Excerpt from Lisa Borders’s Latest Novel: Last Night at the Disco
In 1977, a middle school teacher from New Jersey who spent her weekends dancing at Studio 54 stumbles upon two musicians who go on to become influential figures in the 1980s music scene. Fast forward several decades, she revisits her past, tinged with burnt bridges, to reclaim her spot in rock ‘n’ roll history by recounting her experiences in an email to Jann Wenner, the former Rolling Stone publisher. Written by Lisa Borders, a regular contributor to Tendency, the book “Last Night at the Disco” is raved about by Publishers Weekly as “hilarious,” promising readers a blend of comedy and tragedy that is bound to captivate them.
The story begins with the protagonist meeting Johnny outside the club with glimmering glitter on his face, his attire simple yet accentuating his beauty. As they secure a table inside, the narrator paints a vivid picture of the grungy ambiance of CBGB, dispelling any myths romanticized by certain publications. The setting is far from glamorous, but it is within these walls where the heroine’s story unravels with raw authenticity.
The scene is set with a grimy table, sticky with beer and cigarette ashes, embodying the grit of the era. The protagonist’s candid narrative unfolds as she navigates through the night, bearing witness to the unsightly state of the club’s facilities. The waitress, sporting an unflattering bowl haircut, adds an element of realism with her nonchalant demeanor as she takes their drink orders.
Engaging in conversation with Johnny, the narrator uncovers his origin tale, hailing from a small Michigan town before embarking on his musical journey. The exchange reveals Johnny’s bold leap of faith, leaving behind a secure job to pursue his dream of becoming a musician. Their banter paints a vivid picture of the eclectic music scene of the time, with discussions on glam rock, the death of Marc Bolan, and the emerging sound of punk music exemplified by bands like the Ramones.
Through their dialogues, a stark contrast emerges between the protagonist’s experiences at CBGB and the allure of Studio 54, hinting at the divergent paths of their lives. Johnny’s idealism meets the protagonist’s pragmatism, drawing a narrative thread that weaves through their encounter. Amidst spilled drinks and unexpected interruptions, a connection forms between the two characters, paving the way for a night filled with revelations and unexpected turns.
As the night unfolds, the stage is set for the arrival of a band, their denim-clad appearance contrasting with the glitz and glamour of Studio 54. The lead singer’s sneer and the guitarist’s brooding demeanor hint at the energy and rawness of the music that is about to ensue. The protagonist finds herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, torn between past and present, as she navigates the complexities of her encounter with Johnny and the world of music that surrounds them.
In this excerpt from “Last Night at the Disco,” Lisa Borders crafts a vivid and immersive narrative that captures the essence of a bygone era, blending humor with poignancy to create a compelling story that resonates with readers. Through the protagonist’s lens, we are taken on a journey through the gritty yet enchanting world of rock ‘n’ roll, where dreams are forged and shattered amidst the pulsating rhythm of the music scene.