Woodstock is arguably one of the most famous festivals in America’s history, if not even around the world. Even if someone is not a fan of classic rock music, chances are, if asked, they could tell you they’ve heard of Woodstock. However, while many know of Woodstock, not many know about Woodstock. Thankfully, numerous narratives about this exhilarating time exist. In his nonfiction novel, The Road to Woodstock, Michael Lang–the man behind the legendary festival, as written on the cover–details the events that took place at this history-making event. In the beginning, we are introduced to Michael Lang, detailing parts of his childhood and adolescence. Growing up in a middle-class family in Bensonhurst in the late-forties and early-fifties, Lang writes that he was taught to be self-reliant and grew up at the time of the birth of rock and roll. As a child, he joined a rock and roll band, and this heavy influence of music arguably is one of the biggest driving factors in his creation of Woodstock. Lang writes in a way that is so real one can almost forget this is a work of nonfiction. Because of the raw tell-it-like-it-is style of writing and the details of the wild occurrences of this time, you find yourself questioning as you read, “This really happened?” One of the best things about this novel is that despite the primary voice being that of Lang, the obvious writer of this work, the story can be understood from many different perspectives. Lang incorporates quotes from his fellow friends who helped him create Woodstock, and even those of famous artists from the time like Carlos Santana and David Crosby. This aspect sets this almost unreal tale apart from other nonfiction novels. It allows for a better understanding of the events that took place and gives a glimpse into every piece of this complicated story, not just the big picture. That being said, this story is worth the read. Even if you may not be a huge fan of nonfiction stories and prefer to read works of fiction, you will have no trouble digesting this story. One of the best things about this novel is that it reads like a work of fiction. Tying in with that, Lang does a great job of telling the story and informing you what happened, all while still making it enjoyable and creative. He satisfyingly paints a picture of what exactly happened at Woodstock while still getting to the point and telling a captivating story. Lang does not just tell you what Woodstock was or what happened at Woodstock; he takes you on a journey down the road leading up to this wild and legendary festival, hence the perfect title for this book. You may not enjoy history, and you may not even enjoy rock and roll music, but you will still find this story riveting and enjoyable to read. It is much more than a telling of events from over 40 years ago, it truly is a story that you will want to continue reading, and you will definitely be taken down that road and revisit the crazy time that was Woodstock.
In the beginning, we are introduced to Michael Lang, detailing parts of his childhood and adolescence. Growing up in a middle-class family in Bensonhurst in the late-forties and early-fifties, Lang writes that he was taught to be self-reliant and grew up at the time of the birth of rock and roll. As a child, he joined a rock and roll band, and this heavy influence of music arguably is one of the biggest driving factors in his creation of Woodstock.
Lang writes in a way that is so real one can almost forget this is a work of nonfiction. Because of the raw tell-it-like-it-is style of writing and the details of the wild occurrences of this time, you find yourself questioning as you read, “This really happened?”
One of the best things about this novel is that despite the primary voice being that of Lang, the obvious writer of this work, the story can be understood from many different perspectives. Lang incorporates quotes from his fellow friends who helped him create Woodstock, and even those of famous artists from the time like Carlos Santana and David Crosby. This aspect sets this almost unreal tale apart from other nonfiction novels. It allows for a better understanding of the events that took place and gives a glimpse into every piece of this complicated story, not just the big picture.
That being said, this story is worth the read. Even if you may not be a huge fan of nonfiction stories and prefer to read works of fiction, you will have no trouble digesting this story. One of the best things about this novel is that it reads like a work of fiction. Tying in with that, Lang does a great job of telling the story and informing you what happened, all while still making it enjoyable and creative. He satisfyingly paints a picture of what exactly happened at Woodstock while still getting to the point and telling a captivating story. Lang does not just tell you what Woodstock was or what happened at Woodstock; he takes you on a journey down the road leading up to this wild and legendary festival, hence the perfect title for this book.