The Bogus Buzz

by Glen Keough

Flashback to the 1960s and 1970s and faster than you can say In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, accompany Glen Keough as he is drilled by Dominican nuns, enlightened by a hippie father and loved by a grandmother who easily forgave his sins.

In this coming of age memoir, Keough reminisces on a youth spent in Southern California with a band of boys who when freed from the constraints of Catholicism, partook in the forbidden fruits of the era. A time to trade marbles for marijuana and Johnny Western for Led Zeppelin. Such transactions come with a price as his best friend went on an acid trip he never returned from mentally. The author broods on a lost of innocence and how a gracious God could take away a sister so young with cancer.

The Bogus Buzz shares a sensitive maturation process similar to the 1986 movie Stand By Me . It reflects on the coping mechanisms constructed to weather divorce, insecurity and the come hither look of the fish netted blonde two desks down.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 22, 2014

Reviews

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only a serious, major author could re-envision his past and write with such wit, clarity and truth. This book hooks you, carries you and leaves you wanting the sequel.

[Janet Turano · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader of memoirs, I was intrigued by the author’s ability to allow you to feel and see through his lens’ of his early life, which entailed sweet and heartfelt moments and remembrances, to his adult life of pain and scrutiny of himself and his ability to see through the muddy waters of the past, to embark upon a new and remarkable vision of who he really is now. His ability to make you smile and cry is no less remarkable than, Prince of Tides! You won’t be to able to put this memoir down!

[Joy O'Neil McAlister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the author, I too grew up in Redlands California during the 60's, this is what attracted me to the book in the first place. The book is hilarious, sad, disturbing even at times. The author has a fantastic memory and sense of humor. Old songs, TV shows in the background evoke nostalgia. I'd like Mr. Keough to write a sequel.

[Kathleen Limoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fun read of a boy growing up in the 60's and 70's. It will remind you of your youth and the innocence of running around freely as a kid, (describes how we ran around free range kids in those days) learning to fit in at school, our dysfunctional families (frustrating but we loved each other), and all the great music of our era. Great time to grow up.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a funny, sad, beautiful, bruised and at times horrific tale. Thank you for tossing a lit 🔥 match into the darkness that can so often be camouflaged under the ‘loving’ umbrellas of religion and family. Your sister was such a beautiful spirit, along with some of your sweet, if misunderstood, friends. They are surely smiling down on you ♥️

[Patti Schall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sorry the author stopped his memoirs when he did. I wanted to read more. The book could have been better edited. There were several grammatical errors.

[David H · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a journey! A wonderful memoir well penned by Glen Keogh. I'm a lover of memoirs and this one did not let me down. As kid that grew into adulthood in Redlands CA there was much enjoyment that came from knowing many of the places mentioned by the author. I felt so much sorrow at some of the tragedies the author experienced and laughed my a$$ off at some of the inane activities the he (and we) as youngsters engage in. A great ride down the streets of Redlands that ended so quickly I couldn't believe I'd already finished it. Thanks Glen for a great read.