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In Case We Die
Danny Bland’s fictional prose novel about a doomed junkie couple is given depth by his first hand experiences in the ’90s grunge rock scene. “It wasn’t the pounding headache or the all too familiar taste of blood in my mouth that woke me that morning, but the stink of cat piss. They all have cats. Cats and bad tattoos and mops of dyed black hair that reek of cigarettes and watermelon Bubblicious.” This debut novel by veteran Seattle musician Danny Bland follows a pair of outsiders who find themselves locked in the palpable, dizzy grunge-rock scene of early-’90s Seattle. Vulnerable to the high relief of heroin addiction, Bland’s characters ― Charlie Hyatt and Carrie Finch ― are unapologetic protagonists whose epiphanies are as blinding as their weaknesses. Finch, 21, beautiful and dangerous, drowns out the voices in her head and the consequences of a misled life with electric guitars, booze and petulant misbehavior. Her single abiding faith takes the form of an unlikely savior ― ’60s psychedelic musician Roky Erikson. At the ripe old age of 28, Hyatt attempts to make sense of the cards he has been dealt: a miserable job in a porn shop, a drug habit he cannot afford and the wildly unstable woman he had chosen to love. Two damaged people can balance a seesaw for a long time, even finding the illusion of safety; but when one gets off unannounced, the other will fall. As Finch finds sobriety, her sanity and her relationship with Hyatt falter until an inevitable event brings the two back together a decade later.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published August 29, 2013
15 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 19, 2015
Devastating, beautiful, and all-consuming. not since Neil Gaiman's The Ocean At The End of The Lane has a book moved me to such a fetal, teary-eyed mess. This book blew my mind; I don't know if Danny Bland has written any other novels, but I'm going to seek them out immediately.
December 31, 2013
Stick around long enough you're going to hear someone tell your story. Uh huh, that's what they say, and yeah, Danny Bland's In Case We Die isn't exactly my story. But it sure as hell does have similar elements. Junkie dope fiend protagonist – check. Hot fucked up junkie girlfriend – check. Bank robberies – check. Half-assed failed attempts at getting clean – check. Guilt, shame, and shitload of emotional upheaval – check, check, and double check. Well, shit the list goes on and on – look for the similarities, not the differences – shut up, quit throwing 12 step sayings at me. But truth is Bland nails it. You see the train, know where it's going, only not exactly how it's all going to play out, and then of course it wrecks. I mean for sure there was "train wreck" written all over it from page one – but the beauty is how he gets there. The junkie's demise: pounding nails in his own coffin while riding it until the wheels fall off (what the…? There's no wheels on a damn coffin?!).
A friend who's opinion I respect suggested In Case We Die. I'd already heard good things about it, so I immediately picked it up. Unfortunately, as I was about to do some traveling, I snagged the eBook, but Jenn picked up the hardcover, and what I was saying was unfortunate is that I'm a tad jealous of her copy, the physical book is beautiful. Fantagraphics out did themselves, art work/cover is cool as hell. So go ahead, judge this book by its cover, and then buy it and read it. It fucking rocks!
A friend who's opinion I respect suggested In Case We Die. I'd already heard good things about it, so I immediately picked it up. Unfortunately, as I was about to do some traveling, I snagged the eBook, but Jenn picked up the hardcover, and what I was saying was unfortunate is that I'm a tad jealous of her copy, the physical book is beautiful. Fantagraphics out did themselves, art work/cover is cool as hell. So go ahead, judge this book by its cover, and then buy it and read it. It fucking rocks!
October 7, 2013
I'd give it five stars if I didn't know the author. Seems tacky somehow.
Though my experience of Seattle in the '90s was nowhere near as harrowing as that of the characters in this book, I recognized people on every page. The sense of place is totally solid and I was invested at every page. Well played Mr. Bland!
Though my experience of Seattle in the '90s was nowhere near as harrowing as that of the characters in this book, I recognized people on every page. The sense of place is totally solid and I was invested at every page. Well played Mr. Bland!
November 7, 2021
Notes upon re-reading: I listened to the star-studded audiobook this time around. Mark Lanegan was my favorite narrator—his voice just slays me. Loved the book just as much the second time around.
I was at Danny Bland’s first ever reading and mine was the first book he signed. He has a new book coming out next year that I’m very excited for.
I finished this book and knew I loved it but I had so many different things running through my head I didn't think I could write a coherent review. So I decided to cleanse my palate by reading about Eugene Atget and looking at his photographs--except I keep thinking about IN CASE WE DIE. I can tell this is going to be one of those books that stays with me for a long time.
I was at Danny Bland’s first ever reading and mine was the first book he signed. He has a new book coming out next year that I’m very excited for.
I finished this book and knew I loved it but I had so many different things running through my head I didn't think I could write a coherent review. So I decided to cleanse my palate by reading about Eugene Atget and looking at his photographs--except I keep thinking about IN CASE WE DIE. I can tell this is going to be one of those books that stays with me for a long time.
March 5, 2014
In Case We Die is an emotional tour de force. Admittedly, I went into it with the preconceived notion of desperate, drug-addled souls resigned to the inevitable (and there certainly is that), but I was not at all prepared for the overarching themes of realism, genuine love, and excruciating loss. The love story between Charlie and Carrie has all the depth of feeling of Abelard & Heloise, Romeo & Juliet, Heathcliff & Cathy...with happily ever after being cruelly denied, in this case, because of drugs and mental illness. This wonderfully complex novel, an incredible maiden voyage from this author, evokes every emotion of the human condition. I was spent after experiencing it. In the end, the book reads like a love letter to all that might have been - signed, sadly, with one x instead of two. I highly recommend this book.
October 29, 2013
This book is like candy with sand on it; a little gritty and and easy to read. Danny's prose is clear, lucid and concise.He accurately nails the small details of the everyday life that most people gloss over for fear of anything too real. He shines a light on the beauty of that illusive thing we call the Human Condition. You have to grab it all,the good the bad and the ugly to live this glorious life to the fullest. Thanks Danny.
October 27, 2013
Charlie is the Modern, Modern Hero. He steals from the rich to get drugs for the needy. He is wanted no matter how sick and smelly he is because he is a Real fucked up Man; hard and good looking, and came cum whenever needed. He doesn't shakespear himself; whining or complaining while surrounded by those he wants to trust because he thinks they are like him, a good hearted prostitite, but has found they don't know the secret code and he feels more screwed than ever.
He is the Atticus Finch of the dirty city alleys, saving the truly innocent from the evil of the world, which are not only in every nook and yucky cranny but also unfortunately in the love of his life's head.
He must fight those demons, more invisible and harder to conquer than any demontor ever seen. This is a sad story infused through the veins with bloody bodily fluid filled humour and the vengence of Jason.
His journey towards professional rehab and redemption is finished with the revenge for his substitution and a cathartic kicking of ass for his grief. The world took advantage of his love's fragile beauty. Noone understood her but him. But he was the one who betrayed her, taking away the one thing she needed from him, his protection.
Through her death they are once again united in a last final act of justice. He cleanses his guilt and a last make up kiss disguised as a police report and brutal beating of one of the worlds never-ending scourge of scum is applauded. This story is an accurate and authentic account of people and places of a memorable era, which local seattlites will enjoy and cherish as true work of real art.
unfortunately it doesn't really pass the Bechdel test which I think should be employed in book reviews as well as movies.
He is the Atticus Finch of the dirty city alleys, saving the truly innocent from the evil of the world, which are not only in every nook and yucky cranny but also unfortunately in the love of his life's head.
He must fight those demons, more invisible and harder to conquer than any demontor ever seen. This is a sad story infused through the veins with bloody bodily fluid filled humour and the vengence of Jason.
His journey towards professional rehab and redemption is finished with the revenge for his substitution and a cathartic kicking of ass for his grief. The world took advantage of his love's fragile beauty. Noone understood her but him. But he was the one who betrayed her, taking away the one thing she needed from him, his protection.
Through her death they are once again united in a last final act of justice. He cleanses his guilt and a last make up kiss disguised as a police report and brutal beating of one of the worlds never-ending scourge of scum is applauded. This story is an accurate and authentic account of people and places of a memorable era, which local seattlites will enjoy and cherish as true work of real art.
unfortunately it doesn't really pass the Bechdel test which I think should be employed in book reviews as well as movies.
October 16, 2015
Danny Bland was a musician in Seattle during that era described around the world using the "G" word. He played in the bands Cat Butt, The Dwarves and Best Kissers in the World. In addition he was the road manager for Dave Alvin, The Knitters, The Gutter Twins and The Supersuckers. Having read this on the dust-jacket, you'd think this book may not be all that good--another "writer" relying on his past to make a mid-life career change. Well, all those prejudices melt quickly away once you start reading. From the opening pages, it's apparent that Danny Bland can write--damned well. His characters are sympathetic, his prose finely honed, and he doesn't insult his readers by dumbing things down. Far from being another grunge-era memoir, In Case We Die is a novel that certainly reminds us of early-nineties Seattle, but the city and era serve only as backdrop. The novel's real story lays in the timeless and universal landscape of a long-term relationship. In Case We Die is a great read, hard to put down, and when you're finished, you'll immediately miss it. Can't wait for the sequel.
September 15, 2013
It takes place in 90s Seattle, but this is no "Singles". How could a porn store clerk with a taste for heroin redeem himself with such grace? It doesn't seem possible in the first few pages. You need to spend some time in his world to get beneath the layers. Funny, violent, moving and heartbreaking tale.
December 30, 2016
This is one of those books that sticks with you to the point that you can't read anything new for days. It goes from hilarious to devastating in a heartbeat. Definitely nails the reality of addiction, of destructive patterns, and of not being able to commit to anything, whether it be a relationship or getting clean. A great read.
November 5, 2015
Well-written flawed characters and difficult lives intrigue me; I am pulled into their stories. Although I've never been a drug addict, I could relate to the hurt, fear, and damage felt by these characters. I enjoyed reading their path to overcome their demons.
October 12, 2013
A rough read due to the seediness of some of the content, but the best novel I have discovered in more than a decade. Love in the time of heroin.
October 6, 2013
What a ride! Didn't want it to end. I loved every bit of it!
October 7, 2013
A must read.
January 2, 2014
Gorgeous, heartbreaking...
September 2, 2014
In Case We Die is a conundrum. On the one hand, it's a nasty, twisted, vile, testament to the ugliness of humanity. On the other, it is a testimonial to the strength and underlying goodness of humanity. It's difficult to like any of the characters in this book, though some are easier to like than others. In the interest of providing no spoilers, I'm not going to get too far into that but, like the people around us, these characters have flaws; some have surface scratches, others fatal injuries.
This is a powerful story about a man's long, painful, laborious fall from grace and what might be called his redemption. Again, no spoilers, but I will say I don't look at the ending as particularly happy. In that sense, In Case We Die, much like it's characters, runs a closer parallel to the reality of life than is necessarily comfortable. Therein may lie some of its power, though a great deal of the power comes from the way Bland tells the story. His prose is not always picture perfect, but it always paints a picture in vivid, startling color.
I lived in Seattle from 1998 to 2005, so the Seattle of In Case We Die is a Seattle I experienced only vicariously from a small town on the other side of the state. Still, for Seattle residents, present or former, or those familiar with Seattle, there is an added element of place and, if you were there at the right time, a sense of time. He flirts with placing almost too much reality in the mix, which can be a dangerous game, I suppose, but it works very, very well. His description of his own former band, Cat Butt, as looking "like a gang of bikers had fucked a bunch of Dr. Seuss characters and forced their children to form a rock and roll band" and sounding "like the MC5 had never learned to tune their instruments" is pretty damned accurate and also hilarious coming from him.
This is a hell of a novel with a hell of an impact. As touching as it is violent, as frightening as it is moving, as I said, it is anything but a comfortable story. I think, though, in this case, the discomfort is well worth it. I sincerely hope Bland writes again.
This is a powerful story about a man's long, painful, laborious fall from grace and what might be called his redemption. Again, no spoilers, but I will say I don't look at the ending as particularly happy. In that sense, In Case We Die, much like it's characters, runs a closer parallel to the reality of life than is necessarily comfortable. Therein may lie some of its power, though a great deal of the power comes from the way Bland tells the story. His prose is not always picture perfect, but it always paints a picture in vivid, startling color.
I lived in Seattle from 1998 to 2005, so the Seattle of In Case We Die is a Seattle I experienced only vicariously from a small town on the other side of the state. Still, for Seattle residents, present or former, or those familiar with Seattle, there is an added element of place and, if you were there at the right time, a sense of time. He flirts with placing almost too much reality in the mix, which can be a dangerous game, I suppose, but it works very, very well. His description of his own former band, Cat Butt, as looking "like a gang of bikers had fucked a bunch of Dr. Seuss characters and forced their children to form a rock and roll band" and sounding "like the MC5 had never learned to tune their instruments" is pretty damned accurate and also hilarious coming from him.
This is a hell of a novel with a hell of an impact. As touching as it is violent, as frightening as it is moving, as I said, it is anything but a comfortable story. I think, though, in this case, the discomfort is well worth it. I sincerely hope Bland writes again.
October 26, 2013
Danny Bland's debut novel takes you to the seedier side of Seattle, mostly in the days before the city was famous due to the grunge exploson of the late 80's and early 90's. The protagonist is Charlie Hyatt - a late 20's slacker who works at the local porn shop and dabbles in heroin use. Charlie is in love with a junkie, Carrie Finch, whose only goal in life is to die. Charlie's life spirals out of control as various circumstances arise, and it is a testament to Danny Bland's skills that the reader becomes so enveloped in the story that everything seems perfectly logical. The last third of the book is a wild ride of emotions and thankfully Bland allows Charlie to experience a catharsis, perhaps realizing that the reader needed one too. I also loved the musical references - I found myself playing Roky Erikcson and Bill Withers in the days after I finished the book. I'll never listen to "Ain't No Sunshine" quite the same way ever again. A masterpiece.
April 7, 2015
The most enjoyable, engaging book I've read in quite a while. Yet, it's not without its faults. About two thirds through, it seems that the author knew he had to fill in a gap of time in which another character is absent. The author has a catchy side story to tell and throws it in to fill the gap. The problem is the filler only progresses the narrative in the most superficial way and carries none of the weight of the rest of the book. A totally different filler could have been used. Thankfully, the author returns to the main story line well before the ending. Many will describe the book as being about drugs, decadence, wasted lifestyles, etc. Perhaps. But the book is really about love. Deep, everlasting love. Decadence notwithstanding, many a reader would want just what this book explores so poignantly.
July 22, 2013
I would have finished this book in one night if I hadn't stopped myself; as it was, it only took two nights. Brisk, compelling, believable - the small details are all right. You get the *feel* of the place and the time. It's not my world and it's probably not your world but Bland cracks the door open wide enough for you to follow along. It's also as wild and fantastical as it is solid and believable. Can't wait to read more from Danny Bland.
(Disclaimer: I am acquainted with the author and he helped get me into a show or two back in the day.)
(Disclaimer: I am acquainted with the author and he helped get me into a show or two back in the day.)
October 7, 2013
I just finished reading this book and I am so sad it is over. I have completely fallen in love with Charlie Hyatt, this broken man who against all odds shows us his vulnerablilty and tenderness. The gritty story of two heroin addicts in Seattle in the early 90's is not for the faint of heart. The graphic descriptions of drug use, not to mention Charlie's job at a porn shop, are at times revolting and simultaneously hilarious! This is a debut novel for Danny Bland and I was struck by the brilliant and beautiful writing! Can't wait for more from him.
November 23, 2013
This review is for the audio version.
Using a wide variety of musicians and other famous folk to each read a chapter of this book could have been a disaster. Non-professional readers aren't always good, and some of these, I thought had the potential to be very bad. I don't know if it is the fact that most of them lived at least a part of this life, but I had nothing but mild quibbles with any of the readers, and some of them were downright excellent. I am unsure if the book itself is episodic, or if the changing narrators made it seem more so, but either way it totally totally worked.
Using a wide variety of musicians and other famous folk to each read a chapter of this book could have been a disaster. Non-professional readers aren't always good, and some of these, I thought had the potential to be very bad. I don't know if it is the fact that most of them lived at least a part of this life, but I had nothing but mild quibbles with any of the readers, and some of them were downright excellent. I am unsure if the book itself is episodic, or if the changing narrators made it seem more so, but either way it totally totally worked.
August 31, 2013
Gasp, laugh, giggle, shriek, tear up all in a row. Beautifully written aside from the smutty stuff-that is well written. Seamless transitions from chapter to chapter while it smoothly jumps around different time periods and scenes. In Case We Die is a rare treasure of a book. Danny Bland puts it all out there and ends with magnificent heart. This book filled me with so much emotional response. Hoping this book sees a large audience for it deserves it and all the accolades it is getting.
June 30, 2015
Intense. Rarely do I recommend the audio book but this is an exception, especially with the notable musicians reading (John Doe, Dave Alvin, Aimee Mann, among others). Vividly captures the intensity of drug-fueled escapades, reckless love, and other bad choices. A survivor's tale, set in Seattle. Sometimes mean, often funny. No pretty filters here, just gritty goodness.
March 3, 2014
This book takes a while to open up to you. Early scenes in the protagonist/junkie's life are told as disjointed sketches and it's halfway through before the plot emerges. But what becomes clear is the lengths that a junkie will go to find the next fix, and the constant justification of an increasingly more out-of-control life. Worth reading.
December 31, 2015
Gritty, touching, real and hilarious. Disclaimer: I live in Seattle where the book is set and also know the author. I've been to most of the locations and know many of the characters he writes about. This book contains zero bullshit. If you want to know what the dark underbelly of Seattle looked like circa 1990...dive in to this gripping, haunting trip. You might want to wear protection.
December 21, 2013
Despite knowing the author, I'm giving "In Case We Die" 5 stars.
It's gritty, eloquent, heartbreaking and engrossing.
I listened to the audio version which I highly recommend. Such an amazing group of readers.
It's gritty, eloquent, heartbreaking and engrossing.
I listened to the audio version which I highly recommend. Such an amazing group of readers.
July 10, 2014
I really loved this book! So gripping and intense! Danny Bland truly capture the desperation of drug addicts. Their whole lives are lead to the next fix.In trying to find a commonality with someone, it's almost always about the drugs. A tragic, very real, very explicit tale.
September 8, 2013
Today I sat in cafés in Paris and read this book cover to cover. Brilliant and funny and sad. Danny, you had better write more.
October 1, 2013
Listen Up. Do yourself a favor and Check This. Nuff Said.
SJD
SJD
January 13, 2014
Easy read, but not lacking insight. Very creative structurally. Everything I expected and more. A beautiful story about the darkest and seediest of topics.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews