The Year the Music Changed

Fictional letters between the up-and-coming Elvis Presley and Achsa J. McEachern, a precocious 14-year-old fan, make up Thomas's fanciful debut novel. Born with a disfiguring cleft palate, only child Achsa is a devoted listener to late-night WDDO, Daddy-O Radio 1360 in Atlanta. On Feb. 2, 1955, she writes her first fan letter to Presley, who at first mistakes her for a man. Presley, at 20, is just emerging on the radio circuit, soon to sign with Sun Records and take a screen test in Hollywood. For over a year, the pen pals (she calls him "Dearest Elvis"; he calls her "Baby Girl") share their mutual admiration for James Dean, their secret shames and dreams and their devotion to (and annoyance with) their mothers (Presley's is overprotective, while Achsa's is at odds with her insanely jealous husband). Achsa reveals her feelings of social exclusion at school while Presley confesses to sinful temptations on the road. Achsa's letters are long and thoughtful; Presley, in turn, comes off as an aw-shucks, God-fearing kid (with really bad grammar) who wants to sing gospel music and make people happy. Thomas has delved into Presley biographies, communed with his fans on the Internet and produced a warm, lively and immensely readable novel that will especially touch fans of "the King." (Sept.)