Trendsetter: The voice of the KKOA - Sept/Oct 2004

Billed as “Twenty-four episodes of high-speed chaos,” this is no exaggeration and not some line of hype thought up by the publisher to sell the product, but fact! I guess one could call Roger (the author) the “everyman” of adolescent males — a coming of age tale like the movie “American Graffiti,” though it covers a number of years instead of a single event-filled evening. It is my humble opinion that this book should be committed to film as well, it’s that good.

You’ll most likely find that Roger’s adventures parallel your own, I know they did mine. Most, however, make my memories of the era (late 50’s-’60’s) fairly tame by comparison. Few are those whose exploits could exceed those of the prolific Mr. Jetter, as this guy was a living teenage sitcom with a run of several seasons, and not in a “Leave It To Beaver” kind of way.

This is not only Roger’s story, but it’s our story, too — that of an entire generation of hot roddin’, girl crazy guys caught in the act at a very special time that brings back fond memories and a smile to our aging faces.

You need this book, you owe it to yourself. They say “you can’t go home again,” but then “they” don’t sit behind the wheel of a fifties era auto, now do they?

Jerry Weesner

Former Editor, Custom Rodder Magazine

Scoop Magazine - Jan 2005

We couldn’t wait to get our hands on this book. Scoop contributing artist Roger Jetter’s book contains “twenty-four episodes of high speed chaos” previously published as the Friday Nite Read on the Jalopy Journal as well in GoodGuy’s Goodtimes Gazette.

In the book, Roger explains “the stories are true… for the most part… and there are enhancements to some episodes, sort of like retro-fitting memories… but this it the way I remember it happening… these episodes then are my Rites of Passage, my celebration of life lived after the fact.”

The book is an interesting read for those who lived the 50’s as well as those who missed the 50’s as Roger takes the reader along with him on many adventures. Episode 7 entitled “Rat-Racing” introduces the reader to the interesting concept of “seeing how fast and how far you could follow a car only 8 inches in front of you… at speeds approaching, well, damn near any speed, on any surface: asphalt, concrete, gravel, rutted mud roads.” According to the author, neither driver should be able to see the other driver’s license plate.

Episode 11, entitled “Harleys, Mad Dogs, and Being Stupid” takes place in May, 1961 when Roger’s friend buys a new Harley and takes him on the ride of a lifetime.

The book also includes many photos taken during the 50’s and 60’s and many of the vehicles included in the episodes.

The book would make a great gift for the auto enthusiast in your life and is available at ColoRODo Car Books, Barnes & Noble and other fine bookstores.

Tracey Ellis

Publisher, Scoop Magazine