In this evocative memoir, a 16-year-old American escapes the rigid confines of Boston’s private schools to experience a transformative summer in Monaco in 1966. Living with his cousin Jacques—a distinguished French horn player of the Monte Carlo Symphony sponsored by Princess Grace—the young man plunges into a world of art, unexpected friendships, and daring adventures. Amid sun-drenched alleyways, secret beach coves, and smoky cafés, he encounters bohemian dancers, a charismatic British girl, and moments of serendipity that challenge his lifelong beliefs.

Written with a poetic, cinematic grace reminiscent of Truffaut’s films, A New Wave Summer captures the bittersweet interplay of youthful rebellion and the first taste of freedom. The memoir weaves together memories of nearly losing a passport, impulsively booing a ballet, and learning to navigate a world where beauty, culture, and personal discovery are intertwined. Ultimately, it is a story about embracing uncertainty, reinventing oneself, and finding a place in the world—even when that place lies far from home.

This reflective, heartfelt account invites readers to rediscover the courage and passion that emerge when one dares to live life fully, beyond the boundaries of parental and social expectations.