This Angry Pen of Mine: Recovering the Journals of Layne Staley

by Layne Staley

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

208 pages, Hardcover

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Layne Thomas Staley (August 22, 1967) - (April 5, 2002) was the legendary lead singer of the Seattle grunge/metal band Alice In Chains as well as the lead singer/songwriter of the rock supergroup Mad Season.

Reviews

[Kayla Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to have this! Love having a small piece of his creativity and mind!

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m utterly speechless after reading this collection of work from Layne Staley. I wasn’t lucky enough to be alive during the peak of Alice In Chains, but I can appreciate the art and vulnerability that Layne gave to his music and to the stage. I wish I could have known a sole like his, but I will have to remember/know him through taped videos, books, and of course… the music. It’s been life changing, AIC. 🖤

[Kim Koko · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I loved this new peak into Layne's life, the typos and duplicate images came off a bit amateur. I still really enjoyed it though.

[Rebekah Fearrien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Layne is one of my favorite voices and song writers. His music helped me through a lot. I loved seeing his poems, lyrics, and thoughts in his own handwriting. The memories shared and artwork were great. I wish though a typed copy was included of the handwritten pieces that were illegible.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great compilation of pieces from one of my favorite artists. Would have loved to hear from a few more individuals who worked with him. Definitely a book I will return to often.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book I read in one sitting, while listening to Jar of Flies.

This paints a real picture of Layne Staley unlike we’ve ever seen before. He had a bright light about him that they showed beautifully here.

This is a great read for fans, and people who know anguish who need a friend. The way Layne laid his whole soul into his words makes you realize you’re not alone.

I’m grateful his family put this together. It feels very private, like maybe he wouldn’t have wanted these writings shared. But we can all appreciate it so it’s not an invasion at all. You can’t not feel respect for him and his work as you read this.

I think people who aren’t big fans wouldn’t get much from this book. It is for the people who love him and it completes the picture we have of him in our minds.

[Richard Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book, being a huge fan of Layne's an important book to have. I couldn't wait for the physical book so I got the Kindle edition. I recommend you don't and buy the book. I will later. His writtings and art gave a insight into the creative person he was. I loved the quote, Layne was a light consumed by darkness but his light will never go out in the hearts of people that loved listening to him sing.

[Mike Rynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great coffee table style book with some interesting anecdotes from family, friends and musical contemporaries. Perfect for any fan of Alice In Chains. I read this in one sitting. Some of the handwritten lyrics are hard to decipher but it is still a satisfying glimpse into the mind of a sensitive singer who was one of the most revered voices of a generation.

[Renee Senters · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars round3d up.

I was not into AiC as much as Pearl Jam and nirvana, but I did love Staley’s voice. His demise was so tragic and the story so heartbreaking that when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. There were very enjoyable parts and others that dragged, but overall, this was an enjoyable read for any fan of the band or the Seattle music scene in the 90’s.

[Snakes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of notes, artwork, lyrics, and stories by and about Layne Staley. Sparse on text and a bit repetitive; however, this was likely due to theft of the majority of Staley’s personal items from a storage unit several years prior. Still a nice bit of nostalgia for a fan.

[Zach Schiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times powerful and at times sad, but this book could have used a little more editing. For instance, Layne died in 2002, not 2022. In other parts, the same exact page of lyrics were duplicated not more than 5 pages apart. Good book, worth reading, but stuff like that always bugs me.

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

His mother compiled this book in honor of son.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

nunca quise tanto a un tipo como a este tipo, no me imagino la cantidad de tatuajes que van a salir de esto. incluido el mío.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge Layne fan here.

[Dave Eehus · Rating 5 out of 5]

luv it

[Hekates Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Layne Staley. I read this in two hours. I was expecting a lot more - his handwritten lyrics are repeated often throughout the book. I do love the art and pictures of Layne, though.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any Alice In Chains fan will appreciate this collection of Layne’s work!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being able to see into Layne Staley’s mind. It felt really intimate.

[layla m · Rating 5 out of 5]

feeling so emotional as i read and delve into the almost secrets of my favourite rockstar. rest in peace layne, you have done so much for us, we love you.