Showing posts with label Banned For Life by D.R. Haney. Show all posts

2012: The Year In Review

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Well, today marks the end of 2012. What a year it has been! When I started this blog as a way to hold myself accountable for reading one book each week, I never could imagine how much it would grow. A Book A Week has evolved from a simple review site to a community of readers. Thanks to everyone who has supported me, offered comments, criticisms, and recommendations. Without your help, this blog would fail to exist.

I'm sure that faithful followers of this site have noticed that I did not complete my goal of reading 52 books this year. Despite maintaining a strict reading schedule and managing my time, I was simply unable to fit 52 books into my year. A part of me is a bit disappointed by this, but I also am extremely proud of what I was able to accomplish this year. As some followers may know, I recently completed my final semester of school and now carry a music degree! As I'm sure you can imagine, the push towards graduation took a toll on my reading time. (Actually, I read a lot of textbooks, but I'm sure you wouldn't want to read my reviews of those!) Although I failed to reach my goal, I was able to read a staggering 47 books this year. For more details on how I achieved this feat, check out this article written in the Hartford Examiner where I describe my process.

Out of those 47 books, here are 5 of my favorite books of 2012 listed alphabetically:
Note: The selected books were not all published in 2012, rather, they are my favorite books that I read this year. 

Banned for Life by D.R. Haney

A kind of Outsiders for adults, Banned For Life is the coming of age story of an outcast punk rocker struggling to find his way in life. Haney writes with a real grit and clarity that is truly refreshing. With all the sex, drugs and rock and roll that a novel like this requires, Banned for Life perfectly captures all of the triumph and heartache of being an artist and growing up.

Read the full review
Bleed For Me by Michael Robotham
Not only was this my favorite mystery/thiller novel of the year, but it was also one of the most vividly real portrayals of a character's attempt to regain control of his life. The protagonist, Joe O'Loughlin, a psychiatrist who assists in police investigations, tries to battle Parkinson's disease, patch his marriage together, and reconnect with his daughter, all while trying to solve the most difficult case of his career. In Bleed for me, Robotham provides readers with wonderful characters and a first-rate thriller.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
What more can be said about this novel. The commercial and critical hype surrounding this novel over the years was well deserved. The story of of maids and their bosses during civil rights era America captured the hearts of audiences with its witty prose and meaningful message. If you, like me, waited to read this novel, wait no more! You certainly won't be disappointed.

Read the full review

The Kings of Cool by Don Winslow

Don Winslow made waves with Savages, his exceptional novel about young California drug entrepreneurs and their run in with the Mexican Cartel. In The Kings of Cool, a prequel to Savages, Winslow surpasses his best providing a tightly woven insight into the beginning of the young drug runners' operation. The edgy content and bare prose make this novel the coolest book of the year. 


The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

In what is perhaps the most charming and magical novel of the year, debut author Eowyn Ivey combines her knowledge of an Alaskan fairy tale with her obvious writing skill into this fantastic novel. The story of a couple who, out of loneliness craft a child made of snow and by their love for each other bring that child to life, rings with a timeless sense of fantasy that is sure to capture the imagination of anyone who reads it. 



Well, there they are, my favorite books of 2012. As we enter into the new year, I look forward to reading more fantastic books, providing fun giveaways, and interacting with all of you. As always, feel free to contact me by either leaving a comment or using the info located in the contact page. Whether you have a book recommendation, giveaway offer, criticism, or just want to say hi, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks again for supporting this blog. Happy New Year, and happy reading!

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Banned For Life by D.R. Haney

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As a teenager, I read the novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. I remember being attracted to the idea of kids who went against the social norm and really enjoyed reading the novel. Now, many years later, I find myself in awe at the power of another novel about young "punks" and growing up. In Banned for Life, author D.R. Haney captures the realism and grit of growing up an outsider, on a level I have never experienced before.

The novel is narrated by Jason Maddox, a struggling filmmaker who recalls the events in is life that have brought him to where he is today. Jason did everything he could to fit in with the kids at his high school. He wore the same clothes, listened to the same music, and even dated the prom queen. Despite all of this, we get the sense that Jason never really fits in. His life takes a drastic turn when sleeps with his girlfriends mother, and nearly kills his "friend" who told the whole school about Jason's affair. Expelled from school and disowned by his family and friends, Jason turns to the only other person he can relate to.

Bernard, Pewee as he comes to be called, makes it a point to be different. He listens to punk music, wears tattered clothes, and dyes his hair bright colors. When Jason finds himself with nowhere to turn, he finds Pewee to be not so strange after all. Through Pewee, Jason is exposed to new ways of thinking and discovers the greatest music he has ever heard. When the boys go on a trip to New York to hear their favorite band, Rule of Thumb, they are unable to enter the club, but later meet the lead singer, Jim Cassady. In that moment, Jason's life is forever changed.

Flash forward ten years, and we learn Jason is now a screenwriter, struggling to keep his head above water. Gone are the glory days of playing in bands with Pewee. Looking to find some kind of meaning in his life, Jason believes that if only he can find Jim Cassady, his questions will be answered. Unfortunately, no one has heard from Cassady since Rule of Thumb separated years ago. Jason makes it his mission to find this man before his own life unravels before his eyes.

I found Haney's writing style to be very refreshing. Never before have I read characters who carried so much truth in them. I found myself really caring about each one, even those I disliked. This novel captures all of the triumph and heartache of being an artist, and learning how to grow up. The sometimes graphically described moments may be a bit much for some readers, but I found that through this reality, the author perfectly presented Jason's journey to adulthood.

I post all of my reviews to Amazon and always appreciate those who mark them as 'helpful'. You can see this review by clicking here. Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to my review!

For more information, visit http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6416929-banned-for-life.

(week 10, book 11)


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