“It’s Catcher in the Rye if Holden Caulfield were queer, Southern, and listening to Bowie.”
Synopsis
8-Track Boy features an alienated, introspective protagonist grappling with adolescence, identity, and loss. Ryan Woods is critical of societal norms and searches for authenticity in a world he perceives as phony. The story tackles complex themes of identity, sexuality, and loss in a thought-provoking and nuanced way.
Setting
The primary setting is Oak Wood Academy, a prestigious boarding school in rural Tennessee during the late 1970s. The story captures the atmosphere of a changing era, with references to popular music, cultural events, and political upheaval. The school's strict rules and religious emphasis contrast with the students' rebellious behavior and exploration of identity, creating a dynamic and often chaotic environment.
Themes & Motifs
Ryan's mother repeatedly abandons him emotionally and physically, leaving him feeling unwanted and insecure. His relationships are marked by betrayal and shifting loyalties, forcing him to confront the fragility of trust and the complexities of human connection.
Ryan struggles with understanding his sexuality and navigating the complexities of desire amidst a backdrop of societal expectations and religious dogma. His sexual encounters are explorations of self-discovery and the fluidity of desire, challenging conventional notions of identity.
Potential Readers
This story would appeal to readers aged 18 and older, particularly those interested in coming-of-age stories, boarding school dramas, and LGBTQ+ themes. Both male and female readers, especially those with a college education or higher, would connect with Ryan's intellectual curiosity and existential questions. Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives and introspective explorations of identity, sexuality, and loss would appreciate the story's depth and complexity. The nostalgic setting of the late 1970s, with its cultural references and music, would resonate with readers who lived through that era or are interested in its cultural significance. The story's themes of abandonment, betrayal, and self-discovery would appeal to readers who have experienced similar challenges or are interested in exploring these universal themes. While income level and occupation are less relevant, readers interested in literature, psychology, and sociology would appreciate the story's nuanced characters and exploration of human behavior.
Ryan Woods is a precocious boy who comes of age during the late 1970s at an elite private boarding school in rural Tennessee.
LA DAZE (1983–1988) picks up with Ryan in Los Angeles, immersed in the glamour and grit of the film industry. As he navigates the excesses of Hollywood and the raw energy of the underground club scene, Ryan comes into his own—both creatively and personally—finding freedom and clarity as he embraces his identity and comes out during a turbulent, transformative decade.
Work in progress—expected publication in 2028.
In the final installment, Momentary Lapse of Reason (1990–1991), Ryan finds himself in uniform, serving in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division during the Gulf War. Far from the lights of LA or the halls of Oak Wood, he confronts the harsh realities of conflict, mortality, and purpose—forced to reconcile the man he has become with the world he once dreamed of escaping.
Work in progress—expected publication in 2027.
The Ryan Woods Trilogy (1979–1991)
Spanning over a decade of personal transformation and cultural change, this trilogy follows Ryan Woods through three pivotal chapters of his life.