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Friends of Mine: Thirty Years in the Life of a Duran Duran Fan
Elisa Lorello’s lifelong love affair with Duran Duran began like that of many other fans: staying up late watching MTV, plastering her bedroom walls with glossy posters and magazine pinups, and writing secret stories about someday becoming Mrs. John Taylor. But waiting in the darkness was a life that held more than she bargained for.
Battling a negative self-image, self-imposed isolation, and troubled relationships, Elisa eventually unlocked the strength to free her and become the teacher and bestselling novelist she was meant to be. And she discovered that her Duran Duran fandom—and the power of music—was the key.
Using her signature blend of humor and heartstring tugging, Elisa transports readers back to a time of synthesizers and shoulder pads, fedoras and Ferris Bueller, leather pants and Live Aid. Much more than a fan letter, Friends of Mine: Thirty Years in the Life of a Duran Duran Fan is a collection of stories about growing up in 1980s suburbia. It’s about first loves, first losses, divorce, Generation X, family, and friendship—all set to the soundtrack of the original Fab Five.
RJ Keller, author of Waiting for Spring: “Friends Of Mine is about so much more than Duran Duran. It’s about a woman finding and losing love, and then finding herself.”
Steffan Piper, author of Greyhound: “Lorello walks us through the hallways of her childhood like a sun-cast shadow clinging lovingly to every forgotten surface.”
Karen Booth, author of Bring Me Back: “Eighties music fans, especially Duranies, will find plenty of relatable moments in Friends Of Mine. Elisa writes with heart, generously sharing the depth of her love for music and all things Duran Duran.”
Rob Kroese, author of Mercury Falls: “Elisa Lorello’s Friends of Mine is the literary equivalent of a Duran Duran song: short, fun, and surprisingly moving. . . .a book for every Gen-Xer who only made it through the 80s by the grace of pop music.”
Battling a negative self-image, self-imposed isolation, and troubled relationships, Elisa eventually unlocked the strength to free her and become the teacher and bestselling novelist she was meant to be. And she discovered that her Duran Duran fandom—and the power of music—was the key.
Using her signature blend of humor and heartstring tugging, Elisa transports readers back to a time of synthesizers and shoulder pads, fedoras and Ferris Bueller, leather pants and Live Aid. Much more than a fan letter, Friends of Mine: Thirty Years in the Life of a Duran Duran Fan is a collection of stories about growing up in 1980s suburbia. It’s about first loves, first losses, divorce, Generation X, family, and friendship—all set to the soundtrack of the original Fab Five.
RJ Keller, author of Waiting for Spring: “Friends Of Mine is about so much more than Duran Duran. It’s about a woman finding and losing love, and then finding herself.”
Steffan Piper, author of Greyhound: “Lorello walks us through the hallways of her childhood like a sun-cast shadow clinging lovingly to every forgotten surface.”
Karen Booth, author of Bring Me Back: “Eighties music fans, especially Duranies, will find plenty of relatable moments in Friends Of Mine. Elisa writes with heart, generously sharing the depth of her love for music and all things Duran Duran.”
Rob Kroese, author of Mercury Falls: “Elisa Lorello’s Friends of Mine is the literary equivalent of a Duran Duran song: short, fun, and surprisingly moving. . . .a book for every Gen-Xer who only made it through the 80s by the grace of pop music.”
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2013
11 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Elisa Lorello
18 books212 followersElisa Lorello was born and raised on Long Island, the youngest of seven children. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and launched a career teaching rhetoric and composition. She has been teaching first-year writing to university students since 2000, but went on sabbatical in fall 2012. Elisa spent six years in North Carolina, where she split her time between teaching and writing, and returned to the northeast in October 2012.
Elisa is the author of the Kindle best-selling novels "Faking It" and "Ordinary World", "Why I Love Singlehood" (co-authored with Sarah Girrell), and "Adulation".
Some of Elisa's favorite pastimes include chocolate, reading, and walking. She is also an avid fan of Duran Duran, pop tarts, and finding the perfect shade of lipstick.
Elisa is the author of the Kindle best-selling novels "Faking It" and "Ordinary World", "Why I Love Singlehood" (co-authored with Sarah Girrell), and "Adulation".
Some of Elisa's favorite pastimes include chocolate, reading, and walking. She is also an avid fan of Duran Duran, pop tarts, and finding the perfect shade of lipstick.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 22, 2013
I know I am going to struggle writing this review because there is no way I have the talent to articulate how I feel about Elisa Lorello's memoir, Friends of Mine: Thirty Years in the Life of a Duran Duran Fan. I also might be a little bit biased because, like Lorello, I grew up in a large family affected by divorce where I miraculously avoided less forgiving addictions and found acceptance and identity through music (let's not even get into the epically bad relationship, the fan fiction and the gay guys, mmmkay?). Through all the ups and downs, it has always been music that has kept me steady, no matter what life throws at me. But this isn't about me: this is about how Elisa Lorello's memoir transcends generation gaps and personal experiences to tell a story to which we can all relate through a medium we all know and love: music.
From the first page, readers are acquainted with the vibrant and friendly writing of Elisa Lorello, who easily makes my short-list of favorite chick lit authors. There's just something about the way Lorello expresses herself in writing that is poignant yet relaxed, like you're listening to an intelligently witty friend tell a really great story. I happily read this entire book in one sitting because of her voice, pacing and of course, the emotional content.
In Friends of Mine, Lorello tells her story: from her birth as a twin and the youngest of seven children, to her parents heartrending divorce; through her years as the ultimate Duran Duran super fan, and into adulthood where she endeavored through relationships and career decisions. What I found most striking about Lorello's story is that it's a story that resonates so profoundly through me because it was also partially my story, and probably yours, too. Lorello weaves together the experience of her reality with universal lessons of family, self-worth and identity easily accessible by readers across a broad spectrum. And she does all of this, of course, against the ever-present backdrop of Duran Duran, using the common experience of music to string up every thought and idea, like a beacon that guides our stories forward. (Too cheesy? Because I meant it sincerely!).
In short: Elisa Lorello identifies music as the lifeblood, the core, the spirit, the backbone, of all of our stories, especially hers.
Like I mentioned, I might be biased; after all, I was truly shocked to find out how much Elisa Lorello and I had in common, especially in terms of being super fans ("She doesn't even like John!" -ohh, I've been there before!). But I really think that people of all walks of life and experiences will connect with this book because of the value placed on music. Also, any book that references Sticky Hands and maintains the fading memory of Tower Records is a must-read for anyone who appreciates popular culture!
Bottom Line: If music has been an active participant in your life, then this is a must-read (so basically everyone!). If you're a Gen-Xer, Duran Duran fan, super fan of anyone, or an awkward/formerly awkward teen girl in need of vindication, please buy this at once and keep it on the same shelf as your holy texts. 6/5 stars (can I do that? It's my blog and I just did!)
From the first page, readers are acquainted with the vibrant and friendly writing of Elisa Lorello, who easily makes my short-list of favorite chick lit authors. There's just something about the way Lorello expresses herself in writing that is poignant yet relaxed, like you're listening to an intelligently witty friend tell a really great story. I happily read this entire book in one sitting because of her voice, pacing and of course, the emotional content.
In Friends of Mine, Lorello tells her story: from her birth as a twin and the youngest of seven children, to her parents heartrending divorce; through her years as the ultimate Duran Duran super fan, and into adulthood where she endeavored through relationships and career decisions. What I found most striking about Lorello's story is that it's a story that resonates so profoundly through me because it was also partially my story, and probably yours, too. Lorello weaves together the experience of her reality with universal lessons of family, self-worth and identity easily accessible by readers across a broad spectrum. And she does all of this, of course, against the ever-present backdrop of Duran Duran, using the common experience of music to string up every thought and idea, like a beacon that guides our stories forward. (Too cheesy? Because I meant it sincerely!).
In short: Elisa Lorello identifies music as the lifeblood, the core, the spirit, the backbone, of all of our stories, especially hers.
Like I mentioned, I might be biased; after all, I was truly shocked to find out how much Elisa Lorello and I had in common, especially in terms of being super fans ("She doesn't even like John!" -ohh, I've been there before!). But I really think that people of all walks of life and experiences will connect with this book because of the value placed on music. Also, any book that references Sticky Hands and maintains the fading memory of Tower Records is a must-read for anyone who appreciates popular culture!
Bottom Line: If music has been an active participant in your life, then this is a must-read (so basically everyone!). If you're a Gen-Xer, Duran Duran fan, super fan of anyone, or an awkward/formerly awkward teen girl in need of vindication, please buy this at once and keep it on the same shelf as your holy texts. 6/5 stars (can I do that? It's my blog and I just did!)
June 6, 2017
What a treat to read this book! How many of my own similar memories came rushing back as the pages turned; seeing Duran Duran in concert, my crush on Nick Rhodes, and my absolute faith that one day I would be his wife. It was fun to revisit those days through someone else's eyes, oh Duran Duran you ties that bind.
September 8, 2013
I've read, re-read and loved all of Elisa Lorello's books. Friends of Mine is no different. If I hadn't had to sleep and go to work, I would have read it straight through.
Being a Gen X-er myself, I loved being taken back to the 1980s and being immersed in the music, clothes and everything else that was the culture then. It brought back many great memories and I laughingly recognized my teen-age self in several scenarios.
Elisa takes us through her struggles to find personal happiness and love over the years. We're also introduced to her wonderful large family, who are all musically talented, and support her along the way.
Like the author's previous books, Friends of Mine is relatable on many levels, even if you don't happen to be from Generation X.
Join Elisa on her journey from a rough adolescence to the accomplished author and teacher she is now. You won't regret it.
--
Being a Gen X-er myself, I loved being taken back to the 1980s and being immersed in the music, clothes and everything else that was the culture then. It brought back many great memories and I laughingly recognized my teen-age self in several scenarios.
Elisa takes us through her struggles to find personal happiness and love over the years. We're also introduced to her wonderful large family, who are all musically talented, and support her along the way.
Like the author's previous books, Friends of Mine is relatable on many levels, even if you don't happen to be from Generation X.
Join Elisa on her journey from a rough adolescence to the accomplished author and teacher she is now. You won't regret it.
--
September 2, 2014
"Friends of Mine: Thirty Years in the Life of a Duran Furan Fan" authored by Elisa Lorello (EL) is an exuberant lively memoir of EL growing up "Duran Duranged", in a home surrounded by live music, the youngest twin of 5 brothers and a sister, from Long Island, NY.
EL earliest memories are of her father and older brothers playing on Marshall amplifiers, a Vox organ, a Ludwig drum kit, guitars covered every space. Recording, rehearsing, music lessons, and lots of practice and singing. "We Live in Harmony" was the family motto. Paul, her twin had perfect pitch, and EL played the violin at school until losing interest when she was 15.
As a teen, she and her best friend Elisa would watch Duran Duran: Simon Le Bon (lead vocals), Nick Rhodes (keys), Roger Taylor (drums), Andy Taylor (lead guitar), John Taylor (bassist), on MTV. The band transformed the sounds of glam, punk, and disco with synthesizers and sequencers. While most teen girls emulated Cyndi Lauper and Madonna, she copied the fashion style of Duran Duran. Identifying with their music, it helped EL cope with her parents separation, her brothers growing up moving out, and school. John Taylor became her "creative muse" she made a series of 5 drawings of him in the 9th grade, and attended their concert at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY.
EL wrote about "Live Aid" on July 13, 1985, watching the broadcast shown from JFK Stadium, Philadelphia, PA and Wembley Stadium, London. Spandau Ballet, Sade, Allison Moyet, performed also with Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Who, David Bowie. "This is your Woodstock!" Joan Baez told young viewers.
Duran Duran split the group into two bands following their mega world wide tour in 1984: Power Station and Arcadia. EL would become a fan of Power Station.
By the 1990's EL followed the new sound of garage bands and Grunge, and put her Duran Duran memorabilia in storage. EL attended dance clubs all over Long Island with her serious boyfriend Derrick, in a relationship of "toxic co-dependency", lasting for 5 years. After working and dropping out of college/art school she applied to the University of MA- Darmouth in 1995, majored in psych "organizational behavior" and graduated in 1999. Attending a graduate program at the same school, she finished her education in 2003, and began teaching.
After living in North Carolina for many years, EL, single, moved back to "the Bay State"- MA. and reconnected/living closer to family/old friends. Unable to find a literary agent, she overcame the stigma against self-publishing, explored promoting her KDP books through FB and Twitter. In 2011 EL identified teaching as her "Spouse" and writing novels as a "Mistress". EL attended a new Duran Duran concert in Madison Square Garden with her lifelong friend Elisa. John Taylor also responded to EL post on Twitter, and she and Elisa traveled to NYC to his book tour. Taylor signed a copy of his memoir: "In The Pleasure Grove: Love, Death, and Duran Duran". There is a great photo included in this memoir, along with several other photos. Today, EL is no longer a fan, she just appreciates/admires good music as always.
Many thanks to Amazon for the Kindle value priced e-Book for this review.
EL earliest memories are of her father and older brothers playing on Marshall amplifiers, a Vox organ, a Ludwig drum kit, guitars covered every space. Recording, rehearsing, music lessons, and lots of practice and singing. "We Live in Harmony" was the family motto. Paul, her twin had perfect pitch, and EL played the violin at school until losing interest when she was 15.
As a teen, she and her best friend Elisa would watch Duran Duran: Simon Le Bon (lead vocals), Nick Rhodes (keys), Roger Taylor (drums), Andy Taylor (lead guitar), John Taylor (bassist), on MTV. The band transformed the sounds of glam, punk, and disco with synthesizers and sequencers. While most teen girls emulated Cyndi Lauper and Madonna, she copied the fashion style of Duran Duran. Identifying with their music, it helped EL cope with her parents separation, her brothers growing up moving out, and school. John Taylor became her "creative muse" she made a series of 5 drawings of him in the 9th grade, and attended their concert at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY.
EL wrote about "Live Aid" on July 13, 1985, watching the broadcast shown from JFK Stadium, Philadelphia, PA and Wembley Stadium, London. Spandau Ballet, Sade, Allison Moyet, performed also with Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Who, David Bowie. "This is your Woodstock!" Joan Baez told young viewers.
Duran Duran split the group into two bands following their mega world wide tour in 1984: Power Station and Arcadia. EL would become a fan of Power Station.
By the 1990's EL followed the new sound of garage bands and Grunge, and put her Duran Duran memorabilia in storage. EL attended dance clubs all over Long Island with her serious boyfriend Derrick, in a relationship of "toxic co-dependency", lasting for 5 years. After working and dropping out of college/art school she applied to the University of MA- Darmouth in 1995, majored in psych "organizational behavior" and graduated in 1999. Attending a graduate program at the same school, she finished her education in 2003, and began teaching.
After living in North Carolina for many years, EL, single, moved back to "the Bay State"- MA. and reconnected/living closer to family/old friends. Unable to find a literary agent, she overcame the stigma against self-publishing, explored promoting her KDP books through FB and Twitter. In 2011 EL identified teaching as her "Spouse" and writing novels as a "Mistress". EL attended a new Duran Duran concert in Madison Square Garden with her lifelong friend Elisa. John Taylor also responded to EL post on Twitter, and she and Elisa traveled to NYC to his book tour. Taylor signed a copy of his memoir: "In The Pleasure Grove: Love, Death, and Duran Duran". There is a great photo included in this memoir, along with several other photos. Today, EL is no longer a fan, she just appreciates/admires good music as always.
Many thanks to Amazon for the Kindle value priced e-Book for this review.
October 11, 2013
Having been a die hard duranie back in my youth I reveled in this book. I loved the way that the events of her life were 'connected' with Duran songs. Even though Elisa is an American and I am a Brit I could relate so much to the things that happened in this book, and it was a real nostalgia fest reading it. I was even tempted to go into the loft to find my box of Duran Duran related newspaper & magazine clippings (although I have not actually got around to doing so yet. It will not doubt give my daughters a laugh when I finally find them. I loved it when I discovered that she has actually met John Taylor. I remember an incident when I was a fully fledged 'duranie' and my best friend was a 'Wham' fan. Her father was sailing in Cowes week ( a very big sailing event over here in the uk) and upon his return delighted in telling us that he had met and had a very interesting chat to Simon LeBon ! He did not understand why we both screamed at him "why did you not get his autograph / photo" :) I don't think I have ever quite forgiven him.
January 10, 2018
This book makes me feel so proud to be a Duranie - I may not of grown up in the 80s, but Elisa made me feel like I was right there (though watching Sing Blue Silver as many times as I have helped). Such a great memoir :D
February 12, 2022
Spectacular read that sparked my own Duran Duran fan memories
Friends of Mine: Thirty Years In the Life of a Duran Duran Fan by Elisa Lorello, felt like reading bits, pieces, snippets and crumbs of my own life as a Duran Duran fan. While I share many similarities as a fan, our family lives were quite different.
Nevertheless, this Duranie sister captured my attention and reflected on Duran Duran’s impact and I found myself agreeing, or relating or laughing and even crying. Her memories sparked mine and brought them from the depths of my mind and emotions, to the forefront. My best friend is also a Duranie. While several states or oceans have separated us for the majority of our friendship (38 years!), we’ve never lost touch for long and Duran Duran always helps us reconnect.
For me, this book is not just a journey from childhood to adulthood and how Duran Duran’s music supported and lent strength, but also about music, all music. I’m a little jealous that her siblings were so musical! That would have been so awesome. Friends of Mine also feels like a tribute to the self. And I mean that in the highest regard. It is not an easy feat to be introspective and at times, it’s near impossible to love ourselves. I appreciate her journey of loving herself and the timeliness, relatable-ness of new Duran Duran music is inspirational. Not only that, but I can totally relate albeit for different reasons.
Overall, I found it difficult to put this book down. A compelling read to be certain, especially for me, a fellow Duranie from their US beginnings too. Elisa really knows how to write, build suspense, create anticipation and I loved everything about her memoir.
Friends of Mine: Thirty Years In the Life of a Duran Duran Fan by Elisa Lorello, felt like reading bits, pieces, snippets and crumbs of my own life as a Duran Duran fan. While I share many similarities as a fan, our family lives were quite different.
Nevertheless, this Duranie sister captured my attention and reflected on Duran Duran’s impact and I found myself agreeing, or relating or laughing and even crying. Her memories sparked mine and brought them from the depths of my mind and emotions, to the forefront. My best friend is also a Duranie. While several states or oceans have separated us for the majority of our friendship (38 years!), we’ve never lost touch for long and Duran Duran always helps us reconnect.
For me, this book is not just a journey from childhood to adulthood and how Duran Duran’s music supported and lent strength, but also about music, all music. I’m a little jealous that her siblings were so musical! That would have been so awesome. Friends of Mine also feels like a tribute to the self. And I mean that in the highest regard. It is not an easy feat to be introspective and at times, it’s near impossible to love ourselves. I appreciate her journey of loving herself and the timeliness, relatable-ness of new Duran Duran music is inspirational. Not only that, but I can totally relate albeit for different reasons.
Overall, I found it difficult to put this book down. A compelling read to be certain, especially for me, a fellow Duranie from their US beginnings too. Elisa really knows how to write, build suspense, create anticipation and I loved everything about her memoir.
June 1, 2015
This book was offered for review on Book Blogger
The books description intrigued me; a grown up, a professor, a novelist discusses her love for a Pop Band. I have been a fan of certain bands. and have always been a viewer and never a performer. My brother Andy listened to Duran Duran and his musical world exploded. He has gone on to be a musician featured on the cover of a notable San Francisco paper. I desired to be a crafted musician, but no matter the amount of practice; I was unable to get my heart into it. I found that my role was to celebrate the music of the band.
Elissa Lorello's book is like a keen chaperon of the 20th century Pop Music Museum. The book provided balance between context (private and historical), and the music of Duran Duran.
I had a couple questions I wanted answered before beginning this book. What is the purpose of music? How does music mark the depths of history? How do bands create clarity in our lives? How does popular music create clarity in a world turned chaotic? What is "fan club glee", or why be a fan of a bunch of dreamy musicians? Other writers would have been more heavy handed in one of these areas. The heavy handedness would leave us scratching our heads and asking, "so what?".
Friends of Mine: Thirty Years in the Life of a Duran Duran Fan, is a well crafted answer to the role of music in an unstable world.
The books description intrigued me; a grown up, a professor, a novelist discusses her love for a Pop Band. I have been a fan of certain bands. and have always been a viewer and never a performer. My brother Andy listened to Duran Duran and his musical world exploded. He has gone on to be a musician featured on the cover of a notable San Francisco paper. I desired to be a crafted musician, but no matter the amount of practice; I was unable to get my heart into it. I found that my role was to celebrate the music of the band.
Elissa Lorello's book is like a keen chaperon of the 20th century Pop Music Museum. The book provided balance between context (private and historical), and the music of Duran Duran.
I had a couple questions I wanted answered before beginning this book. What is the purpose of music? How does music mark the depths of history? How do bands create clarity in our lives? How does popular music create clarity in a world turned chaotic? What is "fan club glee", or why be a fan of a bunch of dreamy musicians? Other writers would have been more heavy handed in one of these areas. The heavy handedness would leave us scratching our heads and asking, "so what?".
Friends of Mine: Thirty Years in the Life of a Duran Duran Fan, is a well crafted answer to the role of music in an unstable world.
September 24, 2013
I came to "Friends of Mine" not as a Duran Duran fan, but rather as an Elisa Lorello fan. Having immensely enjoyed her novels, I was quite intrigued to read her memoir. Already a quite open and accessible author via social media, Lorello takes the confessional even further here, leaving the reader feeling as if they have gotten a glimpse in to one of the scribble-covered journals the book cover evokes. (And can we talk about that book cover for a second? Love it!) Ultimately, this memoir would be engaging and enjoyable for readers who had no previous exposure to either the author or the band; Lorello's experience universally speaks to anyone who has been a child, a sibling, a friend, or a fan. Elisa Lorello is all of us.
February 21, 2020
I first downloaded this in November 2017. It spoke to me for two reasons: 1). the title itself, because I am a Duran fan and 2). the author's name, which is very close to my own best friend's name (her name is spelled Alisa, same last name). I also got it because I have been toiling for a couple years now with writing my own memoir using the music I was raised on to describe pivotal events that happened to me almost four years ago. I took it as a sign that the universe was aligning me with this author, a fellow Duranie. I was interested in reading how Duran Duran impacted this author's life and I must say, Elisa Lorello seems to have lived an ordinary, uneventful life. Even her describing how she got into Duran wasn't as engaging as I expected it to be. This slow pace in the beginning of the book, describing her upbringing, as well as how "Duran Duranged" (btw, I liked that!) she and her friends were had me shelve the book for a bit.
But then I came back to it a week ago. And it became much more entertaining and personal, which I felt was missing at the beginning of the book. She started to show and not just tell, so to speak and I was transported to her life, especially as she started to age. I personally identified with her fan fiction stories of Duran Duran (my friends and I did something like it as well). I appreciated her describing how her some of her Duran Duranged friends started to fade into the background, especially her closest friend/competitor/frenemy Elisa during a time in her life when she wasn't sure who she was or what she was as a high schooler. I also appreciated her description of her musical family and talented brothers. In a small way, I also identified with that since I have a younger brother who had a band and played guitar (and whom I indoctrinated with plenty of Duran Duran growing up). Her story started to take shape, with Duran Duran always in the background, even when they were on hiatus, as they have been for I believe, all of us Duranies.
I really, really enjoyed reading about her meeting John Taylor at his book signing. Tongue tied, dazed, speechless but then euphoric is the best way to describe such a fleeting encounter with your teen idol who adorned your bedroom walls as a kid and you have continually adored throughout your life. The starry-eyed, what if scenarios and all of the stories you made up over the years of being "Mrs. Taylor" are suddenly messing with your head as you have THE John Taylor, in the flesh, right before you. So yet again, Ms. Lorello and I have a common thread as I also had the privilege of meeting John. It was back in the late 90's during his solo career, while supporting his album Terroristen. I will say this though, my experience wasn't quite as overpopulated with middle aged women or as hurried and formal such is typical of bookstore signings of celebrity authors. But she took the opportunity by the balls AND she got a great picture with him, which is more than I can say about my meeting him. And good for her giving him a copy of her book! She was clearly on a completely different level as not only a long-time fan, but as someone who if he got to know, JT could hang with. She knows her shit when it comes to music because of her upbringing and her family's association with it. So she not only understands what goes into it, but appreciates the value and production of every Duran song. And that's cool!
So yes, it was an enjoyable read once I got past the beginning and into the meat of Ms. Lorello's story: Duran Duran and what they meant to her and continue to mean to her. And in the end, don't we all live ordinary lives in this Ordinary World? We just continue to work, pay bills, deal with family and life as it happens. It is nice to have meaningful friends to turn to, such as the music we grew up listening to and continue to go back to, like a comfy sweater. We wrap ourselves up in the lyrics and their meaning when we're alone. We can hear but one chord play over the PA at a grocery store while picking up a few things for dinner, and we just know which Duran song it is, what album it's from, what year it came out and more importantly, what we were doing when we first heard it. That is, at least, this Duranie's experience with my lifetime love affair with the band. And I can tell that Ms. Lorello continues to love those Wild Boys as much as me!
But then I came back to it a week ago. And it became much more entertaining and personal, which I felt was missing at the beginning of the book. She started to show and not just tell, so to speak and I was transported to her life, especially as she started to age. I personally identified with her fan fiction stories of Duran Duran (my friends and I did something like it as well). I appreciated her describing how her some of her Duran Duranged friends started to fade into the background, especially her closest friend/competitor/frenemy Elisa during a time in her life when she wasn't sure who she was or what she was as a high schooler. I also appreciated her description of her musical family and talented brothers. In a small way, I also identified with that since I have a younger brother who had a band and played guitar (and whom I indoctrinated with plenty of Duran Duran growing up). Her story started to take shape, with Duran Duran always in the background, even when they were on hiatus, as they have been for I believe, all of us Duranies.
I really, really enjoyed reading about her meeting John Taylor at his book signing. Tongue tied, dazed, speechless but then euphoric is the best way to describe such a fleeting encounter with your teen idol who adorned your bedroom walls as a kid and you have continually adored throughout your life. The starry-eyed, what if scenarios and all of the stories you made up over the years of being "Mrs. Taylor" are suddenly messing with your head as you have THE John Taylor, in the flesh, right before you. So yet again, Ms. Lorello and I have a common thread as I also had the privilege of meeting John. It was back in the late 90's during his solo career, while supporting his album Terroristen. I will say this though, my experience wasn't quite as overpopulated with middle aged women or as hurried and formal such is typical of bookstore signings of celebrity authors. But she took the opportunity by the balls AND she got a great picture with him, which is more than I can say about my meeting him. And good for her giving him a copy of her book! She was clearly on a completely different level as not only a long-time fan, but as someone who if he got to know, JT could hang with. She knows her shit when it comes to music because of her upbringing and her family's association with it. So she not only understands what goes into it, but appreciates the value and production of every Duran song. And that's cool!
So yes, it was an enjoyable read once I got past the beginning and into the meat of Ms. Lorello's story: Duran Duran and what they meant to her and continue to mean to her. And in the end, don't we all live ordinary lives in this Ordinary World? We just continue to work, pay bills, deal with family and life as it happens. It is nice to have meaningful friends to turn to, such as the music we grew up listening to and continue to go back to, like a comfy sweater. We wrap ourselves up in the lyrics and their meaning when we're alone. We can hear but one chord play over the PA at a grocery store while picking up a few things for dinner, and we just know which Duran song it is, what album it's from, what year it came out and more importantly, what we were doing when we first heard it. That is, at least, this Duranie's experience with my lifetime love affair with the band. And I can tell that Ms. Lorello continues to love those Wild Boys as much as me!
August 6, 2021
This was such a great book to read as it did remind me of my own teenage years and also about learning more about Elisa. When you start thinking about how you live your life and if others lived it the same way, you realized that even if you lived in different cities or countries, we all were pretty similar. I actually bought this book originally because it was related to Duran Duran but when I finished it, I realize that I liked it more about the story of how Elisa grew up with the same music band love as me. A great read no matter what!
September 1, 2020
Excellent memoir that I identified with a scary amount. Not just the Duran Duran fandom, but also growing up with feelings of loneliness/isolation/invisibility/not-being-enough-ness.
December 6, 2022
Being a fellow Duranie of the same age as Lorello, I loved everything about this memoir and related to so much of it on a visceral level.
May 20, 2016
Ahh, fangirl approved.
Although the author and I share a love for Duran Duran, this book is ultimately much more than love for a particular band. It's about how music can help us get through some rough times in our lives. As Ms. Lorello wrote, "Music heals."
It has always been that way for me. My high school years weren't all that great (I definitely wasn't one of the popular kids) but the people I was closest to shared my love of music and of various artists. The little disappointments and heartaches of high school disappeared when we got together and listened to albums together, learned the lyrics, read all we could about our favorites. My closest collaborator in this was my cousin Shane and we retain that bond to this day.
Over the years, music has been a part of my sorrows and joys; my life lessons and my stupid mistakes; my happiness and my anger. While Duran Duran was the focus of this author's obsession (and also one of mine), any artist or song that means something to you will make you feel the same. There are still many moments when I put the rest of the world away from me and just immerse myself in music. It's not an indulgence. It's a necessity.
What a pleasure to read this book and see my own experience with music and fandom articulated so well. While Ms. Lorello's life and mine weren't totally similar, there were enough comparisons that I said, "Oh, she totally gets it."
And we will sway in the moon
The way we did when we were younger
When we told everybody
All you need is now
Stay with the music let it
Play a little longer
We don't need anybody
All you need is now
~~ Duran Duran, "All You Need Is Now"
Although the author and I share a love for Duran Duran, this book is ultimately much more than love for a particular band. It's about how music can help us get through some rough times in our lives. As Ms. Lorello wrote, "Music heals."
It has always been that way for me. My high school years weren't all that great (I definitely wasn't one of the popular kids) but the people I was closest to shared my love of music and of various artists. The little disappointments and heartaches of high school disappeared when we got together and listened to albums together, learned the lyrics, read all we could about our favorites. My closest collaborator in this was my cousin Shane and we retain that bond to this day.
Over the years, music has been a part of my sorrows and joys; my life lessons and my stupid mistakes; my happiness and my anger. While Duran Duran was the focus of this author's obsession (and also one of mine), any artist or song that means something to you will make you feel the same. There are still many moments when I put the rest of the world away from me and just immerse myself in music. It's not an indulgence. It's a necessity.
What a pleasure to read this book and see my own experience with music and fandom articulated so well. While Ms. Lorello's life and mine weren't totally similar, there were enough comparisons that I said, "Oh, she totally gets it."
And we will sway in the moon
The way we did when we were younger
When we told everybody
All you need is now
Stay with the music let it
Play a little longer
We don't need anybody
All you need is now
~~ Duran Duran, "All You Need Is Now"
Read
October 21, 2014Anyone who remembers (part of) the 80s fondly--Duran Duran fan or not--will find something to relate to in this book. I knew nothing about Duran Duran before this book, and I still found myself thinking about Elisa's story throughout the day, looking forward to getting back to reading.
Come to think of it, if you have ever been a part of a fandom, ever loved something so fully in adolescence that the love and loyalty remains with you in adulthood, you will enjoy this book.
Come to think of it, if you have ever been a part of a fandom, ever loved something so fully in adolescence that the love and loyalty remains with you in adulthood, you will enjoy this book.
February 2, 2014
I didn't like this as much as I hoped I would--I found each chapter a bit too short and pat, and it was missing a sense of being able to laugh at oneself that every rabid fan of anything kind of has to have. But I did appreciate the descriptions of what being fannish feels like that will resonate with everyone who's ever loved anything like that, whether it's a band, an actor, or a film or TV show.
October 20, 2014
I had such a big grin on my face thru most of this because it reminded me so much of myself back in the 80's. I even shed a few tears. I swear my heart was thumping in my chest and my face turned red along with the author's as she waited in line for the book signing at the end. I'm still "Duran Duranged" at 48, apparently. A must-read for all of us former "Mrs. John Taylor"'s out there. :) And yes, I dug out all my albums and t-shirts!
November 15, 2016
likewhat she did by doing a memoir so to speak oran autobiography .Whether the story line is true or not I really don't know,but the references to her brothers musical talentss and careers I've read all ofElisa Lorello's books and. thought each. of them was her best work, but now I really think this
was interesting and made for people one might like to know and situations the reader could identify with. It was a good read as were all of Ms. Lorello's books.
was interesting and made for people one might like to know and situations the reader could identify with. It was a good read as were all of Ms. Lorello's books.
November 2, 2013
If you've been a fan of anything at all, this is your book. Particularly, if you're a Duran Duran fan, you will inevitably relate to more than a few moments in Elisa's life. This book is so much fun to read, and the honesty with which it was written shines through. You'll end up rooting for Elisa, because she is a best selling novelist but not without effort and tons of experience. A great read!
November 13, 2013
I won this book from good reads. I was only slightly a Duran Duran fan growing up (I was too young) but this well written book could have been about any band that speaks to you. I liked this honest story of a Fan who finds their own way while keeping the love alive.
April 23, 2021
I loved how Elisa establishes a connection with Duran Duran songs and facts with her own life. Once I've started reading, I couldn't put it off. A must-read for any Duranie.
December 2, 2014
A great read about growing up. The author shares intimate, sometimes painful stories, about family and friends, an how the band got her through it all.
August 4, 2016
It was fun reminiscing with Elisa Lorello. I wouldn't be surprised if our paths crossed at some of the concerts and NY hangouts.
January 23, 2016
A fun walk down memory lane. Many shared Duran Duran memories, and similar adolescent experiences. Now I have to lend it to my sister, who was certain she'd someday be Mrs. John Taylor.
May 15, 2018
This is truly a MUST read for any Duranie!!! I could relate to this book SO much with my life and love of DURAN DURAN!!! Just exceptional!!!
March 30, 2014
Review forthcoming. Loved it.
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