Scan barcode
pollardgreens's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Perks of Being a Wallflower for dudes who smoke too much weed (complimentary). JD is really one of our finest living storytellers, God love him.
jankyalias's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rpych2's review
4.0
I’m not a huge Black Sabbath guy, but I do love The Mountain Goats so John Darnielle writing this one had me interested. And the way that it was written was really cool; like a journal from a kid in a psych ward to his therapist talking about his favorite album and his life. I loved how different this book was, and it was a quick and fun read.
janeeyre1847's review
4.0
It's really neat to know one of my favorite musicians can also really write. I haven't even heard Master of Reality (but now I might), but it was definitely a well-written piece of music commentary and sad, honest portrayal of a messed up teenager-turned-somewhat okay adult. I'm so glad Roger was, not perfect, but okay. And that he had that music to help him.
dayseraph's review
2.0
This was a missed connection. I love John Darnielle, but I just don't love Black Sabbath.
erika_teal_1414's review
5.0
I never cared much for Black Sabbath or Ozzy but this book may have changed my mind. John Darnielle is a master that way.
bowilliams's review
5.0
Read this in about 45 minutes last night- couldn't stop once I picked it up. Some of the best music writing, accomplished by writing about *gasp* emotions instead of technicalities. Like the best of Black Sabbath's music, this book instantly places you in the shoes of a mixed up sixteen year old kid who has no idea what is going on, but knows that he does not fit in one bit.
karwes's review
5.0
This book took me to a place I've lost in the process of growing up. That place music used to take me, where I could gush endlessly on how much I loved this artist, and that band. This song, and that lyric. This book served as a powerful reminder to me as to how much having an iPod, or any other MP3-player, makes it difficult to really embrace an entire album of music. Hardly letting any CD get a significant amount of spins to let it show me what it's trying to say. This book also made me laugh a lot. And it inspired me to be more passionate, which is ALWAYS a good thing. Also: check out John Darnielle's musical outlet The Mountain Goats as well. You won't regret a second of it.
menshevixen's review
4.0
Roger reminds me of my token Black Sabbath obsessive friend, so I guess you could say this book is pitch-perfect.