Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Set in Los Angeles in the early 90s, the novel chronicles the early days of an indie band as they meet, practice, make their first record, and get their first break/big gig. Its also the story of the the flowering love affair between John and Jenny, the two charming if troubled guitarists/singers in the band. John is by day a misanthropic substitute teacher in the zany, sometimes horrific LA Unified School District; Jenny is an mysterious recovering child prodigy. Along the way, the couple and their bandmates make momentous discoveries about themselves and the Hollywood milieu in which they struggle to succeed, a world peopled by narcissistic actors, wannabe screenwriters, pretentious musicians, weirdo fans, crazy neighbors -- and an emu.
The King of Good Intentions was originally to have been published by Henry Rollinss 2.13.61 press in 1999. When Rollins decided henceforth to publish only his own work, Fredrick set the novel aside to focus on his musical and teaching career. Now it will finally make its long overdue debut.
About the Author
John Andrew Fredrick is the principal singer/songwriter for indie rock band The Black Watch, who in their long and illustrious career have so far released 17 albums to considerable underground acclaim. Fredricks first book,
The Knucklehead Chronicles, a short comic novel, was published in 2008. He teaches writing at Santa Monica College.