A Preferred Blur: Reflections, Inspections, and Travel in All Directions

by Henry Rollins

2007 was a very busy year for Henry Rollins. He traveled to Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Pakistan, where he was staying when Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. While traveling, Rollins performed numerous spoken word shows and worked on films, his IFC television show, and Harmony in My Head, his popular weekly radio show. In short, a quintessentially Rollins-ian sleepless, nonstop, and highly productive. A Preferred Blur contains stories written in the form of journal entries from Rollins’ travels throughout the year. As in his other travel-related books and journals, Rollins — Detail magazine’s 1994 Man of the Year — writes not only about his own life and work, but of music, current affairs, and the world around him with humor, insight, and brutal honesty.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music, Biography, Travel, Memoir, Essays, Politics

381 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

Henry Rollins (born Henry Lawrence Garfield; often referred to simply as Rollins) is an American singer-songwriter, spoken word artist, author, actor and publisher.

After joining the short-lived Washington, D.C. band State of Alert in 1980, Rollins fronted the Californian hardcore punk band Black Flag from 1981 until 1986. Following the band's breakup, Rollins soon established the record label and publishing company 2.13.61 to release his spoken word albums, as well as forming the Rollins Band, which toured with a number of lineups until 2003 and during 2006.

Since Black Flag, Rollins has embarked on projects covering a variety of media. He has hosted numerous radio shows, such as The Henry Rollins Show and Harmony In My Head, and television shows, such as MTV's 120 Minutes and Jackass, along with roles in several films. Rollins has also campaigned for human rights in the United States, promoting gay rights in particular, and tours overseas with the United Service Organizations to entertain American troops.

Reviews

[RandomAnthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry Rollins is beyond imitation, and A Preferred Blur exemplifies his voice and niche in American culture. Rollins, in his 2006/7 journals, writes mostly from airplanes, his California home, and anonymous hotel rooms. The book's title describes Rollins's habit of finding calm and safety moving from city to city and tour to tour. Staying still, for Rollins, is dangerous.

This modern-day era Rollins is post-musical in that he's not in a band (except for a brief Ruts reunion gig) and tours exclusively as a “spoken word” act. A Preferred Blur follows these shows along with non-performing visits to Pakistan and the Middle East. I don't know that you can read Rollins without playing armchair psychologist; one of his strengths is a willingness to put his anger, depression, and frustration out there with an authenticity that would be difficult to fake. His primary paradox revolves around the idea that he says he doesn't want to be around people and feels best when he's alone but he writes and publishes his journals for public consumption. He seems to best interact with others (except for his cherished Washington DC friends) when he can control the variables through performance or correspondence. And while he explores similar concepts (e.g. whether or not he wants to interact with women, his frustration with his last band tour) over and over again he goes a little deeper every time. I could live without the political analysis but the connection between Rollins's anger and his perceptions of the Iraq war is so intrinsic to his personality that parsing out the political diatribes out would be unwise. I admit I skimmed some of those sections. Rollins grapples with pain and fear and vulnerability and fights off his own darkness with relentless discipline. He writes with the eye of the isolated; when you don't interact with many people an encounter as simple as a cab ride can take on a heightened importance, and the few people you trust are so valuable you almost can't stand it. Rollins's humility and metacognition propel his work a few notches above what you might expect from the journals of an ex-hardcore singer. He's good. Damn good. And he's always there, on the fringes, performing (both live and in print) with a ferocity that potentially back-burners his intelligence and professionalism. There's something of the ascetic and hermetic in A Preferred Blur. Henry Rollins is for real. I'm glad he exists, and I promise not to ask him for an autograph after a show because I know he wants to get on the bus and get the hell out of town.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Equal parts outdated (blame the ridiculously long publishing process) political outrage and depression. Kind of a buzzkill, in fact. I wanted to yell at him to just shut the fuck up and move back to DC if he missed it that fucking much… but then I was afraid that he’d hear me & come fuck my shit up. So I kept my mouth shut. And tried to refrain from thinking it in case he’s got ESP. He probably does. He’s Henry Rollins.

I found myself relating to so much of it when he spoke (tirelessly... endlessly... a bit too much, if you ask me) about his depression and anxiety. Ironic since I also felt a bit ostracized given that my life reflects so much of what he despises and works towards eliminating in his own life.

Kind of feel like all my critiques are unjustified given the fact that this is more or less a stream-of-consciousness personal journal. How can you fault a person for writing what comes from the heart and what they are feeling at the moment? You can't, really.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry Rollins' books of his collected journal entries become both more intriguing and more depressing as the years go on. There's still plenty of awesome travel writing and observations on politics and humanity in this book, as in all of them, but the more personal moments of this book were particularly tough on me. I guess there are two different reasons why that is: one being that I can relate pretty heavily to a lot of Rollins's issues with social interaction, whether it be with friends, girls he is attracted to, or total strangers; the other being that, as someone who is a longtime fan of all Rollins' work, I've come to care about him as a person and I hate to read that he's having so many troubles with depression. Also, it's kind of hard to see him dealing with those issues the way he does; in this book, he talks often about how he has to minimize his time around people he cares about, how he can't even allow himself to maintain communication with women he's attracted to and DEFINITELY can't ever get into another romantic relationship, and how he can never let himself get too comfortable at home, because as soon as he gets comfortable or feels safe with someone he feels like he's opening himself up to be hurt. I can see the logic behind this strategy, especially coming from someone who has never completely recovered from having his best friend shot right in front of him (he talks extensively about his depression over Joe Cole's murder in this book, which was written 16 years after it happened). But I just can't feel all that good about it, because I feel like the man is depressed either way, and he operates on the assumption that a minimum level of depression is unavoidable and he has to function in a certain way that minimizes human contact that he might enjoy at the time. He sees all such contact as an inevitable path to even deeper levels of depression in the future, and again, I can understand that logic--it's often been that way for me too. But a lot of this book just reads like the thought process of someone who has given up on ever finding personal happiness, and that just bums me out. I don't want to think that that's what someone I have a great deal of admiration for will be feeling for the rest of his life, and--considering how much I relate to a lot of the feelings he describes--I certainly don't want to believe that this is what waits for me in the future. Reading this book was hard, mainly because it made me think that the only reason I haven't quite given up yet is because I'm somewhat younger than Rollins. I don't want to believe that but it seems frighteningly plausible.

I don't want this review to make this entire book seem like some miserable slog of a read, because it isn't. There are definitely parts of the book that are enjoyable in the extreme, and I think if I had been able to separate more from the parts about depression, I could have enjoyed reading them more than I did. Really, though, this book is quite a different animal from Rollins's more comedy-oriented spoken word performances, and fits a lot more closely with the dark, heavy lyrics he used to write for the Rollins Band and Black Flag. Well worth your time if you enjoy Rollins' writing, but go into it expecting a heavy emotional trip, because that's what you're going to get.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like reading a diary written by someone that has a love for travel but seems to be running on a hamster wheel trying to "travel" away from himself. We've all felt like that at times probably, right?

Reading this book actually showed me that some people identify things they consider flaws, and instead of changing those things, they nuture them, and their flaws become the thing that sets them apart from everyone else.

And that might be cool for a while, but when you write books and publish them for everyone else to read, and you, yourself, refuse to have deep relationships with people just because they may be "a woman"... well, I think that's one of those personal characteristics that may be one of the things to work on instead of nuture.

Love Henry's work, it reads like a diary or like a conversation with a good friend... that's incredibly one sided.

Would like to see another book of poetry from him however.

[Eithne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very repetitive with a distinct lack of charm. Has many editing errors - from basic grammar to the literal repetition of entire paragraphs - which is interesting as Rollins runs his own publishing company. I suppose his philosophy of handling many projects at once - to the point of exhaustion - does indeed result in inferior products. And the amount of times he calls women "females" is disturbing.

[Steve Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Rollins can make you want to start journaling until you realize you're not doing much to write about, at which point you're actually encouraged to start doing things just so you have stuff to write. Way better than Tony Robbins.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is stepping into Henry Rollins' mind, which is awesome if you're into that sort of thing (and I am).

[Axel Matfin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book opens pretty strong, with Rollins narrating his travels through the middle east and the USA. It swiftly delineates into long periods of what Rollins himself might typify as "droning". This wouldn't seem so from his public speaking but in his writing I find that he beats the same drum over and over again. The book isn't bad, it just doesn't have a consistent them or punch. It's the journal of a man in constant transit who is either forging new experiences as he can or reinterpreting things that gave him enjoyment from the past. Its interesting to see his interpretation of Bush era USA and the Iraq war because that seems like such a simpler time ('tis to laugh). I'm happy I read this book but aside from numerous references to other media that I have since found more enjoyment from, this is just a bit of a slog. I think that the best parts of it are when Rollins visits the middle east but I believe the best aspects of these trips have been distilled into monologues and pieces for his live shows. Here they exist in their sketch form but there just isn't that much here.

[S.S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having never read anything by Henry Rollins, I picked this up as a vacation read. It definitely served it's purpose but if you're looking for anything "deep and meaningful" it isn't really here. There are however several thought provoking parts and at the end of the day I just love this dude regardless of what he's doing. The repetitive paragraphs (sometimes word for word) bothered me a lot. Was there an editor? I will definitely be picking up other books from him, I think I just started with the wrong one. Either way, worth a read.

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping there would be more travel stories. However, Henry has an interesting mind and perspective. Though depressing at times I would like more of just a collection of his travels to non western countries rather than rants about how much he misses DC and those that have died. This man needs to learn how to process loss in his life.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rollins writes more openly about his depression in this one. I wish he would've gotten into deeper detail on the experiences he was having in the countries he visited. I loved hearing about the Ruts show, but again a missed opportunity to delve deeper.

[Viola V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor Hank. He's so neurotic.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, stepping into Henry's mind is so inspiring. A new way of looking at new parts of life. I am so glad i discovered Henry Rollins, his words have helped me achieve my better life.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

You really hits like Hank, and his stream of consciousness approach. It's good in 90 minute bursts live or on video, but reading it is just tedious.

[Simon Sweetman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably would have enjoyed this more if I’d read it nearer the time of publication - since it’s diaries. But fun to jump back into Henry’s world all the same.

[Brandon Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got sidetracked a little and didn’t read for a week, but this book is still great. I always enjoy a Henry Rollins book.

[Angela Gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really not a book (as in, a finished piece of art with a purposeful/coherent message,) it is more of an unedited journal, but it is still definitely interesting. It's a mindfuck and will definitely pull you into it and make you pretty depressed if you're the least bit emotionally vulnerable.

I can't count how many times Rollins reiterates how lonely he isn't and how little he thinks about women/having a relationship. I can't count how many moments of written poison are in it, poison about how stupid/useless he is or how shitty the world and human connections are. It's pretty obvious that you're reading a book about someone with a serious mental illness who is not getting the treatment he needs (whatever that may be,) and just spiraling further and further downward. If you admire Rollins (which you probably do, if you're interested in reading this book,) then be prepared to hurt with him and for him for 300+ pages.

The political commentary is both insightful, inspiring, and funny. In my opinion, it is the brightest part of the book. The part that will stick with me most is that, due to its rawness, it let me experience someone else's darkness in a way i've never been able to before. I do NOT think that it made me understand Rollins as a person or anything, but it was a glimpse into a world I haven't known before and I'm grateful I got the chance to have it through this book.

[Miranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book where you are just as anxious as the protagonist and you are not jacked up on too much caffeine and lack of sleep? The real life person just makes you anxious because they have drunk too much coffee and can't sleep. That's what Rollins's journal did to me. As fascinating as he is (and as much as I agree with him on so many points), I just wanted to tuck Rollins in bed, give him a cat or dog to cuddle with, and make his watch a stupid romcom. And for the love of God, I'd suggest to him that he should drink water. A lot of water. And, just move back to DC. He'll be fine there.

*It took me a long bit to finish this one. It was a tough read for me. See above for the reason why.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Long and Winding Journal

Ten years before the hit song, No Roots, Henry Rollins was living out the spirit of the song. A Preferred Blur has Rollins going all over the world.

Rollins has had a long and varied career. He has been a punk rocker, writer, actor, spoken word artist, and comedian. He has his own publishing company, and he prints his own books. Ironically, while he eschews religion, he hasn't had any kind of relationship for quite some time and generally lives like a monk. However he loves music, and frequently performs it. His "cell" is the hotel he stays at.
Rollins writes of his travels in great detail. Some of the entries go on for pages. During his travels, Rollins is battling depression and chronicles its affect on him. Near the end of the journal he makes a movie with Cuba Gooding Jr.
Overall this was a good book. Fans of Rollins will like it, as well as those who like to read published journals. A little too long in some parts, but generally a riveting read

[Marvin Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do I think? I think I love Henry Rollins even more after reading this book. Why do I say that? I say that because he is a very honest writer. The book is in a journal format and he knows that his entries will be going to print and even still, he doesn't hide his beliefs or thoughts on various topics to protect himself. He is open and vulnerable. He also talks a lot about D.C. where he is originally from so there is a lot of mention of Ian MacKaye and others from the early hardcore scene. The book also has his journal entries from when he did a benefit for Paul Fox with The Ruts. I mean, to sing for The Ruts must have been quite the honor and you can feel it in his writing.

I can't wait to get more Henry Rollins books to read and sit nicely in my collection.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admittedly, these journals are very repetitive, he is constantly reminding himself of how he needs to keep working all the time, how he can never have a close relationship with a woman, how he loves his hometown of D.C. but can never stay there for long, etc. but I still find the books compelling. It's interesting to hear about all the "vacations" he takes to places like Iran and Pakistan for example. These later works get more political as well. I also strangely enjoy all the emotional blood-letting, it's cathartic to read if you happen to be in a particularly bad mood, which I strive to be in at all times.

[Glenn Gargiulo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have never read a Rollins book I didn't love until now. In this book Hank talks about politics and the war on terror. Do we need yet another political commentary? Rollins travels to do these USO shows to support our troops then goes on to condemn their sacrifices as stupid and pointless. I just didn't like this "Oh my life sucks I give up." attitude in this book. If Rollins has taught us anything it is to take what life gives us and turn it into strength. What happened here then?

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best when he is describing his travel in places far from the United States. More of the same wisdom is espoused regarding the virtues of being a loner and solitary refinement. Some of it is very repetitive though and I would have liked a memoir that spared some of the boring details, but it's not like I have the balls to publish my own diary.

[Zoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with all of Henry Rollins' journal-based books it was fascinating reading A Preferred Blur. His entries - and, apparently his days - are becoming more and more depressed from year to year, but at the same time his observations and thoughts are just as fascinating. You don't have to agree with his points of view (and I don't always) to find it worth reading. After all, he's Henry Rollins.

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly, it was not as good as A Dull Roar. It was still fascinating - I actually like Henry Rollins's blunt, straightforward writing style quite a bit, to say nothing of the interest I take in the overall psychology behind the things he does - but it lagged in parts. Still well worth a read, though; I always enjoy Rollins's unique perspective on the world, and this is certainly no exception.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

A tough read, as Henry is obviously in a lot of pain.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is 381 pages, not 304 as Goodreads has it. Mr. Rollins needs to move back to DC and be with his friends and stop being such a depressing fuck.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great journal entries from Mr. Rollins