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October Song: A Memoir of Music and the Journey of Time
In the vinyl era, David W. Berner played rock 'n' roll in a neighborhood garage band. Decades later at the age of 57 he enters a national songwriting contest and quite unexpectedly is named a finalist. But there's more. He's called on to perform the song live at a storied venue for Americana music. Grabbing his old guitar and the love of his life, David hits the road, hoping to live out a musical fantasy he thought had been buried long ago. October Song is a powerful examination of the passage of time, love, the power of music, and the power of dreams.
192 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2017
About the author
David W. Berner
20 books93 followersDavid W. Berner is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author, and teacher. As a writer, he has been the recipient of awards from the prestigious Society of Midland Authors and the Chicago Writers Association. David has more than forty years experience in broadcast journalism as a reporter, anchor, news director, and program director. He regularly contributes to the CBS Radio Network and has contributed to public radio stations around the country, including NPR’s Weekend edition.
David has also performed live literature readings at 2nd Story, Essay Fiesta, Waterline Writers, and Sunday Salon. And regularly conducts workshops on writing and memoir.
David has also performed live literature readings at 2nd Story, Essay Fiesta, Waterline Writers, and Sunday Salon. And regularly conducts workshops on writing and memoir.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 5, 2017
David W. Berner’s October Song strikes all the right chords; the high notes and the low notes of a life’s journey – the losses, the lessons, the loves (both old and new). Composed with tenderness and affection, Berner’s heartfelt and ultimately life-affirming joy ride teaches us that you’re never too old to roll down the window, crank it up and belt it out.
August 8, 2017
Very authentic account of one man's dream left unfilled that will certainly be the impetus for many readers to revisit dreams of their own they have pushed aside...Berner's style is authentic and genuine. He makes me feel the tenderness of times as well as the sorrow of others. I hope there is a follow-up so we can really get to know what happens with his relationship with Leslie!
May 24, 2017
I very much enjoyed reading about David's recent adventure! I struggle a bit when asked to read someone's book, but David's short description had me hooked. I am so glad he contacted me to read and honestly review his memoir. It was such an easy and fun read because David is a really great writer! It helped that I found some things in common with him. Currently we are mid-westerners :) I'm a bit more south, but I enjoy another person who can say bum-fuck! The silliest songs make me emotional too. I also hate to be the passenger in a car. If I'm driving, I am in control and you can bet your bottom dollar I will get us there faster. All of the musical references! "Songs are in out DNA." Well said my friend! My parents raised me right and thank them just like his son did for my knowledge of music. David Bowie quote, Iron and Wine, Head and the Heart AND the Decemberists...need I say more! If you have any sense of adventure, love of music or interested in getting to know artists, I suggest you check out David's story.
July 1, 2017
"October Song: A Memoir of Music and theJourney of Time" by David W. Berner is a poignant memoir of a man reaching for his dreams besides limitations. Beautifully written in candid prose, I was drawn in to finish this book in one sitting, ignoring the world. My feet tapped to the song lyrics, so simply woven into the story from David W. Berner's former experiences. The tears came. My heart soared. Be prepared to be engaged in this gripping tale of success and tender love. As a memoirist, I know a best seller when I see one!
July 12, 2020
A thoughtful and moving reflection on music, love, and the versions of ourselves that we leave behind.
October Song is exactly the kind of memoir that in lesser hands could feel aimless or indulgent But Berner pulls it off masterfully. Every story threads into the greater narrative, and he hits his beats like a natural storyteller, keeping the reader interested and engaged from the first chapter to the quiet yet powerful ending.
October Song is exactly the kind of memoir that in lesser hands could feel aimless or indulgent But Berner pulls it off masterfully. Every story threads into the greater narrative, and he hits his beats like a natural storyteller, keeping the reader interested and engaged from the first chapter to the quiet yet powerful ending.
May 16, 2017
Inspiring! Lightning can strike at any age! No one should tell anyone that they are too old to achieve success.
June 30, 2017
Enjoyable story of it's never too late to live out your dreams.
Bottom line, take a chance and live your best life.
Bottom line, take a chance and live your best life.
July 31, 2017
Lovely journey of a man in love with love, the past, and the promise of a future of even more love.
April 8, 2017
After reading the description of this book, I thought author David Berner found song writing fame and fortune late in life. No, that's not what happened. What happened is he entered a song writing contest, went with other finalists to Virginia to play his song, and found that trip stirred up all sorts of memories, as well as intense thoughts and feelings about creativity. There was no giving up the day job. That was okay with Mr. Berner, though, since he's a level-headed middle-aged man firmly grounded in reality. In this memoir, he looks at the realities of his life and shares them with his readers. He looks back at his childhood, his song writing ambitions, getting married and having two sons, his current girlfriend, how aging has affected his health and outlook on life, etc. He appears to be a sensitive soul, possibly too sensitive for some readers. He talks drugs quite a bit, too, something I could have done without.
The author’s taste in music is diverse, and I was happy to see I recognized many of the songs and bands he talked about. For nothing is more dull and disappointing than reading a book that concentrates on music where you recognize little or none of the author’s favorites. My only major disagreement with what he wrote about music is his statement, early on in the book, that America had a good first album and then “turned lame and sappy”. Au contraire, their first album was good, but so were other albums they did, particularly Hearts and Hat Trick . Moreover, America’s song lyrics appeal to me more than Mr. Berner’s song lyrics, included in this book. His lyrics are too poetic for my tastes. The song he entered in the contest is not one I would listen to more than once. Nevertheless, you don’t have to like the author’s song to like his memoir and self-reflections.
(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.)
The author’s taste in music is diverse, and I was happy to see I recognized many of the songs and bands he talked about. For nothing is more dull and disappointing than reading a book that concentrates on music where you recognize little or none of the author’s favorites. My only major disagreement with what he wrote about music is his statement, early on in the book, that America had a good first album and then “turned lame and sappy”. Au contraire, their first album was good, but so were other albums they did, particularly Hearts and Hat Trick . Moreover, America’s song lyrics appeal to me more than Mr. Berner’s song lyrics, included in this book. His lyrics are too poetic for my tastes. The song he entered in the contest is not one I would listen to more than once. Nevertheless, you don’t have to like the author’s song to like his memoir and self-reflections.
(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.)
April 16, 2017
This journalist knows how to tell a tale, and share details. It's sure to please anyone who's wishing they could return to a passion from their younger days.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews