Literally hundreds of non-fiction books have been written about The Beatles and about the man who formed The Beatles, John Lennon. And quite a few fictional books about Lennon have been created to amuse fans. But Jude Southerland Kessler's Shoulda been there is the first book ever to tell the Lennon saga with carefully researched footnotes and detailed, informational endnotes, while using a fiction format to keep the reader turning the page. Researched for over 20 years with 7 trips to Liverpool and countless interviews with John Lennon's friends, early band members, first manager, and club d.j.'s, Shoulda been there traces Lennon's life from 1940 to December 1961 (when The Beatles signed with Brian Epstein). But it is not just a story about the birth of a band. It is the tale of a lost child whose parents, for one reason or another, pushed him aside for other pursuits. It is the story of all children for whom someone "shoulda been there."
All of the scholarly, non-fiction ingredients are present in Shoulda been there: an encyclopedia of real characters complete with bios of each, an index and thorough bibliography,and a glossary of Scouse (Liverpool) terms. Yet the book is a riveting novel. Although it is 795 pages, it is written in short vignettes that can be digested quickly. It is, as David Haber of whatgoeson.com wrote, "something special." Bill Harry called Kessler's unique approach of weaving data into a compelling story "factional." Jude Kessler has written for the Kansas City Beatlefan newsletter and has addressed schools, clubs, and conventions across the United States on The Beatles. She received her master's degree in English from the University of Maryland and taught composition at Troy State University, Alabama. Writing for Louisiana Life magazine and for various newspapers in the 30 cities in which she has lived, Kessler also found time to publish a book of children's poetry.
Shoulda been there is available for $29.95 (plus shipping and handling) by visiting the ordering page here or by calling 334-333-5854.
