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kacelaface's review against another edition
2.0
This book had so much potential and I really, really wanted to like it. So many glowing recommendations from readers and bloggers I trust! This one just wasn’t for me. Rather than coming across as passionate and artsy and edgy, these characters seemed like whiney, pretentious posers. And the hero was not to my taste physically - scrawny, dirty - just no. Maybe in High School.
arjosephson's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
lauren_rosenbaum's review against another edition
5.0
"Eliza has the sky in her eyes and I’ve always wanted to touch the goddamn sky."
God this book got me. I went into it knowing not a lot at all, I hadn’t even heard anybody discuss this book and only found it because I was looking for storylines similar to Daisy Jones.
I could not stop reading this. I couldn’t predict the story at all, and it was heartbreaking to see the way it all unfolded. I’m trying so hard to keep this spoiler free so more people can feel inspired to read this wonderful book, but it’s hard.
It’s the perfect blend of humour, real life, escapism, dreams, ambitions, pain, and happiness. I am not an annotating kind of reader but I find myself left with an urge to buy the physical copy so I can see all my favourite quotes and moments any time I want to.
I both love and hate that feeling of falling in love with a book. The bond created with Eliza when reading this was almost an out-of-body experience. I was Eliza. I felt everything she felt.
I fear I will never shut up about this book.
God this book got me. I went into it knowing not a lot at all, I hadn’t even heard anybody discuss this book and only found it because I was looking for storylines similar to Daisy Jones.
I could not stop reading this. I couldn’t predict the story at all, and it was heartbreaking to see the way it all unfolded. I’m trying so hard to keep this spoiler free so more people can feel inspired to read this wonderful book, but it’s hard.
It’s the perfect blend of humour, real life, escapism, dreams, ambitions, pain, and happiness. I am not an annotating kind of reader but I find myself left with an urge to buy the physical copy so I can see all my favourite quotes and moments any time I want to.
I both love and hate that feeling of falling in love with a book. The bond created with Eliza when reading this was almost an out-of-body experience. I was Eliza. I felt everything she felt.
I fear I will never shut up about this book.
pamgodwin's review against another edition
5.0
A fascinating view of the music industry, the struggles and sacrifices made by the musicians, and the expansive impact this lifestyle has on family and friends. The story focuses on an up-and-coming rock star and his trials of love and despair. In light of the title, I threw my Kindle around the 80% completion mark. Thank Christ I picked it back up and finished it. *dashing tears*
kimotheruler's review against another edition
1.0
I decided to DNF.
The similarities between Paul and Jeff Buckley made me very uncomfortable. I’ll stick to his music.
The similarities between Paul and Jeff Buckley made me very uncomfortable. I’ll stick to his music.
eoremovich's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I think I'm the last in my book club to read this, and its been raved about for a few years since the first person read it and passed it on. And while I know my book clubbers have excellent taste, I just didn't think I would like it as much as they did. But enjoy it I did!
First and foremost I really liked all the characters. There were things about each of them that frustrated me, but I liked that they were whole, interesting, and complex. I thought Eliza was cool, passionate, and fierce. Paul was intense, dangerous, and loyal. And while most probably found Paul to be desperately attractive, fell for Loring, who was kind, intelligent, and patient. I am usually frustrated by love triangles, and while there were a few times that my patience was tried, overall I found this compelling. I was mad as hell at everyone for not communicating better with each other, but I could understand were everyone was coming from.
I was genuinely surprised by the twists and turns in the novel, which I greatly enjoyed. And I loved that everything came around in the end to tie together, and that it didn't feel forced. I would love someone to make this into a movie, just so I could hear the music that was so important through the novel.
First and foremost I really liked all the characters. There were things about each of them that frustrated me, but I liked that they were whole, interesting, and complex. I thought Eliza was cool, passionate, and fierce. Paul was intense, dangerous, and loyal. And while most probably found Paul to be desperately attractive, fell for Loring, who was kind, intelligent, and patient. I am usually frustrated by love triangles, and while there were a few times that my patience was tried, overall I found this compelling. I was mad as hell at everyone for not communicating better with each other, but I could understand were everyone was coming from.
I was genuinely surprised by the twists and turns in the novel, which I greatly enjoyed. And I loved that everything came around in the end to tie together, and that it didn't feel forced. I would love someone to make this into a movie, just so I could hear the music that was so important through the novel.
simplyxkate's review against another edition
5.0
“I am of the theory that all of our transcendental connections, anything we're drawn to, be it a person, a song, a painting on a wall--they're magnetic. The art is the alloy, so to speak. And our souls are equipped with whatever properties are required to attract that alloy. I'm no scientist so I don't really know what the hell these properties are, but my point is we're drawn to stuff we've already got a connection to. Part of the thing is already inside of us.”
This book is inside me. I've lost count of how many times I've actually read it since the first time I picked it up in 2015. If you were to ask me what my favorite book is, How to Kill a Rock Star by Tiffanie DeBartolo would be my answer every time. It's my favorite to re-read when I need a break from the light, fluffy stuff and want to read something that's really going to make me FEEL. I've never had such a visceral reaction to a book or a set of characters before as I have had to these ones. Paul Hudson, I can't say enough about him. He's a tortured artist in every sense. You just need to experience him. So many times during this book, I've had to set it down because something he says or does just completely overwhelms me, even on my umpteenth re-read. I've yet to come across another character like him and I read a lot.
I doubt I will ever get tired of reading this book. It's still compelling even though I know what's going to happen and when. I still get the urge to chuck my Kindle across the room at certain points and I still laugh and cry like a baby at others. I could probably quote it in my sleep at this point. I can't wait for Tiffanie's next book.
This book is inside me. I've lost count of how many times I've actually read it since the first time I picked it up in 2015. If you were to ask me what my favorite book is, How to Kill a Rock Star by Tiffanie DeBartolo would be my answer every time. It's my favorite to re-read when I need a break from the light, fluffy stuff and want to read something that's really going to make me FEEL. I've never had such a visceral reaction to a book or a set of characters before as I have had to these ones. Paul Hudson, I can't say enough about him. He's a tortured artist in every sense. You just need to experience him. So many times during this book, I've had to set it down because something he says or does just completely overwhelms me, even on my umpteenth re-read. I've yet to come across another character like him and I read a lot.
I doubt I will ever get tired of reading this book. It's still compelling even though I know what's going to happen and when. I still get the urge to chuck my Kindle across the room at certain points and I still laugh and cry like a baby at others. I could probably quote it in my sleep at this point. I can't wait for Tiffanie's next book.
thischarmingamy's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book! I found myself thinking of the characters constantly and could not wait to return to reading it. It has a great rock 'n' roll heart. A must for music fans. Sample of its greatness: "Our record was released Tuesday, January 8, 2002. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure almost everyone in the music industry would agree there isn't a worse time to release a record." If your response is "January?!? No one releases records in January!" then you have found your next read.
bummerdays's review against another edition
5.0
I love rereading a book and falling madly in love with it again but for different reasons. I first read this book when I was 15... 9 years later I am without a doubt a different person entirely. The quotes that touched my heart as a teenager are still sweet but my heart was touched by new things this time. Like how absolutely kind and good Loring is. It's inexplicable the way we fall in love with people in my opinion. The ones that touch your soul... how can anyone ever explain that? But I love when people like DeBartolo try.
ladywestfall's review against another edition
5.0
**This contains SPOILERS**
MOTHER EFFIN GODDAMN I LOVE TIFFANIE DEBARTOLO!! This is the second book that I've read of hers and her writing has so much heart and soul. This woman can write a "goddamn" book.
I really like how she writes and creates her characters. You can see all their flaws and still end up loving them anyway. Loving them more, actually.
Oh my god, Paul "goddamn" Hudson is just the best. I love how commited he is with his love for his craft and how he doesn't give a shit to people who only do music for fame and money. I could not really describe in words how Paul made me love him. I was so attached to him. He is not perfect but he is his own person and that's always a very good thing to know.
Eliza. HA HA HA. Eliza has been murdered in my mind atleast a hundred times at the middle part of this book. Right after her stupid ass decision to kiss Loring in front of Paul, I was out of my mind. Like, WTF ELIZA WHAT THE HELL R U DOING GURL? YOU DONT FIX THINGS THIS WAY. IT RUINS IT!!! IT RUINS EVERYTHING!! I swear, I stopped reading after that because it was just so frustrating. There was also a time when Eliza was mad at Paul for acting in such manner around her and I'm like, GURL YOU BROKE HIS GODDAMN SOUL HE THINKS YOURE A WHORE! YOU MAKE DUMB DECISIONS AND YOU GET MAD AT HIM?? YOU DONT HAVE THE RIGHT ELIZA! NO! Then, right after? The bitch fell in Loring's bed.
I did not have much bad thing to say to Loring. He is such a nice guy. He has been a good friend. I just felt bad that he was a victim in all this and that Eliza had to drag him in the situation.
Before I started reading this book, I have expected a goddamn heartbreak. I knew in my guts that this will break me. God-shaped Hole shattered me!! So, I knew DeBartolo had something up on her sleeve. I was waiting for the whole thing to just blow off in my face and fuck everything up and IT DID.
PAUL DIED.
I was bawling my eyes out. Crying. I was literally saying it in my head, PLS BE ALIVE PLS BE ALIVE PLS BE ALIVE. Even if everything in the book is pointing out that Paul is DEAD. I had to stop reading because I just could not accept it. And I killed Eliza in my mind a thousand more. THAT WAS YOUR FAULT YOU BITCH!! YOU DONT HAVE THE RIGHT TO CRY!!!
Then the fcking TWIST at the end. DAAAAAMN. I had a big sigh of relief. I was so happy, I had to stop reading again and do an internal cartwheel.
I LOVE HOW EVERYTHING TURNED OUT AT THE END!!! *tho I still hate Eliza* I'm just happy that everything seems to be in the right place. A very satisfying book ending.
Over and out!
MOTHER EFFIN GODDAMN I LOVE TIFFANIE DEBARTOLO!! This is the second book that I've read of hers and her writing has so much heart and soul. This woman can write a "goddamn" book.
I really like how she writes and creates her characters. You can see all their flaws and still end up loving them anyway. Loving them more, actually.
Oh my god, Paul "goddamn" Hudson is just the best. I love how commited he is with his love for his craft and how he doesn't give a shit to people who only do music for fame and money. I could not really describe in words how Paul made me love him. I was so attached to him. He is not perfect but he is his own person and that's always a very good thing to know.
Eliza. HA HA HA. Eliza has been murdered in my mind atleast a hundred times at the middle part of this book. Right after her stupid ass decision to kiss Loring in front of Paul, I was out of my mind. Like, WTF ELIZA WHAT THE HELL R U DOING GURL? YOU DONT FIX THINGS THIS WAY. IT RUINS IT!!! IT RUINS EVERYTHING!! I swear, I stopped reading after that because it was just so frustrating. There was also a time when Eliza was mad at Paul for acting in such manner around her and I'm like, GURL YOU BROKE HIS GODDAMN SOUL HE THINKS YOURE A WHORE! YOU MAKE DUMB DECISIONS AND YOU GET MAD AT HIM?? YOU DONT HAVE THE RIGHT ELIZA! NO! Then, right after? The bitch fell in Loring's bed.
I did not have much bad thing to say to Loring. He is such a nice guy. He has been a good friend. I just felt bad that he was a victim in all this and that Eliza had to drag him in the situation.
Before I started reading this book, I have expected a goddamn heartbreak. I knew in my guts that this will break me. God-shaped Hole shattered me!! So, I knew DeBartolo had something up on her sleeve. I was waiting for the whole thing to just blow off in my face and fuck everything up and IT DID.
PAUL DIED.
I was bawling my eyes out. Crying. I was literally saying it in my head, PLS BE ALIVE PLS BE ALIVE PLS BE ALIVE. Even if everything in the book is pointing out that Paul is DEAD. I had to stop reading because I just could not accept it. And I killed Eliza in my mind a thousand more. THAT WAS YOUR FAULT YOU BITCH!! YOU DONT HAVE THE RIGHT TO CRY!!!
Then the fcking TWIST at the end. DAAAAAMN. I had a big sigh of relief. I was so happy, I had to stop reading again and do an internal cartwheel.
I LOVE HOW EVERYTHING TURNED OUT AT THE END!!! *tho I still hate Eliza* I'm just happy that everything seems to be in the right place. A very satisfying book ending.
Over and out!