Jim Cherry's Blog - Posts Tagged "review"
The Last Stage Review from Reviewermagazine.com
By Kathryn Reade
Michael Gray, a 30 year old liberal arts student, losing support from his parents and unable to further his degree; at a crossroads with his girlfriend and life. He comes up with an idea while perched on a bar stool at his local hang out.
Through kismet he meets a group of young musicians that have aspirations of their own. Michael Gray plots to turn his idea into the dream of a lifetime. They form a tribute cover band of the legendary Doors, called Ghost Dance. A month of rehearsing, fine tuning stage presence and getting their first gig. The members of the band live the dream and tour in a second hand van from their newly acquired manager.
The tour leads the band to various venues around the States, including the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Ghost Dance band members deal with Michael Grays inflated ego until They arrive at the famed Whiskey a Go-Go in L.A. where the Doors first played and had their start. Unfortunately for Michael Gray and his Jim Morrison personae it is the end, but he has his kicks before the whole shit house goes up in flames, to paraphrase Jim Morrison. The rest of the band mates fulfill their dream of doing their own music and making it to the big time.
I recommend The Last Stage by Jim Cherry for anyone who has a dream of being a rock star or if you’re a Doors fan. Cherry has researched his subject matter and placed it in a well written 240 page book. You can get a copy of The Last Stage in paperback at www.Xlibris.com or at the author’s website.
www.jymsbooks.com
THE LAST STAGE on Amazon
at Barnes & Noble
http://reviewermag.com/press/?p=687
Michael Gray, a 30 year old liberal arts student, losing support from his parents and unable to further his degree; at a crossroads with his girlfriend and life. He comes up with an idea while perched on a bar stool at his local hang out.
Through kismet he meets a group of young musicians that have aspirations of their own. Michael Gray plots to turn his idea into the dream of a lifetime. They form a tribute cover band of the legendary Doors, called Ghost Dance. A month of rehearsing, fine tuning stage presence and getting their first gig. The members of the band live the dream and tour in a second hand van from their newly acquired manager.
The tour leads the band to various venues around the States, including the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Ghost Dance band members deal with Michael Grays inflated ego until They arrive at the famed Whiskey a Go-Go in L.A. where the Doors first played and had their start. Unfortunately for Michael Gray and his Jim Morrison personae it is the end, but he has his kicks before the whole shit house goes up in flames, to paraphrase Jim Morrison. The rest of the band mates fulfill their dream of doing their own music and making it to the big time.
I recommend The Last Stage by Jim Cherry for anyone who has a dream of being a rock star or if you’re a Doors fan. Cherry has researched his subject matter and placed it in a well written 240 page book. You can get a copy of The Last Stage in paperback at www.Xlibris.com or at the author’s website.
www.jymsbooks.com
THE LAST STAGE on Amazon
at Barnes & Noble
http://reviewermag.com/press/?p=687
Review from a Reader
I just finished the last stage experience- I call it that because it felt more like a phone conversation with Michael Gray than reading his book. I like Katherine Reinhart's take that the book is about figuring out Gray's complex personality. You really have fun wondering if he an artist or a businessman, ambitious or a daydreamer, intellegent or a junkie.
From the very cover you can tell the book has to do with Jim Morrison and this was a sound literary decision. Michael Gray comfortably fits into a backdrop that the DOORS created so there isn't a lot of having to explain or describe things- we all knew who the DOORS were and what they stood for. At least we think we do and no one can tell us different.
Jim Cherry has taken a few points to ponder about the Jim Morrison mystique and these are what cleverly unfold in this book. A couple of these are Morrison's ability to spellbind audiences, his relationship with women, the reality of how he did business with band members and bar owners.
The name Michael Gray conjures up Dorian Gray from Oscar Wilde's famous novel. Michael's wanting to resurrect a band that existed 20 years prior hinges on Dorian's wanting to stay young forever.
I was amazed by how Cherry brings forgotten child television star Jimmy Stark is brought into the thick of things. Cherry allures the reader's trust so that he is able to drop this coincidence onto their lap. It greatly enhances the book in light of what really happend to Jim Morrison who also experienced stardom early in life but saw it disipate with his legal and drug troubles. This is a fun book that reads fast- an eighties version of On the Road.
From the very cover you can tell the book has to do with Jim Morrison and this was a sound literary decision. Michael Gray comfortably fits into a backdrop that the DOORS created so there isn't a lot of having to explain or describe things- we all knew who the DOORS were and what they stood for. At least we think we do and no one can tell us different.
Jim Cherry has taken a few points to ponder about the Jim Morrison mystique and these are what cleverly unfold in this book. A couple of these are Morrison's ability to spellbind audiences, his relationship with women, the reality of how he did business with band members and bar owners.
The name Michael Gray conjures up Dorian Gray from Oscar Wilde's famous novel. Michael's wanting to resurrect a band that existed 20 years prior hinges on Dorian's wanting to stay young forever.
I was amazed by how Cherry brings forgotten child television star Jimmy Stark is brought into the thick of things. Cherry allures the reader's trust so that he is able to drop this coincidence onto their lap. It greatly enhances the book in light of what really happend to Jim Morrison who also experienced stardom early in life but saw it disipate with his legal and drug troubles. This is a fun book that reads fast- an eighties version of On the Road.
Rants Raves, Rock n Roll & Review!
Good Morning Everyone!
Just a quick reminder, I'll be on the Rants, Raves and Rock 'n' Roll Show today at 6:30 PM central time, the show runs between 4-7 PM central time. I'll be talking about the "Rock 'n' Roll Presidency." http://www.blogtalkradio.com/big-blen...
Ken Korczak on his book review blog, Best eBook Reviews has reviewed "The Last Stage" and gave it 5 stars! Thank you Ken! http://bestebookreviews.blogspot.com/...
Writers tip of the day:
If you're stuck on a section of what you're writing don't sit there and try to force it, do something else, take a walk, go shopping, read a book, get your mind off the problem and, let your subconscious do the work for you and the answer will come to you. I've done some of my best writing driving or taking a shower!
Have a great day!
Jim
Writing under the influence of Rock ‘n’ Roll!
www.jymsbooks.com
Just a quick reminder, I'll be on the Rants, Raves and Rock 'n' Roll Show today at 6:30 PM central time, the show runs between 4-7 PM central time. I'll be talking about the "Rock 'n' Roll Presidency." http://www.blogtalkradio.com/big-blen...
Ken Korczak on his book review blog, Best eBook Reviews has reviewed "The Last Stage" and gave it 5 stars! Thank you Ken! http://bestebookreviews.blogspot.com/...
Writers tip of the day:
If you're stuck on a section of what you're writing don't sit there and try to force it, do something else, take a walk, go shopping, read a book, get your mind off the problem and, let your subconscious do the work for you and the answer will come to you. I've done some of my best writing driving or taking a shower!
Have a great day!
Jim
Writing under the influence of Rock ‘n’ Roll!
www.jymsbooks.com
The Lion Communique Roars with Talent
Here's a new review! The beginning of a month must bring about new reviews!
The Lion Communique Roars with Talent
In The Lion Communique, Jim Cherry has come up with some very interesting, entertaining, thought-provoking and image-rich stories that directly or indirectly relate to themes of the struggle between good and evil and the potential of redemption; many of which put the senselessness of war at their centre.
From the Twilight Zone-esque Judgement Night story (and its reprisal story) in which the protagonist finds himself travelling on a dark and eerie bus journey where something just ain’t right to the wonderful Comanche ghost story of The Captured Dead, the evocative short stories in this collection may stray across different eras and genres, but they all work incredibly well together.
The Lion Communique roars with talent, passion and emotion. So, don’t let this one slip you by. Your own redemption might just depend on it!
This review is by Harry Whitewolf a fine author and poet. Harry has quite a collection of books he's released including: Route 11: Argentina, Angels, and Alcohol, Matrix Visions, They're Making it Up as They Go Along. If you're looking for a gifted writer, poet and illustrator check out Harry on his Amazon writers profile.
The Lion Communique Roars with Talent
In The Lion Communique, Jim Cherry has come up with some very interesting, entertaining, thought-provoking and image-rich stories that directly or indirectly relate to themes of the struggle between good and evil and the potential of redemption; many of which put the senselessness of war at their centre.
From the Twilight Zone-esque Judgement Night story (and its reprisal story) in which the protagonist finds himself travelling on a dark and eerie bus journey where something just ain’t right to the wonderful Comanche ghost story of The Captured Dead, the evocative short stories in this collection may stray across different eras and genres, but they all work incredibly well together.
The Lion Communique roars with talent, passion and emotion. So, don’t let this one slip you by. Your own redemption might just depend on it!
This review is by Harry Whitewolf a fine author and poet. Harry has quite a collection of books he's released including: Route 11: Argentina, Angels, and Alcohol, Matrix Visions, They're Making it Up as They Go Along. If you're looking for a gifted writer, poet and illustrator check out Harry on his Amazon writers profile.
