Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Lovehammers


The Lovehammers are a Chicago based rock band who have released 6 studio albums, 2 EPS, and 2 DVD's in the last 15 years. You may remember lead singer, Marty Casey, as first runner up on the hit NBC show, Rockstar INXS. Lovehammers' song, "Trees," became a nationwide hit after Marty performed it on the show. Their most recent album, Set Fire, dropped last week (and I own it and recommend it!). The band was kind enough to talk books with me.

MARTY CASEY

What is your favorite book?

Even more than a favorite book, I have a favorite genre of books that I read.  My need to read the biography of every great rock n rolla is more than a desire... It's an addiction!  It all started when I saw a book called Hammer of the Gods sitting on my brothers nightstand.  I was probably 12 years old and the title sounded so cool.  I had no idea what it was about and I sat down and started reading.  The colorful tales of a monumental Rock band of the 70's - Led Zeppelin - painted the picture of a life I got mesmerized by.  After reading that book I started listening to all things Zeppelin and wanted to be in a huge band and tour the globe a get into trouble every where I went.  I got sucked into the gypsy world of rock n roll.

What is your last book read (or current read?)

I am currently reading a book called "God's MiddleFinger: Into the Lawless Heart of the Sierra Madre" by Richard Grant.  I drove via Jeep thru 1,000's of miles of rural Mexico in 2007 and had some amazing and frightening experiences.   When I heard about this book it seemed like the author walked the line of fate and stepped into the world of bandits, drug smugglers, Mormons, cave-dwelling Tarahumara Indians, opium farmers, cowboys, and other assorted outcasts that roam the Sierra Madres.  Knowing how dangerous this area is, I had to read the tale of an American pushing the limits of reason and going to the ground zero of drug lord insanity.  I am halfway thru and LOVING this book.

Do you prefer to read traditional books or on an e-reader?

I prefer the traditional paperback style book.  When I finish a book I usually pass it along to a friend and most have never been returned to me.  I hope that good books get passed down hand to hand and the stories continue take the readers into an alternate time and place... The great escape!

 
BILLY SAWILCHIK

Fav book:  Twilight

Last read:  Water forElephants

Preferred format:  Books

Obviously, I prefer to be entertained, not intellectually stumulated when I read!!!

 

BOBBY KOURELIS

What is your favorite book?

One of My favorites - The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

What is your last book read (or current read?)

Just finished - Hit Hard: A Story of Hitting Rock Bottomat the Top by Joey Kramer of Aerosmith

Do you prefer to read traditional books or on an e-reader?

Traditional. Never attempted e-reading.

As far as typical reading, usually books on American History/Presidents and plenty of Rock type bios/autobios.

 
DINO KOURELIS

What is your favorite book?

I don’t think I can say I just have 1 favorite, but I do love ToKill a Mockingbird, as it was one of the first books I read.  The Devil in the White City was another I enjoyed – being from Chicago, I felt a connection.  I enjoy most books by Scott Turow as well…..again Chicago connection.

What is your last book read (or current read?)

Currently reading Slash – I was actually with him in one of the stories he talks about, so it is interesting to have it included in his book…..

Do you prefer to read traditional books or on an e-reader?

I will only read traditional books – no e-readers for me!

I typically prefer to read Autobiographies and Biographies.  Other than that, I will usually check out what Scott Turow has out…….

 
Thanks, guys! You can find out more about the Lovehammers at www.lovehammers.com

You can like the Lovehammers on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Check out their newest single, "Into the Insane!"

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

P!nk


Did you catch Pink's amazing performance at the American Music Awards on Sunday? Pink continues to put out hit record after hit record. Pink's hits include "Get the Party Started," "Stupid Girls," "Raise Your Glass," and more. Her newest album (her sixth studio album), The Truth About Love, released in September this year. Pink has won three Grammy Awards and five Mtv Video Music Awards. She was named the number one pop musician of the decade by Billboard magazine in 2009. VH1 recently named Pink number 10 on their 100 Greatest Women in Music list.

What is Pink reading?

According to a recent issue of People magazine, Pink recommends The Paris Wife by Paula McLain and A Natural Woman by Carole King.  Pink said about The Paris Wife, "It's about Ernest Hemingway's first wife and it's f------ good. I love Paris in the 1920s. I love that whole idea."

You can find out more about Pink at her website and follow her on Twitter.

Check out one of Pink's many hits, "So What."

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Valerie Bertinelli



Valerie Bertinelli received her Hollywood Walk of Fame star in August of this year. And it's about time. We loved her in One Day at a Time, as Gloria on Touched by an Angel, in several TV movies, and now as Melanie on Hot in Cleveland. Valerie is also the proud mom of Van Halen (and touring Tremonti) bassist, Wolfgang Van Halen.

Valerie recently published a book titled One Dish At a Time with over 100 recipes from her Italian heritage. She is also the author of Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time and Finding It: And Finally Satisfying My Hunger for Life.

What is Valerie Bertinelli reading?

On Sunday, Valerie tweeted, "Been reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn all day. Wow. Freaking wow."

Book description from amazon.com:
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller.



You can find out more about Bertinelli at www.valeriebertinelli.com and follow her on Twitter.