Customer Reviews

Jam Archer and Wild Dalton

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JAM ARCHER AND WILD DALTON - Anne Snyder Rudeen

This nostalgic look at the rock `n roll scene of the 70's is a salute to the free spirit in all of us. The scene is quickly set in the first few pages as we become acquainted with our quirky but imaginative heroine who dabbles in philosophy, Jam Archer. Jam never reveals her true age, but she has fast-pedaled past thirty and never missed a beat on the way. Along the way she has discovered a handsome young man named Danny Dalton who can compose, sing and play guitar. Ever the schemer, Jam sees a musical future ahead and becomes his manager as she narrates the novel.

The cast of characters is reminiscent of some group from Star Wars that has been transported back in time. Particularly Shandy, Mike and Sam `Cat' who make up the band. Daughter Sarah is a slip of mama and dance producer Teddy Speller is fast on her trail There are other assorted nuts who meld into the scheme of this rollicking, bed busting look at the rock `n roll scene as it flashes across the continent.

Danny "Wild" Dalton suffers some depression and self-doubt which leads Jam to seize the moment since she has always wanted Danny. She connives to keep Danny for herself and away from his public by rushing hither and yon across America in various stages of disguise and means of transportation. There is a substantial amount of dillying and dallying as well as all out sex as they make this grand tour. To heighten the adventure, she has Wild play for various groups in unsuspecting places. Secretly, Jam lets the world know where they have been and where they have played while secretly endorsing a $200,000 reward for anyone who can catch Wild.

As in all good novels, the hero and heroine are caught in the end but love triumphs over all.

This whole narrative by Anne Rudeen is a must-read if you like novels, and particularly the weariness and excitement of bands on the move. Jam and Danny should be heard from again as they move into the disco/country age.

Harry Hunsley '49

Slow begining, but stay with Jam and Wild Dalton. Once they take off across the country it really starts to rock n roll. Over the top imagination of author creates hilarious cross country adventures for the duo. Wild Dalton can't decide if he wants to be a rock star. Jam helps him decide by helping him run away. Jam's ideas for hiding, disguising, and satisfying Wild Dalton are as varied as the locations in which they hide. Some of the scenes equal a Pink Panther rating--wild, wild, wild. What an imagination.
d.s. wood