Below is an excerpt from the book, “JJ Kapock” by John Gary. JJ Kapock is a young man, starting life during the generation after WWII when the United States was rebuilding, and no one was certain of the future. “JJ Kapock” illustrates how this time was difficult, but also fun and contains timeliness topics such as love, friendships, sex, sadness and unexpected plot twists.   

It’s Friday night, and JJ is getting ready for the big dance at Teen Club. He would normally go early and help set up the tables and chairs at the fire hall, but tonight he was dressing kind of special, and he wasn’t going to take the chance of damaging his new clothes. Besides, he wanted to be a little late so that he could make his grand entrance.

Okay, get this picture. Dark blue pegged pants with a gray stripe down both legs, with 2.5-inch Cuban-heeled shoes that are so pointy that it makes his feet look four inches longer. A gold satin dress shirt with flared wide collar, a blue satin tie (the guys didn’t wear ties, but this was special), a gold tie tack with a diamond, and of course the Elvis jacket, with a silk pocket scarf with “Taking Care of Business” printed on it. Silver-rimmed sunglasses even though it was nighttime. He thought about a gold chain necklace but thought that might be overkill. Combine this with his cold black hair, combed back in a duck style, and now you have a fourteen-year-old Elvis.

JJ had worked all this out with Mr. Robbie and Earl—when he was about to enter the fire hall, they were going to play Elvis’s theme song, and Earl was going to announce, “Elvis is in the Building.” He really did look like Elvis. JJ knew that all his buddies were going to laugh and make fun of him, but he didn’t care. Life is supposed to be fun, and he was making it fun.

About the author:

While “JJ Kapock” is fictional, much of the book is based on real events in the life of the author John Gary. John was a student of life, learning from every experience. He became a successful businessman and political leader. He is the father of three and was married to the same woman for 54 years. He was elected three times to the Maryland State Legislature and once as County Executive. For more information about John Gary and his book, “JJ Kapock,” please visit: https://www.jjkapock.com/.