Franz Nicolay

When reading this book, make sure you have a computer or a phone nearby. Every time a new musician is mentioned (which happens about once every other page), start their song on youtube. Every time the author moves to a new place (which happens about every 5 pages or so), google some images. It makes for a lovely and educational virtual trip!

And then you emerge on the other side of this trip with your musical tastes completely reshaped. I'm so much into gypsy punk now, and I think I may try to grow a handlebar mustache!..… (mehr)

I wish someone would pay for my pain. Specifically, the pain incurred while reading this book. Sorry, that's a cheap shot, but if I hadn't agreed to review this book, there's no way I would have finished it.The different time periods and locations made the story feel both disjointed and repetitive rather than providing career-spanning vignettes of Rudy's life. I got the feeling that Nicolay never really decided what he wanted to write about. Case in point: the first sentence of the back-cover blurb mentions his niece joining him on his travels, but she doesn't actually turn up until page 177 of a 236 page novel. Two stars instead of one due to the accurate description of working life in the touring music industry.… (mehr)

This book is about , Rudy , an aging singer and song writer who once had a cult following , when Ruby was in the heyday of his career he met Ryan , a devoted admirer who became his protégée. Ryan now becomes the admired one and Rudy is thought to be an imitator of him. Ryan tries to help Rudy reestablish himself . Rudy cannot accept this. His niece runs away from home to join Rudy on the road. Rudy is not only confronted with a failing career but family issues, guilt and responsibility.
It was a hard book to start but was very enjoyable and entertaining after getting into it. I received this book from The Library Thing in exchange for a review… (mehr)