And a lean, silent figure slowly fades into the gathering darkness, aware at last in this world- with great power, there must also come great responsibility.
In the wake of the cultural tsunami of Nirvana, and their eventual tragic end, major music labels sought the Next Big Thing after the "Seattle sound" of grunge. They didn't have to wait long, as the release of Green Day's "Dookie" in 1994 set off a feeding frenzy of A&R men sent out to sign any punk-rock band that could write a decent melody. Using nearly a dozen major label debut albums as a framing device, Ozzi takes a look at what bands like Jimmy Eat World, Thursday, and others were up against in the battle to retain their artistic integrity in the rapidly-changing industry of the early 2000s. ~ Reviewed by Chris Linendoll
A literary novel that takes professional wrestling seriously, what more could you ask for? Ricky TwoHatchet is an independent wrestler, with his eyes set on success. That all comes to a halt when he suffers a major injury in one of his matches. Now directionless, Ricky stumbles through the darkened hallways of life, seeking his place in the world. A unique, propulsive read that readers looking for something a bit different will enjoy. ~ Reviewed by Chris Linendoll
A slim novel with a mighty punch. This Book Prize-winning title has gotten somewhat of a mixed reception over the years, but I found it totally engrossing and read it in one sitting. A Murakami-esque tale of an older gentleman ruminating on dead friends, loves lost, and the obscured memories that bind them all together. One of those books I loved despite not finding any of the characters particularly appealing, but that's life, isn't it? ~ Reviewed by Chris Linendoll
A slim novel with a mighty punch. This Booker Prize-winning title has gotten somewhat of a mixed reception over the years, but I found it totally engrossing and read it in one sitting. A Murakami-esque tale of an older gentleman ruminating on dead friends, loves lost, and the obscured memories that bind them all together. One of those books I loved despite not finding any of the characters particularly appealing, but that's life, isn't it? ~ Reviewed by Christopher Linendoll
Raw, unfiltered, and rough around the edges, just like the man himself. Jon Moxley was once WWE champion Dean Ambrose, but those days are dead and gone. Moxley has struck out on his own into the dark world of independent professional wrestling, and takes the reader along for the ride, thumbtacks and all. A Hunter S. Thompson-esque carnival of drugs, sex, and rock n roll. A unique entry into the pantheon of wrestling memoirs, told through journal-like, stream of consciousness. ~ Reviewed by Chris Linendoll
