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Road Rash
A teenage drummer finds out what life is really like on tour with a rock band in this funny and bittersweet YA novel. For anyone who loved Almost Famous or This Is Spinal Tap.
After being dropped from one band, sixteen-year-old drummer Zach gets a chance to go on tour with a much better band. It feels like sweet redemption, but this is one rocky road trip—filled with jealousy, rivalries, and on-stage meltdowns.
Mark Parsons has written a fast-paced, feel-good novel about a boy finding his place in the world, in a band, and in the music. Zach is a character teens will stand up and cheer for as he lands the perfect gig, and the perfect girl.
“A must-read for young garage-band types.” — Booklist
“Readers and especially musicians should enjoy debut novelist Parsons’s look at a band on the run.” — Publishers Weekly
“A road-trip adventure in romance and friendship that is ultimately all about the music.” — Kirkus Reviews
After being dropped from one band, sixteen-year-old drummer Zach gets a chance to go on tour with a much better band. It feels like sweet redemption, but this is one rocky road trip—filled with jealousy, rivalries, and on-stage meltdowns.
Mark Parsons has written a fast-paced, feel-good novel about a boy finding his place in the world, in a band, and in the music. Zach is a character teens will stand up and cheer for as he lands the perfect gig, and the perfect girl.
“A must-read for young garage-band types.” — Booklist
“Readers and especially musicians should enjoy debut novelist Parsons’s look at a band on the run.” — Publishers Weekly
“A road-trip adventure in romance and friendship that is ultimately all about the music.” — Kirkus Reviews
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 11, 2014
7 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Mark Huntley Parsons
1 book10 followersMark Parsons’ YA novel, ROAD RASH (Knopf/Random House) is a band-on-the-road novel which explores coming into adulthood. It was named to the 2015 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults list, as well as Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year list.
Before that Parsons wrote primarily non-fiction for several years, penning a couple hundred articles for national publications as well as a pair of non-fiction books.
“I love the writing process, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction,” Parsons says. “But with this book, I knew I wanted create a work with a young male protagonist, one who’s on his way… but maybe not quite there yet.”
Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Parsons was an instructor for a Fortune 500 corporation. He lives in California with his wife, also a children’s author. They occasionally make very loud noises in the band Risky Whippet.
Steampunk before steampunk was a thing, Parsons has an affinity for arcane machinery such as classic British single-cylinder motorcycles, antique talking machines, and turn-of-the-century large format cameras. He holds an E-ticket with Col. Jeff Cooper’s signature on it.
Before that Parsons wrote primarily non-fiction for several years, penning a couple hundred articles for national publications as well as a pair of non-fiction books.
“I love the writing process, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction,” Parsons says. “But with this book, I knew I wanted create a work with a young male protagonist, one who’s on his way… but maybe not quite there yet.”
Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Parsons was an instructor for a Fortune 500 corporation. He lives in California with his wife, also a children’s author. They occasionally make very loud noises in the band Risky Whippet.
Steampunk before steampunk was a thing, Parsons has an affinity for arcane machinery such as classic British single-cylinder motorcycles, antique talking machines, and turn-of-the-century large format cameras. He holds an E-ticket with Col. Jeff Cooper’s signature on it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 24, 2016
I would never have known about this book if the author's wife, (Wendelin Van Draanen, one of my favorite middle grade and YA authors) hadn't posted a blurb about it on her facebook page. I'm so happy that she did because I really enjoyed this book. All the drumming lingo, and terms only someone who plays an instrument would understand really went right over my head though. But that didn't matter to me because 17 year old Zach was such a completely engaging character, and his story of life on the road over the summer, playing gigs in bars all over the northwest with a touring rock band was just a hoot. His actions when a bar owner tried to stiff them their pay for the week was priceless. I don't want to give it away, but this is kid you want to definitely have on your team. And his relationship with the girl he left behind at home, the one that's his best friend's younger sister that he's not sure how he feels about. Loved that part. Very sweet.
You can tell that the author is a drummer himself and absolutely loves it. I would bet that a lot of the feelings and emotions, and also maybe some of the gigs and experiences that he wrote into Zach's character came from his own life. Side note-he and Wendelin and their two sons have a rock band called Risky Whippet. One of these days I would love to hear them play.
You can tell that the author is a drummer himself and absolutely loves it. I would bet that a lot of the feelings and emotions, and also maybe some of the gigs and experiences that he wrote into Zach's character came from his own life. Side note-he and Wendelin and their two sons have a rock band called Risky Whippet. One of these days I would love to hear them play.
November 24, 2013
Mark Parsons creates the perfect rhythm with his debut young adult novel, Road Rash. He vividly takes his readers on a wild ride with a rock band traveling in the "Bad-Mobile" on a Western summer tour. There will be many bumps along the way to their destinations with rocky relationships that will need to be resolved.
The author's sensitive portrayal of the gifted teenage drummer, Zach Ryan, is magnificent. His realistic, insightful glimpse into the world of rock musicians is brilliant. I was blown away by his detailed descriptions of how musicians hone their craft and prepare for concerts. He takes you on stage during a performance and allows you to feel what the characters are experiencing. It is obvious that the author has first-hand experience as a professional drummer and musician.
I highly recommend this entertaining, high-energy journey into the intricate, fascinating world of rock and roll musicians. I read an ARC and will pre-order copies to put in my school library when it comes out in February. Readers will be rocking to the beat of a fine-tuned, beautifully harmonized story until the final chord is played and the conflicts are resolved in a gratifying conclusion.
The author's sensitive portrayal of the gifted teenage drummer, Zach Ryan, is magnificent. His realistic, insightful glimpse into the world of rock musicians is brilliant. I was blown away by his detailed descriptions of how musicians hone their craft and prepare for concerts. He takes you on stage during a performance and allows you to feel what the characters are experiencing. It is obvious that the author has first-hand experience as a professional drummer and musician.
I highly recommend this entertaining, high-energy journey into the intricate, fascinating world of rock and roll musicians. I read an ARC and will pre-order copies to put in my school library when it comes out in February. Readers will be rocking to the beat of a fine-tuned, beautifully harmonized story until the final chord is played and the conflicts are resolved in a gratifying conclusion.
January 16, 2014
It was a great book. I am a teenage drummer like Zach, and I could identify with his role in the rock & roll band. The author did an awesome job of describing Zach's feelings and the difficulties he went through on tour with the older band members. I enjoyed this book very much.
October 10, 2015
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*3.5 star rating*
Books about guys who can play the guitar/instruments in a rock band and with a male protagonist are my guilty pleasures. I'm kidding, I'm not guilty of enjoying them at all. Why would I be? Mark Huntley Parsons' Road Rash was one of those books that sat on my shelves for years (I think it was two) and I couldn't stop being excited for it in a way so I just went for it. Plus, I wanted to clear my shelves of books with not-so attractive cover schemes. But aside from the not attractive artwork, it was a well-written novel that gave me the feels and left me the happiest person ever.
If you decide to read this, I'm just letting you know one thing that's pretty straight-forward: This is a freaking awesome road trips filled with guys who know that music warms a girl's heart. It's the truth. *wiggles eyebrows* It's a great coming-of-age story that's easy to read and has a fast-paced plot, but kind of doesn't provide much in between. I had the odd smile and giggle, but don't expect any hardcore themes as I once suspected that this would have.
This is a book that would probably turn into a film and be awesome. It's kind of like Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, in a way—it's cheery and hilarious in a way that doesn't always involve laughing, but more of the writing, though it has that deeper meaning that not every reader sees by the end. It focuses on romance in some aspects, but not too much of it until the later portion of the novel. It's interesting and captivating, and I guess that I wouldn't trade my experience for anything because I'm glad that I got to read some lyrical writing with legit lyrics of the band the main character, Zach, is in.
This is a legit indie novel. And by indie, I mean it has some kind of hipster flow and awesomeness to it. The main character, Zach, is charming, but has his stubborn own way of doing things that surely involves lies and flaws, causing readers to have a mixed feeling of him. He lives by doing what he loves and weirdly following his dreams when it's so difficult to do what he does in reality. But then again, I may be thinking about this toughly since reality is not a book, right?
Cheers to an interesting novel that made me smile! This doesn't occur too often but when it does, I feel happy and cheery. I need more of Mark Huntley Parsons' sass, and that's what this book was: utter sassiness. The characters and the whole story gives readers a burst into what it's like to work in the music business and how a teenager could follow his dreams and just have fun, because that's what life really is about. Go for it if you're the kind of reader who practically reads all of YA contemporary, just like I do.
*3.5 star rating*
Books about guys who can play the guitar/instruments in a rock band and with a male protagonist are my guilty pleasures. I'm kidding, I'm not guilty of enjoying them at all. Why would I be? Mark Huntley Parsons' Road Rash was one of those books that sat on my shelves for years (I think it was two) and I couldn't stop being excited for it in a way so I just went for it. Plus, I wanted to clear my shelves of books with not-so attractive cover schemes. But aside from the not attractive artwork, it was a well-written novel that gave me the feels and left me the happiest person ever.
If you decide to read this, I'm just letting you know one thing that's pretty straight-forward: This is a freaking awesome road trips filled with guys who know that music warms a girl's heart. It's the truth. *wiggles eyebrows* It's a great coming-of-age story that's easy to read and has a fast-paced plot, but kind of doesn't provide much in between. I had the odd smile and giggle, but don't expect any hardcore themes as I once suspected that this would have.
"Anything new is an adventure. At least for a while. But then the novelty wears off and you're stuck dealing with whatever's left, good or bad. In this case, what was left was the simple fact that I'd been fired from my band. Again." (313)
This is a book that would probably turn into a film and be awesome. It's kind of like Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, in a way—it's cheery and hilarious in a way that doesn't always involve laughing, but more of the writing, though it has that deeper meaning that not every reader sees by the end. It focuses on romance in some aspects, but not too much of it until the later portion of the novel. It's interesting and captivating, and I guess that I wouldn't trade my experience for anything because I'm glad that I got to read some lyrical writing with legit lyrics of the band the main character, Zach, is in.
This is a legit indie novel. And by indie, I mean it has some kind of hipster flow and awesomeness to it. The main character, Zach, is charming, but has his stubborn own way of doing things that surely involves lies and flaws, causing readers to have a mixed feeling of him. He lives by doing what he loves and weirdly following his dreams when it's so difficult to do what he does in reality. But then again, I may be thinking about this toughly since reality is not a book, right?
Cheers to an interesting novel that made me smile! This doesn't occur too often but when it does, I feel happy and cheery. I need more of Mark Huntley Parsons' sass, and that's what this book was: utter sassiness. The characters and the whole story gives readers a burst into what it's like to work in the music business and how a teenager could follow his dreams and just have fun, because that's what life really is about. Go for it if you're the kind of reader who practically reads all of YA contemporary, just like I do.
March 23, 2014
Zach loves drumming, plain and simple. He's in a local band called the Sock Monkeys along with his best friend Kyle. When Justin, the lead singer, is seduced by the offer of studio time and fancy equipment, he succumbs, but that means that Zach gets dumped. Kyle isn't happy about the situation, but doesn't stick up for Zach, at least not very strongly.
Totally bummed, Zach lasts one day working at a garden center, quitting in a fairly flamboyant manner. His dad, who got him the job, isn't very happy, but when Zach gets an offer to replace the drunken drummer for Bad Habitt, a band that's a couple notches above Sock Monkey, he's able to talk his parents into letting him go on tour for the summer.
Before leaving, Zach overhears a senior saying some pretty nasty things about Kimber, Kyle's younger sister, someone Zach is into, but unaware of how deeply (at least on a conscious level). He punches out the other guy.
Touring through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Canada with five other older teens is an eye-opening experience. Zach has to learn the invisible currents between all the players, something that's not always easy. Sometimes, it comes back to bite him, but his dedication, professionalism and attention to detail aren't overlooked by the others. Unfortunately, it rubs lead singer, Brad, the wrong way. After Zach takes a song snippet that the lead guitarist, Glen wrote and creates all the tracks needed to make it a complete song, he enters it in a contest back home. It gets selected as the lead song for the CD issued by the radio station sponsoring the contest.
Back home, Kimber has been completely suckered by the guy Zach punched out. He's spread rumors that it was Zach saying all the skanky stuff instead of him. It takes an unlikely intervention by one of Zach's family members to get things back on track, leading to an amazing surprise.
Meanwhile, the new song doesn't sit well with Brad and when the band reaches Jackson Hole, Brad fires Zach. Glen, quits in support. As if this wasn't bad enough, Zach will have to give up a dream opportunity now that he's out of the band.
Following Zach and Glen as they return home, with an interesting stop in Las Vegas, and what happens to make everything come together, kept me turning pages furiously. Mark Huntley Parsons knows drumming and music. He's woven terminology, interpersonal tension and popular music into this book so beautifully that even the most musically ignorant reader will come away both entertained and enlightened. Despite some mild profanity, I'd hand this to tweens as well as teens who like a good story about following your dreams and finding love at the end.
Totally bummed, Zach lasts one day working at a garden center, quitting in a fairly flamboyant manner. His dad, who got him the job, isn't very happy, but when Zach gets an offer to replace the drunken drummer for Bad Habitt, a band that's a couple notches above Sock Monkey, he's able to talk his parents into letting him go on tour for the summer.
Before leaving, Zach overhears a senior saying some pretty nasty things about Kimber, Kyle's younger sister, someone Zach is into, but unaware of how deeply (at least on a conscious level). He punches out the other guy.
Touring through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Canada with five other older teens is an eye-opening experience. Zach has to learn the invisible currents between all the players, something that's not always easy. Sometimes, it comes back to bite him, but his dedication, professionalism and attention to detail aren't overlooked by the others. Unfortunately, it rubs lead singer, Brad, the wrong way. After Zach takes a song snippet that the lead guitarist, Glen wrote and creates all the tracks needed to make it a complete song, he enters it in a contest back home. It gets selected as the lead song for the CD issued by the radio station sponsoring the contest.
Back home, Kimber has been completely suckered by the guy Zach punched out. He's spread rumors that it was Zach saying all the skanky stuff instead of him. It takes an unlikely intervention by one of Zach's family members to get things back on track, leading to an amazing surprise.
Meanwhile, the new song doesn't sit well with Brad and when the band reaches Jackson Hole, Brad fires Zach. Glen, quits in support. As if this wasn't bad enough, Zach will have to give up a dream opportunity now that he's out of the band.
Following Zach and Glen as they return home, with an interesting stop in Las Vegas, and what happens to make everything come together, kept me turning pages furiously. Mark Huntley Parsons knows drumming and music. He's woven terminology, interpersonal tension and popular music into this book so beautifully that even the most musically ignorant reader will come away both entertained and enlightened. Despite some mild profanity, I'd hand this to tweens as well as teens who like a good story about following your dreams and finding love at the end.
March 14, 2018
A charming come of age novel about a drummer who goes on the road for the first time. Filled with great technical details about the drumming experience, I often felt like I was on stage with the band. Fun read!
August 13, 2016
Road Rash is a fun engaging book that has a great voice that will reel you in and wont let go until the last page.
I loved Road Rash, not only did I commiserate with the protagonist, but like a a great song I could feel all the emotions Zach was going through. I could feel his frustration with bend flare-ups, his confusion with girl problems, and most importantly his love and joy of the music. In my opinion, that’s one of the key distinguishing factor between a good YA (heck this is true for any book, but particularly for YA) and mediocre or bad YA, whether or not the audience is able to feel the emotions that the author is going for. If you’ve bought into the book to the extent that you’re riding the waves of emotion that the protagonist is feeling, then the author has done a good job. Well let me tell you, Mark Huntley Parsons has done a great job.
Of course, on top of loving the characters and the writing, I also thought Parsons did a fantastic job balancing all the different storylines, thus creating a healthy medium for them to build off one another without any of them overriding Zach’s main journey (the only storyline that I wanted Parsons to come back to that he didn’t was the postcard storyline (I understand what he was getting at, but I still would have liked to come back to it)). This, coupled with Parsons excellent pacing of the book, kept me reading to the point that I started and finished the book in the same day.
All in all, I really liked Road Rash. I would easily recommend it to anyone looking for a good read, particularly if they liked Tara Kelly’s Amplified, Jacob Slichter’s So You Wanna Be a Rock and Roll Star, Antony John’s Five Flavors of Dumb, or Love Maia’s DJ Rising (all fantastic books!). In fact, all that’s left to say after finishing Road Rash is ENCORE!
http://whatchamacallitreviews.blogspo...
I loved Road Rash, not only did I commiserate with the protagonist, but like a a great song I could feel all the emotions Zach was going through. I could feel his frustration with bend flare-ups, his confusion with girl problems, and most importantly his love and joy of the music. In my opinion, that’s one of the key distinguishing factor between a good YA (heck this is true for any book, but particularly for YA) and mediocre or bad YA, whether or not the audience is able to feel the emotions that the author is going for. If you’ve bought into the book to the extent that you’re riding the waves of emotion that the protagonist is feeling, then the author has done a good job. Well let me tell you, Mark Huntley Parsons has done a great job.
Of course, on top of loving the characters and the writing, I also thought Parsons did a fantastic job balancing all the different storylines, thus creating a healthy medium for them to build off one another without any of them overriding Zach’s main journey (the only storyline that I wanted Parsons to come back to that he didn’t was the postcard storyline (I understand what he was getting at, but I still would have liked to come back to it)). This, coupled with Parsons excellent pacing of the book, kept me reading to the point that I started and finished the book in the same day.
All in all, I really liked Road Rash. I would easily recommend it to anyone looking for a good read, particularly if they liked Tara Kelly’s Amplified, Jacob Slichter’s So You Wanna Be a Rock and Roll Star, Antony John’s Five Flavors of Dumb, or Love Maia’s DJ Rising (all fantastic books!). In fact, all that’s left to say after finishing Road Rash is ENCORE!
http://whatchamacallitreviews.blogspo...
March 25, 2015
“I freakin’ love drumming. . . . There’s something about playing the drums that’s different from any other instrument. Maybe it’s the physical part. I mean, you’re generating sounds by hitting things.” Exuberant 17-year-old Zach has landed the summer job of a lifetime: drumming for an up-and-coming local rock band, whose members invite him on their first multicity gig. Between long, lonely nights on the open road, the crew stops at gritty rock clubs, swanky townie bars, and—after Zach nearly jeopardizes his musical future by taking a hugely ambitious risk—one fully packed arena. A valiant first-novel attempt by Parsons, this travelogue has spots of clunky pacing and underdeveloped dialogue, and drummer jokes interjected randomly throughout chapters further interrupt the slow, sometimes unrefined story line. Where Road Rash crescendos is in its treatment of tumultuous friendships among bandmates, confounding but transfixing first romances, exhilarating tastes of teenage travel freedom, and the passion for pursuing the dream of a future in music. A must-read for young garage-band types.
— Lexi Walters Wright. First published January 1, 2014 (Booklist)
— Lexi Walters Wright. First published January 1, 2014 (Booklist)
July 10, 2016
Man, I have not been hitting my stride lately. In the last five books I've read the highest rating I've given was a 3.5. I'm beginning to feel like a bit of an ass.
I just really couldn't get past the writing in this book. I believe at one point there is a sentence that includes the words, "serious whoa-age."
I can't.
The story was fine, I appreciated reading a YA contemporary with a male protagonist, but that's kind of it. It was fine.
I just really couldn't get past the writing in this book. I believe at one point there is a sentence that includes the words, "serious whoa-age."
I can't.
The story was fine, I appreciated reading a YA contemporary with a male protagonist, but that's kind of it. It was fine.
December 23, 2013
loved this band story and loved seeing what really happens on the road. I loved that there was a That thing you do reference , and this book felt like it too. Very cute story.
November 5, 2024
I really enjoyed the story of Zach, a high school junior who is in a rock band with his friends. But when a not so talented rich kid with a drum set and daddy who has connections to the music industry comes along, Zach is kicked out of the band. Luckily, a guitarist in another band has heard him play and he auditions for that band, and gets the chance to go on tour for the summer. An opportunity of a lifetime!
In the meantime, he’s in the beginning stages of a romantic relationship, but long distance and trust issues prove challenging . Band members struggle with ego and personality issues. And then there’s the song competition that the local radio station is sponsoring…
Since I am not a musician, I didn’t understand what Zach was talking about sometimes, but I could tell that the author really knew his stuff. The author titles each chapter after a rock song, and there are references throughout each chapter to various rock bands and rock songs. Personally, I didn’t recognize some of them, but it was still fun to see and know the references were real.
In the meantime, he’s in the beginning stages of a romantic relationship, but long distance and trust issues prove challenging . Band members struggle with ego and personality issues. And then there’s the song competition that the local radio station is sponsoring…
Since I am not a musician, I didn’t understand what Zach was talking about sometimes, but I could tell that the author really knew his stuff. The author titles each chapter after a rock song, and there are references throughout each chapter to various rock bands and rock songs. Personally, I didn’t recognize some of them, but it was still fun to see and know the references were real.
October 31, 2019
This book takes Zach on an amazing journey all over the country. First he gets fired from his band and then his dad makes him get a job. Zach hates the job so when he was given the opportunity to join Bad Habit the best band in town he quits the job and goes with the band. This sets him up for many changes on the road. This book really shows how people can become close friends or worst enemies just by spending time together. It even shows that real friends are for ever and nothing can stand in between. Zach eventually gets fired from this band but the guitar player leaves with him and they start a new band and open for Neverland.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2018
Another outstanding YA novel. If you are a musician you have got to pick this one up. A young drummer gets kicked out of a band, joins another and gets kicked out of that one, both times for political reasons. I think this is a great novel for any age and especially for people who have been in a band and have experienced the drama that goes on behind the scenes. I especially loved the jokes that were sprinkled throughout the book. I don't have much time to read, but I did finish this one off in three days.
December 2, 2018
This was an enjoyable read centered around the life of a young man joining a band and making a name for himself. The book was realistic and easy to follow in every situation the main character was thrust into. When he was dealing with friendship, band, or girl problems, he was always honest with himself and very relatable. There were bits of fluff every now and then, but in young adult novels they're to be expected. This is an enjoyable read I'd recommend to anyone who wants a calming read to unwind with.
August 19, 2019
Good coming of age story about Zack a drummer who gets kicked out of his band, and then has a chance of a lifetime. He will spend the summer touring with a bigger band. I liked the story and the characters. I felt the story was light on his parents- really? who would let their 17 year old hit the road with a much older group of guys- all in college. Still enjoyable.
December 8, 2023
A teen drummer who remains true to himself despite the curve balls coming his way both in his music and romantic endeavors. As an aspiring musician, I appreciated how the author described all of the details and nuances that go into performing with a band and creating recordings. Definitely a book that leaves you feeling satisfied!
April 4, 2018
This novel went from being what I hoped it was, to being what I didn’t even know I wanted. Great characters, real situations with killer musician stuff framing it all. Surprised me more than once with style, plot and where it took me. Love the drummer jokes throughout. Very highly recommend.
January 28, 2024
I found this little gem at the Dollar store, of all places! Although that alone usually carries a certain stigma of low grade, this book didn't fall into that trap. I thoroughly enjoyed this story while on a camping trip to the ocean. Great story!! Highly recommend!
January 19, 2018
A good, enjoyable book with an at times complicated storyline, but realistic. I also loved the character development, which was executed well.
July 20, 2022
The book was a vibe. Each chapters name was a good ol' rock song and I played them while I read. Loved the story! I binge read it in 4 or 5 hours.
March 30, 2014
OUT's Review
Whoa this book was awesome! It makes me want to learn how to play an instrument, any of them. Then I sit back and remember that no matter how hard I could try I would never be as awesome as Zach, and he’s fictional.
Zach is an average teenager trying to make his band, Sock Monkeys, stronger than before, setting up set lists, practice times, and all that goes into being in band. But when he comes to practice one day he inevitably gets kicked out and replaced. His replacement ends up being a spoiled kid whose father is in the big leagues and has a recording studio and hook ups in the music bizz. He attempts to get a summer job, when that faithful day he gets a call from another local (and better) band looking for a new drummer. When he gets the gig, he and the new band set out across the west to play venues and tour, but being on road for summer can get to some people. Can he and this new band make it?
Alright, this author, he’s got to have some major music skills or really good a faking it. I was so intrigued on what Zach and his bandmates could do and come up with that I wish I could go and see them on tour. Zach definitely has the natural talent of a musician, and you can tell with the way Mark writes him, he himself has talent. I was never bored reading this book, I felt like I was on tour with these guys as well. I was getting annoyed with how some of the characters acted and wondered how they could spend so much time with each other and not rip each other’s throats out. But when you’re in a band I guess that’s kind of what happens, you’re always together.
Zach has major skills in every aspect of music; he can play, he can feel the music, and he can create an amazing track, but will this natural talent butt heads with the other bandmates? I was rooting for this kid the entire time, to get the girl, or at least realize he wants the girl, to rock hard and become an amazing drummer. I felt it all while reading this, annoyance, love, strength, perseverance, all he wanted was to make his new band better than before.
This book is definitely worth picking up. While you’re reading it you feel like you’re on tour with the band as well (like I said before you’ll feel it all). You get to see the less than glamorous side of becoming a band and touring. And the ending definitely rocked! And Bravo to Mark Huntley Parsons on this great book!
Whoa this book was awesome! It makes me want to learn how to play an instrument, any of them. Then I sit back and remember that no matter how hard I could try I would never be as awesome as Zach, and he’s fictional.
Zach is an average teenager trying to make his band, Sock Monkeys, stronger than before, setting up set lists, practice times, and all that goes into being in band. But when he comes to practice one day he inevitably gets kicked out and replaced. His replacement ends up being a spoiled kid whose father is in the big leagues and has a recording studio and hook ups in the music bizz. He attempts to get a summer job, when that faithful day he gets a call from another local (and better) band looking for a new drummer. When he gets the gig, he and the new band set out across the west to play venues and tour, but being on road for summer can get to some people. Can he and this new band make it?
Alright, this author, he’s got to have some major music skills or really good a faking it. I was so intrigued on what Zach and his bandmates could do and come up with that I wish I could go and see them on tour. Zach definitely has the natural talent of a musician, and you can tell with the way Mark writes him, he himself has talent. I was never bored reading this book, I felt like I was on tour with these guys as well. I was getting annoyed with how some of the characters acted and wondered how they could spend so much time with each other and not rip each other’s throats out. But when you’re in a band I guess that’s kind of what happens, you’re always together.
Zach has major skills in every aspect of music; he can play, he can feel the music, and he can create an amazing track, but will this natural talent butt heads with the other bandmates? I was rooting for this kid the entire time, to get the girl, or at least realize he wants the girl, to rock hard and become an amazing drummer. I felt it all while reading this, annoyance, love, strength, perseverance, all he wanted was to make his new band better than before.
This book is definitely worth picking up. While you’re reading it you feel like you’re on tour with the band as well (like I said before you’ll feel it all). You get to see the less than glamorous side of becoming a band and touring. And the ending definitely rocked! And Bravo to Mark Huntley Parsons on this great book!
April 29, 2014
Zach is a talented drummer playing for a local band until he wasn't. Kicked out for reasons that he doesn't know, he resigns himself to a summer working a menial job at a fast food joint or the local plant nursery. Then he gets the gig of a lifetime, touring with Bad Habit, a legendary band who gets paid and everything. However, drums are a lot easier to understand than people and Zach soon learns that the jealousies and rivalries in his new group are always throwing off his rhythm.
This is the second "drummer" book that I have read in as many weeks and I absolutely love both of them, even though they are completely different stories. I have played violin since I was eight and even though I wasn't in a band at any point, I understand the love of music and need to express oneself through that medium of art. I have also witnessed through my brother, the pain and heartbreak that a person experiences when they have been kicked out of a band for no good reason. I don't think one has to be a musician or band member to relate to this book though.
Zach is a great character in that he is a nice guy. He tries, even when he is angry, to be polite, kind, persuasive, honest, and diplomatic. There is quite a lot of evidence that Zach has a very promising future in the music industry. However, being a nice guy doesn't always mean that you make the best decisions, like telling a white lie to the girl you like which comes back to haunt you. At one point Zach decides to create a demo of a song written by another band mate and then enter it into a contest, not for fame or fortune, but that doesn't matter--he used someone else's song. Interspersed throughout the story are drummer jokes, a budding romance via email, and a contest win that turns out to not be so awesome.
The pacing was a little slow at times. Zach wanders throughout the various towns they are touring and although I understand this was world building, sometimes it felt like a little too much meandering. Also, sometimes there would be jumps in time without warning and it wouldn't be until a few paragraphs in that I would realize that we were now a few hours ahead.
On the whole though this was a great book that I think guys, drummers, and your band aficionados are really going to get.
Review originally posted here
This is the second "drummer" book that I have read in as many weeks and I absolutely love both of them, even though they are completely different stories. I have played violin since I was eight and even though I wasn't in a band at any point, I understand the love of music and need to express oneself through that medium of art. I have also witnessed through my brother, the pain and heartbreak that a person experiences when they have been kicked out of a band for no good reason. I don't think one has to be a musician or band member to relate to this book though.
Zach is a great character in that he is a nice guy. He tries, even when he is angry, to be polite, kind, persuasive, honest, and diplomatic. There is quite a lot of evidence that Zach has a very promising future in the music industry. However, being a nice guy doesn't always mean that you make the best decisions, like telling a white lie to the girl you like which comes back to haunt you. At one point Zach decides to create a demo of a song written by another band mate and then enter it into a contest, not for fame or fortune, but that doesn't matter--he used someone else's song. Interspersed throughout the story are drummer jokes, a budding romance via email, and a contest win that turns out to not be so awesome.
The pacing was a little slow at times. Zach wanders throughout the various towns they are touring and although I understand this was world building, sometimes it felt like a little too much meandering. Also, sometimes there would be jumps in time without warning and it wouldn't be until a few paragraphs in that I would realize that we were now a few hours ahead.
On the whole though this was a great book that I think guys, drummers, and your band aficionados are really going to get.
Review originally posted here
April 16, 2015
Sixteen-year-old Zach is living his dream. He's still in high school and he's already a drummer in an up-and-coming band. When he's offered a place as drummer in Bad Habit, a better known band which will soon be going on tour, he's loyal to his current band, the Sock Monkeys, and turns the invitation down. Shortly after he finds out that loyalty only goes one way. The Sock Monkeys drop him for another drummer. Their new drummer isn't better, but his dad has built a recording studio on their estate.
Zach's best friend Kyle avoids him before and after the cut, but Kyle's little sister Kimberly keeps Zach up to date. The new drummer still has a lot to learn. Even a recording studio can't make up for a poor drummer. Zach is still kicking himself for not making the jump to Bad Habit before he was dropped.
Bad Habit gives Zach another chance and before he knows it, he's on tour for the summer. He loves it. Zach is smart enough to know he has a lot to learn. With the exception of the lead singer, the band is professional and the members are great. Zach misses Kimberly even though they were just friends and is devastated when she believes lies about him that are fed to her by a former boyfriend.
Zach's story is told in first person with jokes about drummers throughout. The book deals with loyalty, professionalism, jealousy, rivalry, and friendship. The author, Mark Huntley Parsons, is a professional musician, owns and operates a recording studio in California, and writes for Modern Drummer Magazine as well as non-fiction books for musicians, including The Drummer's Studio.
Zach's best friend Kyle avoids him before and after the cut, but Kyle's little sister Kimberly keeps Zach up to date. The new drummer still has a lot to learn. Even a recording studio can't make up for a poor drummer. Zach is still kicking himself for not making the jump to Bad Habit before he was dropped.
Bad Habit gives Zach another chance and before he knows it, he's on tour for the summer. He loves it. Zach is smart enough to know he has a lot to learn. With the exception of the lead singer, the band is professional and the members are great. Zach misses Kimberly even though they were just friends and is devastated when she believes lies about him that are fed to her by a former boyfriend.
Zach's story is told in first person with jokes about drummers throughout. The book deals with loyalty, professionalism, jealousy, rivalry, and friendship. The author, Mark Huntley Parsons, is a professional musician, owns and operates a recording studio in California, and writes for Modern Drummer Magazine as well as non-fiction books for musicians, including The Drummer's Studio.
August 4, 2014
The plot: Seventeen year old Zach is a drummer for The Sock Monkeys until he is unceremoniously ousted. Depressed and on the outs with is best friend, Kyle, it seems as if Zach's summer is going to be a real drag. When he gets the opportunity to audition for a noted local bad, Bad Habit, and embark on a summer tour as their drummer, things begin to look up. Life on the road is a challenge, especially as Zach learns to navigate band life, seedy venues, and his growing, yet confusing feelings for Kyle's younger sister, Kimber. Zach's impulsive decision to bring the band one step closer to stardom has some unintended consequences that will impact not only his future but those around him.
The characters: Often in YA novels written by adults, there is a lack of authenticity of voice. However, the author's fiction debut exceeds expectations. Zach is a genuine character. There is growth of character that any reader will appreciate. The romance is just enough to entangle readers of any gender without appearing overtly mushy.
Overall evaluation: I adored this book. If you've read 'Five Flavors of Dumb' by Antony John then you will love this as well. What I really loved on top of the story and characters was the artful addition of musicality throughout the writing. Mark Huntley Parsons has had a prolific career in the industry and he brings his knowledge into Zach's story in an insightful way that readers will appreciate.
The characters: Often in YA novels written by adults, there is a lack of authenticity of voice. However, the author's fiction debut exceeds expectations. Zach is a genuine character. There is growth of character that any reader will appreciate. The romance is just enough to entangle readers of any gender without appearing overtly mushy.
Overall evaluation: I adored this book. If you've read 'Five Flavors of Dumb' by Antony John then you will love this as well. What I really loved on top of the story and characters was the artful addition of musicality throughout the writing. Mark Huntley Parsons has had a prolific career in the industry and he brings his knowledge into Zach's story in an insightful way that readers will appreciate.
August 5, 2016
I liked this a lot. Zach is an engaging guy- passionate abut his drumming and laying down a groove for his band. This is a moment of truth summer for Zach.
His high school band replaces him with a drummer that is not a better drummer, he is replaced by a guy who has connections to studios and gigs. This sucks until Zach lands a place with a band that is on tour for the summer. Now Zach is on the road, learning new songs, playing with guys who are great players and singers; the music is awesome- the drama- not so great.
I liked the characterizations and how Zach handles the problems that pop up but what really made the book for me were Zach's comments about music itself, making it, singing it, writing it, performing it- this has really changed how I think about and appreciate the music I hear. Thanks Mr. Parsons!
His high school band replaces him with a drummer that is not a better drummer, he is replaced by a guy who has connections to studios and gigs. This sucks until Zach lands a place with a band that is on tour for the summer. Now Zach is on the road, learning new songs, playing with guys who are great players and singers; the music is awesome- the drama- not so great.
I liked the characterizations and how Zach handles the problems that pop up but what really made the book for me were Zach's comments about music itself, making it, singing it, writing it, performing it- this has really changed how I think about and appreciate the music I hear. Thanks Mr. Parsons!
August 26, 2014
Not the kind of book I would typically read but I ended up really loving it. It's the kind of book where you really root for the main character even though you know they're flawed. And the relationship between Zach and Kimber just made me want to squeal with happiness. There were a couple things that bumped it down a star, such as how sometimes it felt like to story jumped from one scene to the next without a smooth transition and I found myself having to reread a couple paragraphs to figure out how it got from point A to point B. Overall though, I loved the story and the characters and it made me want to join a band, even with all the problems it entails.
September 30, 2015
Written by Mark H. Parsons, Road Rash is a realistic fiction book. After being kicked out his band: The Sock Monkeys. Zach decides he wants to try out for another band and gets the part as the new drummer for Bad Habit . Zach goes on tour with them and has some interesting adventures with his new band mates.One thing I liked is the random drummer jokes the Author puts into the chapter sometimes, they can be very funny at times.I liked the ending and I didnt think it was to long.Readers will enjoy this book if they are interested in music. I would say its for more mature readers there is some language in it.
May 6, 2014
3.5 stars
Say you want a book about bands or musicians, but you also want a road-trip novel? Well, Road Rash has you covered. Though I've been on my fair share of road trips to see gigs, it was interesting getting to see a sneak peek of what that's like from the prospective of a drummer in a band on tour.
There is a lot of music lingo in the book, which shows the author knows what he's talking about, but it'll either put off non-musicians or encourage them to do a little research. Music nerds will probably feel right at home.
Say you want a book about bands or musicians, but you also want a road-trip novel? Well, Road Rash has you covered. Though I've been on my fair share of road trips to see gigs, it was interesting getting to see a sneak peek of what that's like from the prospective of a drummer in a band on tour.
There is a lot of music lingo in the book, which shows the author knows what he's talking about, but it'll either put off non-musicians or encourage them to do a little research. Music nerds will probably feel right at home.
September 21, 2018
I was able to finish this book, but I won't ever read it again. It wasn't a bad read, just not enjoyable to me. This story dragged. I never really got into it. Some of the characters were not consistent. Some of the descriptions were tedious. Zach was always right, had all the answers, and was always the victim. It felt too easy. A lot of the plot felt contrived, and even forced in places. I assume the editors wanted to add certain types of situations or more foreshadowing. It really wasn't enjoyable to me. But it did make me want to get a drum set and start a band.
May 15, 2016
VERY good book! If you're a musician or are into things like bands, drummers, or music, then you'll love this book. It has a lot of classic rock references (Which I love). The chapters are named after popular rock songs, quite a few are Led Zeppelin:) The whole book was set up great. It's about a drummer who gets kicked out of his band but goes on to tour with a great band over the summer and he eventually becomes friends with the members of that band. I had a hard time putting the book down:):) ALL musicians should give this book a try. . . bookworm or not!:):):)
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