A Million Miles

by Amy Fleisher Madden

A Million Miles is a novel written by Amy Fleisher Madden. It is a intense coming of age story told with the burgeoning indie/emo music scene of the late ‘90s set as the backdrop. Get in the van and drive around America with Maddy Traeger and her favorite band, Crimson + Clover. This is not a story of arenas with flashing lights and luxurious tour buses; it’s one of dank dive bars and all night drives in a hot-boxed sardine can. You’ll experience through Maddy’s eyes what it’s really like to tour, and completely surrender your life to the fast moving blacktop that is the road.

Genres: Music, Contemporary, Fiction

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 2014

About the author

Amy Fleisher Madden is known to some as "Amy Fiddler" because of the independent record label that she started at age 16, Fiddler Records. AFM is credited with the discovery and signing of bands Dashboard Confessional, New Found Glory, Juliette and The Licks, The Bled,Name Taken, The Higher, Recover, and many more...

AFM's debut novel, A Million Miles, is a revelation of a story that could have only been told by someone who lived through this incredibly transitory period of independent music first hand.

Reviews

[Emily Matview · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Million Miles” is “Almost Famous” for anyone who ever posted a blurry mirror selfie on Myspace.


It’s 1999, and to recent high school graduate Maddy Traeger, music is everything. While her parents want her to go to college, she’s spending her time promoting shows, self-publishing music ‘zines and even running her own small indie label, putting out music by her sort-of-crush Kieran. Maddy is a very driven character, and if you’ve ever been passionate about anything (like let’s say… books?) you’ll find it easy to relate to her.

After successfully putting on a show for up and coming band Crimson + Clover, Maddy is invited to join the band on the road, managing their tour with Jimmy Eat World. She accepts, and soon discovers that life on the road is anything but easy. There are copious amounts of booze and bandmates that can’t handle it. There are shady promoters looking to underpay your band. And sometimes you're required to deal with the wounds left on a bandmate by a pissed off pimp.

So yeah, life on the road can be tough, but that doesn’t mean the journey isn’t rewarding.

”A Million Miles” was written by Amy Fleisher Madden, the real life founder of Fiddler Records, the label that introduced the world to A New Found Glory and Dashboard Confessional at the turn of the millennium.


While “A Million Miles” is her first book, it’s very self-assured, likely because she’s drawing from personal experience. There’s an authenticity here that is so sorely lacking in most YA fiction dealing with music, especially when portraying the life of women on the road, with Maddy having to prove herself all over again with every new promotor.

I'm learning that a vagina will always be an occupational hazard in the music business.

What we end up with is a coming of age story that stays grounded and never gets too mopey or too faux philosophical. Plus Madden mentions the greatness that is Jimmy Eat World’s “Clarity.” If you like “Clarity,” chances are, I like you.

And I have to admit, I was happy that Vegas was portrayed as a cool place for bands to play, because it totally is. More bands play Vegas, please!

kit: Twitter | Tumblr

"Are you gonna waste your time thinkin' / how you've grown up or how you missed out?"

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many us, music was a driving force in our teenage lives. Hearing a song can remind you of a time and place; you remember former selves, you remember what you were like and what has changed and also what has remained the same. For some, when you heard a certain band or album, you knew you'd found your people. Maddy Traeger's journey in A Million Miles is about finding yourself, and finding your people, and she does so through her life's soundtrack: by traveling with a band. Inspired by her own experiences in the music industry, Amy Fleisher Madden's wonderful, funny, sad, riveting tale does the same thing music can do -- take you to a time and place, and possibly remind you of your own journey.

Full disclosure -- I had the honor of reading this novel three times and helping to edit it before publication. I'm so proud of Amy and I highly recommend this book!

Re-read July 2019 in audiobook, still love <3 - full second-read review:

Years ago I met Amy Fleisher Madden backstage at a rock show. As these things go, I didn't know this casual conversation in a cramped green room would lead to a great friendship. When she started working on a novel, I was excited to be asked to edit it (or did I enthusiastically volunteer my services? One can’t always remember). We traded manuscripts back and forth and sat in sunny parks and discussed her characters and I would ask several questions about which parts were based in truth and which were not. Like, “did that guy really run through a glass door while high on acid?” type questions. 💁🏻‍♀️

See, much like Amy did, A MILLION MILES' protagonist Maddy starts a record label as a teenager, forges connections within the South Florida music scene, and then drops out of college after a small but destined-for-great-things band asks her to tour manage them across the U.S. Years after first reading it, I’m astonished at how well it holds up in terms of Maddy navigating her own place in the world, in a scene that was (still is) dominated by men. Like a song I haven’t heard in years, it took me back to that teenage time in my life that I was living for going to shows. The love for and power of music is central. A MILLION MILES is a coming-of-age story that is part YA—a genuine exploration of finding oneself and one's people—and part MEET ME IN THE BATHROOM-esque early aught music scene drama (but, like, emo).

Also, she named a very important character after me! (A character that graces one sentence on one page, but STILL.) That character is the girlfriend of the dude who is most decidedly based on the singer of the band whose show we attended and was the scene of our first conversation ♥️ (Amazing sentence construction, there, right? 🙃)

It's only 99 cents on Amazon Kindle if you fancy a fun, heartfelt read. It was so great to have Amy in my ears for the forthcoming audiobook; I was laughing out loud at some of the things that were verbalized by my dear friend, who also produced many fun aural moments for Maddy and the boys in Crimson + Clover.

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who went to shows and was the girlfriend of my now husband's bands going to play, this book brought back a load of great and weird memories. I don't know if this is really Amy Fleisher Madden's story or a story based on her experiences, but it was definitely a wild ride and really well written. I think I just have a hard time reading about drug use and vulgarities all over the place.

The story is about Amy going on tour as their tour manager with a band called Crimson + Clover, as a band that opens for Jimmy Eat World back in 1999 (my husband saw Jimmy Eat World in NJ around that time, actually). She is trying to pursue her dreams of doing something in regards to the scene and love for music and keeping this band of boys in line. They all have troubles of their own and have a different type of relationship with her. At the same time, she has a best friend she is unsure of her own feelings towards him over, and she helped in the making and release of his album.

She didn't mention too many albums or bands from that time period, which could be good, but all the ones she did mention, I have heard, so that was so interesting to me. I felt like I could relate on certain levels to her (though she was way more independent than I at that time). Really not a bad book!

[Ryan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that feeling when you hear a song that hits so hard you're convinced it was written directly for you? That's how I felt reading A Million Miles. Amy Fleisher Madden's debut novel is set in 1999 and follows the protagonist, Maddy, as she hops in a van with her favorite band, Crimson + Clover, as they tour the United States. This is not a stadium tour with stories of excess about rock stars living the sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll lifestyle. These are teenagers / twenty-somethings playing in small clubs and bars with tales of being ripped off by shady promoters, sleeping on the floors of anyone who will open their doors to a band of modern-day gypsies, and of the intimate relationships forged by a group of people trapped amongst one another 24/7 for months at a time.

I devoured this book in three days and it only took me that long because life got in the way. It's a book I could not put down and didn't want to end. A Million Miles is one of the best books I've read in years (and I've read a whole lot of them) and I cannot wait to read what Amy Fleisher Madden comes up with next.

[Xian Xian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this from Story Cartel for an honest review

While looking around on Story Cartel, I found this novel. This all happened when I discovered the short story collection from Candace Habte. And of course the first thing that attracted me was the book cover and in the description, the author types that it is for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Fault in Our Stars, and two other novels that I know of, but never read. The two I mentioned I read I was fond of, but I didn't think they were the coming of literature god, but they were definitely some of the greats of contemporary YA lit.

A Million Miles is a coming of age, which is my favorite of the YA genre. I tend to find them a lot more relatable, a lot more touching, and more warming for the heart. There are some that are melodramatic, there are some that seem more like a fantasy than actual contemporary. But that's okay, because it's just a book. All life lessons come in all kinds of forms. These little life lessons, despite how unrealistic they can be sometimes, sort of help you cope, what I mean is that they tell you that everything isn't too bleak in the future, and even if it doesn't come out right, you will somehow crawl out at some point.

I'm assuming this novel is sort of autobiographical, the woman who wrote this owned a record label much like the narrator of this novel. Even the character's appearance, as described in this novel, seems to be a younger version of her. I don't know about the band members though. I did check out her label and was surprised to find that I knew most of the bands on there and have probably heard their music too. I listen to Jimmy Eat World occasionally and actually thought that the novel's band, Crimson + Clover, was a reference to Jimmy Eat World's "A Praise Chorus," where he says crimson and clover towards
the end of the song. Turns out I was wrong and that album came out way after the events in this novel. I think I might've been a cell when this happened, but I'm not good at remembering dates. I forget my sister's age sometimes, so what would you expect?

There's no fancy prose or magical realism or anything from a typical literary novel, it's just plain old growing up in an environment that is constantly moving, disappointing, yet so thrilling. In this case, it's a tour bus, that the main characters practically lived on. There are also some hotels where the band members drink their souls away until they puke.

So basically, this novel is about a girl who becomes the merchandise seller for a band. She's super passionate about music and despite what she says about herself, she seems to be quite charismatic and sells merch with no problem. There's sort of a love triangle that was formed in between the band members and her, but it wasn't like most YA novels where it was like the main topic of the book. The romance is actually a bit more realistic than in the other YA novels, where it isn't too instalove, too overbearingly clingy or desperate. Except for that one little kiss from a guy named Asher.There's also some hurtful things inside and out that happen in between the characters. I kind of don't know what else to say, but her writing is very simple, but not simple enough to be childlike, but fitting for the genre and age group.

I feel like this novel is perfect for any music lover, especially for women and girls, females regardless of age, because just like how the narrator surprises everyone with her female presence, woman are pretty underrepresented in the music industry and that needs to change. Unfortunately, when it comes to female musicians or just females in general in the music industry, they tend to focus on what's on the outside instead of her actual inner package, her talents, her smarts, her kindness. I hate showing a music video to somebody and the guys pay attention to the female's appearance more than the actual music.

But the main thing I will say about this novel, is that it's a breathe of fresh air for me and for most YA novels. It does what it was meant to do in the genre, a coming of age, where characters learn and regret and move on. The whole tour truck itself is sort of a giant physical metaphor of growing up and changing into maybe, our true selves. People grow up as they realize the trial of mistakes and their future choices will sort of clean up the mess a bit, put the trash aside.


Rating: 4/5

Originally posted here: http://wordsnotesandfiction.blogspot....

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

This book just felt real in the best possible way - it sucked me in and held my attention despite the fact that I am not the biggest music fan. It intrigued me at first because the author had identified it as YA and I teach middle school English. In the end, it was just a really good story regardless of the age group and one that I'll definitely share with some of my 8th grade students next year. I probably wouldn't share it with any of my younger students just based on some of the language and drugs - more of a PG-13 rating.

A Million Miles tells the story of Maddy, a girl travelling with a band as their tour manager. I was expected an oversexed drugged-up cliched story of life on the road but instead it was the opposite - it felt realistic and plausible even when the events got a bit crazy. The author lived this life and I would expect that much of this is autobiographical in a sort of "Where the Red Fern Grows" way, a novel that grew out of real life.

Life on the tour that Maddy describes feels gritty, unglamorous and yet rock star enough. It makes me almost wish I had been in a band in one chapter and then appreciating never being in a band the next - probably like it really is. The references to real bands and places are fun and I'm sure if I was even more involved in the music scene I would have caught more.

I liked how there was love interest that didn't feel forced and wasn't necessarily headed anywhere. It reminded me a lot of my feelings at that stage of life, not the forced romantic interests or love triangles (thanks Hunger Games for that) that so many YA books have these days but instead the awkward flirting, kissing and generally messiness of trying to figure out how you feel for someone.

I started this book with modest expectations and finished it in one sitting, really impressed. I actually wish it was longer, which for me is always a sign of a great book. I enjoyed the characters and wanted to hear more of their story.

[Shelly Donaghey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A MILLION MILES is a jaunty Rock’ Roll road trip of a novel set in the late 1990 music scene. Maddy Traeger, precocious teen, record producer and promoter for an artist in the Miami music scene gets asked to go on tour with her favorite band as their road manager. The five guys of Crimson + Clover are at the point in their career where they haven’t quite made it yet by are on the verge. They are also on the verge of self-destruction hence the need for a road manager.
Putting aside college for now, Maddy agrees and finds herself as boss and manager and sidekick and troubleshooter and money manager and sometimes drivers of the bands nine-passenger van. This is the story of a memorable time in this young woman’s life where she is discovering who she is while trying not to collapse under the strain of the road and dealing with the guys and the promoters and the lids at the concerts.
This reads more like a memoir than a novel, but either way it is captivating for it’s look inside the ride as it were. There are echoes of “Almost Famous” by Cameron Crowe, perhaps too many.
I wrote this review a few minutes ago but I have given it more thought and need to add a few lines. This reads like a sanitized version of events, the kind of thing she might have been okay to have her parents read. Amy Madden writes about life on the road but it is difficult to believe her hero of the tale is as Goody-Two-Shoes as she portrays her.
Sure Maddy took drugs and drank enough, but she remained a virgin all the way through. There are displays of teen angst over the sex question time and time again, but the results don't feel real, and if it doesn't feel real it probably isn't.
I won this book through Goodreads.

[Jay W · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great debut! I typically don't read fiction and must say that this jaunt through the 90's punk scene was a welcome departure from my normal literary habits. I actually read the book in 2 sittings, which almost never happens. You truly get a flavor (and smells) for what it is actually like to be on the road with a group of guys trying to make it big. The book was a great balance of the period's music scene, a traveling circus and a young girl coming of age struggling with being a woman in a man's orbit. I loved the references to actual bands and songs and appreciated the use of real clubs. I can only wonder how much of the author's actual life experiences are woven into this fictional account of Maddy Treager.

[Chris Notionless · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED! Awesome coming of age story featuring all their trials and tribulations of a young pop punk band on the road trying to get their break. Perfect for any music lover, newbie scenester, or rockin veteran! Realistic musical references (Jimmy Eat World, Joan Jett) told in a fresh voice with awesome character development. I found myself enjoying and relating to each band member as I turned the pages. Extra kudos for the main character being a punk rock chic (like me!) even before I read the about the author section on the back cover. Quickly paced and super enjoyable to read - wish it came with a mixtape!

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read! I was incapable of putting A Million Miles down, and plowed through it in the course of three days. While the book made me incredibly nostalgic for indie rock of the late 90's and the lifestyle of band-life / van-life, Amy really brings to life a female's perspective of the (mostly) boys' club of touring rock bands. Maddy's time away from college and adventures across the United States with the band allow her to find herself and make the novel a real coming of age story for the inner nerd in all of us.

[Cc April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those great books where you become the character inside it. It takes you on a journey that you probably would never experience in real life. In the book A million Miles, the main character is Maddy Traeger, who travels around with the band Crimson and Clover. Through her, you as the reader get to experience the highs and lows of spending time on the road. A great coming of age story!

[Eric Andresen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was a fast read, held my attention and at times I hated to put it down. It gives you a glimps of life on the road with a young band and the struggles they go through. Not just a good book about what it must be like to travel with a band, but to wake up in a different place every day. Giving this book a solid four stars.

[Erin Doughty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having also spent my late teens and early twenties in the emo scene, this book was such a pleasant walk down memory lane. However, my life was just the fan, where Maddy is completely immersed in the tour manager life. I related completely to her constant falling in and out of love (while listening to Mineral) and the book honestly just felt like a great conversation with an old friend.

[Daniel Chambers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first review I've written and out of support for the author, and hopes she'll write again. This book is a great look inside 1990's music culture. For me it was a must read, I'm glad I finally was able too.

[Danielle Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful story for someone like me who spent a lot of their time in small clubs listening to bands in the 90's. It was awesome to read about what happens behind the scenes.

[LaGina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that this has been one of the most enjoyable books that I have read this year. I love it when I can so parts of myself in the characters or when I can go "Yep, I did that once."

[Trent Vanegas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute book about life on the road touring with a band. I was charmed by how much I wanted to run off to tour with a band myself as I continued to read.

[Anna M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I couldn't stop reading it. It's a nice, fun, well-written and nostalgic book for all us 80's and 90's kids who loved MySpace and reading fan fiction.
And now please, I need a sequel.