Scowl: The Bonaparte Interviews

by Mark Lages

This book offers a lifetime of interviews with the pop music phenom known to the world as Scowl. They were conducted by longtime confidante and journalist, Ralph Bonaparte. The interviews begin in 1957, right after one of Scowl's early rock 'n' roll concerts in Los Angeles, and they end in 2001, just prior to one of his sold-out retrospective shows in Las Vegas. These vibrant and compelling interviews cover Scowl's entire remarkable life from his exuberant years as a young man to his more thoughtful years as an adult. They reveal the heart and soul of a talented, beloved, and flawed American entertainer-who, like the rest of us, learned as he lived.

Genres: Fiction

286 pages, Paperback

Published April 19, 2019

About the author

Quickly...I was born and raised in California, but now live in South Carolina with my wife and our animals. I am neither a liberal nor a conservative. In fact, I despise politics. I think of myself as an artist, and not as a journalist. I've been influenced by Milton Friedman, Frank Lloyd Wright, Hunter S Thompson, Douglas Adams, Salvador Dali, MC Escher, JS Bach, Keith Jarrett, Vincent Price, Tom Waits, and many others. I like to smoke cigars and drink lots of coffee. And I do love to write. Lock me in a room with a box of cigars, a coffee maker, and a computer, and I will do just fine. Click here to leap to my website for more info about me and my books.

Reviews

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really didn't know what to expect when I started reading this, but apart from me starting out slightly bemused and enjoying a trip down history's lane, I was simply tempted to start supplying my own knowledge of David Bowie and the Beatles and Elvis and the Beach Boys and maybe a little Pink Floyd and ride the nostalgic music wave.

This is written as a series of interviews revolving a fictitious musician breaking the scene in 1957 and giving us fantastic glimpses of his life until 2001, but apart from that, it's not just about the music. It's about Art. It's about Life. And not to make too fine a point about it, it's about doing the best you can and doing the best you can with it.

It's about making mistakes, owning up to them, being honest, and being good. The Fame is a side issue.

Here's the skinny: I'm kinda surprised how much this book hit me. He kinda started out like an Elvis clone and the character didn't really appeal to me all that much, but the writing was clear and quick and I had no issues. I then started getting the whole Forrest Gump vibe as history started happening and Scowl came alive. Making stupid decisions that nevertheless didn't hurt him any, career-wise.

By the time I was half-way through the novel, I discovered something pretty cool:

The novel is optimistic.

Hopeful. Courageous. Decent. Even wholesome.

Scowl did some really crappy things but this is, at its heart, a lot of different things. A redemption novel, sure, but it's an art lover's novel, a family novel, and a novel about basic human decency.

How often do any of us read things like this? I mean, really? Doesn't all the sick stuff sell? But if I'm going to be perfectly honest, I really like the direction this novel took. It's like a Norman Rockwell painting that recognizes all the ugliness out there and then DECIDES to sit the crap out to then do its own thing.

Am I surprised that I actually teared up a little?

Yeah, I guess I am. I'm used to some really crazy shit. This shouldn't GET to me. But it did. :)

[Tami Bussing · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous read of lives we learn to care for and events we relate to. Events that lead the main character to profound insights through life, love and tragedy.

[Kendra Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scowl is an amazing book!

It's the biography of a man who lived life in the spotlight. He made some good choices and some bad choices. Scowl was just a person.

Also, by the end of the first chapter, I was a little afraid I wouldn't be able to read it all the way through because Bonaparte asks Scowl, outright, if he is a Christian. Scowl answered that he was raised as a Christian. At first, I kept expecting to read how horrible Scowl was at being a Christian. Didn't happen.

Scowl is a man living in the time and world he was given. Just an ordinary man who happened to have some talent people paid him for. He got to do a lot of interesting things because of his talent. You just gotta read it. That's all I can say without giving away the good stuff.

Having said that, I'm sending my copy to one of my daughters, and buying 5 more copies: one for each of my other children, and one so I have it around to read again. It is that good. Once I got started reading, I couldn't put it down. The characters are so believable it's hard to believe it's all fiction.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half stars. Enjoyable and thought provoking, Mr. Lages’ novel bogs down a bit and occasionally suffers from a heavy writer’s hand, but not to the detriment of the reader’s pleasure. I’d caution against reading this novel too closely with MY REMARKABLE LITTLE MONKEY since the temptation to think of Scowl as a singing Shakespeare is strong.

Especially enjoyable for me was Scowl’s late-in-life rumination on the importance of forgiveness, something we as a culture seem to do poorly.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't figure out how Mark Lages comes up with such fun ideas for his books. None are ever the same and yet they are all really great adventures. This book tells the story of a "rock star" as told by the man he has do all his interviews. You will root for Scowl as he experiences the ups and downs of stardom. A fast, easy fun read.

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most impressive attributes about the author Mark Lages is that while you think you are reading an intriguing story about the life of one of his amazing characters by the end of his books you realize that he has made you think about your own life and decisions and compromises you have made throughout your own life.

Scowl is no exception to this author's ability. Scowl is a rock and roll superstar guitarist. We learn his life story through interviews he does with one particular reporter Ralph Bonaparte. I found this technique of guiding us through Scowl's life by reading the reporter 's interviews with him to be very original and believable. In fact, as I read the book I was reminded of the many interviews Dave Marsh has conducted with Bruce Springsteen and how he is considered the go to expert on Springsteens career. So there is factual basis for this storytelling method.

The story uses real life events as background to Scowls rise to super stardom and being less a super star as time goes on. We meet Scowl during the beginning of rock roll with Elvis, Little Richie, the Beatles and the tragic plane crash killing Buddy Holly and the assassination of President Kennedy. As Scowl tries to find himself in the seventies we are made aware of the Vietnam War, Watergate, and Woodstock. There is even a section explaining Scowls opinion of the OJ Simpson trial and verdict and comparing it to my all time favorite book To Kill a Mockingbird.

As we follow Scowl through the decades I found so much to relate to my own life. I am nowhere a musician, famous or rich. But I have been in love, I have been married, I have children, and I have some close friends who I have lost. I remember the events that make Scowl pause in his life like wars, politicians, heroes falling from grace, and all the rest that effects us everyday. I cried when Elvis died, I felt disappointed when Nixon was caught, and I was stunned at the OJ verdict.

I don't just recommend this book but I urge you to read it. It is actually a very uplifting story. Scowl goes through his life as we all do with all the ups and downs that life entails. As he learns some lessons so do we as the readers. I can tell you one thing that I don't think is a spoiler. When I read the last page I smiled. I felt it was as near a perfect ending as any I have ever read.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn’t at all sure what to expect from this novel as I won it in a giveaway and didn’t know anything about it going in. I started the first page blind to what I would be reading. I was pleasantly surprised to have loved it because I would not have chosen and purchased this book if I were browsing the aisles at Barnes & Noble. (Yes, there is still a Barnes & Noble in my local mall, thank God!!!!) The novel follows Scowl’s life and career over many years and it often read like a real biography instead of fiction...and I LOVED that!!!

Mark Lages is an excellent writer and I’m looking forward to reading more from him. I found a lot of similarities with his own feelings and life experiences scattered throughout, and Scowl’s many imperfections is what made him “perfect”
- if you know what I mean.

I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys biographies and wants to get whisked away into the world of music and all of the highs and lows, talent and cluelessness, and humility and arrogance that make up Scowl’s journey. There were a few parts that slowed down the overall tempo, but overall, very well done!!

4.5 stars rounded up.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

The basis for the story is a young reporter (Ralph Bonaparte) gets selected by a young rising star musician (Scowl) to do exclusive interviews with him. These interviews cover over 5 decades from 1957 to 2001. The interviews turn into a deep look inside Scowl including his success, troubles, insight and a deep look at things we all face in our lives. Things we wish we would have done, things we wish we did not do. This story has a depth to it that Mark Lages produces so well. The book makes you think and reflect on your own life and experiences. I found myself pausing often to take in what Scowl had learned from his life experiences and apply them to my own life. This book is not just a fluffy read but a deep and motivating read. I enjoyed it from start to finish and highly recommend it.

[Debee Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness one of the best books I have read in a very long time. Thank you friend for the awesome read. Love, love this book. I think it was in the house all of 3 days when I finished it. A total cant put it down type of book.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the tenth book I've read from Lages, and the first one that I haven't given a five star rating to.
It's kind of interesting that this was my least favorite one considering it's probably the least far-fetched / most realistic, but I just didn't find Scowl as likeable as many of the other characters.
This was for two reasons:
1. He was really full of himself, or at least seemed that way when he referred to himself in the third person as Scowl, and when he said several times that "Scowl will always be relevant" or something to that effect. I know a lot of people are actually like this, but I don't like them either.
2. I didn't like the way that he acted when he changed his view about something, rightfully or not. More than once, he said to Ralph essentially, "Hey, remember what I said about this? Well, forget it because it was a lie, and here's the truth". I don't agree with this. One of my favorite sayings is the one along the lines of there being three sides to every story - one side, the other, and then what really happened. I think that part of the truth is how you see things, so truth can be different for every person depending on their experiences, and it can also change for each person over time. This attitude that Scowl took on this matter completely went against that, so that's the main reason I didn't like this book as much as others.
The fact that I didn't like it "as much" doesn't mean I didn't like it though! I still did like it, quite a bit! I like the more far-fetched stories from Lages as well, but I also liked some of the more realistic qualities of this one. The deaths of Scowl's second wife and first son, for example, show that tragedy can happen to anyone, and no one is untouchable. And Frank's story shows that one's past does not necessarily dictate their future - some people can change, even if they've done bad things. Possibly my favorite part of the story was Scowl's experiences with writing. Particularly with him being so full of himself, I liked him being bad at something. And I liked his descriptions about how writing is hard because it can take so many different directions, and it's hard to pick just one when you begin a book. I really liked this being in one of Lages's books because with all of the different directions his stories can and do take, I can imagine this being a problem for him more than I can for most other authors, so it felt fitting that he'd be the one to make me think about it.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder if your musical talent someday will make you the next wealthy successful Rockstar.

Timeline: 8/17/1957-2/2/2001.

Follow Ralph Bonaparte (longtime confidante, journalist) as Scowl (Kruse, pop music superstar, movie actor, artist/painter, husband/father, philanthropist) periodically request personal interviews about himself on his ups/downs; ins/outs of his life.

Warning: This book is for adults only & contains adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written fictional memoir, biography/autobiography book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great memoir movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; Authorhouse; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scowl
Every once in a while you come across a book that leaves you speechless. This is just one of those books . You find yourself getting so involved with the characters that there is no possible way for you to not to feel like you know each and every one of these people as if they were a major part of your own family.
Ray Bonaparte was hand chosen out of a sold out crowd by Scowl to be his personal journalist. Ray would be at Scowls beck and call to give him an interview. Ray could ask anything he wanted. Ray would publish those interviews in which would reveal touching insights of the entertainer that no one knew. Scowl was more than a typical rockstar.
Scowl was so philosophical and so extraordinary in his own rights. He debated that God gets blamed for way too many things. God interferes with our lives when he has a purpose in mind.
He also explained that an author can use a well written sentence to summon up a lesson that took him a lifetime to learn. That is why we read books like these. This book takes you through the ups and downs of Scowl. We all should live like he did. Open up your heart and eyes. Because you just may gain a whole new perspective of the world of rock stars , and the stigma that is unjustly attached to it.

[Karen Porter-Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Why, I’m as real and significant as it gets.”

Fresh, honest writing style with a ‘tell me more’ vibe!

Mark Lages has written a wonderful story about a fictional character set in historical reality. The writing format is interview style, but infused with opinions, philosophical ponderings, and perspectives on major events in history from 1957 through 2001. I really enjoyed the question and answer dialogues between Ralph Bonaparte, the interviewer and Scowl, an American rock star (as well as actor, author and painter).

As I got to know Scowl, I actually googled several of the ‘real history’ events to get into his ‘head’. Several of the artists musings resonated with me.

The remarkable journey of Scowl is captured in a conversational style that invites the reader to ‘get to know’ him as an adolescent and follow him throughout his life and career. He is an introspective, charismatic, and wonderfully imperfect character who we follow through his accomplishments and failures as he grapples with the highs and lows of being human and a life well lived.

Thank you to Mark Lages for a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

[Gayle Slagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by Mark Lages and have enjoyed each one. Scowl: The Bonaparte Interviews is no exception. Lages has an uncanny knack for forcing the reader to examine his/her own life and to question life in general while entertaining with an interesting and believable story line. Scowl is the fictional account of the life of Scowl, a rock star whose climb to fame begins in 1957 and follows his life through 2001. The story is told via interviews conducted over the years by Ralph Bonaparte, a writer who becomes a friend to Scowl. We follow Scowl's life from a young pop star up to his death. We are given insight into the many ways that life and circumstances affect Scowl and his way of living and of thinking. In the process, the reader finds himself/herself reflecting on life and the changes that have been wrought through events both within and beyond his/her control. If you have never read a book by Mark Lages, Scowl is a good place to start; if you are already a fan, this book will keep you on his bandwagon.

[J. Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scowl is an enjoyable read mostly due to the titluar character and the narrator's development together over the course of a handful of decades of steadily-random interactions mostly which are interviews. By the end of the book, I was not ready to the collection of interviews to be over; I became attached to both of the characters and intrigued by some of the more peripherial characters, Frank for instance. The strength in this book to me was the way the book, told as a collection of interviews, was able to bring the characters of life. However, the weakness, and it is not much of a weakness, to me as a reader came in the form; as a collection of transcribed interviews, there is not much happening the here and now except for speaking about what has happened to certains characters and what Scowl hopes to happen in the future. Definitely an enjoyable read and a recommended read; I'll be reading something else by the author for sure.

[Andrew Langert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another clever novel by Mark Lages, who is always thinking outside the box.
This is the life story of a rock star (Scowl) who goes beyond that to display his other talents: writing, acting, painting. It goes into many of the things I expected: drugs, alcohol, failed marriages and estranged children. But, though expected, he treats all of these issues very thoughtfully and intelligently.
The way the story is told is through interviews with the narrator, who is a freelance writer and author. Scowl somehow takes a liking to the narrator, Ralph Bonaparte, who was Scowl’s exclusive interviewer throughout Scowl’s career.
Scowl is a very interesting character. Though flawed for sure, I really liked him. He grew up quite a bit in the book and there is a lot of shared wisdom coming from him, especially in the second half of the book, when Scowl is older and wiser.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictitious biography of a rock star legion told to his biographer. Ralph Bonaparte begins a forty year relationship with the emerging star known as Scowl after reporters waited to interview the star. The performance had been a success and Ralph was selected as an "innocent "to take the single interview given that day. Their personalities clicked but not as just friends. Scowl called Ralph throughout different stages in his career to "express his philosophy". From fields of memories of idols such as Elvis, the spread of Scowl's fame progressed through the stages of egoism, self-awareness, generosity of thought, to a final enigma at his death. Interesting play of how much a confidence/friendship shifts throughout a life.

[Lisa Cobb Sabatini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of Scowl: The Bonaparte Interviews from Goodreads.

Mark Lages takes a close look at the ways fame and wealth and and age affect one's thinking in his novel, Scowl: The Bonaparte Interviews. Written as if from the point of view of a journalist, Ralph Bonaparte, the story unfolds as a series of interviews over time as young musician, Scowl, achieves fame and then works his way through life experiences both professional and personal, giving readers insight into the character's thoughts as they occur to him and then as he reflects back. Lages successfully presents the arrogance, pride, doubt, fears, and final understanding of a man living in the limelight, making mistakes, and dealing with all he created.

[Susan Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mistakenly thought I wouldn't get through all these interviews because I have trouble getting through that question and answer format in magazines like Vanity Fair, so I was scowling when I first opened the book to read. However, the scowl went away and I found myself enjoying reading the interviews, especially since they began in the 1950s and were very nostalgic for me. Scowl had a very interesting and eventful life, surrounded by helpful and unique characters, but Frank may well turn out to be your favorite.

"If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story."

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book !

Clever - it's three stories in one: Scowl's, the interviewer's (to a lesser extent) and an abbreviated version of America's history during the last half of the 20th century. Scowl rockets to fame as a singer/songwriter and opines about life and his philosophy during his career. Scowl is a compelling character and I wanted to learn more about him as I read the story. In fact, as I read, I found myself experiencing many of his feelings and thoughts. Since I associated with the character, you could say there was a fourth story in this book - mine. Perhaps you could find yourself in this book, too.

[Johnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written in an interview format. I wasn't sure how that would work out, but it did and I liked it. The book was interesting, not really fast paced, but they don't all have to be, do they? I'm not sure it would make my read again list but it was a good read. I enjoyed it. It was nice to just read a story without a lot of graphic drama. The more I think about what I read the deeper the book becomes. At first it's just a story about a guy's life, but then at the end, when I really thought about the whole book, I realize there's a lot being said without it being said. A good read that won't disappoint.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best books are the ones that make you think. They often make you uncomfortable. They don't give you the answers; they make you work for them.

I wasn't sure about Scowl. I'm not a huge rockstar life bio/romance fan. But I took a leap of faith & bought the book hoping it would be as good as Robinson's Dream. It is - in it's own unique way. Not only is the book a testament to the history of American music and the cultural influences driving it, it is a testament to relationships that transcend decades.

There isn't a lot I can say about Scowl without giving so much away. I can say, that Bonaparte's career is coincidentally tied to Scowl's early on. The interdependence that develops both highlights and challenges the reader's paradigms of stars. At no point, does Lages judge. He presents and allows Bonaparte and Scowl to interact unfettered in what could easily have been a diatribe of opinions and sterotypes. Instead, the reader gets to look at something unique with fresh eyes.

The only spoiler I will provide: I cried at the end.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first learned what this book was about, I was skeptical for a couple of reasons. First, the idea of writing about a man solely through a lifetime of interviews seemed I little weird, and maybe a little boring. Second, who in the heck wants to read about another stupid rock star? But I have to admit that I was truly surprised. This is a great little book. I was thoroughly entertained the whole way through. This is another wonderful accomplishment for Mr. Lages, who just never ceases to amaze me at his intellect, creativity, and insight.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was provided by the author for comment.
I found this story to be very unusual. It chronicles the life of a superstar singer / songwriter/ actor/ author, a real renaissance man with eclectic talents and a restless soul. Although not told as a fairy-tale, the book read like one to me. I would say this book is a little above average, but the fantastical nature of it threw me off kilter. The book is set up as a series of interviews, and this made it easy to pick up and put down, like many short stories that make up a whole.

[Lisa DeWaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books by this author Mark Lages and I'm never disappointed. He has a wonderful way of telling fun stories that can be a little out of this world. Scowl is a great story about a rockstar who tells his story through a series of interviews with reporter Ralph Bonaparte. It's a fun and new way to tell the story of a fictional rockstar who went through some very real historical events. It was fun to read about the evolution of his career and the opportunities he was granted. I really loved it and recommend it. Never disappointed by Mr. Lages stories!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Scowl to be an engaging and interesting read and quite different than expected. The author, Mark Lages has creatively utilized the format of a series of interviews to spin this latest tale. I (and I should have known better) had expected a more clipped, drier read and was pleasantly surprised to find myself continuously drawn to the story while time flowed past.

Mark has again utilized his unique style to provide readers a worthwhile and recommendable story.

5 stars

[Bonnie Saleeby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by Mark Lages and it is totally different from The Little Blue Whistle. A lot of the events took place during a time while I was growing up and Mr. Lages book, gives you an insight as to what others felt during these difficult times. It is a story of friendships, disappointments, learning from our past mistakes and finally the story of hope and forgiveness! I really enjoyed the entire storyline.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really terrible about actually writing a review but with Mark's work, I simply must. Scowl shows us such beautifully flawed character that we can all relate to. The world of rock and roll of fantasy and nightmare, great highs and awful lows. Biography, even fictional, is a favorite. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good biography to get swept away in, the world of music or just a damn good book.

[Margaret Bechtol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that was very interesting. It follows the life of a an artist, musician, singer/songwriter. It's a positive book without being preachy. Bad things happen as they do in life, I enjoyed reading how the main character dealt with life's ups and downs. I would recommend this book and I plan to read more of Mark Lages' books.

[Joyce Chamel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is in an interview form. It was so well done that at first, I thought this was a real person. i googled it and could not fine anything on him. I have never read a book that was in done like this before. I thought it was a brilliant idea. It kept me entertained all the way to the end. The book began in 1957 and ends in 2001. That is a pretty good career!