Radioland

Radioland is a "novelized memoir"-a combo meal of fiction, history, and semi-autobiography-told in the composite repackaging of the voices of those who lived it. A twizzlered, embellished musing on how early Top 40 radio both confused and changed the path of one little boy. Often funny, frequently sad, but mostly a rewarding experience-sort of like life.
Radioland begins as a comic series of sweet memories by Tommy Bianco, a 12-year-old boy who falls hopelessly in love with radio-specifically with the antics of "Swingin'" Dicky Peppers, a 1960s on-air deejay-against the wishes of his working-class father.

Still, nothing stops Tommy's enthusiasm until he learns the fatal secret of his hero: Dicky Peppers is a deeply troubled, mentally tortured man who seeks release from his haunting existential pain.
The imprint of this confusing, formative time prompts Tommy to sort out adult truths from the glittering hype of showbiz and his childish imaginings. Tommy's stunning revelations awaken him to profound answers, now as an old man. Ultimately, Radioland is a poignant story about making sense of and giving meaning to life.