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When I Died for the First Time
Tim Booth became the mid-wife for this manuscript when Seth Brakes's attorney had instructions to pass this directly on to him if anything happened to Seth, and unless you've been hiding under a rock, you will know that something has happened to Seth Brakes.
Did Seth really choose to send it to Tim because a psychic told him to? Tim can't think of any other plausible reason.
To his knowledge Tim met Seth two times. Once at a party and once at Brian Eno's house where he dropped in on one of Brian's acapella nights. He was not in a great condition and found it hard to sing Gospel and Folk songs he was unfamiliar with. Tim guessed like most Indie band singers singing was not his forte.
Perhaps Seth related to the fact that Tim is a (generally) sober singer, and sobriety is rare in the music industry. He had said complimentary things about James in past interviews, which suggests he admires them, but still, Tim was greatly surprised to be used as his conduit.
When Tim read the manuscript he was hooked. Is this a diary, fiction, confession or a mixture of all three? He has no idea but he did find it a good read, way better than most of his lyrics. So he passed it on to a literary agent, who of course wanted him to edit it but he didn't want to betray Seth's trust, so here you have it, more or less intact as the author intended.
Did Seth really choose to send it to Tim because a psychic told him to? Tim can't think of any other plausible reason.
To his knowledge Tim met Seth two times. Once at a party and once at Brian Eno's house where he dropped in on one of Brian's acapella nights. He was not in a great condition and found it hard to sing Gospel and Folk songs he was unfamiliar with. Tim guessed like most Indie band singers singing was not his forte.
Perhaps Seth related to the fact that Tim is a (generally) sober singer, and sobriety is rare in the music industry. He had said complimentary things about James in past interviews, which suggests he admires them, but still, Tim was greatly surprised to be used as his conduit.
When Tim read the manuscript he was hooked. Is this a diary, fiction, confession or a mixture of all three? He has no idea but he did find it a good read, way better than most of his lyrics. So he passed it on to a literary agent, who of course wanted him to edit it but he didn't want to betray Seth's trust, so here you have it, more or less intact as the author intended.
- GenresFiction
480 pages, Hardcover
Published August 27, 2024
21 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 5, 2024
"Write what you know" is how the old maxim goes. Well Tim Booth, frontman of the British band James, has certainly taken that advice to heart in his debut novel. Sex, drugs and rock'n'roll - the whole gamut is here in this fictional tale of a once popular music group trying to recapture its former glories.
I enjoyed the first act of the story, in which our flawed hero Seth Brakes falls in love at first sight with a fan backstage. Those first flickers of romance, the excitement, the possibilities - all of those things are captured superbly. And I liked how the budding relationship often went wrong too through common pitfalls like miscommunication - it all felt very real.
I thought the book struggled in the last third. I'm not sure what Booth was attempting, some kind of trippy finale where the protagonist comes to a major realization? It didn't work for me.
However, the story excels in portraying a struggling band that is doing its level best to survive and stay relevant. Pressure from record companies, inter-group turmoil, awkward TV show interviews - it comes across as authentic and unvarnished, in a good way. Booth is certainly a talented writer - I'd love to see him tackle something outside his wheelhouse just to see what he is really capable of.
I enjoyed the first act of the story, in which our flawed hero Seth Brakes falls in love at first sight with a fan backstage. Those first flickers of romance, the excitement, the possibilities - all of those things are captured superbly. And I liked how the budding relationship often went wrong too through common pitfalls like miscommunication - it all felt very real.
I thought the book struggled in the last third. I'm not sure what Booth was attempting, some kind of trippy finale where the protagonist comes to a major realization? It didn't work for me.
However, the story excels in portraying a struggling band that is doing its level best to survive and stay relevant. Pressure from record companies, inter-group turmoil, awkward TV show interviews - it comes across as authentic and unvarnished, in a good way. Booth is certainly a talented writer - I'd love to see him tackle something outside his wheelhouse just to see what he is really capable of.
July 17, 2024
This man has held the power to move me to tears for almost thirty years now. I’ve listened to his songs, stood at the rail for his gigs and danced with him on stage. And yet - I’d never expected this heartbreak of a book to be so poignant, so moving and so bloody beautiful. Godsbedamned, the man can write. No, scratch that - we knew that. The man can write a novel. Beautifully.
Read this. Just do.
This is a review for the hardcover edition, published in May 2024 by Little Brown
Read this. Just do.
This is a review for the hardcover edition, published in May 2024 by Little Brown
July 17, 2024
Book 25 of '24. Sordid tale of sex and drugs and rock and roll, with added abuse and addiction. And yet funny and with a heart of love - love for people and for music. I approached with trepidation, but was carried along by it and couldn't put it down - loved it.
May 17, 2024
What a great book,read in two days was such a good story and really invested in the characters, stayed up late and woke early to read,if it wasn't for work I could have read in one sitting.
November 19, 2024
Booth is a hugely interesting human and a multi-talented creative. I’m pleased that he’s given writing a shot too but I feel I would be happier, and far more engaged if he explored this via poetry rather than novels. ( obviously my happiness matters to him enormously haha)
That said, I am a James enthusiast and I am therefore aware that some aspects of this novel closely resemble some aspects of reality. I could not help but wish he would concentrate on those. I would greedily devour a book on his out of body experience and how he relates this to a personal philosophy which ties in with quantum physics. ( As I would anybodies)
Booth does say this book is part therapy and as a trained therapist he will know that sometimes that works best from a once removed stance, however I just felt a little disconnected to this book because it could not make its mind up between autobiography and fiction.
That said, I am a James enthusiast and I am therefore aware that some aspects of this novel closely resemble some aspects of reality. I could not help but wish he would concentrate on those. I would greedily devour a book on his out of body experience and how he relates this to a personal philosophy which ties in with quantum physics. ( As I would anybodies)
Booth does say this book is part therapy and as a trained therapist he will know that sometimes that works best from a once removed stance, however I just felt a little disconnected to this book because it could not make its mind up between autobiography and fiction.
June 18, 2024
Bloody hell, Tim! What a novel.
It's been a long time since I've been so completely pulled into a book from the first line. And yes, I'm a huge fan of Tim and James, but not to the point of blindness. This is a genuine romp of a read. His descriptions of the highs and lows of addiction, being at the centre of something amazing, of loving and losing, of childhood trauma, of the music scene, of the acid trip, of the incredible party (I wanted to there so much!) - the whole lot was in my head in glorious 3D technicolour.
It's entertaining, engaging with not a drop of mawkish-ness in it, but plenty of humour, and an insight into the mind of a talented wordsmith.
Big spoiler warning, at the book launch reading I went to, he said he liked sex a lot, and that's clear from his writing. There's not much in there, but goodness me.
I am a little baffled by the end, but did speed read it so probably need to go back and read the last few chapters again.
Edited to add, search Spotify to find a Seth Brakes track.
https://open.spotify.com/track/7t6K1w...
It's been a long time since I've been so completely pulled into a book from the first line. And yes, I'm a huge fan of Tim and James, but not to the point of blindness. This is a genuine romp of a read. His descriptions of the highs and lows of addiction, being at the centre of something amazing, of loving and losing, of childhood trauma, of the music scene, of the acid trip, of the incredible party (I wanted to there so much!) - the whole lot was in my head in glorious 3D technicolour.
It's entertaining, engaging with not a drop of mawkish-ness in it, but plenty of humour, and an insight into the mind of a talented wordsmith.
Big spoiler warning, at the book launch reading I went to, he said he liked sex a lot, and that's clear from his writing. There's not much in there, but goodness me.
I am a little baffled by the end, but did speed read it so probably need to go back and read the last few chapters again.
Edited to add, search Spotify to find a Seth Brakes track.
https://open.spotify.com/track/7t6K1w...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
See Jean Genie on his high wire act…
Maybe it’s too soon to rate the book-I just finished. I started out reading it bc I have enjoyed all of Booths musical artistic output but I was honestly a bit skeptical of his first novel. Reluctantly I read the first 1/4 of the book thinking this was a just singer writing a book but by the second quarter I was hooked and I looked forward to watching Seth Brakes “hit the 17th bus” or redeem himself or just work it out. It was just a reader/writer writing and I was completely engaged.
No spoilers here- I was entertained and it made me think.
It was a fictional “just kids” by Patti smith, meets RA Wilson with quite a bit of magical realism-especially the last quarter!
Maybe it’s too soon to rate the book-I just finished. I started out reading it bc I have enjoyed all of Booths musical artistic output but I was honestly a bit skeptical of his first novel. Reluctantly I read the first 1/4 of the book thinking this was a just singer writing a book but by the second quarter I was hooked and I looked forward to watching Seth Brakes “hit the 17th bus” or redeem himself or just work it out. It was just a reader/writer writing and I was completely engaged.
No spoilers here- I was entertained and it made me think.
It was a fictional “just kids” by Patti smith, meets RA Wilson with quite a bit of magical realism-especially the last quarter!
January 30, 2025
I like Tim Booth but this was trying way too hard and was too cliche ridden.
Plot-wise, Seth Brakes is a musician grappling with recovery from addiction, love, and the challenges of reestablishing his band, the Lucky Fuckers, after a hiatus and his own near-death experience. Unsurprisingly Tim Booth writes credibly about this world however the narrative becomes increasingly silly and tedious. By about halfway I was skim reading it. The experimental style employed in the closing sections ends the novel on a confusing and unsatisfactory note.
2/5
Tim Booth became the mid-wife for this manuscript when Seth Brakes's attorney had instructions to pass this directly on to him if anything happened to Seth, and unless you've been hiding under a rock, you will know that something has happened to Seth Brakes.
Did Seth really choose to send it to Tim because a psychic told him to? Tim can't think of any other plausible reason.
To his knowledge Tim met Seth two times. Once at a party and once at Brian Eno's house where he dropped in on one of Brian's acapella nights. He was not in a great condition and found it hard to sing Gospel and Folk songs he was unfamiliar with. Tim guessed like most Indie band singers singing was not his forte.
Perhaps Seth related to the fact that Tim is a (generally) sober singer, and sobriety is rare in the music industry. He had said complimentary things about James in past interviews, which suggests he admires them, but still, Tim was greatly surprised to be used as his conduit.
When Tim read the manuscript he was hooked. Is this a diary, fiction, confession or a mixture of all three? He has no idea but he did find it a good read, way better than most of his lyrics. So he passed it on to a literary agent, who of course wanted him to edit it but he didn't want to betray Seth's trust, so here you have it, more or less intact as the author intended.
Plot-wise, Seth Brakes is a musician grappling with recovery from addiction, love, and the challenges of reestablishing his band, the Lucky Fuckers, after a hiatus and his own near-death experience. Unsurprisingly Tim Booth writes credibly about this world however the narrative becomes increasingly silly and tedious. By about halfway I was skim reading it. The experimental style employed in the closing sections ends the novel on a confusing and unsatisfactory note.
2/5
Tim Booth became the mid-wife for this manuscript when Seth Brakes's attorney had instructions to pass this directly on to him if anything happened to Seth, and unless you've been hiding under a rock, you will know that something has happened to Seth Brakes.
Did Seth really choose to send it to Tim because a psychic told him to? Tim can't think of any other plausible reason.
To his knowledge Tim met Seth two times. Once at a party and once at Brian Eno's house where he dropped in on one of Brian's acapella nights. He was not in a great condition and found it hard to sing Gospel and Folk songs he was unfamiliar with. Tim guessed like most Indie band singers singing was not his forte.
Perhaps Seth related to the fact that Tim is a (generally) sober singer, and sobriety is rare in the music industry. He had said complimentary things about James in past interviews, which suggests he admires them, but still, Tim was greatly surprised to be used as his conduit.
When Tim read the manuscript he was hooked. Is this a diary, fiction, confession or a mixture of all three? He has no idea but he did find it a good read, way better than most of his lyrics. So he passed it on to a literary agent, who of course wanted him to edit it but he didn't want to betray Seth's trust, so here you have it, more or less intact as the author intended.
August 17, 2024
I’m a HUGE James fan. Seeing them live and being front and centre and interacting with Tim is one of the best concert experiences of my life. James is an integral part of the soundtrack of my life. Which means I REALLY wanted to love this book. But sadly, I just could not.
It’s not a bad book, not at all. It’s just that it isn’t good. It rides the well-worn trope of the over-sexed, over-drugged, under-moral-ed rock star. It’s a story we’ve all seen, read, or heard a hundred times before. And the sad news is that I just could not get to care for the lead character. Seth comes across as a spoiled brat with no concern for anything or anyone but his own selfish and immediate base needs. I expected a redemption story arc, but even after the climax, Seth is still just as big as ass as he was at the beginning. Basically, if Seth wasn’t as great singer, he’d be just another boorish and talentless yob on the dole with no redeeming features not battling addiction but enjoying every minute of it. The supporting cast is paper-thin and one-dimensional, and I cannot even remember Seth’s girlfriend’s name.
The writing is well crafted, is a cracking read in some places, and contains some interesting stylistic choices by Tim, which gave the book a bit of body, but all in all, it is largely forgettable thanks to its lack of story arc and underwhelming and unlikable lead character.
Tim Booth certainly has some writing chops, and if he can craft more developed characters and get me to care about them, then I’ll be the first in line to buy the next book. But this one sadly fell short of the mark for me.
It’s not a bad book, not at all. It’s just that it isn’t good. It rides the well-worn trope of the over-sexed, over-drugged, under-moral-ed rock star. It’s a story we’ve all seen, read, or heard a hundred times before. And the sad news is that I just could not get to care for the lead character. Seth comes across as a spoiled brat with no concern for anything or anyone but his own selfish and immediate base needs. I expected a redemption story arc, but even after the climax, Seth is still just as big as ass as he was at the beginning. Basically, if Seth wasn’t as great singer, he’d be just another boorish and talentless yob on the dole with no redeeming features not battling addiction but enjoying every minute of it. The supporting cast is paper-thin and one-dimensional, and I cannot even remember Seth’s girlfriend’s name.
The writing is well crafted, is a cracking read in some places, and contains some interesting stylistic choices by Tim, which gave the book a bit of body, but all in all, it is largely forgettable thanks to its lack of story arc and underwhelming and unlikable lead character.
Tim Booth certainly has some writing chops, and if he can craft more developed characters and get me to care about them, then I’ll be the first in line to buy the next book. But this one sadly fell short of the mark for me.
August 26, 2024
I had high expectations for this, Booth’s debut novel. This man knows how to write a song; his words perfect poetry, full of meaning and emotion. James’ music has played a huge part in my life, so yes, I wanted this book to be an extension of the genius that is its author.
I was not disappointed. Not one little bit.
When I Died for the First Time is a rollercoaster from the first word to the last. It tells the story of Seth Brakes and The Lucky Fuc£ers, and how life in a touring (punk) band offers monumental highs and the lowest of lows. It shines a light on the selfishness of someone who cannot get through life without self-medicating with drugs and booze, yet at the same time, offers us an insight into how low one must be to hit the depths of rock bottom.
I was absolutely invested in Seth and Stella and how much, no matter the situations Seth got himself into, they adored each other. Stella being his rock. I found myself frustrated at Seth, at times, wanting to physically shake a written character. That’s how well penned this love letter to punk and rock n roll is.
Another work of genius by one of my all time favourite musicians/songwriters. I highly recommend.
I was not disappointed. Not one little bit.
When I Died for the First Time is a rollercoaster from the first word to the last. It tells the story of Seth Brakes and The Lucky Fuc£ers, and how life in a touring (punk) band offers monumental highs and the lowest of lows. It shines a light on the selfishness of someone who cannot get through life without self-medicating with drugs and booze, yet at the same time, offers us an insight into how low one must be to hit the depths of rock bottom.
I was absolutely invested in Seth and Stella and how much, no matter the situations Seth got himself into, they adored each other. Stella being his rock. I found myself frustrated at Seth, at times, wanting to physically shake a written character. That’s how well penned this love letter to punk and rock n roll is.
Another work of genius by one of my all time favourite musicians/songwriters. I highly recommend.
August 10, 2025
I'm a huge fan of James and Tim Booth, for a long time now. It's the band I've been more to concerts, and constantly listen to. So, this review may be a bit biased. Nonetheless, I was sceptical to read this book, although I really wanted to, but at the same time feared being somehow disappointed.
I must say that I really, really enjoyed the book. Once I started it, I just wanted to continue and see where Seth Brake's story would led us to. Although it is supposed to be a novel, we can see some parts are probably based on the author/band experiences, which is very interesting, and even more for a James fan. Some situations we may imagine can be liked that in the rock band's world, but reading about it, is different.
We can see Tim Booth through this book writing and some of the Seth's reactions/situations. Some parts are really funny....I could imagine Tim Booth telling some parts in an imaginary interview.
I must say that I really, really enjoyed the book. Once I started it, I just wanted to continue and see where Seth Brake's story would led us to. Although it is supposed to be a novel, we can see some parts are probably based on the author/band experiences, which is very interesting, and even more for a James fan. Some situations we may imagine can be liked that in the rock band's world, but reading about it, is different.
We can see Tim Booth through this book writing and some of the Seth's reactions/situations. Some parts are really funny....I could imagine Tim Booth telling some parts in an imaginary interview.
July 1, 2024
This is possibly in my top 5 favourite books I’ve read! Having lived with many addicts it’s an interesting read to see into their minds, or as much as we can comprehend. I found the main character infuriating, endearing, charismatic, pompous, charming, rude, hilarious & utterly dull which in my experience is exactly right. I’m not sure if this is actually based on Tim’s experiences but I’d say he’s got a pretty good look into what most addicts minds work like.
I’d happily read multiple more books about Seth & the crew as I absolutely devoured this one.
I’d happily read multiple more books about Seth & the crew as I absolutely devoured this one.
October 14, 2024
Rock ‘n roll tale from Tim Booth large parts nightmarish account of childhood trauma and adult addiction, leavened by thrilling passages where a band launch into organic co-production of glorious music. All messed up, not much getting away with it. Compelling.
August 9, 2025
A fun and authentic look at the life of a rockstar. It reads like an early-2010s version of David Mitchell’s Utopia Avenue. I hadn’t actually heard of the band James prior to picking this book up from the library, although I’ve got to listen to them now!
July 7, 2024
If I could, I'd have given this more than five stars. A superb read.
September 28, 2024
Really enjoyable book great read❤️
August 20, 2025
No clichés left untouched.
November 13, 2025
Sad to say, much as I love Tim, I just couldn't get to like it. I was reading pages, taking nothing in. Maybe it's just not the right time.
August 10, 2024
I have been a long-time fan of Tim and James. I was looking forward to this book because I know his powerful songwriting brings me on such a journey and I couldn't wait to see what he'd do with the length of a full novel. This book definitely held up to my expectations. I enjoyed the character development and found breadcrumbs of some of my favorite James tunes woven throughout. Well done, Tim! I hope there may be other books someday.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews