Rock your world, read this book.
341137
While it is true that I was already in love with the possibilities guaranteed through mistranslation before I opened the book "Exercises in High Treason" (and admit that I, myself, have dabbled in this dark art - using nothing but a working iPhone and both thumbs), I was flabbergasted to see the heavy door labeled "English Department" thus flung wide open, revealing the sins translators commit; the forgeries from these crimes regularly foisted off on the unsuspecting citizen who merely desires to understand someone who speaks clearly but in a language he himself has not been taught from the breast.

I suspected as much; Trause provides the evidence leading to the truth (a line of shamrock icons IS a St. Patrick's Day parade). I was also thrilled that what I encountered in this book was the antithesis of what I have come to expect from poetry when it is chanted in the small breaths of modern authors, the ones who very graciously accept an occasional kind invitation to share their word sketches of the gleanings of the essence of common observations.

Bravo brash truth-telling! John J. Trause is awake and his brain does not miss a thing. He more than hints that pretentious "readers" of hieroglyphics be unmasked for the frauds they are (though we do so love their stories!). And where else in modern print but in Trause's work could we still hope to find intimate description of the insidious determination of Herodias? It's a shame so many of us have already forgotten her name altogether.

We who are about to die of boredom salute you, John J. Trause, and bathe, full-frontal, splashing happily in the bastings of your admissions of our collective guilt, that we falsely pretend to understand one another. I thoroughly enjoyed puddle-jumping through "Exercises in High Treason."
406755
This is a fantastic, scary book, and is also one of those AHH books.  I have been seeing and observing many examples of what is talked about in Red Alert, but did not understand how, why, and what strength this will impact the USA and the world.  We are in a arms race for resources and unless we wake up, most of the US and Europe, will be at a disadvantage and very probably severely weakened in the future.  We need a change our direction both publicly and privately on this issue.  One personal example that I have observed is that, one of my friends owns a rock and mineral shop and I talked to one of his distributors that was selling him rocks and minerals.  The distributor, who shopped around the world, was telling me that China was monopolizing almost all the minerals and that minerals where becoming harder and harder to find and in many cases impossible to find at any price.  Besides raising prices at my friends rock and mineral shop the consequences will be that China will have strategic control of many must have minerals. Mr. Leeb goes into all these issues in detail and helped me to understand and see the whole picture.  The picture that is painted is not pretty for the US and Europe but it is reality.
This is such a great book, I have bought several copies to give as gifts to many of my friends.
I give this to my friends and then give them "The Crash Course" by Chris Martenson, another fantastic book.
473349
If you're a pessimist, read this book. If you're an optimist, read this book. If you're 17, read this book. If you're 70, read this book. You'll gain information, insight and - best of all - inspiration to believe there's a great new world waiting, available to be shaped and supported, no matter what generation you're in. This book is short and straightforward. Once I started it, I didn't stop until the finish. And I hope you don't either.
3417025
I loved this book. It was a breath of fresh air, well scorching hot mind you, but thats what we want  ;0)) . The characters were distictively wonderful, especially Brian aka "Master Sinclair". Ms. Cunning did an A++ on the band and their touring craziness. She really did her homework and has become an autobuy for me. I can't wait to read her next one Rock Hard. If you love hot, sexy rockers or even if you don't; buy this book it's defintely worth the time and money.
1514577
Our world is changing at a rapid rate. It will be adapt, improvise, overcome or wither where your standing. This book can give you a heads up on adapt.
1222653
like I can't breathe. This woman takes words puts them together and weaves a story so well you never realize you have been sucked into a world of rock gods and goddesses. of course she leaves you gasping and cursing her name on cliff hanger after cliff hanger. So if you can't handle leaving you on the edge of your seat pissing and moaning DO NOT READ THIS BOOK.  But my opinion is if you don't read this book you are missing out on one of the best authors of our time. So go ahead and f# /k my world up with your wonderful visions C.M.
899934
Mtley Cre is the most notorious rock band in the world for three "basics": sex, drugs, and rock and roll. While reading this book I was amazed, blown away, and shocked at  how much enjoyment I got out of this, not only for the pure reason that, yes Mtley Cre does know how to read and write, but further being able to write a band autobiography with the addition about their lives and how things got started and all that jazz. If you are a fan of Mtley Cre, you will enjoy this book thoroughly, especially if you do not know all of the background information about them. You will be going down the crazy road of the world of Mtley Cre.

Some of the people who have posted reviews about his book do not agree with my opinion, such as "A Customer" saying that it's just about the typical rock and roll band that starts out high and then develops drug addictions, then become washed out.  I disagree with this because they are not washed out, they still have a very large fan base, are still recording albums, and also they do know how to write. They made me feel very emotional about certain things that are in the book. This book was very entertaining to me, but mostly because I enjoy Mtley Cre's music and I find stories that they tell very interesting. And my opinion would have to lie with "M.Grant" because he nailed it; everything that he said is so true. I also enjoyed the methods of influence some of the guys had, such as Nikki's association of his wretched family and how he was kicked out, abused, and hated by both of his parents, with how he came to live just for each day. These influences really brought him to talk about why he started to abuse drugs, and how he really ended up meeting the other three members of the Cre.

Once again though, if you have any slight interest in this band, I suggest picking this book up, because I found what they talked about in this book hilarious and interesting in a very sick way.

Senior English Student 2011
138528
What do you get when you take a larger than life rock star, song writer, producer and mix in a shy, wholesome school teacher? You get HOLY CRAP!!! I wish I could say more but this book has, simply said, rocked my equilibrium. Gabriel, to me, is a mix of Lucas Wolfe and William Honor (two of my favorite dominant men). This book has some volcanic sex scenes earning it a 5 hands down the pants and a stock up on batteries rating. I wish I could tell you more, but Im still too blown away and honestly it could possibly ruin it for you. What I will say is, if you like dominant, controlling rock stars than you MUST read this book. I may not like you very much right now Ivory Quinn, but I think you are an incredible author. I give this book 5 stars and 5 hands down the pants, but I don't think that will be enough so stock up on batteries as well.

Yes, cabbage was her friend . . .
2813720
Sex, drugs 'n' rock 'n' roll... with writing to match!

I look forward to the whole Freak Scene Dream Trilogy. Michael Goldberg knows his stuff. He is your ultimate rock 'n' roll geek: he is INFORMED. And he's studied his craft of writing just as much as he's studied music. The result? The influence of song spins throughout the colorful prose, and the narrative is engaging... indeed it's a wild ride: just like adolescence when done right! An impressive debut novel.

review by Aria Mencken
4014892
You could read "Life" looking for a chronological survey of the Stones or Keith Richards. Maybe you're looking for some insight into how the rich-and-famous fast crowd lives life. Perhaps you just know "Keef" as the original bad boy of rock 'n roll and are looking for some vicarious cheap thrills. It seems like a lot of the armchair Amazon review crowd was doing just that, but that is not what this book is about. This is really a stream-of-consciousness tale about how a visionary musical genius changed the culture of the world.

Just read some of how Richards describes music...it's a spiritual thing to him. To feel about some trade the way Keith feels about his guitar playing, with such passion, it's a special thing with which he gives such openly honest insight. It quickly becomes clear why the Stones were able to so powerfully influence audiences around the world: they were musicians first, all the rest was secondary. There is something big to take away here, Keith makes sure you do.

Richards starts the book first with his childhood but quickly transitions into the buttoned-up world of the pre-sexual revolution 1960s. I love the feedback loops he describes in first third of the book as the Stones were becoming a household name: these Brits were reintroducing mainstream white American culture to the rich, black blues music of Chicago, which helped open the doors for Motown's great artists to leave their own mark on pop culture. It's a beautiful thing - all the interplay between the US, UK, White America, Black America; it's almost a foreshadow of the civil rights movement that would follow.

No doubt, there are a ton of crazy stories and characters mixed into all these bigger points he's making, which are both fun and dubiously believable at times. I know this is an autobiography, which can tend to be a bit rose-tinted, but the way Richards so openly talks about things that others would sweep under the rug (a failed marriage, band discord, life as a junkie), you take him at this word about the other things in the book. He earns your trust as a reader quickly.

I'm not going to say this is an easy read without its faults. Richards is writing off the top of his head and you'll be lost frequently - a great number of his stories and the people he introduces in the book are haphazard and incomplete, but it almost seems better this way. It reflects the man telling the story as much as anything. And the back quarter of the book gets pretty weak - I really don't care about Keith Richards bangers-and-mash recipe anymore than I would care about Julia Child's guitar playing hobby - but its all honest, even if questionably enjoyable at parts.

But when this book is good, it's better than any autobiography I've read. You are getting insight, knowledge, passion and inspiration from a true genius. Pick it up.
2988602
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Wonderfully crafted, It's a great walk through Rock 'n Roll History with some of the "Greats". And when I leave this world, I want to go to Rock 'n Roll Heaven!  Imagine attending a different show every night! Heaven!! Also liked the underlying message that even though we sometimes feel like "nobody", somewhere, to someone, we are "somebody". Make sure your life counts! Great job Shawn!!
4491770
Warning: reading this book may be hazardous to your sleeping patterns. Why? Because it's nearly impossible to put down once you begin Ian's tale, and you may find yourself staying up all night to finish it in one sitting.

Ian Copeland is a fabulous storyteller, and in this book he takes us on an exciting journey through his life and times, from his youthful adventures in the Middle East, through Vietnam, and then into the music scene of the 70's as the rock dinosaurs were dying out to be replaced by a "new wave" of young musicians. The Copeland brothers Miles, Stewart and Ian would each have a tremendous influence on the development of rock music in the late 70s and 80s, and reading Ian's inspirational story of hard-fought success will provide you with great insight into how it all came about.

Don't read this book if you are a Police fan simply looking for insight into that band only; although they certainly play a part in Ian's story, it is only one chapter in a much greater adventure. Read this book if you are looking to be inspired about what a person can accomplish with determination, and the self-confidence to break out of how he's told things should be done to instead find his own way.
199883
This book isn't just for creatives or other people. It is for everyone, anyone who lives today now on this Earth should read this. It is the inner battle that we all face daily to do what our live's work demands.

Read this.
4443128
This book is the jam! It's a funny, bold and totally sweet guide on how to start your own band. It covers everything from buying your own instruments to writing lyrics and songs and going on tour to bring your genius to the people! There are even lists of the best records to buy to get yourself inspired. How cool is that?!? Put down Rock Band 2 and pick up this book, and the world of rocking will be yours. In 10 years, the best bands in America will have been taught by this book. Guaranteed!
1825693
Amazing book. Opens your world to a whole new set of circumstances. Is now the time to choose for you?
1138326
Heard about this book and pre-ordered it knowing I'd love it. From front cover to the "cast of characters", this is a top notch read. Growing up here in the Northwest, it's like reading a book of quotes from my friends, or friends of my friends' friends! Good job Greg - I'm recommending this to everyone who loves modern rock!
3082117
Do you want to stop stressing about making money, and have fun instead? Get Rock Your Profits today, and get on the road to creating a profitable, enjoyable business. I love this book, and you are going to LOVE this book too.  I highly suggest you download her "Speed Dial to the Universe Daily Journal" app on your phone too. (They go hand in hand in my opinion.)

Loved the chapter "Five Simple Steps" because this is me all over! (Always wanting to push for results)

Jeanna always OVER delivers, and seems to have a knack for breaking things down into baby steps, so you don't get overwhelmed with "things to do." To get the most out of this book, read it at a quick pace, then go back and follow the steps. Creating your profitable mindset is key, and Jeanna will give you the step-by-step plan for you to follow.