Two for the Road

It's vacation time, and while preparing for my cruise I purchased two books for the trip. Most people read trashy romance novels or mysteries.

I read heavy metal.

I'm really looking forward to Everybody Wants Some: The Van Halen Saga. With a release date of August 24, I got lucky when the Borders Books by my house screwed up and placed the book on the shelves days early. The latest work by rock writer Ian Christe, The Van Halen Saga is the "first definitive biography of the American rock band."

Here's what the official editorial review has to say about Everybody Wants Some:

How did a pair of little Dutch boys trained in classical music grow up to become the nucleus of the most popular heavy metal band of all time? What's the secret behind Eddie Van Halen's incredible fast and furious guitar solos? What makes David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar so wacky? And, are all those stories about groupies, booze bashes, and contract riders true? The naked truth is laid bare in Everybody Wants Some—the real-life story of a rock 'n' roll fantasy come true.

The other book I picked up is Gene Simmons: Kiss and Make-Up. This is a 2003 title and I'm anxious to learn more about the money mogul. For all the flack Gene Simmons receives from fans, I must admit he is a marketing genius and the man can turn water into cold hard cash. He created the biggest marketing brand in music and classic KISS are still favorites of millions of rockers.

I'll be reading the Van Halen book first. My goal is to have a review posted before the street release date so you can make an informed decision on whether or not to purchase the book. Since this is a first run release, it's currently available in hard cover only, and costs around 30 bucks. The KISS book is paperback and available for about 15 dollars.

Hopefully, I'll be reading in just a few short hours. I have to stand on-line during the lengthy embarkation process, then pass muster before I can lounge by the pool.

Comments

[aXe mAn]

I am really interested in getting the Van Halen book.
And that Gene Simmons one looks pretty cool to.

[Rob Rockitt, Hard Rock Hideout]

Definitely some interesting books worth checking out. Have you read Motley Crue's The Dirt yet?

By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLYSON!

[bob_vinyl]

I have a copy of that Gene Simmons book. My three (almost four) year old daughter looks at the cover, says, "misogynist," and punches him. She's been doing that since maybe 18 months.

[Rhodeislandrock]

The Gene Simmons book is very good but from Gene's perspective of course. I would also recommend Gene's book titled: SEX, MONEY, KISS.

That Van Halen book looks very interesting, I'll have to check it out.

[Allyson]

Yep, I've read The Dirt. It's reviewed on this site under "The Dirt, Indeed."

--Allyson