Rockettes, Rockstars and Rockbottom

by Keltie Colleen

Caught between backstage and center stage, Keltie Colleen opens a window to her intriguing life of dance and rock n' roll. In between gigs, Keltie optimistically untangles complicated rockstar romances, while clinging to her own identity. Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, Keltie's story is an honest, powerful and ultimately uplifting guide to following your dreams and losing your heart.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Music

157 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 2010

Reviews

[Crystal]

Where do I even begin with this piece of mess? Firstly I have to applaud her for knowing the main reason anyone bother picking up her so-called autobiography, what with it basically a how-to guide on writing over 10 chapters on the only thing people bought this book for (here's a hint: it's about a boy) while painting themselves as self-sacrifical heroines by overexaggerating on their self importance and 'heroic deeds'. Basically a kiss-and-tell with lots of heapings of woo-is-me attitude. Reads like a fanfiction with horrible editing work (or no editing at all) and perfect Mary Sue point-of-view. Just read it in the bookstore if you can find it for the parts you care about (lets be honest here) and save your money for better autobiographies by people who are actually making it in the industry with their talent than ending up writing for Buzznet (that site still exist?) with constant need to bring up their ex every time anyone forgot who she is.

[Keltie Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome!

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't even remember how I got this on my "To Read" List, but when I saw it available on Oyster, I decided to give it a go, especially since it's such a short read...thank goodness. Ms. Colleen doesn't really spend much of any time introducing herself or her story and jumps right into the "rockstars" portion of the book. She spends the whole time talking about her boyfriends, the book itself is split into the three different men she dated, doesn't really give us any reason to root for her, and seems to be pretty into self loathing and pitty. I couldn't wait for the book to be done, maybe it's because I literally could not relate at all, but there wasn't hardly anything I liked about the author or her book. I was looking forward to reading about her time as a professional dancer, with some romance thrown in, but that's not at all what this book is. The only thing I got out of it was gratefulness that I don't have to define myself according to a man, much like it seems Ms. Colleen has to. Best of luck in the future, Keltie, and I hope you're able to really love yourself.

[Jamie Lonza · Rating 1 out of 5]

One star because I met some of my friends in the lady gang podcast page before it turned to poison.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am intrigued with all things dance, so I really enjoyed reading about this dancer's highs and lows. There were parts of the story where Keltie made me feel like I was buckled in right beside her on her ride on the co-dependency roller-coaster! There were other parts where I wish she would've gone into more detail and elaborated on the actual events leading up to her fall to rockbottom. There were some moments that I felt she cut a little short and I was left with unanswered questions. However, I can't fault a dancer for not being the best writer.
Overall, I thought it was a very honest and genuine story about her journey to learn to love herself first and I truly enjoyed reading it.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

If Goodreads is correct (and I think it is pretty accurate), Rockettes, Rockstars and Rockbottom is the 500th book I've read!

I read it for one reason only:


From the start, I felt that Keltie did a poor job of describing her upbringing, leaving her character underdeveloped and shallow. Instead, the book focuses heavily on her relationships throughout young adulthood—often in a way that feels self-congratulatory. While she harshly critiques the boys of her past, she also repeatedly falls into the same patterns she condemns throughout the book, ultimately making her career more about them than herself. This book is a great example of that - instead of writing about her journey as a performer and writer, she is focused on her previous relationships.

At the same time, I can't blame her.
"Where there was music, there were musicians. Where there were musicians, there was bound to be skinny jeans. Where there were skinny jeans, there would be a guy wearing said jeans, playing said music, and if he had a guitar strapped to his back, he would also have a brand new admirer. Me."
So true girl.

Like I said, I read this for Ryan Ross.

I feel conflicted. I feel guilty having read about the private details of someone's relationship, and simultaneously upset that the author decided to release them at all. But I did eat it up. And I regret to say that, unfortunately, Ryan Ross is flawed just like the rest of us.



(but I still love him)

[Mariquela Calvo Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first heard about Keltie a million years ago, when she started dating Dreamer. All my friends hated her, OF COURSE, but I have lead-singer syndrome so I didn't care about Dreamer or his girlfriends. But there was something about Keltie... so I started following her career. Many years later, I still do follow her, and I think she's one of the most inspiring, genuine and funny people on showbiz.

Anyway, about this book. I loved it. It's authentic and raw. You can really feel the pain of all the things she had to go through. Yeah, maybe her life it's not a tragedy, but we all had our hearts broken at least once, am I right? And you can always relate to that.

I love that she is true to her feelings, that she holds herself accountable for the mistakes she made, and doesn't make villains out of her rockstars. And in some way, writing this kind of cathartic confession is perfectly OK (even if Dreamer's fans think otherwise), because she was the target of a lot of hate she didn't deserve.

So if you want to read this book, just know two things:
1) It's not a classic masterpiece but it's relatable and heartfelt.
2) If you're a fan of Dreamer, you won't like what you will learn about him. You can keep on hating her or you can understand her struggle.

[Katelyn Annyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rockettes, Rockstars, and Rockbottom is my favorite book. This is the most enjoyable book I've ever read because I feel like I really connected with the book. I cried several different times while reading this book because it was very touching. Keltie Colleen majorly inspires me because she was very personal in this book and her style of writing really makes the reader feel like your having a one on one conversation with her.

This book is about Keltie's life starting from when she was a kid. It takes you through all of the struggle and heartbreak Keltie went through when she moved to New York when she was 18 to pursue a dancing career. Along the way, she meets boy's who teach her life lessons through heartbreak.

I defiantly recommend this book to young adult women and high schoolers. Keltie was completely honest in this book and the reader can really sense that. I enjoyed that she didn't try to sugar coat any of the pain she was feeling. I applaud her for releasing this book since it is so honest. It is a very short book so it is an easy read. I feel like this book very well depicts the struggle of figuring out who you are in life though different people and experiences that will benefit you negatively and positively. Keltie really comes off as a very likable person and she shows a great amount of courage and strength through the whole book.

[Eryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

as someone who has avidly followed keltie colleen's blog for the better part of two years now, this book was still surprisingly wonderful. it also had a lot of things i wasn't aware of previously, which made for a more interesting read.
it was honest- sometimes brutally so- and never tried to pull the punches, which could be awkward when writing a bio focusing on both her dance career as well as past relationships. i feel it takes a lot to open up about things like depression and rejection and codependency (there are things i don't know about some of my best friends that i can now tell you about this woman!), and it's incredibly brave to do it in such a public forum. keltie managed to be classy while revealing all of her inner/outer turmoil in life on the dancing scene, and dating scene.
... i am also incredibly biased because i think keltie colleen is probably one of the coolest people in the universe, too. so, yknow. take that as it is?

[Sarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit it: Keltie isn't the most amazing writer in the world. She doesn't form phrases so eloquently that you need a dictionary to get through Rockettes, Rockstars, and Rockbottom. But that same 'flaw' - its simplicity and how easy it is to relate to - is the reason why I enjoyed reading her book so much. The brutal honesty she brings to the table doesn't need some kind of a fancy vocabulary to be considered interesting.

I loved every (short) second of reading the copy of RR+R I got for Christmas. Keltie's charmingly dorky nature makes it easy to go from crying to laughing without hesitation and her outlook on love, work, and life is remarkable. It doesn't get much more inspiring than this, at least to a girl of my age. I'm so very proud of her and I'm sure I'll be rushing back for a second read the next time I get a chance.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard about Keltie Colleen through her involvement in bringing Christina Perri's song, Jar of Hearts, to the folks at So You Think You Can Dance a couple of years ago, and then followed her on the Bachelorette as well. Not gonna lie, when I heard she had written a book I didn't have super high expectations for it, which turned out to be a good thing. Not that the book was horrible - it wasn't. Once you get past the poor editing and over-simple writing, Keltie made some really good points about getting past your demons, following your dreams, and not letting even the worst things in life stop you. If you're OK with a mindless read that's not all uplifting and sugary-happy, and are fine with the fact that its not the best written book in the world, its not bad. But I wouldn't go around highly recommending it.

[Kaci Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up my copy and snuggled in with some hot coco in a big comfy chair and some sweatpants and did not put it down. I was completely captured by Keltie's honesty. Despite reading about her strength on her blog, I got chills as she recounted the numerous times she dug herself out from the hardships that life was dealing her. The best books are the ones that give me a physical and emotional reaction and I was crying and laughing along with her and cheering her on when the successes came around.

Keltie's courage and tenacity is something to be admired. Everyone should pick up a copy. Not only will they fall in love with Keltie, but they will learn how to love themselves at the same time.

So proud of our Canadian girl!

[Julia Batts · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter had the opportunity to meet Keltie at a dance convention. Something about Keltie instantly touched her heart, and truly inspired her. I read the book first and found it to be very honest and inspirational. I allowed my daughter to read it after I finished. She couldn't put it down. In the book, Keltie proves her courage and determination, and we also see her quirky, bubbly side that everyone loves. We absolutely loved this book, and to all that has the passion to dance, or the passion to do anyhing, should read this book!!! :)

[panda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so raw and emotional, a wound that almost heals until something rips it back open. Every turn felt like a rollercoaster or feelings and I was along for the ride. Keltie successful laid bare everything about herself and she pulls the reader in, making them feel as raw and wounded as she felt. I honestly couldn't put the book down and when I was finished, I felt like I too, had emerged a better and more healed person. One of the best non-fiction/autobiographies I've ever read.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

most epic, amazing book i've ever read. it made me cry my eyes out, laugh out loud and made butterflies leap around in my stomach. keltie is such an amazing AMAZING writer who really puts it all out on the page, takes you on an adventure and shows her fearless guts to the world through her breakups with rock n' roll boyfriends and scary dance auditions. must read. her journey is so incredible and extraordinary.

[Wagrobanite · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book... to some extent. Her stories about auditioning were great but I expected more stories about what life was like as a Rockette. I didn't enjoy the tons of self-loathing that is a good chunk of the book. I would have much preferred to hear about life as one of an iconic dance troupes. I was also annoyed at the fact that when she talked about the guys she dated, she never mentioned their names. Yes, I understand the need for privacy but it was really annoying.

[Kate Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much that I can't begin to put it into words. Keltie has such a great outlook on life and her writing inspired me to do more. I hope that she continues to write because I would love to read more of her work! If you want to be inspired read this book!

[C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only read it because it was free and I was curious.

[Lani · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm ashamed of myself

[Stacie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shallow... not a lot of depth. Was a lot of bragging about who she knows and the ideas that were hers but "Dreamer" used for his band. Not recommended.

[T · Rating 1 out of 5]

She's the victim, guys.

[Kata · Rating 1 out of 5]

Leí este libro solo por Ryan Ross, y por supuesto, como fanática de p!atd, una termina en un conflicto sobre a quien apoyar y a quien no

Mi problema PRINCIPAL de esta mierda es que ella más que en centrarse de su desarrollo emocional, su carrera como bailarina y toda esas cosas solo se centra en sus tres novios ¿Hablar sobre otra cosa no te gusta, pendeja de mierda?

Además de las veces que menciono sobre su crianza la hicieron ver como una persona SUPERFICIAL y SUBDESARROLLADA cuando claramente cae en el mismo espiral de las mismas características de chicos eno que ella termina saliendo con el tiempo

Solo se basa a que el lector busque una empatía en ella y dicendo "miren! Yo soy yo!" "Miren, soy la víctima de toda la situación" CUANDO NO ES ASI

En la parte específica en la cual fue la razón de que quise leer esto, solo se basa en decir "ay no es que estoy traumada con mi ex y así y por eso soy tan mierda con mi novio y así 🥺" y no me refiero a que este defiendo a Ryan Ross, todos tenemos errores como persona, y estoy en desacuerdo lo que el le hizo a ella

Pero es que hay una diferencia gigantesca entre 19 y 24/25, un poco más y keltie se metía con un niño de sala cuna

Es impresionante la cantidad de árboles que fueron talados para solo imprimir está mierda, la cantidad de hojas que se gastaron en esto, y por supuesto LA CANTIDAD DE MINUTOS VALIOSOS QUE PERDI EN LEER ESTO

se me hace muy injusto en el que keltie solo se basa en la misma narrativa de "miren, yo soy yo" hasta hay partes en la que ella quiere hacer que su personaje sea una Mary sue, cuando ella también hizo daños sicológicos, también tiene defectos y no solo tiene que basarse en la misma narrativa de solo hablar de sus novios cuando lo mas probable es que la mayoría de las personas que gastaron su dinero en solo leer esto sea por qué realmente se interesaban en leer la vida de keltie, PORQUE ES UNA AUTOBIOGRAFÍA, el libro se debería llamar "MIS TRES NOVIOS Y MI VICTIMIZACIÓN"

"Yo era su novia y su supervisora. Lo mantenía concentrado, le cosía la ropa y le organizaba la agenda. Me aseguraba de que alguien viniera a limpiar la casa. Lavaba su ropa, pagaba sus facturas a tiempo y pagaba las mías a tiempo, pero con una dirección completamente diferente. Llamaba a su familia para contarle todo y le enviaba tarjetas de cumpleaños cuando era necesario. Lo hacía porque lo quería y él necesitaba ayuda. Lo hacía porque solo después de resolver todas estas cosas, [Ryan] y yo podíamos acurrucarnos y ser simplemente "nosotros""


QUE TE PASA ZORRITA ME MIERDA SICÓPATA ERES SU NOVIA NO SE MADRE NI SU CUIDADORA

Me llega a preocupar el estado mental actúa de keltie

Keltie, esto es para ti

HAN PASADO 15 AÑOS ESPERO QUE HAYAS MADURADO
(Al igual que a ti pendejo de mierda de Ryan Ross)

[Alexander · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, yeah, I did read this because of "Dreamer" as I think many did. If you are a Keltie Colleen fan, don't expect her to talk much about her career. Most of this book talks about her exes that she is apparently so over. While her experiences shouldn't be dismissed, it's very clear that she is extremely co-dependent and should've kept these thoughts in a diary or with her therapist. Though, I'd like to point out some things from the "Dreamer" chapter that were pretty weird.

For starters, it's extremely obvious from the moment you read the first chapter in the segment that "Dreamer" is Ryan Ross. She even mentions mishearing his name as "Brian," not very subtle. She also makes excessively weird comments about how young Ross (and his former bandmates) were, often describing them as "childlike" and "innocent," even talking about how awkward he seemed in "his newfound form." Colleen also flat out admits to being attracted to younger men even as she got older.

She paints herself as an all giving victim in his presence, Ross taking over her entire life so suddenly. Her attachment lead her to becoming broke and missing out big career opportunities, asking him to call her when he was home no matter the time just so she could hear is voice. It sounds sweet initially, but when he doesn't call, she is seemingly very distressed and it seems to weigh on her mind way too much to be healthy. Is she trying to paint this as his fault? It can certainly come across that way, but that may not be true. The segments talking about her career in this chapter can hardly go 4 sentences without mentioning him, even after the split, she decide to publicly confront him in a dog park despite wanting to move on (apparently). The fact that she published this book is honestly enough to tell me that she hasn't moved on. I also wouldn't be surprised if she wanted to cash-in on all of the nosy P!ATD fans wanting inside scoop, considering his segment his considerably longer than the rest. But as for inside scoop, you don't actually get much, as most of it is a self-pitying journal entry that could've stayed- just that. She so very clearly hates herself.

Now, I don't wanna sound like a crazy Ryan Ross fan, that would be strange. He was unfaithful, there's no excuse. He sadly, did get swept up into the life of fame, drugs and alcohol, whatever it is, you name it. He was struggling extremely, and even then, he shouldn't have cheated. But Ross never wrote a book about the relationship trying to paint himself as a fragile sufferer at the hands of Colleen.

[sharkdog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read this to learn about Ryan Ross but it was actually pretty good and i got genuinely invested in her life. Being a dancer sounds like torture but to each their own.
To be honest its not so much about dance anyway, 60% of the book is just "im so over ryan and im way cooler than him and hes a washed up loser". Is it weird to publish a whole book detailing the worst and most vulnerable parts of your ex's life that strangers really shouldnt know? Well yeah. but I cant even fault her for that if half of what she said about him is true. As one of many ryan-obsessed teenage girls this was definitely a tough read to say the least, every new chapter was like being beaten over the head with a sign that says "those cute girly band guys you like are actually terrible people! fame always corrupts! Never trust anyone!!!" I physically cringed reading about how much of an asshole he was (hopefully past tense), especially how he neglected their poor dog... but i have to empathize with him too as no one in his situation would turn out normal or well adjusted, especially not when he was clearly mentally at his lowest back then, and everyone at every turn was idolizing him and acting like he was a god.
I will admit keltie pissed me the fuck off at times, like her weird racist comment about air india or calling ryans new girlfriend a soulless, hot, blonde "keltie-lookalike" (and if the girl she was talking about was z berg i would be even more pissed like back off my goat Z...). And of course mainly how in her first meetings with ryan she says he looks like an innocent 14 year old, how she was attracted to how childish, naive and overly emotional he was, and how she knew he would fall for her much harder than she could for him. It kinda screams manipulator. And she definitely fed into his need for a mother/therapist figure rather than a girlfriend by basically treating him like a child and doing everything for him. Its sad that everyone around him enabled him instead of letting him learn the hard way that you have to actually grow up and take care of yourself eventually. Of course none of this justifies his truly evil behavior (that is, if everything said in this book is true, we'll never know how much is exaggerated or skewed)
But yeah its umm... eye opening.. and i wish the best of luck to ms keltie because even though the ending was trying to be uplifting she truly seems like an unstable and self destructive person (and one i can relate to way too much for comfort tbh..)

[Srimaywinksy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Barely an autobiography… spends more time on gossip about her three love interests than her actual life. Name-dropping, horrible cheesy analogies and metaphors (in the worst way), a lot of self-pity and a borderline confession of being a predator (Describes 17 year old dreamer as ‘barely pass[ing] for 14’ and describes how naive and childish he is). I can’t really feel bad for someone getting their heart broken by someone they legally shouldn’t even be dating.

Despite this, there is.. a lack of cohesion and a conclusion that may as well be a live laugh love poster with how basic and pointless it is.

The actual highlights of this book come from her descriptions of her dancing, hustling and sense of camaraderie with her peers. If only she had spent more time on herself than her exes (something she claims she doesn’t do anymore).

P.S. describing Air India as ‘a 1970’s curry cook-off’ and her flight home as ‘a curry-filled flight home’ just solidified my disliking of the author.

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

50 SHADES OF BULLSHIT!! what a crock of shit. i mean really?! some of the things in here about ryan ross are just plain lies used to sharpen the knives of media and fans out to get him. the relationship was bad for both of them she wasn’t some damsel in distress. she was a dick too. ‘life isn't a fairytale’

[Kristine Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Keltie. Loved how open she was about the struggles and how she worked for where she is today.

[Reija · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would prefer to know more about Rockettes, less rockstars, like she said herself: more about me than us.

[Korry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into the expected that I would DNF it but the further I got into it the more I loved it.

[Khanh · Rating 1 out of 5]

i had a moment of weakness. it's free on the internet archive btw, just look up the name.pdf