The memoir, "Hitless Wonder: A Life in Minor League Rock and Roll," written by Joe Oestreich, assistant professor of English at Coastal Carolina University, has been released today, June 5, by Lyons Press.

"Hitless Wonder" is an account of Oestreich's life as a member of the rock band Watershed. The narrative centers on a middle-aged Oestreich going on a 14-day tour balancing the responsibilities of adulthood with the need to make music. Flashbacks tell memorable stories, including the band's origin, dropping out of college to tour, and their brief career with Epic records; however, the book's purpose is to show the sacrifices necessary to accomplish something great.

"This book is about having the dream, chasing the dream, and what it costs to chase it," said Oestreich. "I hope our story resonates with anybody who has tried to do something outside the confines of the corporate world, and the struggles needed to create that life. That's the universality of it."

Oestreich earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Ohio State University. His work has been featured in Esquire, Sports Illustrated and Fourth Genre among other publications, and has received praise from the Atlantic Monthly, Pushcart and The Best American Essays.

To promote the book, Oestreich will give a reading on Thursday, June 21, at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Myrtle Beach at 6 p.m. The reading is free to attend, and the book will be available for purchase. Barnes and Noble booksellers is located at 3346 Reed St. in The Market Common shopping area.

For more information about the book or the reading, visit Oestreich's website at www.joeoestreich.com.