Back Story: Back Boys: Book Two of the American Nomads
By N.L. McLaughlin
I have always been an avid reader of nearly all genres with a particular preference for stories about unremarkable people doing remarkable things. When I was sixteen, I stumbled across a dog-eared copy of On the Road by Jack Kerouac. I remember devouring the book over one weekend, unable to put it down. The story captured my imagination so strongly that as soon as I finished it; I went back to re-read it all over again, only this time, much more slowly.
I was stunned at the portrayal of a time long past, yet oddly similar to my own. The character’s thoughts and emotions were familiar to me. I understood what drove them to be the way they were. This surprised me because prior to reading that book, I was caught up in the stereo-typical mindset of youth, where we believe our generation was the most unique generation to come along. That no one had ever felt or thought the way we were thinking or feeling.
On the Road blew that fantasy out of the water.
The world described within the pages of that book, the characters, their interactions, questions and aspirations—were all similar to ones myself and my friends were experiencing.
Yes, the book ignited a certain sense of wanderlust. But it did so much more. It opened my eyes to other people in a way that no book had ever done before, especially the older generations. I wondered if any of the adults in my life had similar mindsets or adventures when they were young, so I asked—listened—and learned.
My teen years were spent during the 80s, steeped in the Boston hardcore punk scene. The world was unstable. The threat of nuclear war hung heavy in the air, just below the ever-growing hole in the ozone layer that would eventually allow the sun’s rays to kill us all. Anger and confusion were the emotions of the day, sprinkled with a heavy dose of nihilism.
I believe it was those days of raw energy, hopelessness and anger that drove me to seek interactions with older, more experienced people, for no other reason than to see that there was indeed a light at the end of the tunnel. That life moves forward and there is always happiness to be found somewhere.
I suppose one could say this was the period where I discovered my knack for journalism. Asking questions, listening and learning were all things that came naturally to me.
To this day, I will talk with anyone. I love hearing stories of regular people facing obstacles, confronting fears and hardship and emerging triumphant or more insightful for next time. It is in these stories where the truly remarkable comes to light.
So, what was my inspiration for this book series?
Simply put—life. I wanted to write a modern-day book about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I wanted to show the messy, unfiltered side of humanity. I wanted to show what I learned many, many years ago—that there are a billion different ways to live this life. The trick is finding which way works best for you.
Writing a story centered on a group of misfits and outcasts who fed their wanderlust hopping trains was a natural way of delving into an alternative way of life. A way of living that most people will never venture into or even come close to learning about. It was a perfect way to highlight the sheer beauty of nature, to delve deeply into relationships of all sorts and to fall headlong into the darkest corners of our own modern society.
I don’t intend to glorify. I want people to see that things are not black and white, that real life is gray—and to marvel at the sheer beauty of that. My goal is not to create a fictional world, rather it is to hold up a mirror for our real world. I want people to see a little of themselves in all the characters. I want them to feel their fear, anxiety, euphoria and confusion. Most of all, I want them to see the humanity in all people, even the ones they cross the street in order to avoid.
N.L. McLaughlin was born and raised in Massachusetts. After serving in the USMC, she returned home and went to college. Not long after, she moved to California and married. Six kids and multiple moves around the US later, she and her family call Texas home.
Her latest book is the YA fiction, Lost Boys: Book Two of the American Nomads.
You can visit her website at www.NancyLMclaughlin.com or connect with her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Life has returned to normal for the Nomads. Finn and Teague are closer than ever. The bond between River and Cash is evolving into something more, and Zac has his family of misfits. Even Beth has come into her own. No longer a greenie, she is now a full, contributing member of the group. Her internet fame has blossomed beyond anything she could have ever imagined.
Riding the rails from one adventure to another, life is perfect.
Or so it seems…
Recently released from prison, Daniel is on a quest to locate Finn. Thanks to Beth’s videos, he has a trail that will lead him straight to his quarry.
As the miles scroll by, the distance between Daniel and Finn shortens, bringing them closer to an ultimate confrontation.
Who will survive when their paths collide?
Book Information
Release Date: March 29, 2021 (e-book)
Publisher: Twisted Sky, LLC.
Soft Cover: ISBN: 978-1736705940; 314 pages; $13.99; E-Book, $3.99
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JDKJ2k
Signed Copies – www.nancylmclaughlin.com
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