Book: Old Boys
Author: Nick Spaulding
My Rating: 3 Rock Fists ??????
Hey fellow book lovers! I’ve got a good one for you this week! I found it on Kindle Unlimited and I’ll be honest – definitely went for it because of the cover. As a music lover, I’m always interested in a good story based around music.
So, I jumped into it and was immediately drawn in. This story has drama, comedy, grief, and a lot of rockstar hijinks. It’s funny and sweet and surprisingly heartwarming.
Will Fairweather is a middle aged man who takes no risks and lives a safe and very comfortable lifestyle after the sudden loss of his mother. However, when his wife suggests a separation, he finds himself with nowhere to go and no one to turn to… except for his aging rockstar dad, Red Fairweather, who he hasn’t seen or spoken to in 30 years. Hilarity, self-discovery, and some bodily injuries ensue.
See more of Krystle’s reviews at www.mysaline.com/krystle.
I LOVED this book. Several scenes made me laugh out loud. And everything had this quality of being super relatable, but just over the line of too ridiculous to be believable.
Will reminded me of Peter Gibbons from the movie Office Space. He was just moving through life with no passion. So, I knew that when he went to stay with his dad things were going to get interesting. But I was not prepared for the first scene with Red Fairweather.
I’ll tell you now, I was listening to the audiobook while pumping gas and it was so outrageous a complete stranger felt compelled to ask me what I was listening to. From that point on the book was a complete delight. I would pay good money to see this as a movie or tv series. Red gives off big Russell Brand vibes if that helps you visualize.
For all the laughs in this book though, it was actually a very somber and heartfelt message. Will had to come to terms with his grief and loss and decide whether he wanted to live life fearing everything, or if he wanted to actually enjoy the time he was given. I loved how the book could have these inspiring and almost therapeutic scenes sandwiched between jaw dropping comedy.
Now, there was A LOT of internal monologuing in this. Typically that’s not really my thing, but it was written very well. I didn’t LOVE that, but I didn’t HATE it either.
I also felt like the situation with Will and his wife went absolutely nowhere until the last 2ish chapters? So, I found myself a little annoyed? Or anxious? About how that would be resolved.
I would call this a feel good book, although it covers some serious topics. But beware it is about an old, rich, famous rockstar… so there’s language and references to drugs/alcohol/sex throughout. Nothing graphic or super offensive, but just be aware it’s a little edgier than other books I’ve reviewed.
And to the stranger at the gas station, you should definitely give this book a chance! Just maybe don’t listen to it loudly in public like me.
Krystle Goodman is a crazy cat lady, who loves to drink exorbitant amounts of coffee, and read a shocking amount of books. She lives in Benton with her husband Josh, her son Roman, and their two cats Roxanne and Abby. When she isn’t reading, you’ll find her cooking, painting, or watching true crime shows. Watch for Krystle’s book reviews every other Friday. Send fanmail to: [email protected]
See more of Krystle’s reviews at www.mysaline.com/krystle.