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Dreams Are Unfinished Thoughts
In Brian Paone's first novel, he chronicles the trials and tribulations of befriending a modern-day rock star. As a die-hard fan of the rock band God Lives Underwater, Brian wins the trust of lead singer David Reilly. This honor comes with its own set of extreme personal highs and devastating shared lows.
During their tumultuous friendship, David fights an extreme battle with drug abuse and depression. Pile on top of all this the throes of a cutthroat music industry and the realization of one's own mortality.
Dreams Are Unfinished Thoughts is a novel that convinces the heart of every listener that perhaps dreams are never really finished. Instead, they are passed on from one friend to the next.
During their tumultuous friendship, David fights an extreme battle with drug abuse and depression. Pile on top of all this the throes of a cutthroat music industry and the realization of one's own mortality.
Dreams Are Unfinished Thoughts is a novel that convinces the heart of every listener that perhaps dreams are never really finished. Instead, they are passed on from one friend to the next.
- GenresMusic
Audible Audio
First published October 16, 2007
7 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Brian Paone
35 books362 followersBrian Paone—a Salem, Massachusetts native displaced to northern Virginia—has been a published novelist since 2007. Brian is primarily a speculative fiction author who doesn’t know how to stay in his lane. His novels feature an array of subgenres for those readers who dare to venture just outside of realism.
Brian is a police detective in Maryland and has worked in law enforcement since 2002. He is the father to four children, a self-proclaimed rollercoaster junkie, a Star Wars 501st member since 2005, a New England Patriots fanatic, and his favorite color is burnt orange. In 2019, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming the proud owner of a 1981 DeLorean!
Brian is a police detective in Maryland and has worked in law enforcement since 2002. He is the father to four children, a self-proclaimed rollercoaster junkie, a Star Wars 501st member since 2005, a New England Patriots fanatic, and his favorite color is burnt orange. In 2019, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming the proud owner of a 1981 DeLorean!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 13, 2018
A heartwarming memoir filled with honest emotion. I feel like I got to know David Reilly through the author's memories. One of the most important things I want in a book is that it makes me feel something. This one hit the mark.
October 28, 2017
Honestly, I would not normally have chosen to read this book, as I had never heard of David Reilly, God Lives Underwater or industrial rock, but it was available as a free download as part of a promotion, so I gave it a go. I was very pleasantly surprised.
Dreams Are Unfinished Thoughts is about the author's friendship with David Reilly of God Lives Underwater, from their first meeting at one of David's gigs (when Brian Paone was an 18yr old fan and audience member), up until David's untimely death in 2005. Brian Paone comes across as brutally honest about his thoughts and feelings throughout the years- his worry about David relapsing into drug use, concern about harsh opinions towards one friend in particular David had, guilt about not being in touch more regularly and being aware of tough spots David may be in at the actual time of happening.
There is a heartbreaking tension running through the book, too. From the first page, the reader is made aware David dies, but Brian portrays David's vibrancy of spirit so beautifully, I found myself hoping from page to page David would have longer to live.
At points in the book I became a little overwhelmed with the sheer volume of bands, albums and tracks mentioned. Brian Paone is most definitely a music aficionado.
It was interesting to read about how challenging it is for a credible well known band to keep producing music for their public- issues with contracts and release dates etc, and how singers with a fan-base and somewhat celebrity status are not necessarily rolling in money as is often thought. Many times David struggled with money, to the point Brain helped him out with his train fares.
Brian's own wedding was written with particular poignancy, as David had died at this point. David did not have the chance to meet the love of Brian's life, yet Brian set a place at the wedding table for his dear friend.
The book left me with a sadness for David's death and Brian's loss, but a feeling the friendship continues.
Dreams Are Unfinished Thoughts is about the author's friendship with David Reilly of God Lives Underwater, from their first meeting at one of David's gigs (when Brian Paone was an 18yr old fan and audience member), up until David's untimely death in 2005. Brian Paone comes across as brutally honest about his thoughts and feelings throughout the years- his worry about David relapsing into drug use, concern about harsh opinions towards one friend in particular David had, guilt about not being in touch more regularly and being aware of tough spots David may be in at the actual time of happening.
There is a heartbreaking tension running through the book, too. From the first page, the reader is made aware David dies, but Brian portrays David's vibrancy of spirit so beautifully, I found myself hoping from page to page David would have longer to live.
At points in the book I became a little overwhelmed with the sheer volume of bands, albums and tracks mentioned. Brian Paone is most definitely a music aficionado.
It was interesting to read about how challenging it is for a credible well known band to keep producing music for their public- issues with contracts and release dates etc, and how singers with a fan-base and somewhat celebrity status are not necessarily rolling in money as is often thought. Many times David struggled with money, to the point Brain helped him out with his train fares.
Brian's own wedding was written with particular poignancy, as David had died at this point. David did not have the chance to meet the love of Brian's life, yet Brian set a place at the wedding table for his dear friend.
The book left me with a sadness for David's death and Brian's loss, but a feeling the friendship continues.
June 19, 2022
It's hard to give this book a middling review because it's about one of my favorite artists, David Reilly of God Lives Underwater. Honestly, the first half had me blowing through it because it felt like (and I believed) it was nonfiction. But when I realized this was a novel, I had to reassess what I was reading.
What made it so real for me was the the writing is absolutely terrible. I mean, it's just very observational, like James Frey without the style or the characters and situations that made his books ones I couldn't put down. This was very much something I could imagine had been written based on seeing the band live, maybe talking to him a few times, and inspired by radio and TV interviews.
While I finished the first half in a weekend, the second half was a slog. It became a chore to get through pages. I almost wished I'd just kept thinking it was a terrible writer's memories poured out in almost journal form, rather than think it was fiction. At the end, I had no idea what was made up or not, but the author didn't make a compelling case for why this rock star would have anything to do with his character, let alone become such close friends.
It was actually worth the read for me because I'm such a huge GLU fan, and will likely be for anyone else like me in that regard. Paone's done a great thing in keeping David's memory alive. However, the familiarity with the band's material and their live performances is about the only reason to read this book, and I can only recommend it to the most ardent fans of his musical endeavors.
What made it so real for me was the the writing is absolutely terrible. I mean, it's just very observational, like James Frey without the style or the characters and situations that made his books ones I couldn't put down. This was very much something I could imagine had been written based on seeing the band live, maybe talking to him a few times, and inspired by radio and TV interviews.
While I finished the first half in a weekend, the second half was a slog. It became a chore to get through pages. I almost wished I'd just kept thinking it was a terrible writer's memories poured out in almost journal form, rather than think it was fiction. At the end, I had no idea what was made up or not, but the author didn't make a compelling case for why this rock star would have anything to do with his character, let alone become such close friends.
It was actually worth the read for me because I'm such a huge GLU fan, and will likely be for anyone else like me in that regard. Paone's done a great thing in keeping David's memory alive. However, the familiarity with the band's material and their live performances is about the only reason to read this book, and I can only recommend it to the most ardent fans of his musical endeavors.
May 12, 2018
What started out as a chance encounter between a fan and one of his favorite musicians turned into an unconditional friendship.
Before reading this book I had never heard of David Reilly, and I had never listened to his music. After I had read two-thirds of the book, I decided I had to really ‘hear’ what this guy was all about. I was pleasantly surprised that I actually enjoyed listening to his (God Lives Underwater) songs!
Although David’s lifestyle is viewed as the stereotypical life of a drugged out rock star, the way the author portrayed him made him very human and very likable, even during his unlikable moments. It certainly was unfortunate that he died, after being clean for so many months, as a result of the abuse his body had taken while he was doing drugs.
What struck me most about this story wasn’t necessarily David’s story, but rather how fortunate he was to have a friend like Brian Paone who did not judge him, but instead cared about him, encouraged him, and supported him through his ups and downs. That is a true friend, and I’m sorry for your loss.
Before reading this book I had never heard of David Reilly, and I had never listened to his music. After I had read two-thirds of the book, I decided I had to really ‘hear’ what this guy was all about. I was pleasantly surprised that I actually enjoyed listening to his (God Lives Underwater) songs!
Although David’s lifestyle is viewed as the stereotypical life of a drugged out rock star, the way the author portrayed him made him very human and very likable, even during his unlikable moments. It certainly was unfortunate that he died, after being clean for so many months, as a result of the abuse his body had taken while he was doing drugs.
What struck me most about this story wasn’t necessarily David’s story, but rather how fortunate he was to have a friend like Brian Paone who did not judge him, but instead cared about him, encouraged him, and supported him through his ups and downs. That is a true friend, and I’m sorry for your loss.
April 26, 2018
The very beginning of this book took me back to my late teens, where music dominated my adolescent life. Where my friends and I would drive around town listening to the newest album our favorite local bands put out and trying to get into shows for free or when there was an age restriction. Paone takes it farther by befriending the lead singer of a little-known band at the time. A lot of his interactions with the band and its frontman, David Reilly, are admittedly one-sided, especially in the beginning. It seemed a little similar to the movie 'Almost Famous'.
Overall, I thought the story was good. There were times I doubted David but in the end, he became pretty decent.
* I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers in exchange for a honest and fair review*
Overall, I thought the story was good. There were times I doubted David but in the end, he became pretty decent.
* I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers in exchange for a honest and fair review*
February 7, 2018
This book gets very detailed in the music scene in the beginning. I found this interesting, as I am close to the same age as the author, and many of our musical tastes overlap. Other readers might not enjoy that aspect as much - but hang in there! This is at its core a story of enduring friendship and heartbreak. I'd be lying if I said my eyes were dry by the time i finished it. Beautifully done, it has inspired me to listen to more of Davis Reilly's work.
May 20, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers.
I took myself out of my comfort zone to read this book. I was pleasantly surprised as it was a lovely read.
It was a little complicated at times with the number bands, tracks etc mentioned in the book.
I found the formed friendship heartwarming and touching and felt the sadness Brian felt during his wedding.
I took myself out of my comfort zone to read this book. I was pleasantly surprised as it was a lovely read.
It was a little complicated at times with the number bands, tracks etc mentioned in the book.
I found the formed friendship heartwarming and touching and felt the sadness Brian felt during his wedding.
September 11, 2018
A very poignant memoir of the author who befriends a rock star and lives the dream while attempting to help his friend overcome the trapping of excesses and addiction. Not many stories touch my heart like this one did, and I cried at the end.
Brian Paone did a wonderful job detailing his friendship.
Brian Paone did a wonderful job detailing his friendship.
June 5, 2018
This book felt very honest and uplifting.
January 3, 2019
Loved the story. Great read about friendship in a rock and roll setting.
July 6, 2016
I purchased this book to complete my collection of Brian Paone novels, after he sent me signed copies of his other two books, Welcome To Parkview and Yours Truly, 2095.
I knew of Brian's friendship with David Reilly of the band God Lives Underwater, through various Facebook posts and chatter on a Facebook group we are both part of. Through this, I also knew the basics of the story. I knew the way it was going to end, but still wanted to know the ins and outs, the ups and downs of their friendship. The ups and downs are generally relating to David's drug addiction problems. You learn of Brian's immense disappointment and fear for his friend and his immense pride and love for him, when he overcomes his addictions and the sadness Brian feels after his friend's death.
Dreams are Unfinished Thoughts starts by following Brian and his friend to a God Lives Underwater gig and Brian's first encounter with David. While standing outside the venue, they spot David and Brian points him out to his friend who dares him to approach. It is a super-fan meets rock-star moment. You hold your breath along with Brian when he speaks to David for the first time and wait for David's response. Part of me expected a cold shoulder or a brush off. You feel the moment the same way Brian did. Great stuff.
From that moment on, a friendship is born and grows throughout the years. Each encounter with David is covered, from the times GLU toured to Brian's neck of the woods, to David's solo show at T.T. the Bear's Place, which Brian and his then-girlfriend were responsible for setting up. With each meeting, the pair's friendship grows stronger and develops into more of a bromance than a friendship.
While reading the book, I became hooked around the death of David's girlfriend, Monica, known to most as Seven. I found this part of the book to be extremely emotive and I was gripped from that moment on. When David plays the solo show at T.T. the Bear's Place, you feel the emotion when he mentions Monica's death before playing the song 'Whatever You've got' and he breaks down. I have to admit that I was so engrossed in the story that I almost broke down too.
The next time that emotion is portrayed so beautifully is when Brian is learning of David's death. Even though I knew what was coming, I felt sick to my stomach while reading about David's death. I could feel the feelings that Brian felt. He captures these moments perfectly for the reader to be immersed in the roller-coaster of emotions he felt when he lost his best friend.
After David's death, Brian strikes up a bond with David's sister Gretchen and nephew Billy. Brian and his friend Mike visit Gretchen and Billy to visit the David's grave and spend time in the area he lived. Without giving away too much, I loved this part of the book a lot and found the things that happened on their visit a mixture of bizarre and fascinating.
After reading Dreams, I felt I knew David Reilly, just as well as Brian grew to know him. I also felt the same sense of loss; after getting to know David and ultimately growing to love him as much as his best friend did, I felt I had lost a friend too. If anything, this is credit to Brian's powerful writing and ability to convey exactly how he felt during the important parts of their friendship. I also feel I got to know Brian better too.
So Brian: Great job, me-han!
I knew of Brian's friendship with David Reilly of the band God Lives Underwater, through various Facebook posts and chatter on a Facebook group we are both part of. Through this, I also knew the basics of the story. I knew the way it was going to end, but still wanted to know the ins and outs, the ups and downs of their friendship. The ups and downs are generally relating to David's drug addiction problems. You learn of Brian's immense disappointment and fear for his friend and his immense pride and love for him, when he overcomes his addictions and the sadness Brian feels after his friend's death.
Dreams are Unfinished Thoughts starts by following Brian and his friend to a God Lives Underwater gig and Brian's first encounter with David. While standing outside the venue, they spot David and Brian points him out to his friend who dares him to approach. It is a super-fan meets rock-star moment. You hold your breath along with Brian when he speaks to David for the first time and wait for David's response. Part of me expected a cold shoulder or a brush off. You feel the moment the same way Brian did. Great stuff.
From that moment on, a friendship is born and grows throughout the years. Each encounter with David is covered, from the times GLU toured to Brian's neck of the woods, to David's solo show at T.T. the Bear's Place, which Brian and his then-girlfriend were responsible for setting up. With each meeting, the pair's friendship grows stronger and develops into more of a bromance than a friendship.
While reading the book, I became hooked around the death of David's girlfriend, Monica, known to most as Seven. I found this part of the book to be extremely emotive and I was gripped from that moment on. When David plays the solo show at T.T. the Bear's Place, you feel the emotion when he mentions Monica's death before playing the song 'Whatever You've got' and he breaks down. I have to admit that I was so engrossed in the story that I almost broke down too.
The next time that emotion is portrayed so beautifully is when Brian is learning of David's death. Even though I knew what was coming, I felt sick to my stomach while reading about David's death. I could feel the feelings that Brian felt. He captures these moments perfectly for the reader to be immersed in the roller-coaster of emotions he felt when he lost his best friend.
After David's death, Brian strikes up a bond with David's sister Gretchen and nephew Billy. Brian and his friend Mike visit Gretchen and Billy to visit the David's grave and spend time in the area he lived. Without giving away too much, I loved this part of the book a lot and found the things that happened on their visit a mixture of bizarre and fascinating.
After reading Dreams, I felt I knew David Reilly, just as well as Brian grew to know him. I also felt the same sense of loss; after getting to know David and ultimately growing to love him as much as his best friend did, I felt I had lost a friend too. If anything, this is credit to Brian's powerful writing and ability to convey exactly how he felt during the important parts of their friendship. I also feel I got to know Brian better too.
So Brian: Great job, me-han!
February 17, 2016
Brian is very honest about the one-sided bromance crush he had for David Reilly, frontman for the group God Lives Underwater. Brian seemed to idolize David to point of overlooking all of his faults. However, his enthusiasm for the music and creativity of the group shows his true appreciation for their artistry.
Being a fan myself of certain artists, I understand the zeal Brian had. I was able to identify with the thrill of meeting people from your fan tribe, the anticipation of going to the concert, and hearing unreleased music in advance. But what I am jealous that I could not relate to is that Brian experienced most people's dream; to meet and befriend the artist you admire.
The live clips from interviews and concerts were an awesome added bonus to the audio book. It brought the story to life and reminded me that this is a true story and not just a fantasy.
This story fails in the details. Brian transcripts even phone conversations verbatim including greetings and goodbyes. Details such as where everybody was sitting in the van bog down the story a bit.
Brian's story is honest and vulnerable. David’s death is predictable because of his reckless life. The actual cause of death is the sad surprise.It is worth the listen especially if you are a GLU fan, despite the length and unnecessary details.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.
Being a fan myself of certain artists, I understand the zeal Brian had. I was able to identify with the thrill of meeting people from your fan tribe, the anticipation of going to the concert, and hearing unreleased music in advance. But what I am jealous that I could not relate to is that Brian experienced most people's dream; to meet and befriend the artist you admire.
The live clips from interviews and concerts were an awesome added bonus to the audio book. It brought the story to life and reminded me that this is a true story and not just a fantasy.
This story fails in the details. Brian transcripts even phone conversations verbatim including greetings and goodbyes. Details such as where everybody was sitting in the van bog down the story a bit.
Brian's story is honest and vulnerable. David’s death is predictable because of his reckless life. The actual cause of death is the sad surprise.It is worth the listen especially if you are a GLU fan, despite the length and unnecessary details.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.
February 22, 2016
I'm not a huge fan of audiobooks, but I really enjoyed listening to "Dreams Are Unfinished Thoughts". Perhaps the author reading his own memoir was what won me over, and I'm convinced that all authors of memoirs should do the same. Listening to Brian tell his own story makes it all the more authentic.
Being the same age as the author, I definitely remember catching a video or two from GLU when they were around but never really followed them. I was much more of a punk fan then. Listening to this one has actually stirred a renewed curiosity in the band and David's other music, and I've spent a considerable amount of time on YouTube lately.
All in all, I really enjoyed listening to this book. Brian wrote and reads it from the heart. By the end, one feels like they know both Brian AND David - even if just a little bit, which makes the end even more crushing.
An added treat to the audio version is the sound bites from the actual interviews and live performances.
Being the same age as the author, I definitely remember catching a video or two from GLU when they were around but never really followed them. I was much more of a punk fan then. Listening to this one has actually stirred a renewed curiosity in the band and David's other music, and I've spent a considerable amount of time on YouTube lately.
All in all, I really enjoyed listening to this book. Brian wrote and reads it from the heart. By the end, one feels like they know both Brian AND David - even if just a little bit, which makes the end even more crushing.
An added treat to the audio version is the sound bites from the actual interviews and live performances.
February 6, 2016
A touching and interesting tale that brings you in so much more with the reality of truth it presents. A great first novel. I'll be looking for more from this author.
*I was provided a free copy of this book via AudiobookBlast for a fair and honest review.
*I was provided a free copy of this book via AudiobookBlast for a fair and honest review.
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August 1, 2013Good book
October 17, 2018
Loved the story. The story on how their friendship developed was a good read. Had a hard time putting it down.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews