The rock and roll dreams of the creatively gifted yet combative Mason brothers may come true...if they don’t kill each other first. The extraordinarily talented but perpetually vexed and antisocial Charles and his younger brother, the gregarious but self-involved Ian, are born into a supportive, encouraging family that includes a generous, nurturing uncle who owns a musical instrument store. After a series of life-altering incidents, Charles’ already explosive temperament worsens and it’s up to Ian to navigate the pitfalls of the music industry as well as the highly competitive and often eccentric personalities that the brothers and their band encounter on the bumpy road to stardom.
Andy Mascola is primarily known for being a self-published author who writes in a variety of genres, with a focus on fiction, philosophical themes, and introspective storytelling. His works often delve into complex psychological and emotional landscapes, exploring the inner lives of his characters. Andy's writing typically touches on themes such as identity, self-discovery, human relationships, and the complexities of existence.
Some characteristics that define Andy Mascola’s work include:
1. Introspective Narratives: His books often dive deeply into the characters’ inner thoughts and struggles, offering readers a window into their emotional and psychological worlds.
2. Exploration of Human Nature: Andy’s novels frequently reflect on human desires, conflicts, and the complexity of interpersonal relationships. He’s particularly interested in the ways people grow, change, and face challenges in their personal lives.
3. Self-Publishing: As a self-published author, Andy has control over the distribution and content of his books. This approach allows him to maintain a more personal connection with his audience and to experiment with unconventional narrative styles.
4. Philosophical Themes: Many of his books, such as The Peeper and the Playwright and Jade Suede, touch on deeper philosophical questions about the nature of art, existence, and personal transformation.
5. Diverse Genres: While much of his work is rooted in fiction, Andy’s books also cross into psychological drama, mystery, and contemporary romance, giving his readers a wide range of storytelling experiences.
Andy’s unique voice and focus on psychological depth make his books popular among readers who enjoy character-driven stories that explore introspection and existential themes. His work appeals to readers who appreciate layered narratives and stories that provoke thought and reflection.
I enjoyed this book very much. Andy Mascola made these characters feel like real, authentic people. Ian and Charles Mason are two brothers who form a band, but they fight all the time. While I read the book, I got a vivid sense of what it's like to create music, record an album, and experience the frustrations (and fun) of performing on stage and traveling on the road. Many of the scenes stick in my mind as though I lived them myself. The ending was beautiful. I cried a little bit. "Animal Control" is a beautiful piece of work.
If you're here because you're a fan of Andy you should know this is his best book yet. It's the story of a troubled band with a fairly feel good ending. I read it in a single day because I really wanted to see what happened next. I'd highly recommend it.