Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Sex, Trucks, and Rock 'n Roll by Ben Mason chronicles the author’s life as a drummer and moving company owner, and captures his experience of love, music, and self-discovery. The memoir spans several decades, detailing Mason’s evolution from performing in a rock band to starting a successful moving business while dealing with love, faith, loss, and the quest for fulfillment. As he reflects on past relationships, particularly with Shana and Bobbi Jo, Mason discusses heartbreak and the spirit of adventure that music and movement evoke. Set against the backdrop of America’s shifting cultural landscape from the 1960s to the 1980s, the narrative captures the transformative power of rock music and the bittersweet nature of life on the road.

The author draws readers in through humor and a gripping voice. Ben Mason’s dual identity as a musician and a mover creates a conflict between artistic ambition and practical survival. He struggles with his quest for creative expression while contending with adulthood, where the dreams of rock stardom often clash with the mundane demands of life. The numerous conflicts presented—internal, regarding love and insecurity, and external through interactions with quirky characters in the moving business—underscore the chaotic beauty of life. Music permeates the story as a backdrop and a transformative tool that shapes relationships and emotions. Through Ben’s narrative, readers witness how adventure, whether on stage or in a moving truck, leads to profound personal discoveries. Sex, Trucks, and Rock 'n Roll entertains, transports, and unveils lessons the author learned through his unique experiences.

Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

If you grew up in the 1960s, you probably have many fond memories of your family gathered around the TV watching Gilligan’s Island. Dreama Denver (Bob’s wife for over twenty-five years) shares stories and news clippings from Bob’s life in Island to Icon: The Many Lives of Bob Denver. As you read this book, you will feel like Bob is sitting beside you, sharing his life’s stories as you look at the pictures of many of the best-known actors from the 50s and 60s. One of the interesting stories is that one of Bob’s favorite books as a child was Robinson Crusoe. He lived the dream many years later through Gilligan’s Island. The number of enjoyable memories this book elicited gave me happiness for some time. Other information and clippings show Bob’s various TV and stage work. Bob brought happiness to everyone he met and continues spreading that joy through reruns and his wife’s books about him. I recommend this book for a relaxing trip down memory lane.

Who would have guessed that a baby born in New Rochelle, NY, on January 9, 1935, would provide humor to the world for over sixty years? Bob Denver did exactly that. Dreama Denver shared almost half his life as his wife and is now the biographer of one of the greatest comic actors. Her book about Bob, Island to Icon, is basically a scrapbook interlaced with stories of Bob’s work and friends. Dreama's conversational style makes the reader feel like a close friend sharing stories of one of the influencers of the 1960s and 70s. This book is not just about Bob’s professional life but shares many stories about his personal life and the lives of many actors from that time. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a wonderful walk down memory lane as you learn more about Bob Denver and his life.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Stagehand: A Backstage Pass to My Life Stories by David H. Aretsky is a memoir that talks about the author's experiences as a stagehand, revealing the highs, lows, and rewards of the profession. Aretsky speaks on the demanding nature of the job, including long hours, difficult conditions, and the physical strain of working in diverse environments. He leans into the sacrifices required, such as missing family events, but also his true love for the work. Aretsky also shares his personal values, contrasting them with conventional measures of success. Aretsky chose a life of adventure, prioritizing creativity and meaningful experiences over wealth and material possessions. After more than forty years in the industry, he shares the stories and memories from a life well-lived, fulfilling childhood dreams while forgoing traditional markers of success.

Stagehand by David H. Aretsky is a thoughtful patchwork of a memoir, written as journal entries and standalone reminiscing, that is packed with fantastic stories and the cost of his life on the road. The writing is strong, clear, and detailed, and as a reader who knows nothing of the business, I found the conversational style of the writing fluid and comfortable. Aretsky’s sharp observational style brings each scene to life in near cinematic splendor, whether it's a chaotic tent collapse, the incredible beauty of the Château de Mazan, meeting Prince, or sharing happier moments with his ex. These varied experiences are unified by a central meditation on change. His line, “There may be times of desperation… But as a creative person, you must keep pursuing your dreams…” is less a refrain and more his guiding mantra and life affirmation. I love his characterizations of others, the standout being the surprising down-to-earth pragmatism of Crystal Gayle, revealing not just names but personalities, values, and the odd, human beauty behind the scenes. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Quiet Storm: A Historical and Cultural Analysis of the Power, Passion, and Pain of R&B Groups by Amani Roberts traces the evolution of major R&B vocal groups from the 1950s to the early 2000s, examining their origins, rise to fame, and eventual decline. Roberts details the trajectories of groups like The Penguins, The Jackson 5, Atlantic Starr, and 112, talking about milestones such as chart-topping singles, record deals, and internal conflicts. Roberts attributes the decline of R&B groups to shifts in the music industry favoring hip-hop, citing lower production costs, changing radio formats, and commercial strategies. Roberts also connects the decline to the collapse of key African American media outlets that once promoted these groups. Roberts argues that these factors collectively reduced visibility and support, threatening the genre’s presence in mainstream music.

The Quiet Storm by Amani Roberts is a fantastically detailed and thoroughly researched book, the first of its kind that I have come across on the history of R&B groups in a straightforward, chronological format by date. The writing is clear and refreshingly conversational, where Roberts injects his own insights, and the format makes it really easy to follow and to return to specific decades for reference. I found the chapters covering the mid-1980s to early 1990s especially meaningful since that period coincided with my tweens and teens, and it was nostalgic to revisit the impact Boyz II Men had on those formative years. I had also, to my embarrassment, completely forgotten about En Vogue! I learned so much about the origins, key moments, and successes of many influential groups, and their continued importance in music history. Overall, this is a deep dive into R&B and is destined to remain an excellent resource for understanding the cultural and musical contributions of these artists for decades to come. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Powerhouse Radio by Kingsley H. Smith is a memoir that traces his 45-year journey through the radio industry, from his early days at WNYU and WRVR to significant contributions at WUSS, WAYV, and NPR. He began his career in the 1960s, mixing his interest in radio with hands-on experience at NYC stations and working for ABC. Smith played key roles at the first Black-owned station in New Jersey, WUSS, and later reshaped WAYV’s programming. He describes the evolution of public and commercial radio, focusing on his work at WHYY FM, NPR, and his venture into streaming with Powerhouse Radio. Smith juggles technological shifts, industry troubles, and financial tightening, including the rise of satellite radio and digital platforms. Smith takes us into the behind-the-scenes workings of radio and public media, the changes in listener engagement, and his own career transitions, culminating in his move into mobile app development.

Powerhouse Radio: Rough Roads, Radiance, and Rebirth by Kingsley H. Smith is a wonderful book that transcends a mere career memoir and places itself as an evolutionary tale of radio’s ever-evolving landscape. The writing is sharp and conversational, with a perfect mix of personal life experience and professional analysis. Smith's voice is authentic, drawing readers into the highs and lows of his journey through public and commercial radio. What stands out is his ability to pull together technical details and industry changes, like the financial limitations of public broadcasting or the role of AI in radio, without losing any of the human element. His candidness about the business creates a real sense of connection with readers, and he comes across as trustworthy. For those interested in history, broadcast radio, and the workings of the media, this memoir offers valuable lessons in resilience, reinvention, and the power of radio. Recommended.

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

Backstage Pass by Harvey Lee is a captivating memoir about the author's remarkable experiences in the worlds of business and music. From a school leaver to a music manager, Harvey's story is an intriguing mix of challenges, wins, losses, and humor. He was the type of child to fight back when bullied in school and get fired for having long hair that made him look like a rock star. Though he failed and left some of the jobs he got in his rebel phase, the lessons he learned from this period contributed to his impressive accomplishments later in life. Harvey, who loved music growing up and even joined a band, found himself managing a music band and making crucial decisions in the challenging music industry. The book also highlights Harvey's role in the success of Xbox during its early stages.

The smart blend of amusing stories and profound lessons is one of the many reasons I loved Backstage Pass. For example, Harvey shares a lesson about using the toilet before an interview after narrating the time he broke wind during an important interview. Such honest acknowledgments made me love the book even more. His story is an amazing behind-the-scenes experience for those interested in the inner workings of business, the music industry, and gaming giants like Xbox and GTA. It was interesting to see that the Xbox 360 makers were, at a point, "making more money than PS3 and Nintendo’s Wii combined," as well as the moves they made to achieve success. Fans of books about the intricacies of the music business and gaming will love Backstage Pass. It's exciting, highly informative, and refreshingly honest. I would read another book by Harvey Lee without hesitation!

Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite

Ruan Lingyu: Her Life and Career by Patrick Galvan is far more than a meticulously researched and masterfully written biography. It is a precise and impeccably unbiased portrait of a volatile and pivotal era in Chinese history when Chinese cinema was at its nascent peak and increasingly at odds with the conservative government that sought to quash independent (revolutionary) thinking throughout all forms of artistic expression. The tension is palpable in Galvan’s narrative; in a society where women had been repressed and undervalued for centuries, Ruan’s remarkable trajectory from poverty to internationally acclaimed film star seems all the more extraordinary. Born in 1910 and tragically dead by her own hand in 1935, just shy of her twenty-fifth birthday, Ruan was a study in contrasts: beautiful but scarred, delicate yet resilient, ebullient but deeply troubled, attention-seeking but intensely private – in short, exactly the sort of complex personality that invites public adulation and public scrutiny in equal measure.

Patrick Galvan provides valuable plot and character information for all of Ruan's films (many of which have been lost), offers insightful commentary and astute but impartial criticism, and infuses a solid sense of the prevailing culture and society of China at the time, along with historical highlights, anecdotal and archival evidence, and scholarly suggestions for further research. Along with the informative text, Galvan provides a complete filmography, a comprehensive bibliography, detailed chapter notes, and a wonderful assemblage of archival photographs to help bring one of China’s most enduring cinema stars into sharp focus for his readers. In addition, the text is written in an easy-to-follow chronological format. Ruan Lingyu: Her Life and Career is not only a wonderful tribute to a culturally important artist who might otherwise have been forgotten; it is also a sterling example of a finely constructed scholarly biography – a kind of road map for those wishing to explore the genre or perhaps write a biography themselves.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Tonechaser: Understanding Edward - My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen is a work of non-fiction in the music and entertainment history, biography, and memoir subgenres. Penned by author Steve Rosen, the work is best suited to the general adult reading audience. The author, a rock journalist, met Edward Van Halen in 1977 and went on to build an extraordinary friendship with the guitar virtuoso that lasted until 2003. Through this book, Rosen shares the remarkable moments he spent with Van Halen, including their hangouts, travels, and even jam sessions. What sets this memoir apart is the depth of the author's relationship with Van Halen, allowing him to gain insight into the guitarist's thoughts and feelings.

Author Steve Rosen's firsthand accounts of his interviews with Van Halen, some of which are recognized as pivotal in the world of music journalism, provide a unique glimpse into the artist's mind. This book stands out for its intimacy, honesty, and the emotional connection between the author and his subject. I was especially moved by the raw, honest tone of the narrative, which gives you a deep insight into Steve as a person and why he felt so compelled to write about his dear friend in such impassioned detail. Reading this work was an emotional and enlightening experience. It's not just a book about a rock legend but a poignant exploration of the impact one person can have on another's life. Rosen's storytelling is heartfelt and engaging, making it easy for readers to connect with his journey alongside Edward Van Halen. Overall, in a world filled with Van Halen literature, Tonechaser stands out as a testament to the enduring bond between two individuals and offers a fresh and deeply personal perspective on the life and legacy of a musical icon, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Tuned In, Memoirs of a Piano Man: Behind the Scenes with Music Legends and Finding the Artist Within is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, music, and inspirational writing subgenres. Penned by author Jim Wilson, this memoir presents a captivating account of a remarkable journey, intertwining his roles as a piano technician to music icons and a successful recording artist. Through anecdotes of his encounters with renowned musicians like Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Carole King, Wilson offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the music industry's inner workings. Beyond celebrity tales, the memoir delves into Wilson's personal struggles and triumphs, from overcoming a troubled childhood to navigating the highs and lows of his career. It's a testament to the transformative power of music and the resilience required to pursue one's dreams in the face of adversity.

Author Jim Wilson has crafted a mesmerizing memoir that offers a unique perspective on the music industry with plenty of heart and soul from cover to cover. I was very engaged by the author’s storytelling talent. His flair for narrative confidence shines as he takes us through the highs and lows of his journey, from humble beginnings to achieving success on a global scale. His insights into the creative process of music legends provide fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpses, while his own personal journey offers a powerful emotional build-up that brings a tear to your eye when you see everything come together. Wilson's candid reflections on his struggles with panic attacks were also a particular point of emotional resonance that I found especially touching, making it a deeply compelling read that is thoroughly human amid all the glitz and glamour. Overall, Tuned In is an inspiring work about the pursuit of one's passions against all odds, and I would certainly recommend it.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Retro Active Television: An In-Depth Perspective on Classic TV's Social Circuitry by Herbie J Pilato delves into the television landscape throughout the decades to see how viewing trends developed. Join historian Pilato as he takes you through the ever-changing world of television with the evolution of entertainment that includes the early obsession with Westerns, mysteries, and medical dramas. Check out the black and white classics that started it all like Bewitched, then meet the first out-of-the-closet gay characters such as seen on Will and Grace. View the impact shows have on society that saw Doogie Houser inspiring a rise in computer sales through a weekly electronic diary and the creative influence of Star Trek. This book analyzes viewers’ interests and popular tendencies that have occurred to transport you throughout television’s rich and engaging history.

TV lovers, historians, and scholars will enjoy reading this thorough and incredible resource for all things television. From the perspective of someone that genuinely enjoys the medium, this book takes you on a journey from the beginning to more recent trends. The work includes a look at the quirky characters and science-fiction space adventures that have become favorites with viewers. Written from an analytic perspective, the book serves as an ideal source for studying the landscape of television. Television is used to attract attention and Herbie J Pilato examines how it has been used for marketing purposes which is a common phenomenon. It's fascinating to see how public tastes have changed over the decades, going from Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie to more Western-based content and dramas. The book provides many familiar examples for each genre such as education-based programs, puppets, mysteries, and game shows. The content of television programs later moved toward anthologies, talk shows, and country-themed rural sitcoms that saw the rise and fall of genres. Screen gems such as Leave It to Beaver, Bewitched, and Dennis the Menace are compared to the emergence of Nick at Nite with the Dick Van Dyke Show, while Christmas animations have stood the test of time. Each example gives you a well-rounded understanding of television’s history by seeing it through attitudes and preferences which reflect the changing decades. Well-researched and thorough, Retro Active Television is a must-have reference for those seeking to expand their television knowledge, delve into history, and understand TV trends.