Trippers

Be Here Now - served up with chips and mashers, hard cider and a cast of characters so well drawn as to be etched into my consciousness . . . I am right there with them as these archetypes of Everyman struggle with and search for an understanding of their existence . . . a must read for anyone searching for the sine wave of Life within their own heartbeat . . . and the heartbeat of the Earth . . . this is the gift of a wordsmith to the adventurous - revealing, without guile, inner paths we all would do well to tread - and, anchoring all the visions and tomfoolery, Trippers is shot through and through with a true wonder of this experience we call Life . . . Invigorating . . . not for the timid or fragile sensibility . . . B A C K E D ! Top 'o the heap.

Trippers - A bit more cerebral tone than Kerouac; full of wonderful surprises and insights for me. And I was there. This is ready for the desk of the publisher's editor. Shelved.

G.
Einstein's Road Trip [ I would like to see your take on Einstein if your time allows. Thanks. ]

My God! Do you know what a great writer you are? Brilliant, descriptive, funny, sad, this book has it all, and what a lot of research must have gone into this. I love it. Backed with enormous pleasure. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

Trippers would make not only Kerouac proud, but Hunter S. Thompson, Ken Kesey and Allen Ginsberg, too.

Even Bukowski might not complain.

Quite enjoying this.

Backed.

-g

This is lyrically written, philosophical and funny - quite an unusual combination - and pulled off brilliantly. It comes across as memoir, but not self indulgent. The friendship between the four travellers is convincing and easy, and their dialogue is believable. The writing has a definite rhythm to it, and your digressions are interesting and well done. The fair in chapter 29 comes alive, very visual. This is an appealing book, and is recommended. Ben

You had me at Ten Years After - though Jimi IS the one and only:)

Loved this. Very Bukowski. Nicely done.

Kim
(I'd love to get your opinion on some or all of mine)

Hello,

Just found this book by accident and devoured it.

I usually find prologues a bit boring but yours was great, just the right balance of factoids and post-modern ironic reflection on them. It really established a sense of place before swinging into the story.

Then we swung into the story. It's a very likable central character you present, very emapthetic. You skilfully capture the ennui-laden aspirations of a young adult, putting the reader right there in his noggin.

I'm sure we've all had a best mate we dont like, its an instantly recognisable premise, but I don't think I've ever seen such a dynamic represented in fiction before. You get another tick for that.

Elsewhere, the writing is wonderfully evocative. These pubs that the characters mostly inhabit, I felt like I could smell them and feel the monkey nut shells crunching under my feet.

I've always maintained that the greatest characters in life are not on the screen or in books, but propping up the bar in some boozer, and the colourful array of characters you parade before us validates that theory. Except they are in a book now, of course. So thanks for writing it.

The only criticism I could offer is that there just isn't enough of it here. I was actually halfway through writing this comment when I saw at the foot of the pitch that this has been published (deservedly, might I add) so now I suppose I'll just have to buy it.

Might as well back you too, now I've written this. Shame to come all this way for nothing. Congratulations on your success.

Dave

It’s a small world. A week or so ago, I ‘overheard’ a couple of friends on Facebook talking about ‘Trippers’ and I found it here, doing a search for ‘acid’ or ‘LSD’, in order to find similar books to my own, ‘The Mad Artist’, which is set in very much the same era as ‘Trippers’, plus a couple or three years.

The first thing I got from your extract was a marvellous rush of nostalgia for that period…Ted Heath, decimal currency (it’ll never last, one old bloke told me), and other things that I’d forgotten till you reminded me: ‘Beer At Home Means Davenports’…great stuff. And, of course, the music—‘Black Night’, ‘Ride a White Swan’, All Right Now’, 'Lola’—we’re you an ELP fan by any chance? (lol)

More importantly you capture the precise air of optimism and innocence of the early ’70s, when so-called youth culture was still relatively young itself. You write very lyrically and colourfully, and I can clearly see the influence of Kerouac, who first set me on the writing path, especially in the way you describe characters and their idiosyncrasies and the joyfulness of being young and footloose. I certainly want to know what happens next, and I’m most happy to back ‘Trippers’!

I enjoyed this. You write very well. I particularly liked some of your descriptions (e.g., the psychedelic bazaar), but it moved a bit too slow for me. Today's world, and therefore its literature, moves so fast. The internet, DVRs, 3G networks, etc. Your book claims a time and pace that is hard to stay patient with in my environment and I found myself skipping large sections, but everywhere I landed, I enjoyed the writing. Nonetheless, for me, the book requires a little more action, a little more editing, and a little less self-indulgence. Why would anyone care what the narrator had for his proverbial breakfast? It seems to me these three chapters should be whittled down by 2/3. I suspect my book suffers the same infirmities. Regardless, I think you should lose the italics in the first chapter. The second and third chapters are much easier on the eyes. Likewise, the first letter of each chapter may look nice on the printed page when it's separated from the rest of the word as some printers are apt to do, but it just looks funny on Authonomy. This comment is worth about as much as you paid for it.

RMK

P.S. You have this tagged as literary fiction and non-fiction. How exactly does that work?

You've really enriched this since I last visited. It's so much more . . . of everything it was before, but better . . .
"A tomcat slinks along just ahead of me, gliding and pausing to listen and then floating on once again . . . I decide to put myself into his mind, see through his eyes, share his senses. It is surprisingly easy . . ."
That is what your writing does for me. It brings me right into your POV surprisingly easy as you embark on a journey of discovery, and I see through your eyes, and share your senses. As one who had my own journey during those same amazing times, this is the closest I've come to being able to relive them.

What can I say Bill Booker except that Trippers is a trip and you book.

All best wishes and Happy New Year.

GK Stritch
CBGB Was My High School

Im on an Li150 Debera is playing loudly and im 16 again. Great nostalga bashing happy , sad, momentious. Glad to recomment and star you.

Good Luck

sue
knowing Liam Riley

A nice, individualistic account of characters and journey. Bcked
Lara
Good for Him

TRIPPERS: WILLIAM J. BOOKER

Hi Bill,
This is a rather well qualified read - I found the information quite educational actually wrt. to historical descriptions and the modern perspective combined. Such a candid position you take with revealing the state of the human mind and yet, I would say that this is a story that is wrought with the thirst for adventure of one indelible human spirit.

Shelved and certainly got me thinking positively :)

Hope you get a chance to look at Forgetting Sally - that's part of my story to tell.

Romilla

A delightfully descriptive diorama...alliteratively speaking, of course. Good job.

I was confused by your book cover I almost expect a children’s story but this is defiantly not a children’s story it’s exquisitely crafted and cleverly written. You are high in the ranks of literary geniuses this site reveals now and again good luck.
Amelia x

A Date in the Diary – I do hope you enjoy it

Bill, your book is timely for me as the fmiddle third of my book is also about the late 60s and early 70s. Take a look at you turn if your can. I backed yours on a well written pitch and a good idea. thanks, lynne

Anyone who uses the word 'varlet' to describe the major players on 'Police, Camera, Action' gets my vote. Happily backed. I reckon I might plunge straight in at 'Leicester isn't exactly the arse end of nowhere' - cos that's where I really got caught up with your story. But I wouldn't listen to a word that I say (I, myself, never do - I usually ring Ada and ask her) Best of luck. Ceeds

HELLO WILLIAM ' TRIPPERS'

the pitch is very good, makes one want to read about your journey around England.
it's is written in a lovely easy going style and it's is so funny in fact it is brilliant to say the least
most enjoyable
backed
TOM BYE ' FROM HUGS TO KISSES.
please read some of mine if time and back thanks

Like the dry take-it-or-leave-it opening - it had the desired effect of making me want to investigate further and I am delighted to have done so. Superbly written interesting material.

Be Here Now - served up with chips and mashers, hard cider and a cast of characters so well drawn as to be etched into my consciousness . . . I am right there with them as these archetypes of Everyman struggle with and search for an understanding of their existence . . . a must read for anyone searching for the sine wave of Life within their own heartbeat . . . and the heartbeat of the Earth . . . this is the gift of a wordsmith to the adventurous - revealing, without guile, inner paths we all would do well to tread - and, anchoring all the visions and tomfoolery, Trippers is shot through and through with a true wonder of this experience we call Life . . . Invigorating . . . not for the timid or fragile sensibility . . . B A C K E D ! Top 'o the heap.

Chapter 12 says it all . . .

Bill,
I came to england in 1978 when i was 17 totally get your journey. Well written and voiced with the curiousity of that age at how to begin their own 'story' away from the parentals and their interferring.
Wonderful insight into the 70's in england.
:)
Diane

A labor of love about a generation trying to find it, and a reason for being. Artfully crafted, meticulous detail, building momentum one observation and illumination at a time, in no rush to arrive anywhere but here . . . it's the journey, not the destination, enjoy the ride. So true. I enjoyed this glimpse from across the pond of your ride around the 70's
sc.

Trippers
Backed
Eveleen
(Turning a new leaf)

William J Booker,

I’m ready, so let’s go on the road. “Alas poor Yorick! I knew him…a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.” Yes, Kerouac, a man of high IQ and intelligence.

So Mr. Booker T and the MGs, what have we here? “It’s so elegant. So intelligent.” Kudos, my friend, kudos. Wish I had more time to spend with your SPLENDID Trippers. Naturally, the idiot agents haven’t taken this on? Unbelievable and the shelves are bursting with all kinds of tripe?

Pauper. Servis et humilis.

GK Stritch
CBGB Was My High School

(One of the highlights of my literary career is a signed rejection letter from Sterling Lord. Another is a handwritten rejection letter from Ferlinghetti on City Lights stationery.)

TRIPPERS
Great memories of that era. You paint an evocative picture with your characters, their dress, banter and taste in music. I wonder if some of it could be cut, for example, the description of Leicester - though interesting, it was too long for me. But I'm happy to back it because it's good writing, it's got a sense of place and a has a dose of conflict - a great combination for a good read. If you have time to look at my book, I'd be very grateful. Critical comments welcome!
Best wishes, Adelina
A Distant Family

Although 'before my time' , your book paints a vivid picture. Fun times were had. All I would advise, is that some tightness was kept to the stories/story-line, ie. increase your common tread of the 'personal grail' to tie them all together. Best of luck. BACKED

I would appreciate any comments from my childrens book ; Paperbat Adventures.
Thanks. Jerry [paperbat]

My God! Do you know what a great writer you are? Brilliant, descriptive, funny, sad, this book has it all, and what a lot of research must have gone into this. I love it. Backed with enormous pleasure. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

Your writing is excellent. My only suggestion and totally personal, is that while I loved the history of Leicester, I'm not sure everyone would be so captivated. Could it be sprinkled in - say as a heading for each chapter? Well done. Jayne

Hi Bill

When I read your pitch, I thought, oh god, not another stoned would-be Kerouac, but I was completely wrong. It's not boring at all. You even manage to make Leicester, which is not a town I thought I had any interest in, interesting. You have an extremely engaging voice that is not at all self-indulgent and pretentious, this just comes across as a slice of someone's experience and really brings the period to life. Backed.

Nicole
Chosen

I loved your potted history of Leicester and the subsequent start of your story. Intriguing. Well written and well paced. Good luck with it. Gordon - The Harpist of Madrid

Hi William,
I was 18 in 1971 too. Didn't have anywhere near as much fun as you did! Very nostalgic, common reminiscences, but completely unique. Quite good writing!

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe (MEMORIES OF GLORY)
Here is your chance to get a double backing. My friend, homewriter, and I have similar taste in writing and trust each other's judgment. Back my book and leave it on your bookshelf. Then do the same for his, "The Harpist of Madrid." Once the backings register, he will give you a return backing guaranteed. Just let him know in an email that you've backed my book as well as his. You might have to be a bit patient as we're 6 or 7 time zones apart. But you'll have two backings guaranteed on your excellent book. Of course, comments are always welcome too!

Trippers - A bit more cerebral tone than Kerouac; full of wonderful surprises and insights for me. And I was there. This is ready for the desk of the publisher's editor. Shelved.

G.
Einstein's Road Trip [ I would like to see your take on Einstein if your time allows. Thanks. ]

Loved the title, the cover and the wonderful pitch. I read on to find a most humorous account of one person's journey through life with off beat philosphy thrown in for the more serious readers. Didn't know life's philosphy and humor went so well together unitl I read this. This is also a book that touches on friendship and the surprise that life sometimes throws your way. Nicely writtten.
Backed earlier and with pleasure.
Rakhi (Sir William...)

Great story reflecting on the fashion and music tastes of the young people ot early 70's. Talking about our generation, and there was a nice contrast of how the older more established clientele in one place were accepting the new sounds' Thats rubbish, thats not music' One yelled out' I nearly died in the war.' The Leicester boys are heading south to Weymouth for sun sea and drugs, breaking free from the socialism in the north, to spread socialism in the south. Or perhaps they might disband the class war and just have a holiday. Either way 'Trippers' has my backing because I want to read on, and find out more.
Daniel Manning
No Compatibility

William,

I'm too young to have been there, but I didn't realise that anyone who was actually remembered.

Perhaps there's a market from those who were there, don't remember but would like to be reminded . . .

Tab 2, Kindred Spirits, I enjoyed. It had a strong atmosphere and a genuine feel.

Tab 1, I'm not so sure about. First I don't think you need the italics, but more importantly I don't think you need this section at all--it's simply not going to grab readers: East Midlands towns are not that interesting (I know, I came from one myself).

Really, I'd strongly recommend starting with the--excellent--story and ditching the travel guide.

Backed.

Great story! Very entertaining - but also - the social awareness and caring pours through: (...)if the help and support allows the weak and the poor to retain their freedom, individuality and dignity (...)

Superb writing.

Two thumbs up!

I'm sure this fine work will find a good publisher.

Backed with pleasure.

Johanna Kern
Master and the Green-Eyed Hope

I plunged into the story. The town description in Chapt1 really works for me...not only are you providing the history and situation... I see you sneaking in wit and a certain detachment (that more emphatically color the narration down the stream of chapters).

The description sometimes goes into minutiae...and it doesn't bother me at all (that usually does in many novels)...I'm more minimalist...I enjoyed your page-popping characters and gritty dialogue...the accents are a nice touch...

A very pleasant read, and at times quite funny on screen, and in the memories of my past.

Backed!

Miguel
Absentee Bidder

So very cool

Bloody great stuff...this is archival material and worth its weight in Afghan Gold...I'm lovin' it as that cunt Ronald might say. Hats off to you, sir!
Cheers
Stewart

Dear Bill, I got so excited when I saw that you had backed, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not." :) Thanks so very much. :) Since I have already backed your book, I will put your book on my watchlist. Could you please take a moment to back my completed unedited memoir version, "Tell Me True Love Stories?" I'd be ever so grateful. :) Thank you. :) Love, Susie :)
authonomy quote: "Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs."
Here is the response I received from authonomy concerning backing:
When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved."

TRIPPERS
Beautiful. The introductory chapter about Leicster, a tourist pamphlet-like though, serves the purpose. Readers are then taken on an interesting journey, thorough highways of philosophical reflections and humour-bylanes to end happily on a love-locale. The musing on 'What is life?' is excellent. Already backed.
TMN
"NEVER LOSE..."

One of my favorite periods in history. Your tone is so natural that it draws the reader right in. Backed.

Donna Burgess (Darklands)

It's well written, and not overly nostalgic (at least from what I've dipped into so far.) And, I suspect, as we slowly drift into pensionerhood then these recollections will become our group mind of the times and tribulations that the late 1960s and early 1970s gave us.

Read and enjoyed, backed with pleasure.

Just read the first chapter...and you've got me! '...the arse-end of nowhere' finding this hilarious already...going to have to read the whole book....

Backing now, on complete trust........of what's to come...

A great bit of nostalga it could have been Leicester, Leeds or Brighton same faces same names same fasion all in all a great book to get lost in if its your era. I have seen Clapton, Beck, Hendix, Clemson and Mosses and I loved it all. This is a great little book for those of us wrinklies who have 'Been There'

Sue Mackender

Knowing Liam Riley - hope you like it

My sweet Lord--this takes me back. Of course, I was eleven at the time and couldn't have told you who Alvin Lee was--I was more T.REX. It's lovely nostalgic writing with a real love of the time and place.
Who would have though Leicester could be brought to life by anything, never mind a piece of writing?:)
My only concern about this is the potential market is a little limited, but then I guess you wrote this because you felt you HAD to rather than who might buy it.
I would buy it though-and, if I had the time, I would read it.

Backed

Steve

Trippers would make not only Kerouac proud, but Hunter S. Thompson, Ken Kesey and Allen Ginsberg, too.

Even Bukowski might not complain.

Quite enjoying this.

Backed.

-g

This is lyrically written, philosophical and funny - quite an unusual combination - and pulled off brilliantly. It comes across as memoir, but not self indulgent. The friendship between the four travellers is convincing and easy, and their dialogue is believable. The writing has a definite rhythm to it, and your digressions are interesting and well done. The fair in chapter 29 comes alive, very visual. This is an appealing book, and is recommended. Ben

Hi William
You have a way with words. You've managed to make Leicester sound quite dramatic! I enjoy travelogues and memiors like this, especially with an element of humour. The time period is slightly after my time, but I still enjoyed it thoroughly.
DP Walker
Five Dares

This is a wonderful read, of an age gone by, before the greed set into this world. You have a nice style and the fact that you care about this story really shines through. This is a polished offering.

Backed - Clair - Left Behind

TRIPPERS -------- Some real gems here, like Jake emerging from the age of steam (ch 10) Oofle dust and incipient tripdom (ch 17) Thankfully the very out-there trippy passages are brief and are kept grounded in before and after realities, which makes them amusing for the reader. Very sad moment in ch 33 - the installation of sodium lighting. A curse I have always had to live with. In other countries I 've witnessed more muted lighting, and in a village I stayed in in Egypt once, the locals were outraged by the few white lights that had recently been set up ...Perhaps one day sodium lighting will be implicated in I dont know, MS or some other contemporary disease, and we may escape it. Wouldn't that be nice?

What a wonderful 'voice'! Such an appealing character and spot-on dialogue. Funny and poignant at the same time, this is an expertly told coming-of-age tale. While set in a specific time and place, the themes and emotions are universal and powerful. I envy your descriptive writing. Beautiful.

Dear William --

We're having trouble saying something useful and/or unique to what your other commenters have said here; this is simply a terrific story. Your engaging MC moved us readily through your well-crafted prose, your narrative kept us both amused and engaged, and your descriptive powers are sensational. We were barely alibe in 1971, so we have little sense of the era, but you gave us a fresh perspective on what we had hitherto thought a boring year. Cheers.:)

Happy to back Trippers. -- Delhui, The Long Black Veil