The Memory Songbook

by Douglas Glenn Clark

At 17… Frank didn’t think he had a past.

Then he found himself chasing his forgetful, wandering grandfather into the 1950s, the 1940s, and as far back as the days of gas lamps and folksinger Leadbelly. It was then, confronted with poignant family revelations and one great song, that young Frank began to realize who he really was.

At 50… Frank doesn’t believe he has a future.

Then, on the verge of restoring his singer-songwriter career, he is called home to assist his aging mother who suffers from memory loss and other ailments. Like many baby boomers, he wants to be there for his parent… and yet feels helpless.

But while cleaning, he discovers a manuscript he wrote after one mind-bending day in the Summer of Love. It was the day he discovered the powerful music-memory connection: songs have the power to bring back the memories and feelings that have shaped the best moments of our lives.

Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2011

About the author

Douglas Glenn Clark is a recipient of writing grants from the Michigan, Massachusetts and Connecticut arts councils. His plays have been performed in New York City and regional theaters, including the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, The Chester Theatre Company in the Berkshires and the Hampshire Shakespeare Company in Amherst, Mass. His stories have been published in newspapers and magazines.

Reviews

[Godfrey Coppinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the story.

[cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memories

This book spoke to me in many ways. I couldn't put it down,it was overwhelming and raw. I related to the whole story.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Memory Songbook was just okay. The story moved incredibly slow, and the memories that could have been interesting and added depth to the book were only touched upon. The idea was good, but the book failed in the execution. The story and the characters were boring and lacked depth. Frank, Lo, Gramp Sam and Stephanie just weren't developed throughout the story, so there was no attachment or interest for me, and the novel was hard to finish. If you are interested in reading it and find yourself getting bored in the beginning, turn to chapter twenty and start there.

[Jessica Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a totally random pick for me. I've never heard of this book, or the author, anywhere, but decided to download it because I'm a musician and a sucker for music-related stories. I can't even remember how I came across it.

But I was not disappointed.

I was able to relate to so much of this story. And the descriptions of music are to die for.

All in all, this is a truly wholesome, feel-good story. Highly recommend.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a grandpa and mother with dementia and one of the best books I've read in a long time. It makes you laugh and cry at the same time. Perhaps I enjoyed it so much because I can relate to it so well. It's brilliantly written and touches on the emotions we all face at one time or another. I would highly recommend reading this book.

[David Anthony Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inconsistent but heartful book. It really is two short interlaced stories. The one in the past borders on the inane as Grandpa Sam escapes too often running through the streets flapping his arms. The story in the present where the narrator must place his mother in a home as she loses her memory to dementia is much better.

[Sheila Vandal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was touching and a bit insightful as it takes you through the life of a man looking back on his time and those moments that shaped him. A young man understanding empathy and an older man facing maturity and mortality, this journey is a bit confusing but it all makes sense in the end. It's a bit like life, really and it left me with a sweet appreciation for my own.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about this book at first, there was a lot of travelling back and forth in time as the story built up and in the middle I was getting a bit lost by it all, however the ending made up for it, it was extremely powerful and moving. Well done Douglas!

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frank is dealing with an aging mother and remembers a time at 17 when he dealt with an aging Grandfather through a memory songbook he wrote. He is also a struggling musician who thorough this remembrance finds his muse. Hard topic...bounced around a lot...heart-stirring.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The nice connection between past and present kept the story flowing and the pages turning. The music fit seamlessly into the story line. Heartbreaking at times. Nostalgic.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

what an excellent trip through music, history and first loves. Took a bit to get rolling but ended up hard to put down.

[Douglas Glenn Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm the Author with Guitar who wrote this book. I'm grateful for the many readers who have expressed appreciation for the themes and characters who people this story.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had trouble getting into this book. This is probably not a reflection of the book but of my taste in books.

[George Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple read. Interesting take on theme.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story that I really enjoyed. In many ways I could identify with almost all of the main characters.

[Alison]

kindle 271

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actually 2.5 - it grew on me about 1/2 way through