I was contacted by Clea Mahoney who works for Philadelphia Stories, a small non-profit arts & literature publication. They recently started a book publishing division and Broad Street is their first released novel. She asked if I’d read and review Broad Street for my blog and I’m so glad I did because I really enjoyed it.
The novel follows Kit and Margo as they decide on one very drunken night to form a band in order to get back at the men in their lives who are both in bands themselves. What follows is an absolutely crazy ride full of seedy bars, bikers, wild parties, trying to secure gigs and most of all trying to get themselves a decent drummer while trying to succeed in a male dominated business back in the mid-90’s.
The author really draws us into the lives of these girls especially Kit’s and it turns out that Kit was my favorite character in spite of some of the things she did which horrified me. At the start of the novel Kit has just broken up with her boyfriend Dale and is feeling more than a little lost. She ends up going to the party where she meets Margo and she’s feeling out of place with all these people who knew her when she was a couple so she resorts to more than a few drinks which ends in her drunken agreement to form a band. They start practicing together and get some gigs and begin meeting a lot of people. Kit somehow ends up drifting off in the wrong direction in terms of alcohol, drugs and sex though and she makes a lot of really unwise decisions. At the same time you ask yourself is this part of the whole scene or is it just Kit trying to find out who she really is and where she belongs? What I liked best was as the story progresses we can see Kit changing and realizing just how much she really does have to offer to herself, her family and the world around her.
I really enjoyed the book and read it in a couple of sitttings. I was hooked from the first page and interested to find out how things would end for Kit. For those who find the rock scene with alcohol, drugs and sex offensive then you may not like the book but this book holds so much more than that in terms of strong women and finding yourself in a sometimes mixed up world. Anyone interested in forming a band or is part of one would definitely enjoy it. For me it was a fun and fast read.
The author, Christine Weiser is part of her own band, Mae Pang, which she coincidentally formed with a friend of hers and they too had a hard time securing a drummer. You can visit PS Books here where you can read more about the book and purchase it and you can visit Christine Weiser’s website here.
As a note of interest though, stay tuned because in a few weeks I’ll be giving away a brand new copy of the book along with my very gently used one.
This sounds like it would have been perfect for the read-a-thon!! I like a really fun book like this every once in a while…and that cover is awesome!!
Trish, this would have been the perfect kind of read for the read-a-thon. Nothing too heavy but fast paced and interesting. I really like the cover too!
Doesn’t sound like something I would pick up on my own but I’d read it based on what you said here. Nicely done.
I love the concept of the book. I have never read a book involving a band or anything like that. This sounds perfect.
I love books that hook me right away!
This sounds like a great book.
Ti, normally I don’t think I would have picked this book up either and I’ll admit I was a bit leary even on the description but it turned out to be a good read and I’m glad I read it.
violetcrush, I had never read anything like this either although I did live through the 80’s and 90’s rock scene though.
J.Kaye, that’s for sure. With all the reading we do, that’s a must!
Serena, it was good. Different than what I normally read. make sure to check back for the giveaway.
Hi Dar.. I agree with Ti, not something I might have picked up on my own.. .but after the review I must say I am interested. Thanks!!!
Toni, thanks 🙂
I’ll be back to read your review after I’ve read this book, Dar! I saw you gave it four stars on Goodreads, which is nice to know!
Shana
Literarily
Shana, it was one of those books that appealed to me and a bit different from what I’ve been reading lately. I’ll be curious to see your thoughts on it.
Oh, I definitely want to read this one. This sounds great! I really enjoyed your review.
–Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
Anna, thanks 🙂
Sounds really fun – please enter me to win!
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
Please enter me ~ this sounds like a fun and quirky read.
hawkes(at)citlink.net