Lost in the Summer of '69: A Novel

by Eliza Knight

Three generations of women, an unforgettable summer of music, and the epic cross-country road trip they'll never forget.

Summer, 1969: Eleanor Bell doesn't have anything to lose. According to the doctors, she might not remember how to sing or play guitar soon, so why not head west now? Why not join the music festivals sweeping the country and lose herself in the music again, in a swan song of her own? 

Except she forgets, maybe on purpose, to tell anyone where she's going. When her daughter, Leanne, discovers her mother missing, she enlists the help of her own daughter, Nora, to help her find Eleanor. The last thing Nora wants to do before starting as one of Yale's first female undergrads is hit the road. But then Nora hears something strange on the radio—her grandmother's voice, singing. Nora and Leanne hop in their Chevy for a cross-country road trip, always one step behind Eleanor, who has been dubbed the Dame of Rock n' Roll by none other than Johnny Carson. 

Full of nostalgia and awash with the warmth of summer, Lost in the Summer of '69 is an epic celebration of savoring the encore-no matter what the next act may bring. 

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Summer, Summer Reads, Romance, Music, Historical

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2026

About the author

Eliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Escape into history for courageous heroines, irresistible heroes and daring escapades. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Novelists, Inc., the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and a co-host on the History, Books and Wine podcast. Eliza also writes contemporary women's fiction as Michelle Brandon.

While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.

CONFESSIONS OF A GRAMMAR QUEEN out now! LOST IN THE SUMMER OF '69 out June 9, 2026!

For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com

If you love history and want to dive in for some fun, visit Eliza's popular, award-winning blog:
http://historyundressed.com or her history podcast: https://historybooksandwinepodcast.bu...

To connect on social media, visit/follow Eliza at the following:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfi...
Instagram: @ElizaKnightFiction

Reviews

[Lauren W · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 A light, fun, and easy summer read/listen! The story follows three generations of women—a grandmother, mother, and daughter—who are each on their own unique journey to "find" their true, authentic selves. As we are led through a whirlwind music festival tour in the summer of 1969, each family member encounters freeing experiences that allow them to explore their identity, let go of societal expectations, and embrace the freedom to change. It is a lovely celebration of the joy of music and the deep bond shared between these women.





*ALC (thank you, Sourcebooks Audio | Sourcebooks Landmark/NetGalley)

[Ink_Drinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost in the Summer of ’69 is a heartfelt, nostalgia‑drenched story that follows three generations of women on a journey none of them expected. When 69‑year‑old Eleanor takes off to relive the music festivals of her youth, spurred by an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis, she unintentionally sends her daughter Leanne and granddaughter Nora on a cross‑country chase that becomes just as transformative for them as it is for her.

What really stood out to me is Eleanor herself. It’s rare to see an older woman at the center of a novel like this, and I loved it!  Watching a character closer to my own age reclaim joy, take risks, and step back into the spotlight felt refreshing and empowering.

With its blend of family tension, emotional healing, and the vibrant pulse of the late ’60s music scene, this book becomes a warm reminder that reinvention doesn’t have an expiration date. A tender, uplifting read about courage, connection, and choosing to live fully, no matter your age!!

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost in the Summer of ‘69 by Eliza Knight
Historical fiction.
The summer of ‘69 is about to change the lives of many.
Eleanor Bell has received a diagnosis of early Alzheimer’s for her 69th birthday. She knew it was coming. She’s been doing her best to hide her symptoms from her daughter. Realizing it may be her last independent summer, she finds her guitar and travels to a California music festival. Choices back when she was 18 included marriage and not much else. Eleanor is determined to get on the stage at the festival and sing her heart out. Live her dream as long as she can. Or at least until the end of the summer.
Leanne Miler can’t believe her mother took off like that. Leanna and her daughter Nora decide to track down Eleanor and plan their own road trip, following the news of the Dame of Rock n’ Roll. Nora will start at Yale in the fall. One of the first female undergraduate student programs. Eleanor is feeling detached from her long time, hard working husband. The trip may give her some perspective. Nora is planning classes to have a career but she really wants to be an author.
The three woman are at a pivotal point in their lives. Will this trip break them apart or bring them closer?

🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Helen Laser. The performance is wonderfully emotional and engaging. Each of the three women is easily identified throughout the story by their attitudes, emotions and specific voice. This road trip isn’t just a lost person pickup, but a pathway to a new beginning. As Leanna and Nora reconnect, they also learn about each other.
The audiobook brings the characters and their lives to life.

Emotional recovery and connection. I loved the mother and daughter reading iconic books of the times together during their driving quest. And the drop ins of some of the big names in music at the time. Lots of humor as the rain, mud and lack of enough food and parking has an impact even as Eleanor has a few forgetful moments.
So much has changed since ‘69 from technology to rights. Yet family dynamics will always be the source of pain and confusion and love.
Nostalgic and heartfelt.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Audio

[hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big fan of Daisy Jones & The Six, I find myself gravitating towards books surrounding music such as this one. The second aspect of this book that really drew me in was that the story revolves around 3 generations of women. I love a powerful story about women, especially those within the same family. I feel like this book achieved what I was hoping for successfully.

A fun read, and definitely one that would be a perfect summer book. The author did a great job of vividly painting the setting and time period this was meant to be in.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy!

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a story that will transport you back to the late 60's then this is a story you will most definitely want to get your hands on. Not only is this book an exciting adventure but is also deals with the sensitive and heartbreaking topic of Alzheimer's and dementia. However, despite the seriousness of this diagnosis the main character wants to make the best of her situation even though her actions end up worrying her daughter and her granddaughter. I really have to say that I was very hooked from this book from beginning to end. You really have to admire the character Eleanor for trying to make the best of her situation even though it ended up worrying those around her. If you ever wanted to be transported back to the excitement of the late 60's then this is a story you should consider reading.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Lost in the Summer of '69 from start to finish. It might be my favorite of Eliza Knight’s historical fiction titles so far adventuring across the country along with the bands of ‘69. It reminded me of stories of my mom and my grandma shared during that time period. This would be a wonderful book club read!

[cursedb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun and light read, but not a book I expect to remember long after finishing it. It worked well as something enjoyable in the moment, an easy story to pick up and move through without much effort. I especially appreciated the multigenerational aspect and the way family dynamics were woven into the narrative. Those elements gave the book a nice emotional grounding and made the story feel more meaningful than a simple light read. The ending was also satisfying in its own way. It tied things together in a gentle, fitting manner and left me with a positive impression overall.
That said, I don’t think the book was particularly impactful or convincing for me personally. It’s pleasant, readable, and well-intentioned, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.

[herbookcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such an enjoyable read from beginning to end. At first, I had a little trouble keeping track of all the names before the story really got going, but once I settled into the book, it became much easier to remember everyone and their roles in the story.

One of the things I loved most was following three different generations experiencing a shared journey while also having their own individual growth, challenges, emotions, and adventures. Each woman had her own story to tell, which made the book feel rich and layered.

Eleanor's story was especially moving. Despite facing a difficult diagnosis, she continued to express herself and pursue a dream that had been pushed aside because of life's responsibilities. Music was clearly a huge part of who she was, bringing joy not only to herself but also to those lucky enough to hear her perform. I admired her determination to stand up for what she wanted and make the most of her time, even knowing that the future might not be as bright as she hoped.

I became very attached to Leanne because, in many ways, I saw myself in her. At the beginning, she was organized, routine-oriented, and comfortable staying within the boundaries she had created for herself. It was inspiring to watch her truly discover herself and take control of her life, gaining new perspectives not only on her own choices but also on her mother's life and the future she wanted for her daughter.

Nora was incredibly empathetic and selfless from the very beginning. She noticed her mother's worries, cared deeply for her grandmother, and was willing to put aside her own summer plans, even though it was an important summer before starting at Yale. I especially enjoyed seeing her reconnect with her mother after years of tension and distance. I think this experience came into her life at exactly the right time, helping her realize that she didn't have to follow the path society expected of her. That said, with her personality and determination, I believe she would have eventually found her own way regardless.

Overall, I found this story funny, emotional, and incredibly inspiring. It felt like a dream of an adventure, set against a nostalgic late-1960s and early-1970s backdrop that made the journey even more memorable.

[alexa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know why but this really didn’t do it for me. It was cheesy and predictable maybe? Too long and repetitive? Not sure.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story, especially the multigenerational relationship between the grandmother, mother, and daughter. There’s something truly special about a book centered around strong women and the bonds that connect them across generations.
This was such a fun and nostalgic read—after all, who doesn’t love music, road trips, and music festivals, all set against the unforgettable summer of ’69?
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the advance read. This was my first book by Eliza Knight, and I am officially hooked after this one!

[BookWormBecky · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0

*Thank you to Uplit Reads for including me on this tour! Stunning!

Bucket list, possibilities, crossroads…

1969.

When 69yo Eleanor is missing from her Ossining, NY home, daughter Leanne and 18yo granddaughter Nora worry about her. Finding a mention of a Newport, CA music festival at Eleanor’s home - Leanne & Nora take off on a road trip hoping to find Eleanor. This is a reluctant Nora that agrees to this trip. She wanted to spend her last summer before college with her friends.

Mother & daughter take a music festival tour, always just one step behind Eleanor.

Just WHO is this Dame of Rock n Roll (according to Johnny Carson) aka as Mama Lightning that everyone is raving about ?? As the summer festival season rolls on, she becomes more and more popular.

A tale of second chances, self-discovery, mother/daughter bonds, forgiveness, tensions, making changes, and a devastating diagnosis. (And some great music!)

One thing they will learn on this trip - sometimes making “the best of things in life happens when plans are tossed in the wind! “



THOUGHTS:

*Did you ever read a book that you knew 30 pp in, that you would rate it a 5 star read? That happened to me with this book.

*Many humorous tidbits! Ex: Roxy the dog, pay phone mishaps, Grandma playing guitar/singing on the plane.

*Many 1969 references. To name a few: the great music, Ed Sullivan show, Johnny Carson, pay phones, Howard Johnson Motor Lodges, Woodstock & various other music festivals. Are you familiar with any of these? Check out some Santana, Creedence, or Jimi Hendrix music!

*Very vivid, descriptive writing! You can see & hear it all!

*Great realistic characters (well, maybe not Grandma!) A multigenerational read. A theme of reconnecting with the people who matter most.

*Wish the author would slide over to Pittsburgh before or after that July OH event!

*A fun, nostalgic read! Meticulous research! NAILED IT!

[Stacey]

I wanted to like this because the premise sounded right up my alley: women across generations, music festivals in the summer of ‘69, family secrets, nostalgia, road trips. Instead, this felt like historical fiction written through a very modern fantasy lens where realism completely disappeared.

First, the structure was a mess. The book starts oddly and jumps around so quickly that it was hard to settle into the story. On top of that, every woman in the family seemed to have some variation of the same name. Eleanor, Nora, Leanne, Ann…after awhile everyone blurred together.

But honestly, the biggest issue was that none of this felt believable for 1969. I could suspend disbelief a little, but this book wanted me to suspend ALL of it.

A 69 year old woman with early dementia casually hopping on planes alone with a dog, wandering across the country chasing music festivals, and somehow being treated like this legendary wartime music darling just felt absurdly self-important. Then there’s a scene where she pulls out a guitar on a plane and leads passengers in a singalong like we’re in a Disney movie. Flying in 1969 was an EVENT. People dressed up to fly. Nobody was turning commercial flights into acoustic open mic night.

The mother/daughter cross-country road trip also felt completely unrealistic for the time period. I’m supposed to believe a husband just had his secretary make hotel reservations and happily sent his wife and daughter driving across America alone? In 1969? My dad would panic if I did that NOW and he’s in his late 60's, and I'm in my 40's.

Even some of the cultural references felt off. The book seemed to apply modern attitudes and hindsight to the late 60s in ways that constantly pulled me out of the story (*cough* Tina Turner*cough*).

At some point I realized I wasn’t reading an emotional historical fiction novel. I was reading about an increasingly delusional woman with a massively inflated ego while everyone around her acted like she was some folk legend.

This just wasn’t for me at all.

[Kirsten Clason · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

What would you do if your grandmother ran away…to become a rock star? This book kicks off with Eleanor, who is 69 years old in the summer of ‘69. She’s a former musician who has just been diagnosed with early dementia. So instead of slowing down, she decides to runaway and chase her dream of performing music while she still can. When her daughter and granddaughter (Leanne and Nora) realize she’s gone, they decide to set off cross country to find her. While working on their own relationship before Nora goes off to Yale, they keep chasing clues to find Eleanor. As they travel, each woman starts to question the life she’s been living, and who they actually want to be.
I enjoyed the premise of this book and liked hearing about well-known musicians, such as Ike and Tina Turner, Jimi Hendrix, and even a mention of Elvis. It gives a 1969 festival vibes, and the road trip was fun to follow. I did find the theme to be a bit too repetitive, but it was a good summer read, especially if you’re a fan of music from the 60s!

[callistoscalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own.

📖 Book Review 📖 We grew up learning the family history about the time my dad and his older brother drove to Woodstock and had to turn around fifteen miles away because of the epic traffic. But some half-million or so people made history during those three days of Peace & Music.

Eliza Knights serves up the perfect nostalgic read, creating pure humor and heart blended from one epic piece of family history, that would go down as legendary as Jimi Hendrix’s performance on August 18, 1969 in any social setting.

As the story unfolds of how dear great-grandma got lost amidst the sounds and sights of this infamously groovy music festival, the layers of heartbreak and healing across generations resonates in a beautiful, tender, and sweeping summer read.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming intergenerational family story about mothers and daughters, finding yourself at any age, regrets, second chances and more as Elinor grapples with a dementia diagnosis and embarks on a farewell tour singing in music festivals across the country and her daughter and granddaughter chase after her in their own life-changing road trip summer. Moving, emotional and just a feel-good read, this was great on audio and further cements Eliza Knight as a fav author of mine. Perfect for fans of Sarah Goodman Confino. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Music, the late 60s, and a cross-country road trip was a recipe for a cute story. I wanted to know more about Eleanore’s life in music. All in all it was a good read, just a little slow.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book via NetGalley a while back but only started it on holiday recently. It was the perfect lighthearted yet heartwarming read. I really enjoyed the pace of the story and character development and that it wasn't too intense. I've always dreamed of teleporting to Woodstock 1969 so this was a great way to do that. I loved the peppering in of historical elements. It was easy to get through, a page turned and put a smile on my face.

[Tera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book far more than I expected. That seems to be a recurring theme for me lately with books that have a strong music element. Lost in the Summer of ’69 follows three generations of women who begin the summer feeling lost but embark on a journey of self-discovery during one of the most iconic eras in music history. Eliza Knight captivated my heart with all three of these women, and I loved every minute of it.

[Cadence Boudreaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very cute story! A tad long for what it was i felt like it did get repetitive but it was still so much fun . I enjoyed joe a lot (not that the family relations weren’t fun, i just loved their chemistry!)

There’s not much to actually say about this story! i enjoyed it it was cute .

[Footnotes and Footfalls · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

When an aging Eleanor Bell sets off to reclaim a piece of the life she left behind and heads west to follow the summer music festival circuit, her daughter and granddaughter embark on a cross-country journey to find her. Along the way, family secrets, old wounds, and the power of music bring them closer together in this heartfelt celebration of second chances and embracing life’s next chapter.

So many reasons to love this one! Stories about mothers and daughters and multigenerational family sagas are some of my favorite things to read, and this book delivers all of that and more. Add in a cross-country road trip, the vibrant 1960s music festival scene, and the backdrop of the women’s liberation movement, and it was impossible for me to resist.

Lighthearted, fun, and full of heart, this novel does a wonderful job of immersing readers in a pivotal moment in history while exploring the expectations placed on women and the complicated, often messy relationships between mothers and daughters. The music, the nostalgia, and the summer setting brought the era to life.

I became so invested in these women and their stories that I didn’t want the road trip or the summer to end. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters when I turned the last page, so I especially appreciated the epilogue. I’m always a fan of getting one more glimpse into the lives of characters I’ve grown attached to. 🎶☀️🚗✨

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I inhaled this book faster than concert attendees Inhaled special brownies in the book.
Eleanor is losing her spirit and more so in a whim she grabs one last chance to rediscover her spirits. I like how Mama Lightning’s path crossed with some of the musical greats.
Leanne is the epitome of the perfect Pearl wearing buttoned up housewife but the cross country road trip is life altering for her. She rediscovers herself and the fact that she wants to be in charge in her life instead of just being along for the ride.
Nora is on the cusp of womanhood and figuring out who and what she wants to be. It’s an eye opening trip for her as she witnesses her mother and grandmother in ways she had never encountered.
It’s a great read about a cross generational experience backlit against the musical festivals of 1969 and music that forged a legacy all its own!
Thanks NetGalley, Tall Poppy Authors, Sourcebooks Landmark, Eliza Knight, and Uplitreads for both digital and physical copies.

[Dulce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: 4.5 stars

I fell in love with Eliza’s writing style after reading the Confessions of a Grammar Queen, so as soon as I saw a new book of hers coming out, I knew I had to read it.

This is a historical fiction book set in the summer of 69 (as the title says). It is a multigenerational story with a side of music. It focuses on mother-daughter relationships, women’s roles in society, and self love. 

This is a heartfelt and funny story. I read this soon after my daughter turned 15 and my heart was not ready for it. It filled me with so many warm and nostalgic emotions I didn’t know I was going to feel. It was such a wonderful book I devoured it in less than 24 hours, and I already pre-ordered the paperback.

The narration was phenomenal! Helen Laser brought each character to life, giving them personality that it was so easy to get lost in the story. 

I highly recommend it. It is a perfect summer read! 

[Sheri Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, thank you Eliza Knight, Lost in the Summer of 69 was a book that took me back to my childhood in music. This book was a tale of a rock n roll grandmother or was it a tale of a family finding itself again and its dreams. The journey of the Grand dame as she took her adventure with her hairless pup, a daughter, and a granddaughter chasing het across the states you be the judge and enjoy the music and the joys and the memories made along the way, the reading of two classic books, read the book to find out what they read!!!! This book made me think of my Mommy and how I appreciated her love of Sly and the Family Stone, how our car rides anywhere and our 8 track tape playing and us singing along at the top of our lungs, we were the lives of everyday people...thank you Mommy for the love of reading...

[Ania · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story, a mother and daughter set off on a road trip to find Grandma. Along the way, they attend multiple music festivals and discover what they truly want out of life.

I loved the relationships in this story and the way the journey affected each character. There is plenty of tension, but also moments of growth, connection, and emotional healing. It is an uplifting story about courage, self-discovery, and choosing to live life to the fullest, no matter your age.

Another amazing audiobook performance by Helen Laser! As always, she kept me fully engaged and elevated the story to another level.

[Samantha Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy of this novel.

Such a cute, heartwarming story about three generations of women rediscovering themselves outside of societal expectations. This book is girlhood in written format, complete with a cute dog to go with it all. If you love cozy stories that remind you to be yourself, this one is for you.

[Gigi Ropp · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful premise, but overall a letdown, Lost in the Summer of ‘69 missed the mark. I didn’t feel connected to the moment in time which is a huge part of enjoyable historical fiction. The writing was fun, but repetitive and long-winded at times. The themes were touching, but a bit overdone. Just not a win.

[Chris Worthington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three generations of women travel the country going from music festival to music festival. Eleanor, diagnosed with early on-set dementia, is chasing her dreams one last time. Her worried daughter, Leanne, is trying hard both to find her mother and to connect with her daughter, Nora, before she leaves for college. And Nora is just trying to figure out her adulthood.

Eliza Knight found a new scenario to tell a familiar tale of women finding themselves and each other.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“Lost in the Summer of ’69” is by Eliza Knight. This book, on the surface, should have been one that I wanted to cozy up with late at night. It’s a road trip - over the summer. It’s a generational story. The Publisher’s blurb references Daisy Jones and the Six, one of my favorite books of this decade … so why wasn’t this book all that I hoped it would be? In some ways it was … fine. Eleanor Bell receives a health diagnosis that doesn’t sit well with her, so in literally a “if not now, then when - and why not now?” Type of moment, she decides to go across the country and attend a pop/rock concert in California. Hey, I’m all for doing this - after all, at the age of 69, “if not now, when” plays a huge part in some decision making. I was even okay with Eleanor not telling anyone she was going … I was even okay with “grandma” rocking out to music of a much younger generation (my own parent is a hard rock fan - and coming upon the age of 85). And I’m even okay with a “what the heck” attitude in doing an open mic event and killing it so wonderfully. I even was okay with the people she ended up crossing the country with caring for her and grounding her. In some ways, for me, focusing just on Eleanor’s story might have made this story feel MORE like Daisy Jones …

But we also have Eleanor’s daughter and grand-daughter, whose relationship needs some working on. Apparently a cross-country trip (and re-crossing the country trying to catch up to grandma) gives people time to ruminate on things, ask questions of each other, and read current fiction novels during the drive - and also build on fixing the relationship. Yes … but their stories felt so much more like “Women’s Fiction” than what could have been developed for Eleanor’s story that it didn’t quite work for me.

However, I can really really really see a number of book clubs enjoying discussing this book - there’s lots of good things to discuss (and there are Reader’s Questions in the back). My one huge nit is that Ms. Knight does research - but there were so many minor things in the historical part that had me questioning the internet to check my own sanity (there was an Atlanta Pop event - but, sadly, Jimi Hendrix was there in 1970, not 1969 - but he was at the Denver Pop event in 1969). It felt, at times, that Ms. Knight either doesn’t recall the 1960s or didn’t consult the internet (quite often smaller cities didn’t air TV shows on past midnight - and a two year old movie wouldn’t be shown on national TV). Overall, this wasn’t quite the book I hoped it would be - the cover is cute and the summary was promising - but I can see others really liking it a lot.

[Michelle Mallette · Rating 4 out of 5]

NetGalley digital ARC provided in exchange for my honest review
In this intergenerational novel, author Knight draws on extensive research to recreate a time of peace and love, women’s rights, explosive politics, musical geniuses, and road trips. Lots of road trips. The book opens in 2019, when Nora is caught between her whining granddaughter and unyielding daughter, squabbling over attendance at the planned Woodstock Reunion. Refusing to take sides, the spat reminds Nora of the Summer of ’69, when she was just 18 years old and joined her mother Leanne on a hunt for Eleanor, Nora’s missing grandmother. Born in 1900, Eleanor is turning 69, and has just learned she has early onset dementia. She is terrified of what the future holds – the loss of her memories, giving up her home and beloved hairless dog Roxy, and forgetting how to play the guitar. Once the 1920s’ Belle of Wartime Music, she gave up a promising career in music and opted for the safety of a marriage and family. But it stifled her, and knowing her time is running out, Eleanor ditches her birthday party and heads to California and the Newport Pop Music Festival. Impulsively, she signs up for an open-mic slot, instantly gains notoriety, and finds herself on a whirlwind festival tour. Not knowing about any of this, Nora and Leeanne are deeply concerned when they find the house empty, the car gone, and only a dementia diagnosis sheet and a note naming a California motel as clues to Eleanor’s whereabouts. As the three women travel the country, each is seeking something – Eleanor, a last chance to live the dream she gave up; Leeanne, reconnection with the self she tightly buttoned up to conform with 1950s and 60s housewife expectations; and Nora, the courage to figure out who she wants to be and what paths she will take. Nora, by the way, is a bright spark – she is among the very first group of women to be admitted as undergraduates at Yale. That’s the type of detail that helped this novel sparkle for me. I liked all three characters immensely, but the book is not without its flaws. It feels like an homage to white privilege – driving a convertible Lincoln Continental, no money worries, nearly 20,000 kms of driving over two months, and no safety issues other than a flat tire. There are also too many coincidences and the repetitive storyline is stretched a bit thin, though I still enjoyed it. I suspect this will appeal mostly to music fans and boomers who actually remember coming of age that summer. I give it somewhere close to four stars. My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the advance reading copy provided digitally through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
More discussion and reviews of this novel: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading a lot of books recently that are set in the 1960s and so far, this is my favorite. It was great to see all three women – grandma, mom and daughter grow throughout the novel and find out that they were stronger and braver than they had ever believed. Plus, they all had an unbelievable adventure during that magical summer when music festivals were being held all over the country.

Eleanor is a 69-year-old widow who has just found out that she has the beginning of Alzheimer’s that will only get worse over time. Eleanor has always been a free spirit but she gave up her music career back in the 40s when she got married and decided to be a good wife and mother. When she reads about a music festival in California, she decides to go to the festival and maybe get a chance to sing one more time. When her singing voice draws the attention of a rock star, she gets the chance to live her bucket list and attend music festivals all over the country.

Eleanor’s daughter Leanne is a real buttoned up woman whose main goal in life was to be the perfect daughter, mother and wife. When she realizes that her mother is missing, she is so worried that she decides to take a road trip to find her. Following some clues that she found at her mother’s house, she finds out about the Alzheimer’s as well as finding out that her mother has gone to California. Eleanor is also depressed because she’s about to be an empty nester when her daughter Nora heads to Yale in the first year that women were accepted at that prestigious college. Leanne asks her daughter to help her find Eleanor and off they go to California. The road trip eventually takes them from California to Denver, Seattle, back to New York, and then New Orleans and ends at Woodstock. They hear about Eleanor – who is now referred to as the Dame of Rock and Roll but she always stays one step ahead of her daughter and granddaughter. As the trip continues, Eleanor’s dementia is getting worse, Leanne is beginning to question the structure that she has built into her life and marriage and Nora and her mom are becoming closer. Nora also meets a young man and falls in love for the first time as she begins to realize that her mom and grandma had both been young and had hopes and dreams to follow just like she does.

I really enjoyed this book – it’s got three smart and brave women on a road trip. It’s full of quirky characters and interesting adventures plus there are a lot of music references as well as references to music stars in the 60s. It’s an awesome book that reminds us that it’s possible to dream and change no matter what your age.