Originally posted at http://rockread.westofmars.com
I am not sure I knew Last Night at Chateau Marmont fell squarely into the category of Rock and Roll Fiction until a copy arrived from BookMooch and I read the cover flap. Its the story of Brooke Alter and what happens to her when her husband lands a recording deal and becomes musics new darling.
Okay, so its about Julian as he becomes a mega-star. That qualifies for rock and roll fiction, right? Even if Julian isnt a rocker as much as a pop musician in the best sense of the word after all, the guy lands the opening slot on Maroon 5′s tour.
This book doesnt feel very rock-ish. If anything, its a story about celebrity. The paparazzi abound (although I dont quite get how they conveniently disappear when the dog needs to be walked. Walter Alter didnt come across as particularly interested in eating paparazzi.) and the jet-set lifestyle has definite negatives when you are the one at home, trying to continue to live your life as if nothing has changed. Gossip magazines rule your lifestyle.
In some senses, Julian could have been an actor thrust into the spotlight. Or a reality show star. His being in the music business didnt matter.
And that is why this isnt a rock and roll novel.
Its a good read, though. Perfect for the beach. Its not too deep, even when it flirts with serious topics like the serious bumps that can end a marriage or eating disorders. Even the ending is easy and breezy. Its almost too easy, but that fits the sort of book this is. And its neat to see music from the angle of celebrity. That part, I cant find fault with. Its so real, so chilling. I can see the meeting of the scorned women so clearly, as if I was watching the reality show based on them. (Is there one? Gosh, I hope not!) And while I dont read the rags, Ive seen enough of them in my day to believe this vile, snarky world Weisberger plunges us and Brooke into.
If youre looking for real rock and roll fiction, there are better books out there. If you want a pleasant read to pass a few hours with, this is definitely the one for you. I may not rave about it, but Im sure glad I read it.
I am not sure I knew Last Night at Chateau Marmont fell squarely into the category of Rock and Roll Fiction until a copy arrived from BookMooch and I read the cover flap. Its the story of Brooke Alter and what happens to her when her husband lands a recording deal and becomes musics new darling.
Okay, so its about Julian as he becomes a mega-star. That qualifies for rock and roll fiction, right? Even if Julian isnt a rocker as much as a pop musician in the best sense of the word after all, the guy lands the opening slot on Maroon 5′s tour.
This book doesnt feel very rock-ish. If anything, its a story about celebrity. The paparazzi abound (although I dont quite get how they conveniently disappear when the dog needs to be walked. Walter Alter didnt come across as particularly interested in eating paparazzi.) and the jet-set lifestyle has definite negatives when you are the one at home, trying to continue to live your life as if nothing has changed. Gossip magazines rule your lifestyle.
In some senses, Julian could have been an actor thrust into the spotlight. Or a reality show star. His being in the music business didnt matter.
And that is why this isnt a rock and roll novel.
Its a good read, though. Perfect for the beach. Its not too deep, even when it flirts with serious topics like the serious bumps that can end a marriage or eating disorders. Even the ending is easy and breezy. Its almost too easy, but that fits the sort of book this is. And its neat to see music from the angle of celebrity. That part, I cant find fault with. Its so real, so chilling. I can see the meeting of the scorned women so clearly, as if I was watching the reality show based on them. (Is there one? Gosh, I hope not!) And while I dont read the rags, Ive seen enough of them in my day to believe this vile, snarky world Weisberger plunges us and Brooke into.
If youre looking for real rock and roll fiction, there are better books out there. If you want a pleasant read to pass a few hours with, this is definitely the one for you. I may not rave about it, but Im sure glad I read it.
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