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1982
In 1982 the Commodore 64 computer was introduced, Ronald Reagan survived being shot, the Falkland War started and ended, Michael Jackson released, Thriller, Canada repatriated its Constitution, and the first compact disc was sold in Germany. And that’s not all. In 1982 I blossomed from a naive fourteen-year-old trying to fit in with the cool kids to something much a naive eyeliner-wearing, fifteen-year-old trying to fit in with the cool kids. So writes Jian Ghomeshi in this, his first book, 1982 . It is a memoir told across intertwined stories of the songs and musical moments that changed his life. Obsessed with David Bowie ("I wanted to be Bowie,” he recalls), the adolescent Ghomeshi embarks on a Nick Hornbyesque journey to make music the centre of his life. Acceptance meant being cool, and being cool meant being Bowie. And being Bowie meant pointy black boots, eyeliner, and hair gel. Add to that the essential all-black wardrobe and you have two very confused Iranian parents, busy themselves with gaining acceptance in Canada against the backdrop of the revolution in Iran. It is a bittersweet, heartfelt book that recalls awkward moments such as Ghomeshi’s performance as the “Ivory” in a school production of Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney’s Ebony and Ivory ; a stakeout where Rush was rehearsing for its world tour; and a memorable day at the Police picnic of 1982. Music is the jumping-off place for Ghomeshi to discuss young love, young heartache, conformity, and the nature of cool. At the same time, 1982 is an entertaining cultural history of a crazy era of glam, glitter, and gender-bending fads and fashions. And it is definitely the first rock memoir by a Persian-Canadian new waver.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 18, 2012
32 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Jian Ghomeshi
2 books7 followersJian Ghomeshi is an award-winning broadcaster, writer, musician and producer. He is the host and co-creator of the national daily talk program, Q, on CBC Radio One and CBC TV. Since its inception in 2007, Q has garnered the largest audience of any cultural affairs program in Canada and has become the highest- rated show in its morning time slot in CBC history. Q is also now broadcast across the United States, on PRI.
Mixing insight and opinion with unscripted wit, Jian shifts seamlessly from editorial essays to moderating debates on the air. He has interviewed an array of prominent international figures from prime ministers to sports stars and cultural icons. His feature interview subjects on Q have included Woody Allen, Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Salman Rushdie, Barbara Walters, Tom Waits, William Shatner, Jay-Z, Al Gore, Margaret Atwood and – in a television world-exclusive — Leonard Cohen.
Jian has presented a number of television documentaries, including The End, Screw the Vote, and Philanthropy Inc., and spent three years as the host of the Gemini Award-winning CBC TV program, Play. He has appeared as a contributor or guest on programs ranging from CNN Today and The National, to Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
As a writer and interviewer, Jian has been published in The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The National Post, El Mundo and The International Herald Tribune.
As a singer, songwriter, and musician, Jian was a member of multi-platinum selling folk-rock group, Moxy Früvous. He toured internationally during the 1990s and shared stages with a variety of artists including Bob Dylan, Ani Difranco and Elvis Costello. Jian continues to write and produce music through his company, Jian Ghomeshi Productions, and has managed the international career of Juno-winning electrorock performer, LIGHTS since 2001.
He has worked with many arts groups including the National Ballet, the COC and the Radio Starmaker Fund, and he is a former member of the Board of Governors at the Stratford Theatre Festival.
In 2012 Jian was awarded the prestigious New York Festivals international radio broadcasting gold medal for “Best Talk Show Host.” He was previously awarded the gold medal for “Talk Show Interview” of the year for his feature length world- exclusive with Leonard Cohen, in 2010. NOW Magazine named Jian “Best Media Personality” in TV or radio, in the fall of 2009.
In September 2012, Jian will release his first book, 1982, a literary memoir based on a 14-year-old’s desire to be David Bowie.
Born in London, England, of Iranian descent, Jian lives in Toronto, where he enjoys supporting a losing hockey team and eating pistachios.
Mixing insight and opinion with unscripted wit, Jian shifts seamlessly from editorial essays to moderating debates on the air. He has interviewed an array of prominent international figures from prime ministers to sports stars and cultural icons. His feature interview subjects on Q have included Woody Allen, Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Salman Rushdie, Barbara Walters, Tom Waits, William Shatner, Jay-Z, Al Gore, Margaret Atwood and – in a television world-exclusive — Leonard Cohen.
Jian has presented a number of television documentaries, including The End, Screw the Vote, and Philanthropy Inc., and spent three years as the host of the Gemini Award-winning CBC TV program, Play. He has appeared as a contributor or guest on programs ranging from CNN Today and The National, to Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
As a writer and interviewer, Jian has been published in The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The National Post, El Mundo and The International Herald Tribune.
As a singer, songwriter, and musician, Jian was a member of multi-platinum selling folk-rock group, Moxy Früvous. He toured internationally during the 1990s and shared stages with a variety of artists including Bob Dylan, Ani Difranco and Elvis Costello. Jian continues to write and produce music through his company, Jian Ghomeshi Productions, and has managed the international career of Juno-winning electrorock performer, LIGHTS since 2001.
He has worked with many arts groups including the National Ballet, the COC and the Radio Starmaker Fund, and he is a former member of the Board of Governors at the Stratford Theatre Festival.
In 2012 Jian was awarded the prestigious New York Festivals international radio broadcasting gold medal for “Best Talk Show Host.” He was previously awarded the gold medal for “Talk Show Interview” of the year for his feature length world- exclusive with Leonard Cohen, in 2010. NOW Magazine named Jian “Best Media Personality” in TV or radio, in the fall of 2009.
In September 2012, Jian will release his first book, 1982, a literary memoir based on a 14-year-old’s desire to be David Bowie.
Born in London, England, of Iranian descent, Jian lives in Toronto, where he enjoys supporting a losing hockey team and eating pistachios.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
March 11, 2013
Boring, repetitive and totally missing the mark in terms of his audience. Seriously, dude. Mentioning the girl who looked like Kristy McNichol's tan about 1002 times? Explaining what a phone cord is? Talking incessantly about how hard it was to be Bowie when you're brown? (Even us pasty white kids could never be Bowie, so get over it already.) He spends most of the half of the book I read explaining (ad nauseum) things that anyone who will actually take the time to read this book will already understand.
Is a Gen Y or millennium kid going to bother with a memoir from a CBC personality? Highly doubtful. So what is the point of telling the reader for the 1002nd time that we didn't have Internet in 1982? Not sure.
Did I mention it was repetitive? So am I. I rarely put down a book, but I did this time. I figured I'd rather read a memoir by someone who actually had something to say. Sorry, Ghomeshi. Still not a fan.
Is a Gen Y or millennium kid going to bother with a memoir from a CBC personality? Highly doubtful. So what is the point of telling the reader for the 1002nd time that we didn't have Internet in 1982? Not sure.
Did I mention it was repetitive? So am I. I rarely put down a book, but I did this time. I figured I'd rather read a memoir by someone who actually had something to say. Sorry, Ghomeshi. Still not a fan.
December 8, 2012
"Murray’s mom made really good chili, and lots of kids made regular trips to Murray’s house to have some of his mom’s chili. She seemed to always have chili ready. Murray’s house became known for his mom’s chili. Murray was well liked, but his mom’s chili made him even more popular."
Jian is no writer. Without the notoriety of his day job there would be no book. But his stature as a minor Canadian deity is inescapably linked to the reading of the book. As a fan of Q I'm sure I'm not alone in reading it entirely in his voice.
That aside how could his memoir not resonate? Jian comes up in the 80's harking from a Southern Ontario suburb as a second generation immigrant trying to fit in at highschool. I suspect Jian, despite his hand wringing, to be waaay cooler than I was at that age growing up down the 401 from him. Hanging with the seniors in theatre class, in a band, making out with girls and meeting Rush. As far as 14 year old me was concerned, he was living the dream.
It's still a treat to revisit that era, and our lives as preteens before the internet. Here's a list - Jian loves his lists - of things this book reminded me of.
My blue and red pleather Adidas bag
Mix tapes
Sam the Record Man
Spiral corded phones attached to walls
Commodore PET computers
The Spoons
Porn in magazine format
Grade 13
Jian is no writer. Without the notoriety of his day job there would be no book. But his stature as a minor Canadian deity is inescapably linked to the reading of the book. As a fan of Q I'm sure I'm not alone in reading it entirely in his voice.
That aside how could his memoir not resonate? Jian comes up in the 80's harking from a Southern Ontario suburb as a second generation immigrant trying to fit in at highschool. I suspect Jian, despite his hand wringing, to be waaay cooler than I was at that age growing up down the 401 from him. Hanging with the seniors in theatre class, in a band, making out with girls and meeting Rush. As far as 14 year old me was concerned, he was living the dream.
It's still a treat to revisit that era, and our lives as preteens before the internet. Here's a list - Jian loves his lists - of things this book reminded me of.
My blue and red pleather Adidas bag
Mix tapes
Sam the Record Man
Spiral corded phones attached to walls
Commodore PET computers
The Spoons
Porn in magazine format
Grade 13
November 26, 2012
I am only on page 21 and I already agree his writing style does not flow and the lists are no longer welcome. I bought the book so I will read it but i already want to be finished. I am interested in the music commentary. Jiam is over explaining too much and I do think he is confused as to who his audience is. Perhaps not me as I was teenager in the 80's and know what it was like.
I read the first hundred pages. I don't want to finish this book. There are so many enjoyable books to get to.
I read the first hundred pages. I don't want to finish this book. There are so many enjoyable books to get to.
January 3, 2013
Dixie cups were emblematic of 1982. So were Boy George, David Bowie, a changing landscape of racism and coming to grips with an expanding view of sexual norms. It's unfortunate that writing about it all in the voice of a 13 year old is merely irritating, not engaging.
From time to time I laughed with recognition of the universality of teen-age life in North America in 1982. Yes -- we loved mixed tapes and the trek down to the record store to buy the latest release. (And, yes, we feared the judgement of the hip salesclerk as we made our purchases.) There are engaging episodes, including the awkwardness of Jian as he finds his style in 1982. His self-indulgent lists, repetitive as they always are, is annoying, as is the repetition of his storyline.
This book might be better if it were read aloud in Jian's gorgeous voice and perfect timing on CBC Radio. As a published book, however, it needed a better editor to reign in his self-absorbed ramblings and repeatedly kitschy "Can you believe we used to live without Google/facebook/iTunes???"
As my grandmother would say, Jeez Louise.
From time to time I laughed with recognition of the universality of teen-age life in North America in 1982. Yes -- we loved mixed tapes and the trek down to the record store to buy the latest release. (And, yes, we feared the judgement of the hip salesclerk as we made our purchases.) There are engaging episodes, including the awkwardness of Jian as he finds his style in 1982. His self-indulgent lists, repetitive as they always are, is annoying, as is the repetition of his storyline.
This book might be better if it were read aloud in Jian's gorgeous voice and perfect timing on CBC Radio. As a published book, however, it needed a better editor to reign in his self-absorbed ramblings and repeatedly kitschy "Can you believe we used to live without Google/facebook/iTunes???"
As my grandmother would say, Jeez Louise.
December 14, 2012
Status: Read. Well, no, actually - made myself read 100 pages, but it didn't improve, so I stopped. Wish I hadn't read any of it - I quite enjoy Jian Ghomeshi as an interviewer and broadcaster, so I really didn't need to know what a poor writer he is. Takes a bit of the bloom off of the rose. The book is lame. As in, 15 year old guy lame. Just because he was writing about his early years, it doesn't mean he had to write as though he were a teenager (and I've read much better teenage writing). Repetitive, cute for the sake of being cute ( but it doesn't succeed), superficial, self-indulgent, boooorrrrrring. One example of a combination of these dubious qualities: the book is punctuated by lists, as in,"here's a short list (or shortlist) [his little joke, which he uses in more than one list intro]", followed by a list of the records he liked most, or who he wanted to be, or what his mom did or didn't want him to turn out like, all in 1982 - you get the idea. Over and over and over again. And if there was an editor, he or she should never be hired again, by anybody. Glad I checked it out of the library instead of buying it, but sorry that I urged the library to acquire a copy.
January 29, 2013
Your enjoyment of this book probably depends on your predisposition to Jian Ghomeshi. I'm a fan from his Moxy Früvous days but even my patience was stretched at points in its indulgence. It's pleasant enough and there's some great stories in here (all more or less surrounding Jian's teenage life in 1982), but he often gets in the way of his own stories with recurring conceits that aren't all that effective in the first place and overall repetitiveness. I swear he repeats wholesale sentences, sometimes three or four times each. I read the book in starts and stops, but each time I picked it up it was like I was re-reading chapters even though I wasn't.
August 14, 2012
I had been planning to use the word 'twee' to describe the voice of this memoir, but then Ghomeshi used the word himself and after that I found that my slight criticism had come undone, much like the laces of a Treetorn sneaker.
Here is a shortlist of the reasons I enjoyed this book:
1. It brought up some long-forgotten memories of my own highschool days circa 1984
2. It prompted me to listen to a lot of old music
3. Listening to a lot of old music made me laugh
This book is definitely worth a read for anyone who's old enough to remember making a mixed tape.
Here is a shortlist of the reasons I enjoyed this book:
1. It brought up some long-forgotten memories of my own highschool days circa 1984
2. It prompted me to listen to a lot of old music
3. Listening to a lot of old music made me laugh
This book is definitely worth a read for anyone who's old enough to remember making a mixed tape.
December 2, 2012
I think Ghomeshi is a smart man, a good broadcaster and a fantastic musician. I'm a fan of his. So I really wanted to like his book, and I tried to. I gave it my best shot.
I didn't quite succeed.
There are lovely bits - mostly when he stops worrying about his gimmiky through-lines (ie. Wendy, David Bowie, self-confidence and the lack thereof), and discusses his family, or music. He'e even got a few nice turns of phrase.
For the most part, though, this is the kind of quasi-competent writing that any intelligent, articulate person could produce. Unfortunately, most intelligent, articulate people are nowhere near talented enough to be published, and neither is Ghomeshi.
First of all, he relies on the (kinda cute at the beginning) device of explaining the 1980's - in detail - to today's adolescents. Which is fine, except that nobody under the age of 25 is going to read this. Which means his natural target audience is already familiar with the 80's, and his constant explanations are just annoying.
Second, Ghomeshi repeats himself. A lot. It's impossible to tell if he's doing it because he doesn't trust himself to explain things clearly the first time, or because he doesn't trust his readers to understand what he's saying. Either way, it's a mistake.
Third, his timeline is all over the place. He goes back and forth through time without leaving clear markers to orient us. It gets very confusing, and it muddies the story.
Finally, he dwell on the loneliness of being the odd-kid-out, and his desperate desire to fit in. I was with him on that - I think most kids/teens felt the same way. But Ghomeshi never acknowledges that shared experience. The book reads like he thinks he's the only teenager in the world to ever be ostracized, or suffer from low-self esteem. Missed opportunity to connect with the readers, I think.
Again, I'm a fan of Ghomeshi's. And when he writes shorter pieces, with a more specific focus, he does really well. This, however, was a bit of a mess. Sorry, Jian.
I didn't quite succeed.
There are lovely bits - mostly when he stops worrying about his gimmiky through-lines (ie. Wendy, David Bowie, self-confidence and the lack thereof), and discusses his family, or music. He'e even got a few nice turns of phrase.
For the most part, though, this is the kind of quasi-competent writing that any intelligent, articulate person could produce. Unfortunately, most intelligent, articulate people are nowhere near talented enough to be published, and neither is Ghomeshi.
First of all, he relies on the (kinda cute at the beginning) device of explaining the 1980's - in detail - to today's adolescents. Which is fine, except that nobody under the age of 25 is going to read this. Which means his natural target audience is already familiar with the 80's, and his constant explanations are just annoying.
Second, Ghomeshi repeats himself. A lot. It's impossible to tell if he's doing it because he doesn't trust himself to explain things clearly the first time, or because he doesn't trust his readers to understand what he's saying. Either way, it's a mistake.
Third, his timeline is all over the place. He goes back and forth through time without leaving clear markers to orient us. It gets very confusing, and it muddies the story.
Finally, he dwell on the loneliness of being the odd-kid-out, and his desperate desire to fit in. I was with him on that - I think most kids/teens felt the same way. But Ghomeshi never acknowledges that shared experience. The book reads like he thinks he's the only teenager in the world to ever be ostracized, or suffer from low-self esteem. Missed opportunity to connect with the readers, I think.
Again, I'm a fan of Ghomeshi's. And when he writes shorter pieces, with a more specific focus, he does really well. This, however, was a bit of a mess. Sorry, Jian.
February 10, 2013
1982 is Gomeshi's memoirs as a teenager in a suburb of Toronto. While he is a wonderful radio host, as a writer, not so. Maybe he was trying to write as a teenager. Maybe he really is as obsessed over his teenage years. Maybe he thinks this period was really interesting and were his ‘glory days’. Maybe each discovery of a new rock or new wave group was unique and amazing. Maybe his Adidas bag was truly iconic. Maybe he dictated his book rather than writing more thoughtfully. And maybe he had nothing more profound to say. And maybe he likes to write in short sentences like this. I really don’t know.
And to use one of his stylistic ‘gimmicks’, here is a list I made about things I didn’t like about 1982:
self-indulgent
repetitive
shallow
uninteresting (even if you like 80′s music)
condescending (e.g., all references to 1980s technology)
Maybe he didn’t have a good editor, maybe I just don’t find teenage angst all that interesting, or maybe I just don’t get it!
And to use one of his stylistic ‘gimmicks’, here is a list I made about things I didn’t like about 1982:
self-indulgent
repetitive
shallow
uninteresting (even if you like 80′s music)
condescending (e.g., all references to 1980s technology)
Maybe he didn’t have a good editor, maybe I just don’t find teenage angst all that interesting, or maybe I just don’t get it!
July 27, 2016
Just for the record . . . . I was always suspicious of him.
June 9, 2016
I had to reread this for a piece I am writing and it was far worse the second time around. This book is dull, repetitive and devoid of insight. But what really stood out on second glance is Jian's condescending attitude toward his reader. Countless times throughout the book, Jian tells you what you are thinking and feeling. He doesn't guess - he knows. Worse still, he then tells you what you are supposed to think and feel. He also seems continually convinced that his reader will not believe what he is saying, not on any major opinions or life events - there are none of those covered in the book - but on simple things like the fact that phones used to have cords or that he was skinny. It is telling, as only habitual liars are convinced that no one believes what they say.
Original review: I wanted to like this book. Unlike countless other Canadians, I didn't have a really strong opinion about Jian before I picked it up. My main attraction to the book was that I too came of age in the 80s in a suburb of Toronto and was (and still am) a die-hard Bowie freak. Sadly, the book just didn't do it for me. There was little depth or development, it was very repetitive and many of the truly interesting themes were not explored - for example, the experience of an immigrant teen in Canada. The author's sexuality seemed a bit confused - normally a fascinating topic - but even that was just left to wither on the vine. The quality of the writing was ok, but far below what I would have expected, given Jian's genuinely impressive performances on "Canada Reads." He seems to know and love books but that does not inherently translate into the ability to write one. If he were to write another, I would certainly give it a chance (and given how well this one sold, I suspect a second will be coming soon) but this particular effort falls short.
Original review: I wanted to like this book. Unlike countless other Canadians, I didn't have a really strong opinion about Jian before I picked it up. My main attraction to the book was that I too came of age in the 80s in a suburb of Toronto and was (and still am) a die-hard Bowie freak. Sadly, the book just didn't do it for me. There was little depth or development, it was very repetitive and many of the truly interesting themes were not explored - for example, the experience of an immigrant teen in Canada. The author's sexuality seemed a bit confused - normally a fascinating topic - but even that was just left to wither on the vine. The quality of the writing was ok, but far below what I would have expected, given Jian's genuinely impressive performances on "Canada Reads." He seems to know and love books but that does not inherently translate into the ability to write one. If he were to write another, I would certainly give it a chance (and given how well this one sold, I suspect a second will be coming soon) but this particular effort falls short.
November 22, 2012
Received my copy this week and am looking forward to it. Came with a very cool book themed cassette case liner. Very clever when it comes to marketing and the readers sense of nostalgia, admittedly that appeal was what pushed me into entering the draw for this one in the first place. I am only a little younger than the author and the description really touched that younger version of me that still lives in the 80's. More to come when I get to reading this one....
I LOVED IT! It was touching, funny, enlightening and all around entertaining. The lists were a riot and some of the technology (or lack thereof) was impressive. I forgot how primitive we were in the 80's. My favourite... the art of the mixed tape. Jian is right. If you really wanted to impress a girl and convey your emotional status you invested a great deal of time in trying to make the perfect mixed tape. We recently talked to my boy about this very thing which made it even funnier to me. I think I'll have him read it so that he can understand what being a teenager was all about in the 80's and how it affected my development as a person.
A wonderful piece of work. I laughed, I cried a little and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who is in their 40's and wants a little reminder of being a teenager in the 80's. Thank you once again to Firstreads, Penguin Books and Jian for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
I LOVED IT! It was touching, funny, enlightening and all around entertaining. The lists were a riot and some of the technology (or lack thereof) was impressive. I forgot how primitive we were in the 80's. My favourite... the art of the mixed tape. Jian is right. If you really wanted to impress a girl and convey your emotional status you invested a great deal of time in trying to make the perfect mixed tape. We recently talked to my boy about this very thing which made it even funnier to me. I think I'll have him read it so that he can understand what being a teenager was all about in the 80's and how it affected my development as a person.
A wonderful piece of work. I laughed, I cried a little and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who is in their 40's and wants a little reminder of being a teenager in the 80's. Thank you once again to Firstreads, Penguin Books and Jian for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
October 9, 2012
Admiration for Jian was my main motivation for picking up this book, but then became my only reason to continue reading it. Overall it is an entertaining look at his early teen years, but Jian tells his story through a seemingly unnecessary repetition of facts as though we are only just tuning into Q half way through the show rather than being with him from page one. Some of his short lists (or shortlists) were interesting looks at life in the 80s, but more frequently, they simply
summarized what he had already been talking about and became a skim-worthy waste of space. As someone born in the end of the 80s and raised in the 90s, I was not around for the heyday of 80s fashion and technology that Jian goes on (and on) about, but I still know all about life before smart phones and internet and it was tiring to read his descriptions as if everyone reading had never heard of life before the year 2000.
Still, I enjoyed learning about a year in the life of Jian Ghomeshi - undoubtedly one of my favourite Canadian icons.
summarized what he had already been talking about and became a skim-worthy waste of space. As someone born in the end of the 80s and raised in the 90s, I was not around for the heyday of 80s fashion and technology that Jian goes on (and on) about, but I still know all about life before smart phones and internet and it was tiring to read his descriptions as if everyone reading had never heard of life before the year 2000.
Still, I enjoyed learning about a year in the life of Jian Ghomeshi - undoubtedly one of my favourite Canadian icons.
December 11, 2012
I definitely had a hometown advantage reading this book, having grown up in Thornhill and having attending both the same elementary and high school as Jian (granted, a few years later).
Nostalgia played a huge part in my enjoyment of this book, as did my habit of reading it in Jian's smooth voice. This was not a life-changer, but it was certainly fun, as a music-lover, a former suburbanite and a fan of the author.
Nostalgia played a huge part in my enjoyment of this book, as did my habit of reading it in Jian's smooth voice. This was not a life-changer, but it was certainly fun, as a music-lover, a former suburbanite and a fan of the author.
August 25, 2012
Disclaimer: I won this book in a First Reads Giveaway.
Jian Ghomeshi's "rock memoir" 1982 has left me with mixed feelings. I enjoyed his vivid descriptions, often self-deprecating sense of humour, short lists, and cultural references, but I felt let down by the stylistic elements of the book. I know that doesn't matter to many readers, but I find it a tough thing to overlook.
Ghomeshi describes his book as a work of creative nonfiction, which usually allows for a little more wiggle room when discussing stylistic elements. However, while this book meets most of the characteristics of good creative non-fiction, such as making events come alive for the reader, it falls short on adopting a good literary style. The flow just was not there.
I understand that he seems to be following the postmodern tradition of a non-linear narrative, but it was just so darn hard to read at some points. I honestly have no problem reading non-linear narratives, Tristram Shandy is one of my favourite novels, so I think it was the kind of repetitive nature that bothered me more than skipping around to fit with the songs/chapter titles. Certain facts and scenes were retold a number of times and it felt a little undone and under-edited for my liking.
I would recommend this book, especially for anyone who loves the 1980's, but I would warn them focus on the substance rather than the style.
Jian Ghomeshi's "rock memoir" 1982 has left me with mixed feelings. I enjoyed his vivid descriptions, often self-deprecating sense of humour, short lists, and cultural references, but I felt let down by the stylistic elements of the book. I know that doesn't matter to many readers, but I find it a tough thing to overlook.
Ghomeshi describes his book as a work of creative nonfiction, which usually allows for a little more wiggle room when discussing stylistic elements. However, while this book meets most of the characteristics of good creative non-fiction, such as making events come alive for the reader, it falls short on adopting a good literary style. The flow just was not there.
I understand that he seems to be following the postmodern tradition of a non-linear narrative, but it was just so darn hard to read at some points. I honestly have no problem reading non-linear narratives, Tristram Shandy is one of my favourite novels, so I think it was the kind of repetitive nature that bothered me more than skipping around to fit with the songs/chapter titles. Certain facts and scenes were retold a number of times and it felt a little undone and under-edited for my liking.
I would recommend this book, especially for anyone who loves the 1980's, but I would warn them focus on the substance rather than the style.
August 22, 2012
I obtained my copy of as a winner of a First Reads giveaway.
1982, if not quite a coming-of-age story, is full of self-discovery, with no shortage of the angst, longing for acceptance and exploration of identity one associates with the early teen years. Music (especially David Bowie's music) serves as a catalyst for this journey. Chapters titles are songs that were hits in 1982 and serve as a "soundtrack", i.e. the songs are thematically linked to the particular story being told in the chapter.
The conversational writing style, punctuated intermittently by the author's short quirky lists, slowly grew on me as I continued reading. I think this book could have considerable appeal; reading it took me back to my own early-1980s high school memories, as I am sure it will for many readers who like me are roughly the same age as Jian Ghomeshi. Many of the stories, and observations on how things were different then (especially where technology is concerned) made me smile as I was able to easily relate. And trust me, you will have New Wave songs you had completely forgotten about stuck in your head on heavy rotation while you read this.
1982, if not quite a coming-of-age story, is full of self-discovery, with no shortage of the angst, longing for acceptance and exploration of identity one associates with the early teen years. Music (especially David Bowie's music) serves as a catalyst for this journey. Chapters titles are songs that were hits in 1982 and serve as a "soundtrack", i.e. the songs are thematically linked to the particular story being told in the chapter.
The conversational writing style, punctuated intermittently by the author's short quirky lists, slowly grew on me as I continued reading. I think this book could have considerable appeal; reading it took me back to my own early-1980s high school memories, as I am sure it will for many readers who like me are roughly the same age as Jian Ghomeshi. Many of the stories, and observations on how things were different then (especially where technology is concerned) made me smile as I was able to easily relate. And trust me, you will have New Wave songs you had completely forgotten about stuck in your head on heavy rotation while you read this.
January 3, 2019
Unfortunately, this book is written from the perspective of a 14/15-year-old Jian and seems geared towards the same age group.
So were I 14/15, I'd probably enjoy this a lot more. Not only because of the writing style, but also because he describes things I don't need described. For example, he regularly brings up objects that are old enough that the young never used them but young enough that those of us who have used them aren't nostalgic about them yet. He'll spend a page or two describing how they used to tape songs off the radio at home or have to buy and develop proper film to get pictures instead of using digital cameras. This may be interesting for those who haven't done either of these, but I did in my youth, and it wasn't so long ago that I think it's cool to reminisce. Yeah, I remember having to wait two weeks to see your pictures, and I'm glad I don't have to do it anymore, but give me 20 years before I'm ready to say, "Remember when we had to walk to the store to buy music?!"
It's a quick read, but I found myself slogging through it a bit and being tempted to skip entire pages at a time.
*disclaimer* I received a copy of this book for free as part of a promotion. No money has or will exchange hands in exchange for my honest review.
So were I 14/15, I'd probably enjoy this a lot more. Not only because of the writing style, but also because he describes things I don't need described. For example, he regularly brings up objects that are old enough that the young never used them but young enough that those of us who have used them aren't nostalgic about them yet. He'll spend a page or two describing how they used to tape songs off the radio at home or have to buy and develop proper film to get pictures instead of using digital cameras. This may be interesting for those who haven't done either of these, but I did in my youth, and it wasn't so long ago that I think it's cool to reminisce. Yeah, I remember having to wait two weeks to see your pictures, and I'm glad I don't have to do it anymore, but give me 20 years before I'm ready to say, "Remember when we had to walk to the store to buy music?!"
It's a quick read, but I found myself slogging through it a bit and being tempted to skip entire pages at a time.
*disclaimer* I received a copy of this book for free as part of a promotion. No money has or will exchange hands in exchange for my honest review.
November 26, 2013
My feelings as I am 75 pages in:
This is so difficult for me to say. Jian Ghomeshi, Canada's greatest interviewer, cannot write well. Maybe that's not true. It seems like he really just phoned it in. He starts multiple sentences in nearly each paragraph with "And", includes so far about 10 lists, and repeats things over and over. Quality-wise, it seems like a grade eight class report.
I feel that Jian could really write an insightful, moving book if only he tried. 1982 would have been better as an essay or serialized story for a magazine (with 200 pages chopped off).
I think about giving up every so often (especially when I see those damn lists!), but I love Jian as a radio personality so much that I am really trying to stick it out.
Edit: I got to page 145. Just after the bit where he explained what Niagara Falls is. I'm sorry Jian, but I couldn't finish your book. I did skip to the final chapter and it was great. I wish the rest of the book was like this. Unfortunately, the book was planned terribly. Who is the target market for this? He explained what earbuds were. Who is alive today that doesn't know what earbuds are? I am so disappointed in this annoying book. I will stick to listening to Jian on the radio.
This is so difficult for me to say. Jian Ghomeshi, Canada's greatest interviewer, cannot write well. Maybe that's not true. It seems like he really just phoned it in. He starts multiple sentences in nearly each paragraph with "And", includes so far about 10 lists, and repeats things over and over. Quality-wise, it seems like a grade eight class report.
I feel that Jian could really write an insightful, moving book if only he tried. 1982 would have been better as an essay or serialized story for a magazine (with 200 pages chopped off).
I think about giving up every so often (especially when I see those damn lists!), but I love Jian as a radio personality so much that I am really trying to stick it out.
Edit: I got to page 145. Just after the bit where he explained what Niagara Falls is. I'm sorry Jian, but I couldn't finish your book. I did skip to the final chapter and it was great. I wish the rest of the book was like this. Unfortunately, the book was planned terribly. Who is the target market for this? He explained what earbuds were. Who is alive today that doesn't know what earbuds are? I am so disappointed in this annoying book. I will stick to listening to Jian on the radio.
May 24, 2013
Painfully repetitive. Is Jian Ghomeshi brown? Does he like David Bowie? You are about to find out. He'll tell you 40 times. In one chapter. Didn't actually realize that Jian Ghomeshi was the Q Radio personality until about three quarters of the way through, but unfortunately that couldn't save this book for me.
Very predictable chapter formats overused throughout the book, back-story segways could be painful at times. Excessive use of "short-lists" popped up, each numbered list falling directly after its paragraphed version in detail. Seemed to be used as a way to eat up space, and create more repetitiveness.
It felt like Jian Ghomeshi took some audiophile inspiration from Rob Sheffield's Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time, but then forgot to include an awesome storyline. Light read that was quick to get through, but probably would never read again.
Very predictable chapter formats overused throughout the book, back-story segways could be painful at times. Excessive use of "short-lists" popped up, each numbered list falling directly after its paragraphed version in detail. Seemed to be used as a way to eat up space, and create more repetitiveness.
It felt like Jian Ghomeshi took some audiophile inspiration from Rob Sheffield's Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time, but then forgot to include an awesome storyline. Light read that was quick to get through, but probably would never read again.
October 7, 2012
I've been a longtime fan of Jian Ghomeshi and his radio/TV program "Q." I consider him one of the best broadcasters right now in Canada; he comes well-researched into interviews and picks up on guests' emotions/thoughts and explores them. However, I find Jian can come across as egotistical and snobbish. Much of his first attempt at memoir writing with "1982" is in that vain. He explains phone cords, cassette players, taking public transit and placing calls in the 1980s in detail. He's like that annoying teacher you've had who treats a classroom of geniuses like dummies. Worse still, he often repeats his descriptions of 1980s activities in that same condescending tone. It's really too bad because many of his childhood stories he shares in the book are delightful. His tale of playing "Ivory" in a musical rendition of "Ebony and Ivory" kept me in stitches. It's too bad the book is bogged down by condescending descriptions of life in the '80s.
August 15, 2012
There are a few reasons why my rating of this book is biased right from the start. I was two years younger than the author in 1982 and grew up not far from where he did. I remember a lot of the places, fads and people he discusses in this book. I too had a nice, striped faux leather Adidas gym bag! Also, I was a fan of the author's band Moxy Fruvous back in the day. Prince and pauper, junior and whopper...
Even if you weren't a Canadian suburban teenager in the 80's this is still worth a read. It's a coming of age story with music as the main backdrop. Really, it could have been set almost anywhere. Nostalgic, funny and with the ring of truth it's a fun slice of life from the past. The flow is a bit choppy in parts and the obsessive list making is sometimes relative and sometimes not but, overall, it's a recommended read...
Even if you weren't a Canadian suburban teenager in the 80's this is still worth a read. It's a coming of age story with music as the main backdrop. Really, it could have been set almost anywhere. Nostalgic, funny and with the ring of truth it's a fun slice of life from the past. The flow is a bit choppy in parts and the obsessive list making is sometimes relative and sometimes not but, overall, it's a recommended read...
August 10, 2015
What an amazing story of growing up and listening to music in the early 80s.
Not surprising, this is a funny little read that'll keep you laughing and going "Oh yeah!" in your head while sitting on the bus. Just ignore the people beside you giving you odd looks when your face lights up with recognition.
Jian Ghomeshi uses simple sentences and quirky repetition to capture the essence of being 14 and trying to find your place in the world. He kept me entertained the entire read, and made me smile with nostalgia at the mention of so many songs.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to all my music-loving friends. And I'm not biased because I'm a Fruhead. ;)
This was a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway novel.
Not surprising, this is a funny little read that'll keep you laughing and going "Oh yeah!" in your head while sitting on the bus. Just ignore the people beside you giving you odd looks when your face lights up with recognition.
Jian Ghomeshi uses simple sentences and quirky repetition to capture the essence of being 14 and trying to find your place in the world. He kept me entertained the entire read, and made me smile with nostalgia at the mention of so many songs.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to all my music-loving friends. And I'm not biased because I'm a Fruhead. ;)
This was a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway novel.
February 20, 2013
I was 8 years old in 1982, but the music from that era contains to be a major part of my existence today. I have loved Jian Ghomeshi ever since I fell in love with an "indie" band called Moxy Fruvous, and I enjoy listending to "Q" when I'm awake for it. I really enjoyed this book till about 3/4 of the way through; then, certain things started to get irritating. And I did NOT like the end. After feeling for Jian's "character" all the way through the book - and finally getting away from wanting him to end up with Wendy - he turns around and does such an asshole thing that you totally don't feel bad for him in the end. I would have preferred for the book to end on a happier note.
In homage to Jian's love of lists, here is a short list of things that struck me as I was reading his memoir:
* Lists, lists, lists. I am also a fan of lists. They were fun at the beginning, but got tedious as the book progressed. Especially when he had already mentioned all the items in the list within the text. Redundant.
* I enjoyed some of the reminiscences about how things were in the 80s (the phone cord, the comedic idea of a water bottle); however, his description of these things did not come across as being meant for someone who actually lived through that era. It is never clear for whom this book is meant. These reminiscences are fun for those who were alive in the 80s, and probably unbelievable for those who weren't, but the descriptions of these things don't seem to be intended for either demographic.
* I liked how the chapter titles were song titles, and that the song was not only the theme of the chapter, but also a character in and of itself.
* Serious topics such as racism, the Iranian Revolution, teenage pressures, were dealt with in relation to Jian's own teenage and family struggles, without being preachy.
* Jian offers an amusing take on certain aspects of pop culture - e.g. Ally McBeal, the 6 Million Dollar Man - that would only be funny to those who remember those shows.
* VERY simply written. It's an enjoyable, fast, read, but I don't think there is one sentence longer than 10 words. And the repetition of certain events and comments got really tiresome.
* Makes me want to break out my Talking Heads and Moxy Fruvous CDs. :-)
In homage to Jian's love of lists, here is a short list of things that struck me as I was reading his memoir:
* Lists, lists, lists. I am also a fan of lists. They were fun at the beginning, but got tedious as the book progressed. Especially when he had already mentioned all the items in the list within the text. Redundant.
* I enjoyed some of the reminiscences about how things were in the 80s (the phone cord, the comedic idea of a water bottle); however, his description of these things did not come across as being meant for someone who actually lived through that era. It is never clear for whom this book is meant. These reminiscences are fun for those who were alive in the 80s, and probably unbelievable for those who weren't, but the descriptions of these things don't seem to be intended for either demographic.
* I liked how the chapter titles were song titles, and that the song was not only the theme of the chapter, but also a character in and of itself.
* Serious topics such as racism, the Iranian Revolution, teenage pressures, were dealt with in relation to Jian's own teenage and family struggles, without being preachy.
* Jian offers an amusing take on certain aspects of pop culture - e.g. Ally McBeal, the 6 Million Dollar Man - that would only be funny to those who remember those shows.
* VERY simply written. It's an enjoyable, fast, read, but I don't think there is one sentence longer than 10 words. And the repetition of certain events and comments got really tiresome.
* Makes me want to break out my Talking Heads and Moxy Fruvous CDs. :-)
Read
March 26, 2015As a nerdy Canadian I listened to a lot of Q (the CBC radio show former hosted by Ghomeshi). I found Ghomeshi's interviews to be interesting and I loved the way Q approached Canadian pop culture. I considered myself a fan of Ghomeshi so when I saw that he had written a book and it was being given away here on GR I jumped at the opportunity. By the time I had won and received my copy my enthusiasm had somewhat faded. I probably got about a chapter into the book while playing a game of pick-it-up-put-it-down.
I found Ghomeshi's writing to be a bit stilted and the subject matter just was not holding my interest. It lacked that spark of wit and relevance that I expected from seeing his work on Q. He just didn't sound like he did on the show. I now realize that what I was looking for was primarily supplied by the writers on Q rather than the host and that if any of them ever wrote a book I should probably read that instead. Eventually I stopped reading it with the intent of someday coming back and finishing up the book because it was written by such a noteworthy Canadian.
A lot of time has past and with the mounting evidence that Ghomeshi sexually harassed women who he worked with and allegedly violently sexually assaulted several other women I can pretty much grantee that I will never, ever finish this book or touch anything with Ghomeshi's name on it EVER again. I would suggest anyone looking for more information about these serious accusations to go and check out the CANADALAND podcast by journalist Jesse Brown who was a key part of breaking the story. I am a firm believer in always supporting the victims of sexual assaults, especially when they have been put in a situation where they felt forced into silence.
I am officially marking this book as a DNF and will not be giving it a rating.
I won a copy of 1982 by Jian Ghomeshi from a Goodreads giveaway
I found Ghomeshi's writing to be a bit stilted and the subject matter just was not holding my interest. It lacked that spark of wit and relevance that I expected from seeing his work on Q. He just didn't sound like he did on the show. I now realize that what I was looking for was primarily supplied by the writers on Q rather than the host and that if any of them ever wrote a book I should probably read that instead. Eventually I stopped reading it with the intent of someday coming back and finishing up the book because it was written by such a noteworthy Canadian.
A lot of time has past and with the mounting evidence that Ghomeshi sexually harassed women who he worked with and allegedly violently sexually assaulted several other women I can pretty much grantee that I will never, ever finish this book or touch anything with Ghomeshi's name on it EVER again. I would suggest anyone looking for more information about these serious accusations to go and check out the CANADALAND podcast by journalist Jesse Brown who was a key part of breaking the story. I am a firm believer in always supporting the victims of sexual assaults, especially when they have been put in a situation where they felt forced into silence.
I am officially marking this book as a DNF and will not be giving it a rating.
I won a copy of 1982 by Jian Ghomeshi from a Goodreads giveaway
August 6, 2016
This is what happens when you give a book deal to someone who's been used to hearing the word "yes" for most of his life.
Putting aside the rape allegations that capped off his career with the CBC, Jian Ghomeshi's "1982" is amateurish tripe that would barely pass muster in a creative writing class. Filled with long, rambling asides, juvenile grammar and a "gee-whiz" attitude about the early 80s, the book now reads like a puff piece, considering what was revealed to the public after the fact.
I have criticized similar Canadian biographies before for being a long set of anecdotes with no real substance, and "1982" doesn't break that trend. Filled with repetitive stories about young "Jinjee" and his love of certain 80s groups, the book doesn't reveal anything particularly interesting or insightful, and the musings about various musicians come off as a reposting of a Wikipedia article.
There's an attempt to match these anecdotes and stories with song titles from groups like Talking Heads and Rush, but none of it really has anything to do with anything, and none of the stories have much of a point or life lesson.
My advice: skip this like the plague and read more of Ben Rayner's columns in the Toronto Star. This isn't worth wasting your money on. Hell, I feel cheated despite only paying a dollar for it.
Putting aside the rape allegations that capped off his career with the CBC, Jian Ghomeshi's "1982" is amateurish tripe that would barely pass muster in a creative writing class. Filled with long, rambling asides, juvenile grammar and a "gee-whiz" attitude about the early 80s, the book now reads like a puff piece, considering what was revealed to the public after the fact.
I have criticized similar Canadian biographies before for being a long set of anecdotes with no real substance, and "1982" doesn't break that trend. Filled with repetitive stories about young "Jinjee" and his love of certain 80s groups, the book doesn't reveal anything particularly interesting or insightful, and the musings about various musicians come off as a reposting of a Wikipedia article.
There's an attempt to match these anecdotes and stories with song titles from groups like Talking Heads and Rush, but none of it really has anything to do with anything, and none of the stories have much of a point or life lesson.
My advice: skip this like the plague and read more of Ben Rayner's columns in the Toronto Star. This isn't worth wasting your money on. Hell, I feel cheated despite only paying a dollar for it.
Read
January 8, 2015I am keeping my original review intact, as originally written, but please note I have created a new shelf for it: Self Serving Bullshit by Sociopths.
1. Jian Ghomeshi loves lists.
2. Jian Ghomeshi is a (natural born) story teller, with a great mind for detail, time, place setting.
3. He has a funny, self depreciating world view, so sees himself as the skinny brown kid, when people probably thought he was that kid who was always doing cool stuff.
4. He can turn a funny phrase and see absurdity and humour everywhere.
5. He's just a tiny bit older than I am, so I completely know what he is talking about, mix tapes, eye-liner on boys, and Adidas bags.
6. Jian Ghomeshi really really loves lists.
7. I too love David Bowie, 1970s punk and 1980s New Wave, so his novel is preaching to the choir.
8. I could not put this book down, I found it a fun, breezy read that made me laugh out loud many times.
9. I read parts out to my husband who enjoyed it too, since he is also of similar age. We esspecially loved "Ebony and Olivey" bit.
10. None of the above means that Jian can actually write. He is a story teller, an interviewer, a broadcaster, but sometimes I feel he is trying to fill another 45 seconds of air time by over explaining and... reverting to lists.
1. Jian Ghomeshi loves lists.
2. Jian Ghomeshi is a (natural born) story teller, with a great mind for detail, time, place setting.
3. He has a funny, self depreciating world view, so sees himself as the skinny brown kid, when people probably thought he was that kid who was always doing cool stuff.
4. He can turn a funny phrase and see absurdity and humour everywhere.
5. He's just a tiny bit older than I am, so I completely know what he is talking about, mix tapes, eye-liner on boys, and Adidas bags.
6. Jian Ghomeshi really really loves lists.
7. I too love David Bowie, 1970s punk and 1980s New Wave, so his novel is preaching to the choir.
8. I could not put this book down, I found it a fun, breezy read that made me laugh out loud many times.
9. I read parts out to my husband who enjoyed it too, since he is also of similar age. We esspecially loved "Ebony and Olivey" bit.
10. None of the above means that Jian can actually write. He is a story teller, an interviewer, a broadcaster, but sometimes I feel he is trying to fill another 45 seconds of air time by over explaining and... reverting to lists.
November 16, 2012
An interesting sort of a memoir...following one crucial year in the early life of the author...and the music that accompanied and defined this educational year.
My thoughts:
1) I appreciated the musical education--the Police, Clash, Talking Heads, Radiohead and, of course, David Bowie. I was constantly looking up music videos as I was reading, and was surprised at how many songs were familiar, considering I can't remember much of the 80s.
2) Ghomeshi's elucidation of the self-aware trying-to-be-cool 14-15 year-old makes me realize again how young I was at 14-15 by comparison. I wonder how different his young adulthood would have been had he been growing up in Alberta, rather than the ethnically diverse city of Toronto.
3) I liked the compulsive and often goofy list-making.
Bottom line: Ghomeshi is as articulate in print as he is on the radio. His descriptive story of the contradiction and richness of being a visible minority in 1980s urban Canada is interesting, endearing and an important contribution to Canadian "creative non-fiction."
But I wonder, what happened to Janelle?
My thoughts:
1) I appreciated the musical education--the Police, Clash, Talking Heads, Radiohead and, of course, David Bowie. I was constantly looking up music videos as I was reading, and was surprised at how many songs were familiar, considering I can't remember much of the 80s.
2) Ghomeshi's elucidation of the self-aware trying-to-be-cool 14-15 year-old makes me realize again how young I was at 14-15 by comparison. I wonder how different his young adulthood would have been had he been growing up in Alberta, rather than the ethnically diverse city of Toronto.
3) I liked the compulsive and often goofy list-making.
Bottom line: Ghomeshi is as articulate in print as he is on the radio. His descriptive story of the contradiction and richness of being a visible minority in 1980s urban Canada is interesting, endearing and an important contribution to Canadian "creative non-fiction."
But I wonder, what happened to Janelle?
October 15, 2013
I really enjoy most music memoirs, and Jian Ghomeshi's 1982 is no different. Ghomeshi explores a variety of subjects, including race, sexuality, popularity, music, conformity, creativity, and suburban life all through the lens of his 14-year-old self. He relates stories that happened to him in 1982 that helped shape him in what he calls the most formative year of his life. His stories are refreshingly honest and open, and they are often hilarious in their nerdy awkwardness. His prose occasionally feels a little stilted, as he is prone to repeating information or describing scenarios ad nauseam, but it never really interferes with the content of the stories. It's a stylistic choice that's meant to accent the immaturity of his 14-year-old subject or that comes from his style as a radio host; at times, it is very entertaining, but it doesn't always work - a minor issue to be sure, but still an issue. 1982 is an entertaining account for anyone who wants to read a music fan's coming-of-age story, anyone who has nostalgia for early '80s New Wave, and anyone who has tried to navigate the troubled waters of suburbia, especially in Canada.
July 12, 2020
Very clever. It centers around a pivotal year in Jian Ghomeshi's life, 1982, the final months of grade nine, that summer, and the opening months of grade ten. Central to it all is the Police Picnic concert of that year, his desire to model himself after David Bowie, and his crush on a desirable slightly older schoolmate.
With the events of that summer as central events, the story weaves forward and back in time, providing the larger milieu for the story, deepening events by providing background and demonstrating how some things had echoes in the future. With all this there are also witty commentaries on culture, music, and how differently humans interact with culture and with each other as the decades roll past and humans and culture change.
A coming of age story with an awesome soundtrack, filled with humor and fond memories of old friends and old flames. How's that for a blurb? The writing is personal, necessarily anecdotal, and reads like a conversation with Mr Ghomeshi, or like one of his essays that begin his radio program on CBC. This book may begin a new trend in how biographies are written.
With the events of that summer as central events, the story weaves forward and back in time, providing the larger milieu for the story, deepening events by providing background and demonstrating how some things had echoes in the future. With all this there are also witty commentaries on culture, music, and how differently humans interact with culture and with each other as the decades roll past and humans and culture change.
A coming of age story with an awesome soundtrack, filled with humor and fond memories of old friends and old flames. How's that for a blurb? The writing is personal, necessarily anecdotal, and reads like a conversation with Mr Ghomeshi, or like one of his essays that begin his radio program on CBC. This book may begin a new trend in how biographies are written.
April 30, 2013
3.75 stars
Jian Ghomeshi, now known as the host of Q on CBC Radio and as one of the members of the 1990s band, Moxy Fruvous, was 14/15 years old in 1982. He and his Iranian family had immigrated to Canada from England a few years earlier. In 1982, Jian was interested in New Wave music and David Bowie was his idol. Jian also had a crush on an older girl at school, Wendy. In this book, Jian recounts his insecurities, not only at being a 14-year old boy, but also a “brown” immigrant trying to fit in at school.
I enjoyed this. I thought it read similarly to how Jian speaks and I could often hear his voice as I read (mmm, Jian's voice...). Jian also likes lists, as he peppers them throughout the book. Initially I liked the lists, but there did get to be quite a few, and some of them were a little odd. The book was also a bit repetitive at times (it went back and forth in time a bit, so some things were repeated, but I don't think it always needed to be). Overall, though, I did enjoy it.
Jian Ghomeshi, now known as the host of Q on CBC Radio and as one of the members of the 1990s band, Moxy Fruvous, was 14/15 years old in 1982. He and his Iranian family had immigrated to Canada from England a few years earlier. In 1982, Jian was interested in New Wave music and David Bowie was his idol. Jian also had a crush on an older girl at school, Wendy. In this book, Jian recounts his insecurities, not only at being a 14-year old boy, but also a “brown” immigrant trying to fit in at school.
I enjoyed this. I thought it read similarly to how Jian speaks and I could often hear his voice as I read (mmm, Jian's voice...). Jian also likes lists, as he peppers them throughout the book. Initially I liked the lists, but there did get to be quite a few, and some of them were a little odd. The book was also a bit repetitive at times (it went back and forth in time a bit, so some things were repeated, but I don't think it always needed to be). Overall, though, I did enjoy it.
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