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GET OFF: The Sordid Youth and Unlikely Survival of a Queer Junkie Wonder Boy
Set against a backdrop of New York City in the grungy, glittering 1980s, GET OFF is a memoir about desperate living, hidden promise, double lives, and the danger of getting too much too soon.
This eloquent, entertaining, sometimes absurdly hilarious book is a rollicking tale of how an anxious theater nerd from Long Island created and ultimately emerged from a hell of his own making.
Tossed out of two colleges his freshman year, Scott Alderman was a drug-addled coke dealer with no future and no aspirations, until he found a mentor and discovered untapped talents. A swift rise in the music business seemed as exhilarating, frightening, and out of control as the secret life he led trawling gay bathhouses and Times Square pick-up spots for sex and drugs. And just as his career took off, he started using heroin, kicking off an odyssey of rehabs, mental hospitals, busts, and disastrous jazz tours.
A caustic gay drug counselor and a critical edition of On the Road finally broke through, and showed him a path to living honestly and without fear. Written as a testament for his young son, Scott Alderman's account of his wasted youth and hard-earned manhood will resonate with and inspire anyone who has been lost and struggled to find their way back.
This eloquent, entertaining, sometimes absurdly hilarious book is a rollicking tale of how an anxious theater nerd from Long Island created and ultimately emerged from a hell of his own making.
Tossed out of two colleges his freshman year, Scott Alderman was a drug-addled coke dealer with no future and no aspirations, until he found a mentor and discovered untapped talents. A swift rise in the music business seemed as exhilarating, frightening, and out of control as the secret life he led trawling gay bathhouses and Times Square pick-up spots for sex and drugs. And just as his career took off, he started using heroin, kicking off an odyssey of rehabs, mental hospitals, busts, and disastrous jazz tours.
A caustic gay drug counselor and a critical edition of On the Road finally broke through, and showed him a path to living honestly and without fear. Written as a testament for his young son, Scott Alderman's account of his wasted youth and hard-earned manhood will resonate with and inspire anyone who has been lost and struggled to find their way back.
147 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2020
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Scott Alderman
2 booksScott Alderman began working in the live music business after getting thrown out of college in 1979, first as a roadie and stage manager in rock & roll, and then as road manager, agent, and club owner in the jazz business. After getting clean in 1987, he worked in human services as a counselor at an AIDS hospice in New York City, and at psychiatric hospitals and methadone clinics in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. In the nineties, his career included stints in management and operations, first at Lehman Brothers and then at Morgan Stanley. In 1998, he was on the management team that took a consolidation of national messenger and courier companies public. The turn of the millennium saw Scott return to the music business to launch the Tattoo the Earth festivals. In 2001, after the law banning tattooing in Massachusetts was overturned, he produced the first tattoo festivals in the state. More recently, he ran a program at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and was a founding director of the Center for Narrative Practice.
Scott lives in Massachusetts with his wife and kid.
Scott lives in Massachusetts with his wife and kid.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 3, 2020
This is a harrowing book to read. The fact Scott Alderman showed extreme courage to shine a light on what is not a pretty life is pretty amazing.
Personally, I never got involved in the drugs life of the late 70's and the 80's so I have no personal experience with the lifestyle depicted but for literally shaking my head at it, at the time. Couple the struggle with personal acceptance of your own sexuality and you have the recipe for disaster. This disaster is graphically shown in page after page of this raw biography. That the author got through this and came out the other side as a functioning person is a tribute to the power of the human spirit.
One thing that may trouble a reader is how, at times, chronological order is not followed. More than once I got lost, not sure how old the author was during a certain chapter due to it moving forward and backward thru time.
This powerful book could be critically important today. Today there are a growing number of people who are faced with the question of what, if any, gender truly represents them. Transgenders face many of the same mental battles that this author fought through.
This book could offer solace to a troubled person today who thinks they just can't take it and don't see any light at the end of the tunnel. This book proves it will get better; you just need the courage to carry on through the journey. A hard read but a powerful book that could help those facing identity crisis issues today.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Personally, I never got involved in the drugs life of the late 70's and the 80's so I have no personal experience with the lifestyle depicted but for literally shaking my head at it, at the time. Couple the struggle with personal acceptance of your own sexuality and you have the recipe for disaster. This disaster is graphically shown in page after page of this raw biography. That the author got through this and came out the other side as a functioning person is a tribute to the power of the human spirit.
One thing that may trouble a reader is how, at times, chronological order is not followed. More than once I got lost, not sure how old the author was during a certain chapter due to it moving forward and backward thru time.
This powerful book could be critically important today. Today there are a growing number of people who are faced with the question of what, if any, gender truly represents them. Transgenders face many of the same mental battles that this author fought through.
This book could offer solace to a troubled person today who thinks they just can't take it and don't see any light at the end of the tunnel. This book proves it will get better; you just need the courage to carry on through the journey. A hard read but a powerful book that could help those facing identity crisis issues today.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
March 19, 2020
A raw and powerful memoir.
Get Off is the account author's life through his own words. The author navigates the story providing readers a memoir that is inspiring and beautiful.
Scott's writing skills are no doubt up to the mark because he brings the story to life through details. Get Off is a rich and rewarding journey for the reader.
The characteristics that really draw the reader in is the fast pacing and witty style. With elements of survival, hope and acceptance, the memoir is perfectly penned.
Its fascinating how Scott portrayed his life in the book openly and didn't held back. The memoir is guaranteed to inspire every reader who picks it up.
I would give this memoir 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and would recommend it to readers who love to read memoirs and inspirational books.
Get Off is the account author's life through his own words. The author navigates the story providing readers a memoir that is inspiring and beautiful.
Scott's writing skills are no doubt up to the mark because he brings the story to life through details. Get Off is a rich and rewarding journey for the reader.
The characteristics that really draw the reader in is the fast pacing and witty style. With elements of survival, hope and acceptance, the memoir is perfectly penned.
Its fascinating how Scott portrayed his life in the book openly and didn't held back. The memoir is guaranteed to inspire every reader who picks it up.
I would give this memoir 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and would recommend it to readers who love to read memoirs and inspirational books.
February 26, 2021
However Scott Alderman didn't kill himself is astounding, whether it be from a drug overdose or somehow managing to drive over himself with his own car! Not unlike most young people, he grew up in a good home in the suburbs with some disdain of authority, his early and entirely coincidental run-ins with the police no doubt accounting for this mentality. Who can blame him with the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Nixon and the Trial of the Chicago Seven?
Drifting through his late teenage years without much direction, he suddenly finds himself in DC working at "The Bayou" where he finally feels some self-worth. The owner (Mike) treats him with respect and like he's part of a unified team. Isn't that what every human craves? Unfortunately, the Bayou was sold and Scott lost his grounding, bouncing around for much of his early twenties trying to make a living, acting out on his urges and miraculously making quite a name for himself in the music industry - even managing high-profile jazz tours through Europe.
Sex, drugs and rock and roll is merely the facade of this fascinating memoir. Above all, this is an account of a young man trying to understand who he truly is/was, wholly raw, straight from the heart and with unabashed honesty and introspection.
There are thousands of memoirs written by burn-outs who think that people should be interested in their unsavory accounts of time spent as addicts, roadsters and club owners but Alderman is the rare one who speaks honestly, with complete self-awareness and from a good place. There is much to learn here about themes involving "karma" - Alderman never seems to get busted for the things he does partake in (e.g. drug dealing) but strangely becomes a suspect in a dorm blaze that almost gets himself killed. I don't often dwell on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, but I found myself thinking about this as it pertained to Alderman's life as he struggled at times with basic and safety needs (i.e. housing, etc.), physiological needs (sex) and eventually becoming the self-actualized person I imagine he is today.
The writing is outstanding, the descriptions are vivid ("the bathrooms were apocalyptically disgusting") and it often feels like Alderman is sitting in your living room recounting events with utmost honesty and humility. A resounding 5 star read!
Drifting through his late teenage years without much direction, he suddenly finds himself in DC working at "The Bayou" where he finally feels some self-worth. The owner (Mike) treats him with respect and like he's part of a unified team. Isn't that what every human craves? Unfortunately, the Bayou was sold and Scott lost his grounding, bouncing around for much of his early twenties trying to make a living, acting out on his urges and miraculously making quite a name for himself in the music industry - even managing high-profile jazz tours through Europe.
Sex, drugs and rock and roll is merely the facade of this fascinating memoir. Above all, this is an account of a young man trying to understand who he truly is/was, wholly raw, straight from the heart and with unabashed honesty and introspection.
There are thousands of memoirs written by burn-outs who think that people should be interested in their unsavory accounts of time spent as addicts, roadsters and club owners but Alderman is the rare one who speaks honestly, with complete self-awareness and from a good place. There is much to learn here about themes involving "karma" - Alderman never seems to get busted for the things he does partake in (e.g. drug dealing) but strangely becomes a suspect in a dorm blaze that almost gets himself killed. I don't often dwell on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, but I found myself thinking about this as it pertained to Alderman's life as he struggled at times with basic and safety needs (i.e. housing, etc.), physiological needs (sex) and eventually becoming the self-actualized person I imagine he is today.
The writing is outstanding, the descriptions are vivid ("the bathrooms were apocalyptically disgusting") and it often feels like Alderman is sitting in your living room recounting events with utmost honesty and humility. A resounding 5 star read!
March 20, 2020
What I Loved:
Get Off is written as though it is a conversation between the author and the reader. I felt like I was sitting down with Scott Alderman while he told me his story, and it was wonderful.
How I Felt:
I really enjoy reading memoirs because I find that they are packed with emotion. The author is telling their personal story, sharing secrets with the reader, and that experience is impactful for me, as the reader. Reading Scott Alderman’s book Get Off gave just the kind of experience I love.
The main person in Get Off is Scott Alderman. His ability to find trouble seems to be never-ending in this book. He tells his story with vivid details and humorous touches that make him likable and relatable.
The people in this story are obviously real, as it is a memoir. Scott’s words, though, brought them to life on the pages. His descriptions of the people he meets along the way are amazing. There is a scene with some carnival workers and I felt like I was sitting there with them while they shared memories.
The story that Scott Alderman tells is about his secret sexuality and his addiction to drugs and alcohol. It was insightful, inspiring, and emotional. I found myself laughing at times and deeply moved at others. Scott’s writing gave the story a great flow that was fast-paced, and yet gave me time to reflect on what he had written.
Overall, this book is a very well-written memoir that draws the reader in from the beginning. I enjoyed reading about Scott’s hardships and his ability to overcome and I highly recommend this story!
To Read or Not To Read: I would recommend Get Off for readers that enjoy memoirs about addiction or personal struggles.
I was provided a copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My full review of this book will post to my blog on 3/24/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
Get Off is written as though it is a conversation between the author and the reader. I felt like I was sitting down with Scott Alderman while he told me his story, and it was wonderful.
How I Felt:
I really enjoy reading memoirs because I find that they are packed with emotion. The author is telling their personal story, sharing secrets with the reader, and that experience is impactful for me, as the reader. Reading Scott Alderman’s book Get Off gave just the kind of experience I love.
The main person in Get Off is Scott Alderman. His ability to find trouble seems to be never-ending in this book. He tells his story with vivid details and humorous touches that make him likable and relatable.
The people in this story are obviously real, as it is a memoir. Scott’s words, though, brought them to life on the pages. His descriptions of the people he meets along the way are amazing. There is a scene with some carnival workers and I felt like I was sitting there with them while they shared memories.
The story that Scott Alderman tells is about his secret sexuality and his addiction to drugs and alcohol. It was insightful, inspiring, and emotional. I found myself laughing at times and deeply moved at others. Scott’s writing gave the story a great flow that was fast-paced, and yet gave me time to reflect on what he had written.
Overall, this book is a very well-written memoir that draws the reader in from the beginning. I enjoyed reading about Scott’s hardships and his ability to overcome and I highly recommend this story!
To Read or Not To Read: I would recommend Get Off for readers that enjoy memoirs about addiction or personal struggles.
I was provided a copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My full review of this book will post to my blog on 3/24/20. All of my reviews can be found at https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
April 11, 2020
4.5/5
Scott Alderman was a “go-betweeen” business man in the late seventies/early 80s. If you haven’t heard the name before, it’s because Scott ejected the rock and roll persona (for the most part), yet he lived and relished its lifestyle. It’s a classic case of being in the right place at the right time, and this particular comeback memoir has a brisk and comical approach.
The preface introduces us to Scott, a privileged New Yorker who has all the excess baggage that comes with being an abnormal teenager-drug addiction, sexual vexation, and post-grad jitters. He ends up in the DC area, and after flunking out of college for the second time, he finds his niche in the local music scene; he starts as a stage-man at local punk, jazz, and rock clubs, eventually working his way up to concert promoter and booking agent. His success eventually clashes with the personal demons that he never addressed in the first place, but as the memoir evolves, he becomes overwrought with his own sexual identity.
The rest of story is filled with strange and detailed revelations with far-ranging musicians (e.g., Leonard Bernstein, Ian Hunter, and Nico to name a few). I enjoyed these behind the scene highlights, which were often humorous, but was also intrigued with the darker aspects crime ridden New York.
Scott Alderman was a “go-betweeen” business man in the late seventies/early 80s. If you haven’t heard the name before, it’s because Scott ejected the rock and roll persona (for the most part), yet he lived and relished its lifestyle. It’s a classic case of being in the right place at the right time, and this particular comeback memoir has a brisk and comical approach.
The preface introduces us to Scott, a privileged New Yorker who has all the excess baggage that comes with being an abnormal teenager-drug addiction, sexual vexation, and post-grad jitters. He ends up in the DC area, and after flunking out of college for the second time, he finds his niche in the local music scene; he starts as a stage-man at local punk, jazz, and rock clubs, eventually working his way up to concert promoter and booking agent. His success eventually clashes with the personal demons that he never addressed in the first place, but as the memoir evolves, he becomes overwrought with his own sexual identity.
The rest of story is filled with strange and detailed revelations with far-ranging musicians (e.g., Leonard Bernstein, Ian Hunter, and Nico to name a few). I enjoyed these behind the scene highlights, which were often humorous, but was also intrigued with the darker aspects crime ridden New York.
April 2, 2020
Now - THIS is the kind of writing that I can really relate to! That feeling of being able to get away with anything, while all the time pretty much hating yourself, is exquisitely and vividly portrayed in Scott Alderman’s memoir - ‘Get Off - The Sordid Youth and Unlikely Survival of A Queer Junkie Wonderboy’.
Although coming from a completely different background than the author, I also grew up in New York City in the seedy 1980s and experienced the gritty comings and goings of vintage Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen back in the day.
Scott paints a pitch perfect description of the desperation, the secret life, escapism and the ultimate redemption of a nearly wasted gay junkie’s life - while all the time still managing to be enteraining and empathetic. Unflinchingly honest and raw writing that only a person of the NYC streets of the 80’s could master.
Although coming from a completely different background than the author, I also grew up in New York City in the seedy 1980s and experienced the gritty comings and goings of vintage Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen back in the day.
Scott paints a pitch perfect description of the desperation, the secret life, escapism and the ultimate redemption of a nearly wasted gay junkie’s life - while all the time still managing to be enteraining and empathetic. Unflinchingly honest and raw writing that only a person of the NYC streets of the 80’s could master.
October 29, 2020
Amazingly well-written, this book grabs you in the first sentence and doesn’t let go. It’s intense, poignant, and at times heartbreaking. I did think it meandered a bit mid-way, and other readers might find the many anecdotes about musicians more compelling than I did. But it picked right back up and the last third of the book was the most powerful. A riveting memoir about addiction and hope.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews