What do you think?
Rate this book
Heavy Metal And You
If Nick Hornby had a metalhead little brother, he'd write a book as clever, music-drenched, and observationally direct as this, Christopher Krovatin's rock-solid PUSH debut, now in paperback.
Boy listens to lots of loud music and hangs with his friends. Boy meets girl. Boy falls dippy-happy-scared-as-hell in love with girl. Friends meet girl -- and aren't impressed. Girl meets friends -- and isn't impressed. Boy meets big dilemma. Boy plays music even louder. Big dilemma meets big, complicated resolution.
With humor and heartfelt observations, debut author Christopher Krovatin strikes some very loud chords about life, love, sex, and friendship.
Boy listens to lots of loud music and hangs with his friends. Boy meets girl. Boy falls dippy-happy-scared-as-hell in love with girl. Friends meet girl -- and aren't impressed. Girl meets friends -- and isn't impressed. Boy meets big dilemma. Boy plays music even louder. Big dilemma meets big, complicated resolution.
With humor and heartfelt observations, debut author Christopher Krovatin strikes some very loud chords about life, love, sex, and friendship.
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2005
17 people are currently reading
1279 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Krovatin
22 books157 followersI'm Chris Krovatin, author of DARKNESS, RED ROVER, FREQUENCY, VENOMOUS, HEAVY METAL & YOU, the GRAVEDIGGERS trilogy, and HELLRAISERS).
I'm also a journalist for multiple heavy metal press outfits, specifically The Pit, Kerrang!, Noisey, Invisible Oranges, and MetalSucks.
I'm a horror enthusiast, Halloween worshipper, husband and dad living out in New Jersey. My favorite musicians are Slayer, Rob Zombie and Frank Sinatra, and my favorite food is gnocchi (it's made of potatoes!).
I'm also a journalist for multiple heavy metal press outfits, specifically The Pit, Kerrang!, Noisey, Invisible Oranges, and MetalSucks.
I'm a horror enthusiast, Halloween worshipper, husband and dad living out in New Jersey. My favorite musicians are Slayer, Rob Zombie and Frank Sinatra, and my favorite food is gnocchi (it's made of potatoes!).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
July 4, 2013
I usually don't review books I haven't recently read, but this books kind of means a lot to me, so I'll make an exception.
I was around 13 or 14, where I found this in a bookstore in the Philippines (I'm actually there now, and I am now almost 19, and I even remember which shelf I found it in in the store!), assuming it was some kind of non-fiction guide book, and I think I bought it right away without even caring.
So it was about a young boy who loves music, who falls in love with a girl. I could relate to him a lot, and I enjoyed the story - And I would read it again and again for years to come.
I like Krovatin's writing style, a little autobiographical, and the little play, stop, rewind buttons to indicate when events occured in Sam's life.
This books also got my young mind into the very music I love today! I was particularly excited to read about the Norwegian bands Sam explained to his girlfriend, the very genre I love the most today.
I'm also going to tattoo something similar to the cover art, maybe even within the next two weeks, while I'm still in the Philippines!
I was around 13 or 14, where I found this in a bookstore in the Philippines (I'm actually there now, and I am now almost 19, and I even remember which shelf I found it in in the store!), assuming it was some kind of non-fiction guide book, and I think I bought it right away without even caring.
So it was about a young boy who loves music, who falls in love with a girl. I could relate to him a lot, and I enjoyed the story - And I would read it again and again for years to come.
I like Krovatin's writing style, a little autobiographical, and the little play, stop, rewind buttons to indicate when events occured in Sam's life.
This books also got my young mind into the very music I love today! I was particularly excited to read about the Norwegian bands Sam explained to his girlfriend, the very genre I love the most today.
I'm also going to tattoo something similar to the cover art, maybe even within the next two weeks, while I'm still in the Philippines!
July 8, 2011
Wow. I love this book. I want to recommend it to all of my heavy metal friends. I want to recommend it to every high school boy that walks into the library. I want to recommend it to everyone who was once a high school boy.
For all that, the writing can be hard. Not because it's bad, but because it sounds so genuinely like how a high-schooler with too much emotion and not quite enough outlet sounds. It's written in emotions and lyrics and pangs. It's delicious. It is one of the few things that has ever made me miss high school, wishing I was a better friend, wishing I had known who I was just a little me. It makes me wish I knew who I was now, just a little bit more.
And it makes me want to rock the fuck out.
For all that, the writing can be hard. Not because it's bad, but because it sounds so genuinely like how a high-schooler with too much emotion and not quite enough outlet sounds. It's written in emotions and lyrics and pangs. It's delicious. It is one of the few things that has ever made me miss high school, wishing I was a better friend, wishing I had known who I was just a little me. It makes me wish I knew who I was now, just a little bit more.
And it makes me want to rock the fuck out.
November 3, 2020
I guess I was hoping for more out of this book than I got. I'm trying to give Krovatin the benefit of the doubt, because I think it was his first novel.
Things I liked, I loved that each chapter started with a song title. I didn't know a lot of the songs, but the ones that I did...They fit the subject of the chapter really well. I also could relate to Sam, the main character. Being obsessed with music so much that everyone else around you thinks you're a weirdo. That's me to a T.
Things I hated, well let's start out with the main idea of that he compares himself to Holden Caufield. I felt like that should be a huge indicator to me. Since I really hated reading Catcher in The Rye when I was the main character's age.
The other thing I hated, he was basically a Misfit Gary Stu or Punk Stu where he had a tragic backstory and that he was the most alternative and different. (If you need a better definition please look up Mary Sue on Urban Dictionary and look for Punk Sue and Misfit Sue.) It was literally all that made him as a character. Not only that the fact that he flipped out on nearly everyone for calling him Goth. He was highly offended by this and ready to kick ass. Most of the metal heads would say something like "Nah, I'm not a Goth. More metal head." And be on with things. The fact that his entire identity was wrapped up in being a metal head was kind of sad.
Now to the girl he liked, Melissa. He put her in a situation that she was uncomfortable with (a metal show.) And when she asked him to leave, basically saying no, that she didn't want to be here. He kind of lost it, not understanding why she didn't want to be there. If he was as good of a guy as he thought he was, he would understand that his girlfriend wasn't comfortable. And to be honest I can't say that I blame her. I mean a guy fricken went up and licked her, I would be ready to go at that point too. I've heard stories of how old Metal shows were, maybe that's what Krovatin was getting at. Though most of the shows I've been at, if you don't want to be in the pit. You're not forced, and if you're outside of the pit and shoved by someone in the pit...There are going to be quite a few hands that reach out and grab you. Though this might be a "punk" looking through a different lens.
I also hated how there was nothing about her other than how great she looked. There was always a comment from Sam about how great that she looked. You got a little bit of her as a person, but not much. It was always something about how she looked. I thought that Krovatin needed to learn how to write better female characters. There is more to a girl than how she looks.
This also may make me old, but all the shows I went to before I was 21, they marked two x's on my hands (or at least one hand) to show that I was underage and not to serve me. How the hell were Sam and his friends getting all this alcohol to drink as high school kids? I gave them a pass on cigarettes and weed because high school kids could get that really easy. The booze I was rolling my eyes at. It's like a twenty something year old trying to relive their high school years, which doesn't end up well.
The book was okay, I just had more hope for it than this. Last thought, I would have rather dated Irish than Sam. Red headed punks were always my type than want to be metal heads.
Things I liked, I loved that each chapter started with a song title. I didn't know a lot of the songs, but the ones that I did...They fit the subject of the chapter really well. I also could relate to Sam, the main character. Being obsessed with music so much that everyone else around you thinks you're a weirdo. That's me to a T.
Things I hated, well let's start out with the main idea of that he compares himself to Holden Caufield. I felt like that should be a huge indicator to me. Since I really hated reading Catcher in The Rye when I was the main character's age.
The other thing I hated, he was basically a Misfit Gary Stu or Punk Stu where he had a tragic backstory and that he was the most alternative and different. (If you need a better definition please look up Mary Sue on Urban Dictionary and look for Punk Sue and Misfit Sue.) It was literally all that made him as a character. Not only that the fact that he flipped out on nearly everyone for calling him Goth. He was highly offended by this and ready to kick ass. Most of the metal heads would say something like "Nah, I'm not a Goth. More metal head." And be on with things. The fact that his entire identity was wrapped up in being a metal head was kind of sad.
Now to the girl he liked, Melissa. He put her in a situation that she was uncomfortable with (a metal show.) And when she asked him to leave, basically saying no, that she didn't want to be here. He kind of lost it, not understanding why she didn't want to be there. If he was as good of a guy as he thought he was, he would understand that his girlfriend wasn't comfortable. And to be honest I can't say that I blame her. I mean a guy fricken went up and licked her, I would be ready to go at that point too. I've heard stories of how old Metal shows were, maybe that's what Krovatin was getting at. Though most of the shows I've been at, if you don't want to be in the pit. You're not forced, and if you're outside of the pit and shoved by someone in the pit...There are going to be quite a few hands that reach out and grab you. Though this might be a "punk" looking through a different lens.
I also hated how there was nothing about her other than how great she looked. There was always a comment from Sam about how great that she looked. You got a little bit of her as a person, but not much. It was always something about how she looked. I thought that Krovatin needed to learn how to write better female characters. There is more to a girl than how she looks.
This also may make me old, but all the shows I went to before I was 21, they marked two x's on my hands (or at least one hand) to show that I was underage and not to serve me. How the hell were Sam and his friends getting all this alcohol to drink as high school kids? I gave them a pass on cigarettes and weed because high school kids could get that really easy. The booze I was rolling my eyes at. It's like a twenty something year old trying to relive their high school years, which doesn't end up well.
The book was okay, I just had more hope for it than this. Last thought, I would have rather dated Irish than Sam. Red headed punks were always my type than want to be metal heads.
July 31, 2022
I picked this one while waiting for Stranger Things season 4 part 2 to drop because I desperately needed vibes like Eddie and Chrissy’s meet up in the woods. This book definitely delivered that one the beginning. It didn’t end as I thought but I really enjoyed how real the relationship was, especially with two teens navigating first love. This is definitely YA in the way they acted and spoke. It was a fun read.
April 6, 2017
Personal Response
The book, Heavy Metal and You, are easily relatable. There are a few things that I could not relate to at all such as: Sam's use of drugs and him having a girlfriend.
My general reaction to the book is shock of how there are a lot of similarities between me and the author such as: a strong passion for metal, the kinds of friends we have, and our opinion on the public.
Plot summary
In the book, Heavy Metal and You, the main character, Samuel Markus, finds love in Melissa Andrews. Throughout the story, Melissa tries to change Sam while Sam tries to retain his passion for heavy metal music. Near the end of the book, Sam and Melissa have a fight and Sam thinks Melissa is cheating on him.
Characterization
Sam is a broody, teenage, metalhead with a kind personality but quick to anger. Melissa is a teenage girl who has a few friends and is new to the school. Irish is one of Sam’s closer friends who is an alcoholic and drinks until he throws up. Brady is one of Sam's first friends when he first came to the new school.
Impact of setting
The setting of the book is in New York City in the 1950s. This affects the story with new styles becoming more popular, such as metalheads wearing spikes. Another thing that happened during the 1950s, was the amount of nightclubs that were in effect in a larger city.
Recommendation
I rate this book a four because it lacks content to make it more interesting. I would recommend this to young adults 14 and older because of content that involves excessive alcohol consumption and suggestive themes.
The book, Heavy Metal and You, are easily relatable. There are a few things that I could not relate to at all such as: Sam's use of drugs and him having a girlfriend.
My general reaction to the book is shock of how there are a lot of similarities between me and the author such as: a strong passion for metal, the kinds of friends we have, and our opinion on the public.
Plot summary
In the book, Heavy Metal and You, the main character, Samuel Markus, finds love in Melissa Andrews. Throughout the story, Melissa tries to change Sam while Sam tries to retain his passion for heavy metal music. Near the end of the book, Sam and Melissa have a fight and Sam thinks Melissa is cheating on him.
Characterization
Sam is a broody, teenage, metalhead with a kind personality but quick to anger. Melissa is a teenage girl who has a few friends and is new to the school. Irish is one of Sam’s closer friends who is an alcoholic and drinks until he throws up. Brady is one of Sam's first friends when he first came to the new school.
Impact of setting
The setting of the book is in New York City in the 1950s. This affects the story with new styles becoming more popular, such as metalheads wearing spikes. Another thing that happened during the 1950s, was the amount of nightclubs that were in effect in a larger city.
Recommendation
I rate this book a four because it lacks content to make it more interesting. I would recommend this to young adults 14 and older because of content that involves excessive alcohol consumption and suggestive themes.
March 5, 2014
I wanted to love this book. I did not. The writing is okay, but the plot is dismal and slow-paced. The women in the book are flat and one-dimensional. Aside from the main character, none of the characters are particularly well-fleshed out. I kept reading, expecting something to happen. Nothing did. Maybe it's the difference between YA that was published in 2005 and YA that is published in 2014--which, based on this novel, is huge.
I suspect the only reason this novel was published is because Pulitzer Prize-winner Anna Quindlen is Christopher Krovatin's mother. She clearly got him a gig as an intern for David Levithan, and I'm going to guess that Levithan had a huge hand in making the book readable because I could smell him all over the prose.
It shocked me to discover that Krovatin has two other books under his belt. Either Quindlen's fame and fortune have served her son well, or his game has improved dramatically. Sadly, I was not moved enough by Heavy Metal and You to find out.
I suspect the only reason this novel was published is because Pulitzer Prize-winner Anna Quindlen is Christopher Krovatin's mother. She clearly got him a gig as an intern for David Levithan, and I'm going to guess that Levithan had a huge hand in making the book readable because I could smell him all over the prose.
It shocked me to discover that Krovatin has two other books under his belt. Either Quindlen's fame and fortune have served her son well, or his game has improved dramatically. Sadly, I was not moved enough by Heavy Metal and You to find out.
October 14, 2010
OMG.
First of all,
This is definately on my top 5 favourite books.
Ever.
I loved the allusion in this novel,
and when I read it I could really relate to the characters.
I need to own a copy of this.
I really want to read Venomous,
if Krovatin made it as good as Heavy Metal And You.
Unfortunately, my library sucksss. :'(
First of all,
This is definately on my top 5 favourite books.
Ever.
I loved the allusion in this novel,
and when I read it I could really relate to the characters.
I need to own a copy of this.
I really want to read Venomous,
if Krovatin made it as good as Heavy Metal And You.
Unfortunately, my library sucksss. :'(
May 12, 2024
incredibly corny teenage story of infatuation and the constant use of metal references to add to the mood. i loved it Ɛ>
October 9, 2010
Metalhead Sam meets Mary-Sue Melissa and it's love. Things go well at first. Then things begin to fall apart. Small things at first: Melissa wants Sam to give up drinking and smoking and join her in the "straightedge" lifestyle. Fine, he does it. Then it's Sam's friends she doesn't like. She tells him they're a negative influence and flips out when he spends time with them (she feels he is choosing his friends over her). Then it's the way Sam dresses. And finally it's the Heavy Metal music Sam loves so much... Soon Melissa shows Sam a completely different side to her personality than the one he fell in love with. Sam has a tough decision to make. Even if it means ending things with Melissa.
The verdict? This book rocks! And a rare and decidedly unusual romance written from the point of view of the guy. Sam and his friends are relistic, flawed, well-developed characters (I know from the first-hand experience of being the girl who is one of the guys that guys really DO speak and act like that). Also, I like how the story doesn't just present teenage love (or love in general) in a the rosy, warm-and-fuzzy, one-sided way many of the more girlie books do. Rather, it shows the dark and messy side of this emotion. It shows how it can make the afflicted crazy enough to compromise their values. It screams a warning as loud as Slayer song played at top volume what can happen if those compromises go too far. And, what's more, it speaks of the importance of being true to yourself. All in a humorous way, of course.
You'll also learn quite a bit about the genre of metal. Always a plus to a music buff.
I'd recommend this one to both guys and girls.
The verdict? This book rocks! And a rare and decidedly unusual romance written from the point of view of the guy. Sam and his friends are relistic, flawed, well-developed characters (I know from the first-hand experience of being the girl who is one of the guys that guys really DO speak and act like that). Also, I like how the story doesn't just present teenage love (or love in general) in a the rosy, warm-and-fuzzy, one-sided way many of the more girlie books do. Rather, it shows the dark and messy side of this emotion. It shows how it can make the afflicted crazy enough to compromise their values. It screams a warning as loud as Slayer song played at top volume what can happen if those compromises go too far. And, what's more, it speaks of the importance of being true to yourself. All in a humorous way, of course.
You'll also learn quite a bit about the genre of metal. Always a plus to a music buff.
I'd recommend this one to both guys and girls.
October 13, 2007
The front flap of the book says "if Nick Hornby had a metalhead little brother, he'd write a book as clever, music-drenched, and observationally direct as this." And a more true statement could not be made about this book.
Enter the world of grunge, death metal and hard-core alternative music. Sam Markus comes from a good family, goes to the right school and has all the privileges of his favorite literary hero Holden Caulfield, but he also has a harsh past that turned his life upside-down. Luckily, he found an outlet for his anger through heavy metal.
After Melissa, the straightedge girl of his dreams, walks into his life, Sammy knows he is in love. But Melissa, his friends and his music seem to clash, and Sammy doesn't know who he is or even who he wants to be anymore. Heavy Metal helped him overcome his past, yet he isn't sure if the music is enough to help him figure out his present.
With an intelligence that is astounding for such a young author (Krovatin was only 20 years-old when the book was published), this book hits home with themes of acceptance, sex, drugs and self-perception. I loved reading this book. Even with its dark and sometimes violent overtones, I found myself wanting to understand Sammy and his music as well as make some mixes of my own.
Enter the world of grunge, death metal and hard-core alternative music. Sam Markus comes from a good family, goes to the right school and has all the privileges of his favorite literary hero Holden Caulfield, but he also has a harsh past that turned his life upside-down. Luckily, he found an outlet for his anger through heavy metal.
After Melissa, the straightedge girl of his dreams, walks into his life, Sammy knows he is in love. But Melissa, his friends and his music seem to clash, and Sammy doesn't know who he is or even who he wants to be anymore. Heavy Metal helped him overcome his past, yet he isn't sure if the music is enough to help him figure out his present.
With an intelligence that is astounding for such a young author (Krovatin was only 20 years-old when the book was published), this book hits home with themes of acceptance, sex, drugs and self-perception. I loved reading this book. Even with its dark and sometimes violent overtones, I found myself wanting to understand Sammy and his music as well as make some mixes of my own.
January 16, 2014
characterization Sam is the main character in the book whose life is being told. Melissa is Sam’s girlfriend. Irish, Brent, Pudgy, and Jamie were all of Sam’s friends who he hung out with.
plot In the beginning of the story, Sam is introduced to heavy metal . Once Sam meets Melissa, He tries to get her to enjoy heavy metal with him. Throughout the story, Sam and Melissa enjoy heavy metal together and enjoy each other's company.
setting and impact This story takes place in Manhattan, NY during the late 90’s. In this book it talks about Central Park, which is in Manhattan, so to make the story true it had to be in this location and time frame.
who and why I would recommend this book to any High Schooler who is interested in heavy metal. This story is great for a person who can see similarities between their life and the story. If someone can relate their life to the story, it makes the story more interesting.
October 13, 2011
"Heavy Metal and You " by Christopher Krovatin started out as a very good book . This book is about a boy named Sam and what happens to him over the course of a few months. Sam falls in love with a girl who is nothing like him , her name is Melissa. Sam does many things for Melissa , like quitting drinking and smoking . He even stops hanging out with his best friends . Sam introduces Melissa to his world of heavy metal and she introduces him to her world of preppy , which brings out a side of him she never seen or likes . Many unexpected things happen at the end of this book . This book got me a little annoyed because i didn't like how Melissa was trying to change Sam into a different person , but if you like clingy love stories this book's for you .
dnf
July 16, 2023lol didnt finish this shit is terrible. low key loved the music references even if they were insanely and unnecessary long. Could’ve made a bullet list, but no, he had to explain em all for 5 pages. Also loved recognizing bands🤭
No but this was ridiculous. The girl has no personality besides being pretty. The book isn’t about romance. It’s more so, how to deal with romance when you are toxic with the excuse of being a “stupid teenage male outcast”. Cannot read about the “teenage boy experience” when it’s just sexist ignorance. I am forced to interact w too many teenage boys like that for me to continue voluntarily reading this shit.
Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness>>>
Not mentioned, but A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out>>>
No but this was ridiculous. The girl has no personality besides being pretty. The book isn’t about romance. It’s more so, how to deal with romance when you are toxic with the excuse of being a “stupid teenage male outcast”. Cannot read about the “teenage boy experience” when it’s just sexist ignorance. I am forced to interact w too many teenage boys like that for me to continue voluntarily reading this shit.
Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness>>>
Not mentioned, but A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out>>>
November 29, 2011
Nothing spectacular, but quite enjoyable. The voice of the main character is very appealing and I got fond of him quickly. Seems pretty clearly autobiographical, but that's OK.
I don't think I went into this book with the realization that it was a YA novel (was expecting something more like Steve Almond's work, I think) but I do like YA so it didn't bother me. (I may pass it along to my stepdaughter once she gets to the point where she's interested in novels about relationships.) I also hadn't realized until I was finished that the author is the son of Anna Quindlen, whose work I've enjoyed for years. Looks like he inherited some good genes.
I don't think I went into this book with the realization that it was a YA novel (was expecting something more like Steve Almond's work, I think) but I do like YA so it didn't bother me. (I may pass it along to my stepdaughter once she gets to the point where she's interested in novels about relationships.) I also hadn't realized until I was finished that the author is the son of Anna Quindlen, whose work I've enjoyed for years. Looks like he inherited some good genes.
March 8, 2018
Well, that was an interesting journey with a non-commital ending. I enjoyed the story, although the authors' taste is a bit different than my own, there were some good band recommendations.
But, I digress. The story felt fresh and honest. It didn't feel like a Nicholas Sparks' book, where you already know how it's going to end (tears and tissues). This was...a teenagers love journey. 20 years ago, I would have identified with it whole-heartedly, but not had the common sense to realize the message the author was trying to share.
So, 4 stars for the excellent writing, band recommendations, and true-to-life story. 1 star lost because, well, I like endings that tell me what happened.
But, I digress. The story felt fresh and honest. It didn't feel like a Nicholas Sparks' book, where you already know how it's going to end (tears and tissues). This was...a teenagers love journey. 20 years ago, I would have identified with it whole-heartedly, but not had the common sense to realize the message the author was trying to share.
So, 4 stars for the excellent writing, band recommendations, and true-to-life story. 1 star lost because, well, I like endings that tell me what happened.
June 13, 2017
This book was just as amazing as I expected. It's the story of a boy who listens to heavy metal but still has all the hopes, fears, and dream of any other teenage boy. This kid has heart and uses it to express his love for Slayer, Children of Bodom, Satyricon and any other black metal act you can think of.
This book is great for fan of these bands because you can really relate to the character and what he thinks about his music and his life. It's great to read a book that looks at the normalcy of this type of person's life, where so many books give "metalheads" a negative feel.
This book is great for fan of these bands because you can really relate to the character and what he thinks about his music and his life. It's great to read a book that looks at the normalcy of this type of person's life, where so many books give "metalheads" a negative feel.
March 22, 2013
This book was crazy. The book had three themes; Heavy metal, Love, and friends. Samuel tries to fit all of these things into his life at once, but he runs into problems along the way, like dealing with Melisa's friends and quitting drugs. The book had a lot of raw language and drug use throughout it, but it drew an acurate picture of what it's like to deal with these things. I'd recommend this book to teenagers who like rock music and even people who like romance books.
January 9, 2013
This book was a great, but pretty predictable read. I recommend this book to the high school reading level because it contains a lot of detail in the drug and alcohol departments. It deals with love and hate, a lot of hate. In a book about sex, drugs, and violence there is a nice balance of friendship, honesty and realization. I was impressed with this book because I didn’t expect I’d like it.
December 10, 2016
This book is a reminder to not judge people so much based on appearance, but to really get to know who they are. In relationships all too often we try to change each other instead of loving that person flaws and all. It's sad really. But you have to be yourself no matter who tries to make you into something else. It's an empowering inspirational message.
December 5, 2018
By far my favorite book I’ve ever read! Chris if you see this you are probably my favorite author of all time! There’s so much energy and passion in your books you feel for your characters and bring so much picture to your books with rarely any illustration. Can’t wait to see what more you come out with!
October 2, 2019
I absolutely love this book. My favorite aspect is the author gives you songs throughout the novel to assist with the feelings currently happening. Not only did I get this story at a younger age when I felt like the character, but I got introduced to amazing artists I did not know before, and helped shaped my music taste. Easy, good read!
July 10, 2011
The thing I loved most about this book was the friendship between the guys. They are there for him and you don't find that in a lot of "guy" books. When I was a teen librarian I gave this to a 16 year old who hated to read. He came back 3 days later and wanted something else to read. Score!
April 1, 2013
I will always love this book.
There is nothing more to say.
There is nothing more to say.
October 15, 2011
This was such a cute book. I liked it. Where were all the boys like this when I was in high school?? A quick little read.
January 9, 2019
Another perfect read from Mr. Krotavin. I effing love this guy. Feel like I’m reading my own thoughts. Must read if you’re a misfit <3
December 28, 2020
Jan 21, 2017
This is probably one of the best books I have or ever will read. Blew my mind. Had me laughing the whole way through while simultaneously feeling for the characters. I miss living a world where I still have more of this book to read.
November 11, 2018
It’s been almost two years since I’ve last read this book. It still reigns as my favorite book of all time.
The biggest thing that Heavy Metal and You has going for it is how utterly REAL it is. THIS is how humans act, speak, feel, cry, laugh, argue, and do anything else under the sun. It’s so damn real, and because of that, I care for each and every one of the characters.
I was taken on a journey and was afforded the privilege of learning about the most beautiful parts of characters in conjunction with their darkest fatal flaws. Although this book is most definitely reminiscent of the author’s personal experience to an extent (it has to be. There are just some things in this book that are so beautiful and endearing and so grounded in the human experience in a subtle comforting way that they MUST be), Krovatin did a magnificent job at making sure that every person featured in this book was portrayed fairly.
This book couldn’t have entered my life again at a better time. It has inspired me to make amends with someone today in a way reminiscent of how Sam makes amends with Melissa in the end.
Reading this book two years later has afforded me a new appreciation and perspective on a lot of things that I wouldn’t have picked up a while ago. For example, I knew that this book was about controlling your anger, but I didn’t fully understand how being a male effects one’s willingness to communicate how they feel. It’s tougher for guys to talk about what’s going on, because if they do, their friends often either mock them or deflect with humor. It was very beautiful how that was handled here.
I’m truly inspired, once again. I’m excited to read this book again one day and observe how my perspective on the relationships between the characters changes as I grow and change. Goodbye for now, Heavy Metal and You.
“You’ve got another thing coming, duhn-dunna, you’ve got another thing coming...”
December 27, 2020
So many emotions. Ya know, I was afraid that I wouldn’t love it as much this time around. I feared that I would find major flaws in the writing or humor or messaging of this book that I could only know now that I’ve grown so much... but no. None of that. I think I love this book even more now. I feel like I pick up on different things now than before... I noticed foreshadowing and red flags. Krovatin thought things out way better than the me who read this book in 2017 and 2018 realized!! It’s just that little things that you wouldn’t expect to have meaning... brief passages that you’d read and be blown away by but figured would be a one-off and never addressed again... they suddenly become important in the most subtle and put together way later on in the book. And I just really appreciate it. Every time I read this book, I fall in love with it more.
I suppose an important thing to note here is that since reading this book last, I actually dated a guy who reminded me very much of Sam, but an older version (he was 23, and had largely grown out of “looking” Metal, except for the nose piercing, band tees, and wearing black, but his heart still lied in the world of metal. It was so genuine and endearing and he was such a great human being who taught me so much) who had gotten much better at handling the problems Sam had. Funny, though!! I kept noticing parallels while I was getting to know this boy better and falling for him. I even read some of the book to the boy I was seeing, and he said it was like I was narrating his high school years. It even inspired us to make playlists for each other—his playlist being full of metal, ofc haha. We also once joked about how he wasn’t going to get a salami wash from me, just like how Brent and Irish joked about in the book. 😂
I decided to give this book another go a few months ago, shortly after things with the boy ended. I was honestly kind of afraid that I’d read the book and realize that I made the same mistakes that Melissa did. I was terrified! This boy was so special to me, and the fact that there were these weird parallels between this book and the boy I met in real life still freaks me out, as some of the similarities are uncanny. I’m not some crazy freak bitch who went and searched for it. I just happened to meet a hot guy with muscles and a black nose ring and a big heart who I later found out was the closest thing I’d ever met to Sammy Markus. So I guess that’s why I worried I’d find myself being like Melissa, but I can assure you I was anything but a Melissa. It was such a relief to read the book and remember that when I was seeing this boy, I had the choice to force him to change himself, but I consciously decided not to put him through that sort of pain, bc he deserved better.
It’s sad, though. For the rest of my life, my favorite book of all time will remind me of a boy I fell for who ultimately decided to drop off of the face of the earth after connecting with me on a deep level and becoming a major part of my life. I have to keep reminding myself that Sam would never do that... I really hope he wouldn’t do that!!! I also have to remind myself that this book and my love life are two separate entities. It’s honestly hard to do when half of me thinks that it wasn’t a coincidence that I met this boy and that I read this book.
I’ve learned so much as time has gone on. I know I just word dumped a lot, but Heavy Metal and You has been a blessing in my life. Ive always known that as the years go on, this book would remain impactful but would vary in the way in which it is impactful.
I’m just simply documenting it’s impact here for some reason.
Maybe I shouldn’t obsess over trying to have this entry be too positive. I just wanted to hop in and say that I read Heavy Metal and You once again and it’s still the absolute best fucking book I’ve read in my entire life and I don’t know if anything will ever change that. I’m grateful.
I was reading this book at work and it was the catalyst for a guy who happened to be a metal head striking up a convo and he ended up asking me out. I graciously turned him down, but I think that that’s just yet another instance of proof that this book has magic powers, and it MAKES. SHIT. HAPPEN.
This is probably one of the best books I have or ever will read. Blew my mind. Had me laughing the whole way through while simultaneously feeling for the characters. I miss living a world where I still have more of this book to read.
November 11, 2018
It’s been almost two years since I’ve last read this book. It still reigns as my favorite book of all time.
The biggest thing that Heavy Metal and You has going for it is how utterly REAL it is. THIS is how humans act, speak, feel, cry, laugh, argue, and do anything else under the sun. It’s so damn real, and because of that, I care for each and every one of the characters.
I was taken on a journey and was afforded the privilege of learning about the most beautiful parts of characters in conjunction with their darkest fatal flaws. Although this book is most definitely reminiscent of the author’s personal experience to an extent (it has to be. There are just some things in this book that are so beautiful and endearing and so grounded in the human experience in a subtle comforting way that they MUST be), Krovatin did a magnificent job at making sure that every person featured in this book was portrayed fairly.
This book couldn’t have entered my life again at a better time. It has inspired me to make amends with someone today in a way reminiscent of how Sam makes amends with Melissa in the end.
Reading this book two years later has afforded me a new appreciation and perspective on a lot of things that I wouldn’t have picked up a while ago. For example, I knew that this book was about controlling your anger, but I didn’t fully understand how being a male effects one’s willingness to communicate how they feel. It’s tougher for guys to talk about what’s going on, because if they do, their friends often either mock them or deflect with humor. It was very beautiful how that was handled here.
I’m truly inspired, once again. I’m excited to read this book again one day and observe how my perspective on the relationships between the characters changes as I grow and change. Goodbye for now, Heavy Metal and You.
“You’ve got another thing coming, duhn-dunna, you’ve got another thing coming...”
December 27, 2020
So many emotions. Ya know, I was afraid that I wouldn’t love it as much this time around. I feared that I would find major flaws in the writing or humor or messaging of this book that I could only know now that I’ve grown so much... but no. None of that. I think I love this book even more now. I feel like I pick up on different things now than before... I noticed foreshadowing and red flags. Krovatin thought things out way better than the me who read this book in 2017 and 2018 realized!! It’s just that little things that you wouldn’t expect to have meaning... brief passages that you’d read and be blown away by but figured would be a one-off and never addressed again... they suddenly become important in the most subtle and put together way later on in the book. And I just really appreciate it. Every time I read this book, I fall in love with it more.
I suppose an important thing to note here is that since reading this book last, I actually dated a guy who reminded me very much of Sam, but an older version (he was 23, and had largely grown out of “looking” Metal, except for the nose piercing, band tees, and wearing black, but his heart still lied in the world of metal. It was so genuine and endearing and he was such a great human being who taught me so much) who had gotten much better at handling the problems Sam had. Funny, though!! I kept noticing parallels while I was getting to know this boy better and falling for him. I even read some of the book to the boy I was seeing, and he said it was like I was narrating his high school years. It even inspired us to make playlists for each other—his playlist being full of metal, ofc haha. We also once joked about how he wasn’t going to get a salami wash from me, just like how Brent and Irish joked about in the book. 😂
I decided to give this book another go a few months ago, shortly after things with the boy ended. I was honestly kind of afraid that I’d read the book and realize that I made the same mistakes that Melissa did. I was terrified! This boy was so special to me, and the fact that there were these weird parallels between this book and the boy I met in real life still freaks me out, as some of the similarities are uncanny. I’m not some crazy freak bitch who went and searched for it. I just happened to meet a hot guy with muscles and a black nose ring and a big heart who I later found out was the closest thing I’d ever met to Sammy Markus. So I guess that’s why I worried I’d find myself being like Melissa, but I can assure you I was anything but a Melissa. It was such a relief to read the book and remember that when I was seeing this boy, I had the choice to force him to change himself, but I consciously decided not to put him through that sort of pain, bc he deserved better.
It’s sad, though. For the rest of my life, my favorite book of all time will remind me of a boy I fell for who ultimately decided to drop off of the face of the earth after connecting with me on a deep level and becoming a major part of my life. I have to keep reminding myself that Sam would never do that... I really hope he wouldn’t do that!!! I also have to remind myself that this book and my love life are two separate entities. It’s honestly hard to do when half of me thinks that it wasn’t a coincidence that I met this boy and that I read this book.
I’ve learned so much as time has gone on. I know I just word dumped a lot, but Heavy Metal and You has been a blessing in my life. Ive always known that as the years go on, this book would remain impactful but would vary in the way in which it is impactful.
I’m just simply documenting it’s impact here for some reason.
Maybe I shouldn’t obsess over trying to have this entry be too positive. I just wanted to hop in and say that I read Heavy Metal and You once again and it’s still the absolute best fucking book I’ve read in my entire life and I don’t know if anything will ever change that. I’m grateful.
I was reading this book at work and it was the catalyst for a guy who happened to be a metal head striking up a convo and he ended up asking me out. I graciously turned him down, but I think that that’s just yet another instance of proof that this book has magic powers, and it MAKES. SHIT. HAPPEN.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2025
I did not read the summary before buying this book and thought it would kind of be one of those books talking about how heavy metal fits in your life. In a sense it, but not told in the way I expected. The book is a story of teenage love centered around Sam, whose life revolves around music and heavy metal in particular. Sam meets and begins dating a girl he met in a theatre class and though she is not into metal the way he is they fall for each other deeply. The author does a good job of capturing the gist of teenage relationships - the feeling of euphoria and wanting to spend all your time with someone along with the pitfalls that come with it when cracks start to form and how friendships fit into the picture. I enjoyed the story and the musical references. For those who choose to look into it I created corresponding playlists that were featured in the book. Enjoy!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vl...
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6G7...
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vl...
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6G7...
November 10, 2019
I do think I'm biased here because I love metal. For those who don't, the band and song references may feel overdone but, really, the book is a love song for the genre. So, it worked for me. The book reminded me of how the metalheads of my new high school were the ones who saved me from feeling like a complete outcast (A buddy of mine bought me a gold disc of Ride the Lightning for my bday and it meant the world).
It feels like a YA book and feels like a genuine teenage voice, going through the usual dilemmas issues faced with adolescence...but the soundtrack is better than most versions of a similar story. Slayer, Judas Priest, Venom, Exodus, and Iron Maiden are Sam's companions through the turbulence. I loved the use of stereo buttons (IE play, pause, fast forward, rewind) to capture the narrative's flow.
If you consider yourself a metalhead, check it out. Maybe it will conjure up fond memories of discovering metal in your youth. I know it did for me!
It feels like a YA book and feels like a genuine teenage voice, going through the usual dilemmas issues faced with adolescence...but the soundtrack is better than most versions of a similar story. Slayer, Judas Priest, Venom, Exodus, and Iron Maiden are Sam's companions through the turbulence. I loved the use of stereo buttons (IE play, pause, fast forward, rewind) to capture the narrative's flow.
If you consider yourself a metalhead, check it out. Maybe it will conjure up fond memories of discovering metal in your youth. I know it did for me!
January 13, 2025
This book is very important to me. I have my copy already 3 years and the first time that I read it was when i was at my lowest, since then i always read this book when i feel sad and it helps. The fact that emotions that Sam portrays are very teenagish (?) is also helping in getting into the feeling of his mind.
I don’t understand how people here really dislike the book because of this? Like this is the whole point? The main character is a teenager and not some 28 year old man that know how to cope with emotions and how to act with a woman. People really expect that a book about a teenagers mind will be written like his mind is so mature that he control his emotions perfectly.
But coming back to what i was talking about, this book means a lot to me and i really, really recommend reading it.
I don’t understand how people here really dislike the book because of this? Like this is the whole point? The main character is a teenager and not some 28 year old man that know how to cope with emotions and how to act with a woman. People really expect that a book about a teenagers mind will be written like his mind is so mature that he control his emotions perfectly.
But coming back to what i was talking about, this book means a lot to me and i really, really recommend reading it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews