CONROE, TX- Defiance Press & Publishing is thrilled to announce the signing of author Lee Livingston for the re-release of his captivating memoir, “In the Rearview Mirror.” This new edition will bring Livingston’s poignant tale of youth, friendship, and adventure to a wider audience.
About the Book
“In the Rearview Mirror” chronicles the audacious cross-country hitchhiking adventure of two 18-year-old boys from Cleveland in the summer of 1961. With little more than $40 each and a thirst for new experiences, Lee Livingston and his best friend “Dango” embarked on a journey that would shape their lives forever.
From the misty forests of Sequoia to the neon lights of Las Vegas, from freight-hopping through New Mexico to sharing beers with unlikely companions, the book captures America on the brink of momentous change. As the boys thumb rides in muscle cars, befriend truckers and families, and push the boundaries of their sheltered upbringings, they hurtle towards adulthood with reckless abandon.
Interweaving their road trip with poignant flashbacks and flash-forwards, Livingston explores the complexities of male friendship, the passage of time, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. As an older and wiser narrator, he grapples with the tragic fate that would befall his friend and reflects on how those pivotal weeks in 1961 echo through the decades.
By turns hilarious, moving, and profound, “In the Rearview Mirror” is both an engrossing time capsule of pre-Vietnam America and a bittersweet meditation on youth, loss, and the journeys that define us.
About the Author
Lee Livingston, now 81, brings a wealth of life experience to his writing. Born in Los Angeles and raised in New York City and Cleveland, Livingston’s career has spanned advertising, film production, and the arts. A graduate of Claremont Men’s College with a BA in Literature and UCLA with an MFA in Theater Arts, Livingston’s professional journey includes roles as a copywriter, Vice President/Creative Director at Grey Advertising, and founder of his own commercial production house, Carthay Films.
Livingston’s diverse experiences, from meeting Ronald Reagan during his first campaign for Governor to his service in the U.S. Army Reserves, inform the rich tapestry of his storytelling. Now, with “In the Rearview Mirror,” he shares the pivotal adventure that shaped his youth and honors the memory of his high school best friend, Dango.
A Word from the Publisher
Lisa Woodward, Director of Publishing at Defiance Press & Publishing, stated, “We are honored to bring Lee Livingston’s remarkable memoir to a new generation of readers. ‘In the Rearview Mirror’ is more than just a nostalgic tale; it’s a profound exploration of friendship, growth, and the American spirit. Lee’s vivid storytelling and deep introspection make this book a true gem in the memoir genre.”
About Defiance Press & Publishing
Defiance Press & Publishing is committed to amplifying unique voices and preserving important narratives. We publish principled fiction, non-fiction, current events, and specialized literature from outstanding authors. Our mission to support independent voices in publishing makes “In the Rearview Mirror” a perfect addition to our catalog.
Availability
The re-release of “In the Rearview Mirror” is scheduled for Spring 2025. It will be available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats through major retailers and the Defiance Press website.
For more information, to request review copies, or to arrange an interview with Lee Livingston, please contact:
Lisa Woodward, Director of Publishing
Defiance Press & Publishing, LLC
High-resolution images and review copies will be available upon request.
