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Siam Miami
"Siam Miami does one thing other other business novel has done before it tells it like it is. . . .: -- Chicago Heights Star. "Written with intelligence and soul-- and unbeatable combination. This fabulous yet authentic-seeming account of the career problems of a singer on the way up, a talented, tough-fragile personality. . .that reminds one of the late Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Helen Morgan. . .is one of the most validly interesting books of the year. Renek knows show business, he knows women, he knows agents, managers, and the other venal but often kind professionals who make fortunes out of the talents of others. Best of all, he known the human heart." --The Cincinnati Enquirer
448 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1969
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 18, 2016
There's so much living that has nothing to do with what's important. Without singing, I'd be in that kind of life. I don't want to grow up by putting the best part of myself aside. The unused life is the terror. But most people are nerveless and settle for a full stomach. (…) I don't look at singing as being a success. I look at it as being myself. And, naturally, I'm going to fight for my survival. It's the first law of life. (104)
When it comes to the performing arts, popular wisdom insists that artists are made not born.
And even if they were born ones, they would still need an army of handlers for right packaging & promotion that would sell them as the sexual fantasies of millions.
And you thought talent (alone) like cream would rise to the top?! Maybe in this self-promotional age of YouTube & SoundCloud, but here we are in the 1969 world of road shows & club scenes & Shylockian contract agreements.
Siam Miami narrates a talented singer's second shot at glory after a disastrous first attempt ended in a nervous breakdown & an ignominious exit. Ambition often leaves people vulnerable to compromise, but, when self-awareness rises; one is forced to look at their life choices & compromise turns out to be a dirty word. And if that wasn't enough, there is love to further complicate the matters.
My description makes it sound like a romantic comedy but it isn't. Morris Renek is a Buried writer known for his hard-boiled writing. Siam Miami though, is a dramatic novel, reminding me of Sorrentino's Brooklyn books in its cynical & world-weary tone, but more than that of Dawn Powell's work — in the astute depiction of the NYC entertainment scene & a clear-eyed look at the people inhabiting that world. Renek's skill at capturing atmosphere & people tells you he is writing from an insider's perspective. The book will appeal to those who care about plot and characterization. The writer here goes at his subject with a singleminded focus so obviously readers looking for digressions & mile-long lists needn't pick it up. As this is a female-centric book, I think Virago readers will enjoy it.
Umm, about the title: I thought it was a combination of two place names! But in the first chapter itself it's explained as the protagonist's desire to have a name "that was fresh, exotic and a little bit Jewish." (7)
One could really play around with it-- Siam Miami ( see I am I am I / I am mi ami (my (own) friend)
Or a Gassian preference for sound patterns! But singers do choose weird sounding names for impact.
I agree with the other reviewer here about the book's cinematic quality: I kept seeing Dodge as Tom Hiddleston & Barney as Tobey Maguire! Siam Miami has a villain that you would want to strangle. Unfortunately, the world is filled with men like that.
All in all an enjoyable read. Those who are used to musicians biographies/memoirs won't find anything unusual, but to me the pitfalls & heartbreaks involved in Siam's determination to break away from being treated as a cheap commodity to realize her destiny as a genuine artist was, a moving reading experience.
Recommended.
When it comes to the performing arts, popular wisdom insists that artists are made not born.
And even if they were born ones, they would still need an army of handlers for right packaging & promotion that would sell them as the sexual fantasies of millions.
And you thought talent (alone) like cream would rise to the top?! Maybe in this self-promotional age of YouTube & SoundCloud, but here we are in the 1969 world of road shows & club scenes & Shylockian contract agreements.
Siam Miami narrates a talented singer's second shot at glory after a disastrous first attempt ended in a nervous breakdown & an ignominious exit. Ambition often leaves people vulnerable to compromise, but, when self-awareness rises; one is forced to look at their life choices & compromise turns out to be a dirty word. And if that wasn't enough, there is love to further complicate the matters.
My description makes it sound like a romantic comedy but it isn't. Morris Renek is a Buried writer known for his hard-boiled writing. Siam Miami though, is a dramatic novel, reminding me of Sorrentino's Brooklyn books in its cynical & world-weary tone, but more than that of Dawn Powell's work — in the astute depiction of the NYC entertainment scene & a clear-eyed look at the people inhabiting that world. Renek's skill at capturing atmosphere & people tells you he is writing from an insider's perspective. The book will appeal to those who care about plot and characterization. The writer here goes at his subject with a singleminded focus so obviously readers looking for digressions & mile-long lists needn't pick it up. As this is a female-centric book, I think Virago readers will enjoy it.
Umm, about the title: I thought it was a combination of two place names! But in the first chapter itself it's explained as the protagonist's desire to have a name "that was fresh, exotic and a little bit Jewish." (7)
One could really play around with it-- Siam Miami ( see I am I am I / I am mi ami (my (own) friend)
Or a Gassian preference for sound patterns! But singers do choose weird sounding names for impact.
I agree with the other reviewer here about the book's cinematic quality: I kept seeing Dodge as Tom Hiddleston & Barney as Tobey Maguire! Siam Miami has a villain that you would want to strangle. Unfortunately, the world is filled with men like that.
All in all an enjoyable read. Those who are used to musicians biographies/memoirs won't find anything unusual, but to me the pitfalls & heartbreaks involved in Siam's determination to break away from being treated as a cheap commodity to realize her destiny as a genuine artist was, a moving reading experience.
Recommended.
August 1, 2016
This is really a 3.5 for me, almost a 4.0. It's very well written with some enjoyable dialogue and clever insights. I don't know just how faithfully it depicts the music world in the USA but it certainly comes across as very authentic and offers up a most unpleasant villain, as well as the two attractive lead characters who the author brings very much to life. Definitely a recommended read. I reckon it would make a good film.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews