concert for the ages as Jethro Tull opens for Led Zeppelin. Near the end of Zeppelin’s encore something remarkably unexpected occurs. Twice, for a few seconds each time, a girl in the row in front of you turns around and your eyes magically connect with an intense attraction and breathtaking feeling you’ve never felt before. No words are exchanged and you leave the arena with only her hypnotic image, firmly etched in your mind.
Months pass and, despite being in love with Maggie, you’re obsessed by the ever present image of the girl from the concert. You assume what is probably infatuation, elevated by the euphoria of the evening, will pass with time. Then in March, a series of clues unexpectedly unravel that fortuitously lead you to the girl’s identity.
"Have you ever locked eyes with someone and been overwhelmed by instant attraction?"
"Do you have a “what if question” that haunts you?"
August 9th breaks all preconceived ideas of how a love story should be told. Once you start reading you won’t want to stop and after you finish the last page the story will continue to echo within you. You’ll talk, debate and personalize August 9th because almost everyone can relate to the fundamental theme.
A first time novelist, Stu Schreiber, reveals an understanding of life and love that is extraordinary and comparisons between Nicholas Sparks’ first novel, The Notebook and August 9th are inevitable.
Months pass and, despite being in love with Maggie, you’re obsessed by the ever present image of the girl from the concert. You assume what is probably infatuation, elevated by the euphoria of the evening, will pass with time. Then in March, a series of clues unexpectedly unravel that fortuitously lead you to the girl’s identity.
"Have you ever locked eyes with someone and been overwhelmed by instant attraction?"
"Do you have a “what if question” that haunts you?"
August 9th breaks all preconceived ideas of how a love story should be told. Once you start reading you won’t want to stop and after you finish the last page the story will continue to echo within you. You’ll talk, debate and personalize August 9th because almost everyone can relate to the fundamental theme.
A first time novelist, Stu Schreiber, reveals an understanding of life and love that is extraordinary and comparisons between Nicholas Sparks’ first novel, The Notebook and August 9th are inevitable.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2014
3 people are currently reading
1016 people want to read
About the author
Stu Schreiber
3 books543 followersStu's multifaceted life spans careers as an entrepreneur, CEO, small business owner, Business Coach, spin instructor and racetrack clocker. Every endeavor has fueled his lifelong passion for writing and storytelling. A romantic at heart, who lives in Del Mar, CA, he cherishes friends and memories more than material things and strongly believes there's magic in the human spirit. August 9th, inspired from personal experience over several decades is his first novel. His second novel and first in a series, "January Chronicles: Isaac's Legacy", is a techno, psychological thriller released in July, 2017.
Currently in discussions to turn January Chronicles into a TV series.
Currently in discussions to turn January Chronicles into a TV series.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 6, 2014
The power of the letter
California author Stu Schreiber describes himself as a hopeless romantic, and this surprising debut novel AUGUST 9th proves his sentiments. His professional life has been as an entrepreneur, a CEO of a Public Company, an Insurance Industry executive, a Business Coach, and even a spin instructor and a racetrack clocker - and if that exposure to the populace didn't offer enough food for thought for writing then surely his own personal experiences must be reflected here. Stu's concept of relating a love story is unique - telling a developing love purely from the aspect of the narrator's ongoing letters marking the annual anniversary when he encountered an electricity in the glance and eye engagement of a girl at a concert. One might think this would negate an interaction with the object of his affection, but what happens is the unveiling of a man's life and self-perception and appreciation for the sanctity of emotional response in a world far too cluttered by prescribed paths of life.
Very briefly, on August 9th, 1969 Dan Brewster at age 18 attends a Led Zeppelin concert with his fellow UCLA student girlfriend Maggie, and while at that concert he engages the eyes of a girl and magic happens. Despite being in love with Maggie, Dan obsesses on that visually emotional encounter, discovers later from friends the name of the girl - Tess Davis who attends UCSB - and is able to obtain her address. What follows is a series of letters all written on August 9th from 1970 to 2014 in which Dan shares his joys and his sadness (his wife Maggie's traumatic death, he has a son with autism and the strain that puts on his marriage, etc) until finally his last letter to Tess is from his hospital bed where he is dying from cancer. And then there is a final letter from Tess....an Epilogue that is unforgettable.
In any other author's hands this may seem contrived, by Stu's security in his writing and his concept for relating a love story makes this is a book that not only surveys all the events of the times covered (Vietnam War, social disruptions, crimes, world events) but goes to the core of attraction and just how powerful the chemistry between two vulnerable people can be. This is a book that pleads to be put on the stage as a monologue - that is how powerful the pages are. But taking it simply from the written page as it seeps into the heart of the reader is probably as satisfying to Stu Schreiber, the hopeless romantic. Recommended for your literary edification and for your heart's journey.
California author Stu Schreiber describes himself as a hopeless romantic, and this surprising debut novel AUGUST 9th proves his sentiments. His professional life has been as an entrepreneur, a CEO of a Public Company, an Insurance Industry executive, a Business Coach, and even a spin instructor and a racetrack clocker - and if that exposure to the populace didn't offer enough food for thought for writing then surely his own personal experiences must be reflected here. Stu's concept of relating a love story is unique - telling a developing love purely from the aspect of the narrator's ongoing letters marking the annual anniversary when he encountered an electricity in the glance and eye engagement of a girl at a concert. One might think this would negate an interaction with the object of his affection, but what happens is the unveiling of a man's life and self-perception and appreciation for the sanctity of emotional response in a world far too cluttered by prescribed paths of life.
Very briefly, on August 9th, 1969 Dan Brewster at age 18 attends a Led Zeppelin concert with his fellow UCLA student girlfriend Maggie, and while at that concert he engages the eyes of a girl and magic happens. Despite being in love with Maggie, Dan obsesses on that visually emotional encounter, discovers later from friends the name of the girl - Tess Davis who attends UCSB - and is able to obtain her address. What follows is a series of letters all written on August 9th from 1970 to 2014 in which Dan shares his joys and his sadness (his wife Maggie's traumatic death, he has a son with autism and the strain that puts on his marriage, etc) until finally his last letter to Tess is from his hospital bed where he is dying from cancer. And then there is a final letter from Tess....an Epilogue that is unforgettable.
In any other author's hands this may seem contrived, by Stu's security in his writing and his concept for relating a love story makes this is a book that not only surveys all the events of the times covered (Vietnam War, social disruptions, crimes, world events) but goes to the core of attraction and just how powerful the chemistry between two vulnerable people can be. This is a book that pleads to be put on the stage as a monologue - that is how powerful the pages are. But taking it simply from the written page as it seeps into the heart of the reader is probably as satisfying to Stu Schreiber, the hopeless romantic. Recommended for your literary edification and for your heart's journey.
February 11, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, beautiful and touching!
January 2, 2016
This book is an interesting and for me, a quite an exotic narrative. A life story, of an pretty descent American guy' is told in the form of letters. His letters describe his private life, as well as working tech/business development in the Silicon Valley from the 70's to the present day. Both are pretty smooth sailing, before life hits.
The protagonist says at some point: I talk 'in numbers', and so he does.
The letters are written one per year, and at times they are so short, almost business reports, but credible considering the protagonist is working 80h a week most of his life. And so life whooshes by fast. Probably this was the whole idea, but at times even the sorrows of life are so superficially touched, one wishes a bit more depth.
This book made me think about the difference of the old and the new world, meaning Europe and USA. The letters show an proactive, industrious, straightforward,' no problems-only solutions' kind of man. Europeans are(yes, extreme generalizations!) artsy, slow paced, swimming in their subconscious, taking time in nuances. I'm not judging either better here. The world would be better of with well doing democrats, with big hearts, who asses and tackle problems efficiently?
The letter-idea is not bad at all, but as if all these years the protagonist plays a role, and subconsciously wishes to live otherwise-or is that me, the European, projecting? I found it a bit over romantic, and frankly, creepy. Yes, writing a diary, or to yourself, or to your dead relative, but to a woman who doesn't reply after two years? But then, it is all plausibly wrapped up in the end, well done!
The protagonist says at some point: I talk 'in numbers', and so he does.
The letters are written one per year, and at times they are so short, almost business reports, but credible considering the protagonist is working 80h a week most of his life. And so life whooshes by fast. Probably this was the whole idea, but at times even the sorrows of life are so superficially touched, one wishes a bit more depth.
This book made me think about the difference of the old and the new world, meaning Europe and USA. The letters show an proactive, industrious, straightforward,' no problems-only solutions' kind of man. Europeans are(yes, extreme generalizations!) artsy, slow paced, swimming in their subconscious, taking time in nuances. I'm not judging either better here. The world would be better of with well doing democrats, with big hearts, who asses and tackle problems efficiently?
The letter-idea is not bad at all, but as if all these years the protagonist plays a role, and subconsciously wishes to live otherwise-or is that me, the European, projecting? I found it a bit over romantic, and frankly, creepy. Yes, writing a diary, or to yourself, or to your dead relative, but to a woman who doesn't reply after two years? But then, it is all plausibly wrapped up in the end, well done!
April 12, 2015
I have never read a book like this. It is not the typical love story, although certainly love does drive it forward, but not in the traditional sense. Aside from the content, the actual format, the structure, was truly original and intriguing. I found each year that passed was like a mini time capsule as the headlines resonated with my youth and the growth in technology and America's politics was fascinating to re-live.
The life of Dan and those dear to him was a touching story, I felt connected very quickly and loved the honesty he shared with Tess as the years passed. I couldn't imagine how the tale would end, the romantic in me wanted to see a grand meeting, but Mr. Schreiber writes the perfect ending, bringing a touching close to a long love story.
The writing style was flawless and read just as if I had opened a letter (back when we actually used snail mail) conveying not only heart in a years synopsis, but shows perfectly Dans struggles, his personal growth, his love and character.
I absolutely loved this book, will be thinking on it for some time to come.
The life of Dan and those dear to him was a touching story, I felt connected very quickly and loved the honesty he shared with Tess as the years passed. I couldn't imagine how the tale would end, the romantic in me wanted to see a grand meeting, but Mr. Schreiber writes the perfect ending, bringing a touching close to a long love story.
The writing style was flawless and read just as if I had opened a letter (back when we actually used snail mail) conveying not only heart in a years synopsis, but shows perfectly Dans struggles, his personal growth, his love and character.
I absolutely loved this book, will be thinking on it for some time to come.
January 14, 2015
I downloaded a free sample of this book, but was then so intrigued that I had to buy a copy for my Kindle.
For a fleeting moment at a Led Zeppelin concert on August 9th1969, Dan Brewster sees the girl of his dreams who is sitting a few rows in front and at one point turns around to face him. Her face haunts him and on the anniversary of the concert he decides to write her a letter, having found out where she lives.
I won't spoil the rest of the story for you, but I really enjoyed this original and well-written plot. Highly recommended!
For a fleeting moment at a Led Zeppelin concert on August 9th1969, Dan Brewster sees the girl of his dreams who is sitting a few rows in front and at one point turns around to face him. Her face haunts him and on the anniversary of the concert he decides to write her a letter, having found out where she lives.
I won't spoil the rest of the story for you, but I really enjoyed this original and well-written plot. Highly recommended!
August 24, 2017
Things I liked about the book:
I liked the premise, that this man sees a woman and writes her a letter every year on the same day.
I liked the man writing the letters, he was normal with flaws and redeeming qualities at the same time.
Things I did not like about the book:
While I usually like references to historically significant events in this book it felt like it was trying too hard. He was writing about them while living through them but this was written much more nostalgic and sounded more like reminiscing. It was like Forrest Gump only worse, because Forrest never really understood the historical significance of what he was doing, yet this guy seemed to always know that this or that event was going to be BIG. Not terribly believable.
At the end I didn't think it was sweet that Tess waited until she knew he was dying to get in touch. I thought it was dumb. She liked getting these letters often enough to keep making sure her address what changed but never ever tried to talk to him. Stupid, not romantic. Stupid.
And him....why would you keep writing after that many years with no response, obsessed much?
Anyway, I would definitely read another book by Stu but this will not be on my list of favorites.
I liked the premise, that this man sees a woman and writes her a letter every year on the same day.
I liked the man writing the letters, he was normal with flaws and redeeming qualities at the same time.
Things I did not like about the book:
While I usually like references to historically significant events in this book it felt like it was trying too hard. He was writing about them while living through them but this was written much more nostalgic and sounded more like reminiscing. It was like Forrest Gump only worse, because Forrest never really understood the historical significance of what he was doing, yet this guy seemed to always know that this or that event was going to be BIG. Not terribly believable.
At the end I didn't think it was sweet that Tess waited until she knew he was dying to get in touch. I thought it was dumb. She liked getting these letters often enough to keep making sure her address what changed but never ever tried to talk to him. Stupid, not romantic. Stupid.
And him....why would you keep writing after that many years with no response, obsessed much?
Anyway, I would definitely read another book by Stu but this will not be on my list of favorites.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2015
August 9th
By
Stu Schreiber
Author Stu Schreiber writes an unusual debut novel loosely based on personal experiences. Each chapter is a letter to Tess, from August 9th, 1970 through August 9th, 2014. Daniel never meets Tess, but catches sight of her during a Led Zeppelin rock and roll concert at the Anaheim Convention Center. Their eyes lock, just twice, but something special passes between them and for Daniel, it is an experience that changes his entire life. In a twist of luck or fate, he gets Tess’s address from a girl named Sheila, a friend of Tess’s, who gives Daniel the name of the College Tess attends.
And so each year, on the anniversary of that overpowering experience, Daniel writes one letter to Tess, describing his life, his hopes, his dreams. Maggie, his longtime girlfriend, later his wife, whom he loves and would never cheat on or betray, is Daniel's whole life. Yet Tess is also a part of him, the young woman who seemed to look so deeply into his soul. Throughout the story, his letters are never answered, but Daniel is compelled by the need to write them, hoping that they are read; hoping one day for an answering letter.
In his heart Daniel has a feeling they are being read or as he writes, he just chooses to believe it. As Daniel continues his letters, each one on August 9th, they read similar to a journal spanning the decades of his life. This narrative not only portrays his feelings, mistakes and joys of his life but also relates a wide range of Americana, as the author interweaves current events with Daniel’s own story. Sometimes it seems as if Tess is Daniel’s subconscious mind – the only outlet for his innermost thoughts and feelings. Daniel notes in one letter that he's no longer certain as to who is getting his letters, if anyone, yet he's compelled to write them from the age of 20 and into his later years.
Author Stu Schreiber takes readers through the turbulent 70s with the Vietnam War, the onset of terrorism in Iran, famous rock stars, Watergate, and the Reagan years, right up to the present, working them in naturally with an interesting writing style. He paints a picture of Daniel’s life and times so brilliantly that one feels almost a part of it. This first novel by the author is a quick, fast-paced read which moves steadily to an astounding, unexpected ending. Many readers living through those years with Daniel will have lived through much the same history even as he shares his life's loves, losses, and successes with Tess — once every August 9th.
Micki Peluso, author of . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang
By
Stu Schreiber
Author Stu Schreiber writes an unusual debut novel loosely based on personal experiences. Each chapter is a letter to Tess, from August 9th, 1970 through August 9th, 2014. Daniel never meets Tess, but catches sight of her during a Led Zeppelin rock and roll concert at the Anaheim Convention Center. Their eyes lock, just twice, but something special passes between them and for Daniel, it is an experience that changes his entire life. In a twist of luck or fate, he gets Tess’s address from a girl named Sheila, a friend of Tess’s, who gives Daniel the name of the College Tess attends.
And so each year, on the anniversary of that overpowering experience, Daniel writes one letter to Tess, describing his life, his hopes, his dreams. Maggie, his longtime girlfriend, later his wife, whom he loves and would never cheat on or betray, is Daniel's whole life. Yet Tess is also a part of him, the young woman who seemed to look so deeply into his soul. Throughout the story, his letters are never answered, but Daniel is compelled by the need to write them, hoping that they are read; hoping one day for an answering letter.
In his heart Daniel has a feeling they are being read or as he writes, he just chooses to believe it. As Daniel continues his letters, each one on August 9th, they read similar to a journal spanning the decades of his life. This narrative not only portrays his feelings, mistakes and joys of his life but also relates a wide range of Americana, as the author interweaves current events with Daniel’s own story. Sometimes it seems as if Tess is Daniel’s subconscious mind – the only outlet for his innermost thoughts and feelings. Daniel notes in one letter that he's no longer certain as to who is getting his letters, if anyone, yet he's compelled to write them from the age of 20 and into his later years.
Author Stu Schreiber takes readers through the turbulent 70s with the Vietnam War, the onset of terrorism in Iran, famous rock stars, Watergate, and the Reagan years, right up to the present, working them in naturally with an interesting writing style. He paints a picture of Daniel’s life and times so brilliantly that one feels almost a part of it. This first novel by the author is a quick, fast-paced read which moves steadily to an astounding, unexpected ending. Many readers living through those years with Daniel will have lived through much the same history even as he shares his life's loves, losses, and successes with Tess — once every August 9th.
Micki Peluso, author of . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang
February 15, 2015
OK, so.. this is not my typical type of read. I gave it a shot and I'm glad I did.
While I wasn't sure in the first few chapters, the story and the characters did eventually reel me in and keep me hooked. I don't ever leave books unfinished (it kills me) so I knew I'd finish it, but I honestly wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. (Again, this is only BC its not my usual reading choice).
There's so much in here to identify with- so many of the nuances of life, good and bad, are in this book- and I think anyone reading it could find something they've faced in life before. I think that's part of what make this such a good read.
Also, there's this strange relationship with Dan and Tess. He writes to her, at first it seems born out of some kind of infatuation, but then as the years go by, these letters become like his conscience. I feel like they develop more as a way for Dan to reflect and less about hoping Tess contacts him. What at first seems a little creepy (to me anyway) turns into something really essential for Dan and something quite touching.
The end, of which I won't say much, is just amazing. Its sweet and tearful and just....well...just read the book and you'll see.
It is a relatively quick read, I think 3-4 hours if I remember correctly. And regardless of preferred "type" of book, I think anyone would enjoy this one. Me, I like sci-fi and thrillers, mysteries, some fantasy - this fits none of those genres, but I still found this to be one of the better reads I've found purely by accident.
While I wasn't sure in the first few chapters, the story and the characters did eventually reel me in and keep me hooked. I don't ever leave books unfinished (it kills me) so I knew I'd finish it, but I honestly wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. (Again, this is only BC its not my usual reading choice).
There's so much in here to identify with- so many of the nuances of life, good and bad, are in this book- and I think anyone reading it could find something they've faced in life before. I think that's part of what make this such a good read.
Also, there's this strange relationship with Dan and Tess. He writes to her, at first it seems born out of some kind of infatuation, but then as the years go by, these letters become like his conscience. I feel like they develop more as a way for Dan to reflect and less about hoping Tess contacts him. What at first seems a little creepy (to me anyway) turns into something really essential for Dan and something quite touching.
The end, of which I won't say much, is just amazing. Its sweet and tearful and just....well...just read the book and you'll see.
It is a relatively quick read, I think 3-4 hours if I remember correctly. And regardless of preferred "type" of book, I think anyone would enjoy this one. Me, I like sci-fi and thrillers, mysteries, some fantasy - this fits none of those genres, but I still found this to be one of the better reads I've found purely by accident.
November 8, 2015
August 9th is a different kind of love story.
On August 9th, 1969 at a Led Zeppelin concert Dan's eyes lock on those of an unknown woman for two brief but powerful moments.
Dan is able to learn his mystery woman's identity, Tess, through friends and from there to obtain her address. The story unfolds in an unusual manner, taking the form of letters Dan pens to Tess on the anniversary of those magic moments. Although Dan is in a long-term and happy relationship, and despite the fact Tess does not respond, Dan continues to write to her. The letters develop nicely from the first, somewhat awkward message fueled by infatuation into a journal of Dan's life chronicling his ups and downs, his successes and losses, and the political and social highlights of the time from his perspective. I found the way Mr. Schreiber set the scene to be helpful for those of us who are of a later generation.
I will say nothing of the ending except that Stu Schreiber executed it wonderfully.
I had difficulty reviewing August 9th partially because it is so unique. Regardless of genre preference, this touching story will gently suck you in and keep you turning the page. August 9th is well-written & engaging debut novel, I hope to see more works by Stu Schreiber in the future.
I received a copy of this book free of charge in trade for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions expressed are my own.
On August 9th, 1969 at a Led Zeppelin concert Dan's eyes lock on those of an unknown woman for two brief but powerful moments.
Dan is able to learn his mystery woman's identity, Tess, through friends and from there to obtain her address. The story unfolds in an unusual manner, taking the form of letters Dan pens to Tess on the anniversary of those magic moments. Although Dan is in a long-term and happy relationship, and despite the fact Tess does not respond, Dan continues to write to her. The letters develop nicely from the first, somewhat awkward message fueled by infatuation into a journal of Dan's life chronicling his ups and downs, his successes and losses, and the political and social highlights of the time from his perspective. I found the way Mr. Schreiber set the scene to be helpful for those of us who are of a later generation.
I will say nothing of the ending except that Stu Schreiber executed it wonderfully.
I had difficulty reviewing August 9th partially because it is so unique. Regardless of genre preference, this touching story will gently suck you in and keep you turning the page. August 9th is well-written & engaging debut novel, I hope to see more works by Stu Schreiber in the future.
I received a copy of this book free of charge in trade for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions expressed are my own.
March 16, 2015
I've had trouble deciding what I wanted to say about this book. It's not like anything I've read. I loved the unique story telling style and the gentle way I was drawn into the character's lives. While the book was gentle, the emotions it stirred up were surprising strong at times. The roller coaster events kept the story moving and I struggled with the desire to turn the pages faster in order to know what happened next and needing to slow down as the number of pages left dwindled.
I'm very glad this book was recommended to me. Thank you.
If you're looking for something a little different, then this one won't disappoint you.
I'm very glad this book was recommended to me. Thank you.
If you're looking for something a little different, then this one won't disappoint you.
May 23, 2015
This was a great quick read. As a man in the high tech space, who (hate to show my age) is also a baby boomer, I totally related to the awesome music, current day stroll through history and unique love story with a twist of obsession. Hope this author writes again! 5 Stars!
April 3, 2016
Unusual angle on a love story. Quick read.
January 25, 2016
Amazing book, nothing like I was expecting but loved every page of it!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews