Book Review: You with the Sad Eyes: A Memoir By Christina Applegate (Little, Brown and Company)

By: Jesse Striewski

Growing up a kid in the late ’80s/early ’90s, it was impossible not to come across Christina Applegate on your TV set at some point or another, especially with the length of time Married…with Children – the show that quickly propelled her to household name status as Kelly Bundy – ran on the air for from 1987-1997.

Indeed, many of us came of age along with Applegate, although whereas many of my peers might have been developing crushes on her, I viewed the blonde bombshell more like an older sister (which I had three of growing up), more akin to the relationship she had with her on-screen younger brother, Bud. (David Faustino.) After reading her memoir, detailing everything from her rocky upbringing in between entertainment industry parents, to clawing her way into acting on her own terms, I’ve definitely gained a new level of respect for her.

Applegate works through her life story as casually as someone just shooting the breeze with an old friend, despite all of the moments of heartache and trauma she shares here. There’s several moments throughout that truly tug at one’s heart strings, from her eye-opening childhood, to the career-ending battles she’s still currently fighting today with MS.

Celebrities are often judged as having glossy, perfect lives and it gets forgotten that they’re actual human beings, too. But just as the old saying goes, you truly cannot “Judge a book by its cover.”

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Book Review: Vagabond: A Memoir By Tim Curry (Grand Central Publishing)

By: Jesse Striewski

Some memoirs you pick up and simply have no idea what exactly to expect; Vagabond, the long-awaited life story from beloved actor Tim Curry, is one such autobiography.

While many other celebrities may focus more on tell-all smear pieces, Curry makes it clear from the get-go that he’s there just “for the facts.” (Although from time to time he does echo some disappointing sentiments all-too familiar with the majority of Hollywood these days.)

Curry goes directly through his life story with rapid fire succession. From his early childhood, to formative years in the theater, to The Rocky Horror Picture Show and nearly every role that since followed, he takes fans on a fascinating inside journey that even includes his brief foray into music (an often forgotten footnote in his career), all leading up to the eventual health issues that would significantly deter his acting career.

But aside from wishing to hear more about his work in such slapstick films as National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1 and Scary Movie 2, there’s really not much else to complain about here. Overall Curry’s life and career are more than worthy of certain levels of respect, and for the most part Vagabond does him a justice that’s indeed deserved.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Book Review: Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum By Michael J. Fox and Nelle Fortenberry (Flatiron Books)

By: Jesse Striewski

As an avid fan, I’ve read several of Michael J. Fox’s previous books over the years, in addition to of course growing up watching his films and shows. But I had a feeling that Future Boy – which fully chronicles landing the role of Marty McFly in Back to the Future whilst juggling his already-established role of Alex P. Keaton on the hit sitcom Family Ties in the mid-’80s, would be one hell of a ride. (To this day the original remains one of my personal favorite films of all time)

From initial doubts and hesitations, to almost covertly becoming McFly while Actor Eric Stoltz was still more or less in the position of said lead role, to the ultimate aftermath/snowball effect the eventual decision to just go for it would ultimately have, there’s not a single moment of boredom to be found in between the front and back covers here.

The pace of that time frame in his life, zipping from a full day’s work at one set to another with little to no reprieve in between, is both commendable, and at times in many ways even relatable (my long lost days as a single father kept popping in my head while relieving some of Fox’s own struggles here).

Fox even narrows down several interesting thoughts about BTTF itself I had never considered before. For example – the ending of the original film, where Marty returns to his own time frame and finds his lackluster family now suddenly successful; is it truly a “happy ending,” knowing he now was not a part of any of the shared memories they all have together? (Deep stuff indeed)

To be given the type of insight on a specific moment of time that has had as huge of a cultural influence as Back to the Future has, truly feels like a gift here, and the tenacity that Fox has displayed – both then and now – deserves much respect. Thank you for sharing, Michael.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Book Review: Last Rites By Ozzy Osbourne with Chris Ayres (Grand Central Publishing)

By: Jesse Striewski

When heavy metal icon and all-around music legend Ozzy Osbourne left this world this past summer just days after performing his final concert ever, both as a solo artist and with Black Sabbath, it sent unprecedented shockwaves across the universe like few before him. So to have at least one more thing to be able to connect with him in some way, in this case in the form of his final memoir Last Rites (put together with author Chris Ayers), it almost goes without saying how welcomed it is.

Of course when Osbourne’s first memoir I Am Ozzy initially dropped back in 2009, I was all over that, too, though I actually found it to be a bit on the forced side, as if the powers that be were nudging him behind the scenes to be over the top to coincide along with his popular TV persona. Last Rites still doesn’t hold anything back either, but is presented with a much more open and honest voice than the former was.

Granted some stories from the older book are glossed over here again, but for the most part Osbourne doesn’t dwell on what’s already been said in the past, and instead paints a picture of many of the more recent moments untouched on up until his passing. There’s no real chronological order to things here as subjects are more or less bounced around like thoughts spoken aloud, but there’s deep insight given in many areas of his life, including many of the health issues he endured towards the end.

Indeed, it feels as though Osbourne was ripped away from us all far too soon. But one thing that will surely never die is his legacy, which Last Rites only helps to solidify here.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Book Review: A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap By Rob Reiner with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer (Gallery Books)

By: Jesse Striewski

Just when you thought you couldn’t get enough of Spinal Tap, director Rob Reiner puts into words the story of how perhaps the most referenced band of all time came to fruition, with the help of key players Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer for A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap.

From each member’s early beginnings within the entertainment world, to how they each eventually came together in the ’70s and created the ultimate rockumentary with 1984’s This Is Spinal Tap (and all the false starts that occurred prior to it).

It also helps fill in all of the gaps between the original movie and its recent sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, including brief reunions and one-offs, and other pop culture appearances over the years (yes, their ’90s cameo on The Simpsons included, too).

But that’s not all; finish A Fine Line Between Stupid and Cleaver and flip it over and you’ve got Smell This Book, a fictional Q&A on the band’s history from each of their alter egos. Not as strong as the other side of the book, but entertaining in its own right.

I had to laugh when I had my own “Spinal Tap” – esque moments while building this very article and the initial photo I uploaded for it was smaller than an eighteen inch Stonehenge (if you know, you know!), not to mention the typo originally found in this very article’s title! Without a doubt, the legacy created by these four guys will continue to endure through the ages/until we’re all “Rockin’ in the Urn” like a Derek Smalls original.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Book Review: Horror in Haddonfield: Halloween’s Untold Stories By Andrew Grevas (Fayetteville Mafia Press/Tucker DS Press)

By: Jesse Striewski

The Halloween franchise that originated all the way back in 1978 has gone through many changes and makeovers over the years, but author Andrew Grevas has meticulously gone through each and every incarnation to bring possibly the most detailed description of the series to date.

Grevas employs in-depth interviews with actors, directors, writers (and just about anyone else willing) from the ’78 original, all the way up to 2022’s Halloween Ends, that includes the likes of Dean Cundey, Ellie Cornell, Tom Atkins, Dee Wallace, and Dwight Little (just to name a few).

At first the Q&A-style of the many interviews here does seem to be a bit tedious, but the information contained within each one of them is usually enough to sustain ones attention span throughout the duration. Some of the more interesting topics discussed within can also be attributed to the many “what if” scenarios of the franchise as well.

Overall though, its a love letter from Grevas to one of horror’s most revered franchises, which longtime fans should without a doubt be able to both recognize, and respect.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Book Review: Debbie Gibson – Eternally Electric: The Message in My Music (Gallery Books)

By: Jesse Striewski

I can’t say I was really listening to Debbie Gibson’s music when I was still a kid during her prime throughout the late ’80s, though it was impossible not to at least know of her (especially having three older sisters and several female cousins in their teens during the decade). But I’ll say it again – chances are if it has to do with music or pop culture (especially relating to the ’80s or ’90s), I’m likely there for it either way.

Debbie Gibson’s story is no exception. From growing up in front of audiences on the stage and screen, to becoming the youngest person to ever write, produce, and perform a track that topped the Billboard Hot 100 (one of the many facts I did not recall ever hearing prior to reading Eternally Electric), there’s no shortage of intriguing stories to engage readers.

You never expect to hear that on top of all that fame, Gibson was often experiencing crippling panic attacks behind the scenes (and that timeless smile). But its tidbits like this that make celebrities like her feel all that much more relatable/human, and I’m glad to have taken the journey; give it a try and you just mind come to the same conclusion yourself.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Book Review: Fahrenheit-182: A Memoir By Mark Hoppus with Dan Ozzi (Dey Street Books)

By: Jesse Striewski

The first thing my teenaged son said to me upon realizing I was reading the new memoir via Blink-182 bassist/vocalist/co-founder Mark Hoppus (with Dan Ozzi) was, “But, you’re not really a fan.” While it’s true I’m far from a die-hard when it comes to Blink’s brand of pop punk (though I’ll still take them over Green Day any day of the week), I’m still able to find value in nearly any music-related autobiography, especially ones that offer such fascinating insight.

Beginning with his upbringing in the Mojave Deseret that included a tumultuous divorce of his parents, it eventually leads up to the formation of Blink-182 shortly after his move to San Diego to attend college.

Each monumental moment, from meeting and writing with band co-founder Tom DeLonge, touring in a van in the early days, firing original drummer Scott Raynor (who I legitimately hope he mends ties with again someday) and eventually finding Travis Barker, rising to the highest heights only to have them stripped away on more than one occasion, and ultimately battling cancer, it’s all covered here.

As someone who also once played bass and gigged around in a van with a punk band (albeit on a much smaller scale), it’s as easy to find to find common ground with Hoppus as it is breezing through his memoir.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Book Review: Heartbreaker: A Memoir By Mike Campbell with Ari Surdoval (Grand Central Publishing)

By: Jesse Striewski

Some memoirs can often either come off as just plain bragging, or will simply leave readers wanting more (I’m looking at you, Alex Van Halen). But Heartbreaker from legendary Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (and later, Fleetwood Mac) guitarist Mike Campbell (with the assistance of Ari Surdoval) not only avoids each of these, it goes above and beyond.

I can’t recall the last time I read a life story so in-depth, so well thought out, and so entertaining all in one. Campbell not only uses his time to describe in full detail his own life, but gives insight on late bandleader Petty’s (whose untimely 2017 passing came before he was ever able to put his own words into an autobiography) as well.

It never gets preachy or bores readers with any specific agendas. It’s just straight to the point, this is what happened and why, often giving step-by-step insight on how many of the band’s hits, from “American Girl” to “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” originally came about.

I only had the chance to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers live one time during their forty-plus year career (back in 2003), and I remember someone asking beforehand (with much sarcasm and ignorance I might add) why I would want to do that. The answer was as simple then as it is now; the band was, is, and always will be an American institution. Thank you Mike Campbell for fully putting as much heart into this project as you have with music throughout your lifetime.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Book Review: Entrances and Exits By Michael Richards/Foreword By Jerry Seinfeld (Simon & Schuster)

By: Jesse Striewski

Sometimes we don’t really put too much thought into who the artists we’ve watched or listened to for the majority of our lives really are until we actually take the time to get to know them. Entrances and Exits, the memoir from Seinfeld alumni Michael Richards (a.k.a. “Kramer”) is a prime example of this.

With a foreword from longtime cast member and fellow comedian Jerry Seinfeld kicking things off, its clear from the get-go readers are in for a hell of a ride. Everything from his unusual upbringing, his fascinating days in the military, to his time spent rising through the funny guy ranks and to eventual household name status via the aforementioned Seinfeld, are included here – warts and all.

The story involving his mother keeping the truth from him most of his life about his “father” is an especially heartbreaking one. And yes, he discusses in great detail that regretful night of his at the Laugh Factory all those years ago in 2006 (we all make mistakes in this thing called life, but its whether or not we learn anything from them that really counts).

It’s easy to cast stones on the things we judge based solely on a surface level – actually digging deeper and learning something for ourselves is the harder part indeed. If you’ve ever been a fan of Richards’ work in any way at all over the years, it is definitely worth taking that leap into his life story.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars