Hua Hsu - The musical similarities between the author and my own 1990’s youth were hilarious. I too am a confessed music snob / elitist. But back then you had to put in to much work to become one! Digging through Vice, Spin, The Georgia Straight and Exclaim were weekly assignments. And once a new musical target was acquired you then had to head to Zulu, A&B Sound, Scratch or HMV to find and buy the CD. Given that level of time, effort and money spent to acquire the next hidden musical gem how could you not then lord that over your friends?!?!?!…
Moving on… beyond the 90’s reminiscing the book deals with some tragic events and we are given a very in-depth and candid view of how the author deals with the fallout of the events.
“It was a sign of personal growth, I thought to myself, that I could be friends with someone who liked Pearl Jam this much.”
Dave Grohl - I really enjoyed the first half of the book that delved into Dave’s youth and gradual evolution into a musical icon. I was expecting a larger exploration of his time with Nirvana but in reality Dave and Kurt only spent a few years together and that does a disservice to the multitude of people who also factor into his life. Sadly the book was released a year before the passing of his good friend and drummer Taylor Hawkins and the mentions of him and their plans for the future are bitter sweet.
Parenting blankets the book: Dealing with his estranged father, the deeper relationship he then forges with his mother, her guidance throughout his life and his eventual parenting role to three daughters was very enjoyable.
“I love my children as I was loved as a child, and I pray that they will do the same when their time comes. Some cycles are meant to be broken. Some are meant to be reinforced.”
