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Walking Disaster: My Life Through Heaven and Hell
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Published October 8, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews
October 3, 2024
I read this fast and furiously. There is some hot tea spilt and (to no one’s surprise) some bad people in the music/entertainment industry. I also knew that things got bad for Deryck health wise but had no idea how bad. What was most surprising was the dynamics of the Sum group, especially after a few albums. Great read if you’re a Sum 41, pop punk or pop culture and music fan.
October 23, 2024
"As you get older, you don't really have any excuse to be stupid anymore, to be in the dark."
Sum 41 played a significant role in my life during the early years of high school. Their music truly represented our generation, and their songs helped me navigate through some tough times. Those experiences are unforgettable, and hearing their songs now brings back great memories and some not-so-great ones. 'Does This Look Infected' will always be my favorite! There's no changing my mind.
Deryck spills the good, the bad, and the downright infected tales of his life. From growing up without knowing his dad and having the best Mom, to finding his love of music, and putting his life on the line for one more drink. It all comes packed together for one emotional punch.
I have to say that I am so very proud of Deryck for speaking up about the abuse he endured at the hands of someone he idolized and trusted and for letting it be known that sometimes your friends aren't there to support you, they are there to use you for their personal gain. I hate this has happened to you. It shouldn't happen to anyone. I'm just glad that you saw that light at the end of the tunnel and decided it was time to take back what was yours. Your voice is even stronger now because of it.
The history of how the band came to be, the revolving door of band members, and how it all came to a head was really interesting. We are all ready to believe whatever we see in the tabloids or on what used to be a music channel, it was great to finally read it from the actual source. This should be an eye-opener that you can't really trust what people want you to see. There's always more to the story.
Walking Disaster was a great memoir and one that I won't easily forget. This truly shows that we don't really know what someone else is going through but all it takes is to be a friend to get someone with demons to open up.
Sum 41 played a significant role in my life during the early years of high school. Their music truly represented our generation, and their songs helped me navigate through some tough times. Those experiences are unforgettable, and hearing their songs now brings back great memories and some not-so-great ones. 'Does This Look Infected' will always be my favorite! There's no changing my mind.
Deryck spills the good, the bad, and the downright infected tales of his life. From growing up without knowing his dad and having the best Mom, to finding his love of music, and putting his life on the line for one more drink. It all comes packed together for one emotional punch.
I have to say that I am so very proud of Deryck for speaking up about the abuse he endured at the hands of someone he idolized and trusted and for letting it be known that sometimes your friends aren't there to support you, they are there to use you for their personal gain. I hate this has happened to you. It shouldn't happen to anyone. I'm just glad that you saw that light at the end of the tunnel and decided it was time to take back what was yours. Your voice is even stronger now because of it.
The history of how the band came to be, the revolving door of band members, and how it all came to a head was really interesting. We are all ready to believe whatever we see in the tabloids or on what used to be a music channel, it was great to finally read it from the actual source. This should be an eye-opener that you can't really trust what people want you to see. There's always more to the story.
Walking Disaster was a great memoir and one that I won't easily forget. This truly shows that we don't really know what someone else is going through but all it takes is to be a friend to get someone with demons to open up.
November 19, 2024
Thought I would have finished Walking Disaster: My Life Through Heaven and Hell quicker, but it was the right decision to take my time with it and read it between other books. Parts are quite heavy, as Deryck Whibley opens up about the grooming and sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of a mentor/ somebody else who was in the music industry the same as him; in a band that he admired growing up. That takes strength to admit that this person who helped Deryck’s band, Sum 41, hit the big time initially, was also seemingly a manipulative monster.
Sum 41 are currently on their final world tour as a band, and I went to see them in Manchester, so thought I’d pick up this book to read to learn the history of the band and the experiences of what it was like being in an early ‘00s Pop Punk band, who had fame thrust upon them - queue the usual sex, drugs, and rock & rolls. These young lads from Canada were suddenly performing festivals and sharing the stage with their heroes, like a whirlwind. But at what cost?
This follows Deryck’s highs and lows of being the frontman of a world famous band - from flings with Paris Hilton, a marriage to Avril Lavigne, to the time he almost died around a decade ago due to alcoholism.
I had almost forgotten just how big a band Sum 41 were in the ‘00s, even though I had discovered them in my youth - through their song In Too Deep being used in movies and their music videos being on MTV & Kerrang TV.
5 Stars
Sum 41 are currently on their final world tour as a band, and I went to see them in Manchester, so thought I’d pick up this book to read to learn the history of the band and the experiences of what it was like being in an early ‘00s Pop Punk band, who had fame thrust upon them - queue the usual sex, drugs, and rock & rolls. These young lads from Canada were suddenly performing festivals and sharing the stage with their heroes, like a whirlwind. But at what cost?
This follows Deryck’s highs and lows of being the frontman of a world famous band - from flings with Paris Hilton, a marriage to Avril Lavigne, to the time he almost died around a decade ago due to alcoholism.
I had almost forgotten just how big a band Sum 41 were in the ‘00s, even though I had discovered them in my youth - through their song In Too Deep being used in movies and their music videos being on MTV & Kerrang TV.
5 Stars
October 14, 2024
He was SO humble and grateful at his “goodbye tour”, and Sum 41 was so fantastic in concert, that I got the book the day after it came out. His book….. kind of…. Ruined it for me. 90% of the book was “wah! People just beat me up all of the time for no reason! My band members just started hating me for no reason! I mean, sure, I was a raging alcoholic and drug abuser, but wah! They were worse! Why me!”. I’m glad he found sobriety, and I did enjoy reading his “come back” story, but that was a tiny rushed through part at the end. WOMP.
October 11, 2024
I bet he thinks this book reflects better on him than it actually does
December 15, 2024
This was a book I pre ordered the second it was available. And, for the first time in my life, a book I found completely surreal. You know that expression “there’s only 6 degrees of separation between people on earth?” Well growing up in the 90s in Oshawa, Ontario, there was one degree between Deryck and me. Our mothers were coworkers. While I was 9, buying Sum 41 cd’s and posters, my mom’s friend from work’s son was kind of a huge deal. Little did innocent me suspect he was on every kind of drug and booze imaginable. Reading this gave me all kinds of strange thoughts. “Would my shitty highschool band have made it if we were all on Crystal and coke?!” And “wow, he’s only a couple years older than me…I never knew my father either…why couldn’t I write Mr. Amsterdam?!”
The early pages of this book really took me back home to the 90s. So often I read portions of this book and went “…wow, oh my god I remember that!” For example, the 20th anniversary MTV show. I vividly remember watching this on a tv that was older than I was. Sum 41 and Judas Priest?! Needless to say, this had a monumental impact on my musical life moving forward.
Of all things, I found this book to be a little too short, sweet, and to the point. I found Deryck often repeated himself in short order. Though, I will say, it’s definitely obvious that all of these words are his. It’s not a great work of literature but that’s not the point of the book in the first place. I just wanted a little more. A little more exposition. A little more of everything.
One of the common themes I noticed that drove me a little crazy was the absence of some analysis or accountability over the events in the text. “So I’m totally drunk all the time and always on a nameless amount of drugs, …I have no idea why people don’t seem to trust me, treat me poorly, or talk to me the way they do?!”
Have to cancel a number of shows due to drug and alcohol issues? ….why does the band dislike me all of a sudden?
I felt like we missed out on some “hmm, maybe I have some accountability in a generally difficult situation?”
At the end of the day, it was a little one dimensional and didn’t offer much of a reflective perspective.
I still couldn’t put this book down. I just wish it hadn’t gotten to the end so quickly.
The early pages of this book really took me back home to the 90s. So often I read portions of this book and went “…wow, oh my god I remember that!” For example, the 20th anniversary MTV show. I vividly remember watching this on a tv that was older than I was. Sum 41 and Judas Priest?! Needless to say, this had a monumental impact on my musical life moving forward.
Of all things, I found this book to be a little too short, sweet, and to the point. I found Deryck often repeated himself in short order. Though, I will say, it’s definitely obvious that all of these words are his. It’s not a great work of literature but that’s not the point of the book in the first place. I just wanted a little more. A little more exposition. A little more of everything.
One of the common themes I noticed that drove me a little crazy was the absence of some analysis or accountability over the events in the text. “So I’m totally drunk all the time and always on a nameless amount of drugs, …I have no idea why people don’t seem to trust me, treat me poorly, or talk to me the way they do?!”
Have to cancel a number of shows due to drug and alcohol issues? ….why does the band dislike me all of a sudden?
I felt like we missed out on some “hmm, maybe I have some accountability in a generally difficult situation?”
At the end of the day, it was a little one dimensional and didn’t offer much of a reflective perspective.
I still couldn’t put this book down. I just wish it hadn’t gotten to the end so quickly.
October 21, 2024
I want to scream from the rooftops, I LOVE THIS BOOK!! I recommend listening to the audio book because Deryck actually sings some stripped versions of Sum41 songs. I could go on forever (seriously, I will pretty much talk about it with anyone who will listen to me) but long story short this was incredible.
October 24, 2024
WOW.
My heart goes out to him. What a guy.
My heart goes out to him. What a guy.
January 2, 2025
This is exactly what I hope for when I pick up celebrity memoirs. Deryck has had a fascinating life, and he delves into the drugs, alcohol and debauchery that has come along with his fame.
Parts of his story are dark and have such heavy themes. I really appreciated his honesty in his journey, it felt raw and like he was still processing some things as he wrote this.
I was thrilled to receive this book for Christmas from my family, as I am going to see Sum 41 later this month 🤘🏻
Read if you enjoyed: Where Are Your Boys Tonight, The Storyteller or Sum 41
Parts of his story are dark and have such heavy themes. I really appreciated his honesty in his journey, it felt raw and like he was still processing some things as he wrote this.
I was thrilled to receive this book for Christmas from my family, as I am going to see Sum 41 later this month 🤘🏻
Read if you enjoyed: Where Are Your Boys Tonight, The Storyteller or Sum 41
February 18, 2025
This one is a tricky one to rate. I thought the inside look at the life of a modern punk rock star and the rat race of the music industry was interesting. It required a ton of vulnerability to describe the sequence of events with Greig Nori, and I have no doubt that Whibley's bravery in telling his story will help others come forward with similar stories of sexual abuse and being taken advantage of.
There were a lot of points, though, at which I felt the author wasn't being truly forthcoming or that he was telling a very slanted version of events. You would think that everyone just starts yelling at Whibley and lashing out totally unprovoked. It made this autobiography feel a bit more raw and unedited because I couldn't quite trust the narrative, but it was still interesting. I feel like it's noteworthy that my husband, who listened to the audiobook with me and is a lifelong Sum 41 fan, ended the book with a worse impression of Whibley than when we started.
We liked that the audiobook was narrated by Whibley himself, and loved the acoustic song covers intertwined into the audiobook. 3.5/5 stars.
There were a lot of points, though, at which I felt the author wasn't being truly forthcoming or that he was telling a very slanted version of events. You would think that everyone just starts yelling at Whibley and lashing out totally unprovoked. It made this autobiography feel a bit more raw and unedited because I couldn't quite trust the narrative, but it was still interesting. I feel like it's noteworthy that my husband, who listened to the audiobook with me and is a lifelong Sum 41 fan, ended the book with a worse impression of Whibley than when we started.
We liked that the audiobook was narrated by Whibley himself, and loved the acoustic song covers intertwined into the audiobook. 3.5/5 stars.
July 26, 2025
I love a memoir and I love sum 41. I guess because I was mostly a kid/preteen/teen when I was a big fan I didn’t realize all of the behind the scenes struggles. A very honest recounting of his experience. 🤘🏻
February 15, 2025
I picked up Deryck Whibley's autobiography right after going to Sum 41's farewell tour, and it was a nice way to learn more about him and say goodbye to the end of an era.
Whibley has been through a lot, but what struck me the most as he related the many ups and downs he's experienced was his sense of optimism. I have to believe that's a key part of why he seems to have emerged (relatively) unscathed from incidents that would have left others reeling.
There are a lot of wild moments covered in the book, but I think I was most surprised to learn that Whibley wrote the bulk of Sum 41's music himself. I always find it interesting to hear about what inspired particular songs and albums, and in this case it really seems to have been all his doing, with the other members essentially showing up to record and filling in some details at that time.
I might be reading too much into this, but I feel like that may tie into how Whibley writes about his bandmates. I didn't know much about any of them to begin with, and I found that he didn't do a lot to differentiate them or flesh them out as individuals. While I came away feeling pretty well-acquainted with Whibley, to me the rest of Sum 41's members all kind of melded together.
That's not necessarily a criticism, as I think Whibley set out to write about his own life, not about the band as a whole. But I definitely finished the book seeing Whibley as the heart and soul of Sum 41, and the other members as less important. If I was them, I don't know how I'd feel about that!
Overall "Walking Disaster" was a fun read that fans of the band will probably enjoy. As a side note, definitely try to listen to the audiobook if you can. I always think it's a great idea in general for autobiographies, but Whibley also sings acoustic versions of a number of songs.
Whibley has been through a lot, but what struck me the most as he related the many ups and downs he's experienced was his sense of optimism. I have to believe that's a key part of why he seems to have emerged (relatively) unscathed from incidents that would have left others reeling.
There are a lot of wild moments covered in the book, but I think I was most surprised to learn that Whibley wrote the bulk of Sum 41's music himself. I always find it interesting to hear about what inspired particular songs and albums, and in this case it really seems to have been all his doing, with the other members essentially showing up to record and filling in some details at that time.
I might be reading too much into this, but I feel like that may tie into how Whibley writes about his bandmates. I didn't know much about any of them to begin with, and I found that he didn't do a lot to differentiate them or flesh them out as individuals. While I came away feeling pretty well-acquainted with Whibley, to me the rest of Sum 41's members all kind of melded together.
That's not necessarily a criticism, as I think Whibley set out to write about his own life, not about the band as a whole. But I definitely finished the book seeing Whibley as the heart and soul of Sum 41, and the other members as less important. If I was them, I don't know how I'd feel about that!
Overall "Walking Disaster" was a fun read that fans of the band will probably enjoy. As a side note, definitely try to listen to the audiobook if you can. I always think it's a great idea in general for autobiographies, but Whibley also sings acoustic versions of a number of songs.
November 18, 2024
I'm can't say Sum 41 is my favorite band, but they were the first concert I ever saw along with Good Charlotte when I turned 13. All I wanted was to go to a concert, but my parents wouldn't let me until I turned 13. GC was one of my fave bands, I didn't even know Sum 41, but I left that concert a fan and with a huge drive to learn more about them. I still have major memories head bopping and semi-dancing to Fat Lip and In Too Deep while walking home from school.
So, when I saw Deryck Whibley was putting out this memoir I was pretty stoked to get some behind the scenes info and maybe more insight into the songs. And this book delivered. It also showed a lot of information into his life (obviously) with a lot of darkness and heavy topics I wasn't expecting. To hear he was groomed as a teen and to see just how it followed him through most his life, was honestly devastating. Hearing how horrible the media and paps were to him as well just hit so hard. I remember the little photos of him and Avril in whatever teen mag I was reading at the time. I was stoked because two artists I really liked were together and looked happy. They were also the only relationship between two mostly punk people I saw and it made me realize I didn't have to be preppy or whatever in order to find a guy to like me. So, hearing the backlash he received hurts -- obviously celebs don't have it easy.
Alright, I realize this review of a book about someone else's life is turning into a recap of my own past and feelings, but that's kinda where this book brought me as I was listening. I'll try to keep more on topic.
We get some great insight into some of the songs Deryck wrote and I'd take the time to pause the book to go listen to that song. I've listened to more Sum 41 in the last week than I have since high school and have no regrets. (side note: I will say I totally forgot how energized the songs made me while also making me want to cry. So, yeah most these songs hit hard even before I knew the background) He included some acoustic bits of some of the songs too which is totally awesome. I'd buy an acoustic Sum 41 album in a heartbeat.
I think he does a decent job narrating, although at times I wish there was more inflection or it was more like he was conversing instead of just reading lines... if that makes sense. But again, he includes some laughing and emotion occasionally.
I'm really glad I read this and I'm so glad he has joy in his life right now. I totally felt like crying at times while reading this, during some of the songs, whenever he talked about his alcohol abuse, and when his life would get low, but yeah I'm glad I read it. I feel inspired to go do shit and get back to listening to more of my pop punk stuff.
So, when I saw Deryck Whibley was putting out this memoir I was pretty stoked to get some behind the scenes info and maybe more insight into the songs. And this book delivered. It also showed a lot of information into his life (obviously) with a lot of darkness and heavy topics I wasn't expecting. To hear he was groomed as a teen and to see just how it followed him through most his life, was honestly devastating. Hearing how horrible the media and paps were to him as well just hit so hard. I remember the little photos of him and Avril in whatever teen mag I was reading at the time. I was stoked because two artists I really liked were together and looked happy. They were also the only relationship between two mostly punk people I saw and it made me realize I didn't have to be preppy or whatever in order to find a guy to like me. So, hearing the backlash he received hurts -- obviously celebs don't have it easy.
Alright, I realize this review of a book about someone else's life is turning into a recap of my own past and feelings, but that's kinda where this book brought me as I was listening. I'll try to keep more on topic.
We get some great insight into some of the songs Deryck wrote and I'd take the time to pause the book to go listen to that song. I've listened to more Sum 41 in the last week than I have since high school and have no regrets. (side note: I will say I totally forgot how energized the songs made me while also making me want to cry. So, yeah most these songs hit hard even before I knew the background) He included some acoustic bits of some of the songs too which is totally awesome. I'd buy an acoustic Sum 41 album in a heartbeat.
I think he does a decent job narrating, although at times I wish there was more inflection or it was more like he was conversing instead of just reading lines... if that makes sense. But again, he includes some laughing and emotion occasionally.
I'm really glad I read this and I'm so glad he has joy in his life right now. I totally felt like crying at times while reading this, during some of the songs, whenever he talked about his alcohol abuse, and when his life would get low, but yeah I'm glad I read it. I feel inspired to go do shit and get back to listening to more of my pop punk stuff.
January 28, 2025
Couldn’t put this one down—wow! I’ve read many memoirs (I even teach a unit on memoirs in one of my high school English classes), and this one is by far my favorite.
As a huge fan of rock music and all its subgenres, it still never fails to impact me reading about the toll drugs, alcohol, and shady f-ing people take on these rockstars. Deryck Whibley leaves nothing out as he shares his rise to fame and everything he endured to get there: the drugs, the partying, the toxic relationships, and the people who exploit your hunger for success. (F you, Greig Nori!) it was absolutely heartbreaking to hear Deryck explain how he was groomed, especially when he reminds you he was just a teenager when it all began.
I loved his writing style. Unlike many memoirs that jump around, his story flows seamlessly. His voice is authentic and addicting—I couldn’t put the book down, yet I didn’t want it to end, so I tried to savor every page.
As a longtime Sum 41 fan, I loved hearing how so many of their hits came to life and learning the meaning behind lyrics that have shaped my own life.
Deryck Whibley, thank you for sharing your story—and your music—with us.
As a huge fan of rock music and all its subgenres, it still never fails to impact me reading about the toll drugs, alcohol, and shady f-ing people take on these rockstars. Deryck Whibley leaves nothing out as he shares his rise to fame and everything he endured to get there: the drugs, the partying, the toxic relationships, and the people who exploit your hunger for success. (F you, Greig Nori!) it was absolutely heartbreaking to hear Deryck explain how he was groomed, especially when he reminds you he was just a teenager when it all began.
I loved his writing style. Unlike many memoirs that jump around, his story flows seamlessly. His voice is authentic and addicting—I couldn’t put the book down, yet I didn’t want it to end, so I tried to savor every page.
As a longtime Sum 41 fan, I loved hearing how so many of their hits came to life and learning the meaning behind lyrics that have shaped my own life.
Deryck Whibley, thank you for sharing your story—and your music—with us.
April 24, 2025
reading this made me want to listen to Sum 41 even more than I already do
February 15, 2025
A must read for all Sum 41 fans.. all I can say is wow.
September 4, 2025
The writing is so-so but the stories are captivating and the tea is piping hot 🫖☕️
October 11, 2024
I’ve loved Deryck since a teen and as soon as I saw this existed I dropped everything to consume it. I loved hearing the stripped back songs sprinkled throughout and hearing about how the songs were created- does this look infected album was more deep than I realised.
For a memoir, it hits just right- it’s open, detailed enough to share the hardships and keep you engaged. A great read for a fan.
Enjoyed via audiobook
For a memoir, it hits just right- it’s open, detailed enough to share the hardships and keep you engaged. A great read for a fan.
Enjoyed via audiobook
October 23, 2024
This was a mind-blowing memoir that taught me so much about Deryck Whibley like his rough life, his musical involvement, the creation and day to day of Sum41, and the ultimate downfall in his life/wakeup call to get it together. I was a big follower of Sum41 for their first few albums but then kind of fell off and didn't listen to them for a while. Fast forward many years later, I played a little catchup to everything leading up to their current album, Heaven X Hell, saw them in concert earlier this year and had an absolutely amazing time. This also inspired me to seek out this book shortly after it's release to learn more about the band, and primarily, the life of the lead singer. This memoir was eye opening and explained a lot about these albums and why things happened the way they did. An incredible read, very touching and even more thought provoking.
November 3, 2024
WALKING DISASTER is one of the best memoirs I’ve read. If you have the chance to do the audio version, I’d highly recommend it because Deryck narrates his story.
To this day, I listen to the same music that I’ve listened to since middle school. Give me all of the punk and emo music — I’ll never get sick of it. Sum 41 always makes its way onto any playlist I make, and reading this book was SO nostalgic.
I loved learning more about what went into the making of each album, and what was going on behind the scenes with the band mates.
Deryck opened up about past trauma that very few people knew about. As difficult as it was to read, his vulnerability was so beautiful.
Whibley is an incredible storyteller and had me hanging on his every word. During each album he discussed, I couldn’t get Sum 41 lyrics out of my head and had to listen to the songs over and over.
If you love this band, I can’t encourage you enough to read this memoir 🖤
To this day, I listen to the same music that I’ve listened to since middle school. Give me all of the punk and emo music — I’ll never get sick of it. Sum 41 always makes its way onto any playlist I make, and reading this book was SO nostalgic.
I loved learning more about what went into the making of each album, and what was going on behind the scenes with the band mates.
Deryck opened up about past trauma that very few people knew about. As difficult as it was to read, his vulnerability was so beautiful.
Whibley is an incredible storyteller and had me hanging on his every word. During each album he discussed, I couldn’t get Sum 41 lyrics out of my head and had to listen to the songs over and over.
If you love this band, I can’t encourage you enough to read this memoir 🖤
June 26, 2025
3.5 stars
Was an interesting look into a punk rock star's life. I've always been a fan of Sum 41 so it was neat to see how the band came to be.
The topic of grooming comes up as well as other darker themes that I wasn't exactly expecting. I had no idea the things he went through with his manager who pretended to be a friend. The way he was treated by the media was horrible and rather unfair as it wasn't just him doing things. The hatred of him and Avril together was something I never really understood. Deryck also had a wild ride with substance abuse, particularly alcohol but he never shied away from trying anything.
Listening to the book was cool as he narrates it and when song lyrics come up he sings them acoustically which was a fun addition. Knowing where some of those lyrics came from hits pretty hard also. It's too bad how those friends grew apart and the way things turned out. But getting to do a last album like they did was still something special.
Interesting book, nice change to see stardom through a Canadian lens. The highs and lows as well as all the substances that are used in the punk and rock scenes in particular but really all over. Can't say I agreed with a lot of his decisions in life but it was neat to hear about them and see what really happened from Deryck's point of view. I think I just would have appreciated a bit of accountability on his part. If you're a fan of the band or curious about a rocker's rise to fame give this one a try.
Was an interesting look into a punk rock star's life. I've always been a fan of Sum 41 so it was neat to see how the band came to be.
The topic of grooming comes up as well as other darker themes that I wasn't exactly expecting. I had no idea the things he went through with his manager who pretended to be a friend. The way he was treated by the media was horrible and rather unfair as it wasn't just him doing things. The hatred of him and Avril together was something I never really understood. Deryck also had a wild ride with substance abuse, particularly alcohol but he never shied away from trying anything.
Listening to the book was cool as he narrates it and when song lyrics come up he sings them acoustically which was a fun addition. Knowing where some of those lyrics came from hits pretty hard also. It's too bad how those friends grew apart and the way things turned out. But getting to do a last album like they did was still something special.
Interesting book, nice change to see stardom through a Canadian lens. The highs and lows as well as all the substances that are used in the punk and rock scenes in particular but really all over. Can't say I agreed with a lot of his decisions in life but it was neat to hear about them and see what really happened from Deryck's point of view. I think I just would have appreciated a bit of accountability on his part. If you're a fan of the band or curious about a rocker's rise to fame give this one a try.
October 6, 2025
When a journey is so raw, you truly wonder just how someone survived it all. That's how I felt reading this. Growing up and loving Sum 41, I don't think adolescent me could have ever imagined everything that went on behind the scenes. After watching the farewell tour, I knew this book had to come into my TBR. To me, it felt personal, honest and, therapeutic. To have everything out on the table like this must be extremely freeing. With context comes closure and the appreciation of a great artist who did things his way, for better or worse.
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March 13, 2025Deryck, the man that you are!!
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From the first page to the last, I was locked in. I read this at a slower pace than I normally read. I wanted to soak it all in. I created a room, well, more like a house but we stay in one room in my head while I read this. I knock on the door and Deryck invites me in. He smiles and asks how I'm doing, and I ask in return. Like two friends just hanging out. (I wish we were friends) We make coffee and sit comfortably. I am on the couch, and Deryck, in a lazy boy rocking chair and so Deryck begins to tell me how it all started, his adventures, his writing process, how awful things happened to him from a young age and onward. I laugh, I cry, I ask questions while I'm reading and I get the answers. Through these pages, you can clearly tell that Deryck has the biggest heart, who is fiercely loyal, who would do anything for the people he truly cares about. I found/saw myself in Deryck. The drugs, the partying, fucking up, people pleasing and so on. I truly get those times and it's exactly why I felt so connected to him throughout this book but most importantly it pieces everything together and why I felt connected to him from my teenage years. I discovered his music, from tv. I saw sum41 playing on Much Music. I used to record their music videos on VHS along with Blink 182, Green Day, Yellow Card, and many more bands and artists on that VHS. Sum41 was definitely a key part in my teenage years and proven to be a key part in my adulthood. I often listen to sum41 today, I think I always will for the rest of my life. I truly appreciate how vulnerable, emotional and raw Deryck is in his book. Celebrities are often seen as not human beings. All I saw was human nature throughout this book. It felt incredibly real and incredibly intimate. We are so lucky he chose to write his life out like this and I absolutely appreciate him more, in ways I thought I never would! It was truly an amazing experience to read this and I will forever cherish this book and what he gave to me, while reading this. Thank you Deryck for sharing your life 🖤 to say, I cried is an understatement. I literally sobbed at some parts and especially at the end.
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Would I recommend this to everyone? Absolutely not. This is for the fans, the ones who grew up listening to sum41, who still listen to them today and will appreciate all that Deryck gives in this book. There is nothing casual about it! Read it because you want to know him on a deeper level. Read it because you will follow him in every thing he does and wants to do next.
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From the first page to the last, I was locked in. I read this at a slower pace than I normally read. I wanted to soak it all in. I created a room, well, more like a house but we stay in one room in my head while I read this. I knock on the door and Deryck invites me in. He smiles and asks how I'm doing, and I ask in return. Like two friends just hanging out. (I wish we were friends) We make coffee and sit comfortably. I am on the couch, and Deryck, in a lazy boy rocking chair and so Deryck begins to tell me how it all started, his adventures, his writing process, how awful things happened to him from a young age and onward. I laugh, I cry, I ask questions while I'm reading and I get the answers. Through these pages, you can clearly tell that Deryck has the biggest heart, who is fiercely loyal, who would do anything for the people he truly cares about. I found/saw myself in Deryck. The drugs, the partying, fucking up, people pleasing and so on. I truly get those times and it's exactly why I felt so connected to him throughout this book but most importantly it pieces everything together and why I felt connected to him from my teenage years. I discovered his music, from tv. I saw sum41 playing on Much Music. I used to record their music videos on VHS along with Blink 182, Green Day, Yellow Card, and many more bands and artists on that VHS. Sum41 was definitely a key part in my teenage years and proven to be a key part in my adulthood. I often listen to sum41 today, I think I always will for the rest of my life. I truly appreciate how vulnerable, emotional and raw Deryck is in his book. Celebrities are often seen as not human beings. All I saw was human nature throughout this book. It felt incredibly real and incredibly intimate. We are so lucky he chose to write his life out like this and I absolutely appreciate him more, in ways I thought I never would! It was truly an amazing experience to read this and I will forever cherish this book and what he gave to me, while reading this. Thank you Deryck for sharing your life 🖤 to say, I cried is an understatement. I literally sobbed at some parts and especially at the end.
.
.
Would I recommend this to everyone? Absolutely not. This is for the fans, the ones who grew up listening to sum41, who still listen to them today and will appreciate all that Deryck gives in this book. There is nothing casual about it! Read it because you want to know him on a deeper level. Read it because you will follow him in every thing he does and wants to do next.
June 3, 2025
Sum 41 was the first band that really felt like "mine." By that I mean they were the first band I was REALLY into that I had discovered all by myself. So despite having not followed their journey all the way through to their latest albums, they're a group I'll always have a sense of connection to.
Because of that, in many ways this was a difficult read. Discovering that the giants you grew up idolising were actually seriously flawed individuals that were often horrible to each other is absolutely a bummer.
Luckily in terms of the writing it was a really engaging read, which kept me going. Also Deryck's journey to sobriety was so publicly documented that it was safe to assume there was a happy ending on the way.
Outside of getting to read about the exploits of one of my most cherished bands, it was fascinating to discover all the insider trading that lead to Sum 41 becoming a household name. In particular the way Island Def Jam designed their rise from obscurity, really blew me away. Perhaps if I'd read this 15 years ago I'd have thought "wow that is NOT punk rock" but as a marketer by trade now, I've nothing but respect for how they went about it. And that's all I'm going to say - you should read this, if you're curious!
One last thought, there is a lot of people treating each other badly between the covers of this one, but Deryck is gracious and understanding, without letting himself or others off the hook for their bad behaviour. And that gives this memoir an extra hit of authenticity - and saved this Sum 41 fan from being bummed out forever. Phew!
Because of that, in many ways this was a difficult read. Discovering that the giants you grew up idolising were actually seriously flawed individuals that were often horrible to each other is absolutely a bummer.
Luckily in terms of the writing it was a really engaging read, which kept me going. Also Deryck's journey to sobriety was so publicly documented that it was safe to assume there was a happy ending on the way.
Outside of getting to read about the exploits of one of my most cherished bands, it was fascinating to discover all the insider trading that lead to Sum 41 becoming a household name. In particular the way Island Def Jam designed their rise from obscurity, really blew me away. Perhaps if I'd read this 15 years ago I'd have thought "wow that is NOT punk rock" but as a marketer by trade now, I've nothing but respect for how they went about it. And that's all I'm going to say - you should read this, if you're curious!
One last thought, there is a lot of people treating each other badly between the covers of this one, but Deryck is gracious and understanding, without letting himself or others off the hook for their bad behaviour. And that gives this memoir an extra hit of authenticity - and saved this Sum 41 fan from being bummed out forever. Phew!
February 2, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
Ik lees dus absoluut niet graag non-fictie (ik deed hier vier maanden over), dus mijn oordeel wordt daar natuurlijk ook door beïnvloed. Het grootste struikelblok voor mij was het taalgebruik, maar misschien mogen we niet van een zanger verwachten dat hij ik-weet-niet-wat-voor prachtige proza op papier zet (of toch niet in boekvorm).
Toch is dit interessante lectuur voor iedereen die graag naar Sum 41 luistert. Je krijgt een kijk in het leven van de zanger en komt ook te weten naar aanleiding van welke gebeurtenissen bepaalde nummers geschreven zijn. De titel van hun laatste album, Heaven :x: Hell, werd bijvoorbeeld gebaseerd op het turbulente leven van de zanger, wat wat wel heel goed beschreven is in dit boek.
Ik lees dus absoluut niet graag non-fictie (ik deed hier vier maanden over), dus mijn oordeel wordt daar natuurlijk ook door beïnvloed. Het grootste struikelblok voor mij was het taalgebruik, maar misschien mogen we niet van een zanger verwachten dat hij ik-weet-niet-wat-voor prachtige proza op papier zet (of toch niet in boekvorm).
Toch is dit interessante lectuur voor iedereen die graag naar Sum 41 luistert. Je krijgt een kijk in het leven van de zanger en komt ook te weten naar aanleiding van welke gebeurtenissen bepaalde nummers geschreven zijn. De titel van hun laatste album, Heaven :x: Hell, werd bijvoorbeeld gebaseerd op het turbulente leven van de zanger, wat wat wel heel goed beschreven is in dit boek.
December 14, 2024
This book is honest, raw and spares no one's feelings. Including his own in the retelling of how Sum 41 and some of the greatest hits came to be. He shares the truth of many punk bands coming up in the 90s and early 2000s and the struggles he faced with addiction. He also tells a raw truth of his experiences with grooming and sexual abuse at the hands of the bands former manager. I devoured this book. I listened to it on audio and I am glad I did because it was read by Deryck and when he discussed certain songs, he sang them acoustic on the audiobook.
January 2, 2025
Great memoir as a fan of Sum41. Memoir is easy to read and I liked that it flowed sequentially. Props to Deryck for being vulnerable throughout the book. The only critique I have is that there are parts that lack accountability or introspection and it can come off a bit immature or arrogant. It would have been great to hear him acknowledge what he wishes he would have done differently. That said, I imagine a lot of the content wouldn’t have been easy to write and admit to so I’ll give him some grace.
April 28, 2025
I couldn’t put it down. It was so good. I even got teary eyed at the end. Rooting for ya bud. But also side note since he is an alcoholic I believe he’s a bit of an unreliable narrator since I remember friends who went to Sum41 concerts (specifically a blue Pepsi event in the early 2000s) and saying how the show wasn’t good because the band was wasted so all of his chat of “I would always rally and put on a good show regardless of my drinking” …imma call bs on. But regardless, fantastic memoir!
October 18, 2024
As a huge Sum 41 fan this was a must-read. Or, must-listen as I downloaded the Audiobook.
Deryck's story is very career-focused although there is some consideration given to his upbringing and the difficulties faced on a life on the road. There are severe allegations made towards his former manager but the author takes these in his stride and explains how the experience affected him years into his career. There are definitely moments where he received a Fat Lip.
I really loved the moments when Deryck would describe how he came to write a particular song on the audiobook and then play an acoustic or piano version. Simply incredible. It was like he was With Me ...
There aren't really any literary Land Mines to avoid here. The narration and story is punchy and to the point. Exactly as you'd expect the lead singer of a pop punk/metal band to come across as.
If I was rating this out of 100, I'd rate it 88 ...
Alright I'll stop with the puns. But grab the audiobook for this one, it's class.
Deryck's story is very career-focused although there is some consideration given to his upbringing and the difficulties faced on a life on the road. There are severe allegations made towards his former manager but the author takes these in his stride and explains how the experience affected him years into his career. There are definitely moments where he received a Fat Lip.
I really loved the moments when Deryck would describe how he came to write a particular song on the audiobook and then play an acoustic or piano version. Simply incredible. It was like he was With Me ...
There aren't really any literary Land Mines to avoid here. The narration and story is punchy and to the point. Exactly as you'd expect the lead singer of a pop punk/metal band to come across as.
If I was rating this out of 100, I'd rate it 88 ...
Alright I'll stop with the puns. But grab the audiobook for this one, it's class.
November 18, 2024
Słuchałam w formie audiobooka - co było z jednej strony super, bo czytane przez samego Derycka, dzięki czemu m.in. gdy cytowane były teksty piosenek, to grane i śpiewane były ich fragmenty. Też na pewno było bardziej czuć emocje, gdy historię opowiadał autor.
Z drugiej zaś strony na pewno umknęły mi jakieś zdjęcia, które domyślam się że zawarte są w papierowym wydaniu.
Dodatkowo niedawno byłam na koncercie Sum41, co idealnie się z książką dopełnia.
Z drugiej zaś strony na pewno umknęły mi jakieś zdjęcia, które domyślam się że zawarte są w papierowym wydaniu.
Dodatkowo niedawno byłam na koncercie Sum41, co idealnie się z książką dopełnia.
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