Book Recs of the Rock and Famous

John Cusack

2012-02-28T06:45:00.001-06:00

Of course you've seen a John Cusack film. His diverse film career includes 80's staples like Say Anything and The Sure Thing, award winning movies like High Fidelity and Being John Malkovich, and mainstream movies like Con Air, Igor, and Hot Tub Time Machine. The list goes on and on.

Last week I asked John what he is currently reading.

Cusack tweeted, "reading a bio on george sand who's quotes I know but not much else-- saw it in a bookshop."

I knew John would have an interesting read. Here's a link to some of George Sand's quotes.

Look for Cusack in The Raven out in spring 2012.

You can follow John on Twitter.

Photo from parade.com.

Matt Brady

2012-02-21T06:45:00.000-06:00

Matt Brady is the bassist of rock band New Medicine. If you listen to rock, you've probably heard their songs "Laid" or "Race You to the Bottom" on the radio. New Medicine has toured with Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Hollywood Undead and more. I've seen them live a few times, and they are crazy awesome. New Medicine begins their new tour in March with Shinedown. Click here for tour dates. Check them out!

Brady is also a philanthropist and spends time in Ghana to support the non-profit organization, Joy 2 the World, which generates micro-credit loans for the women of Ghana to encourage independence and empowerment.

Yes, this beauty of a man plays a mean bass guitar, helps others, and he's an avid reader.
Matt was kind enough to tell me about his reading habits. I asked him if he reads on tour, if he reads on an e-reader, and about his favorite books. This is what the man said.

"Avg tour -- My favorite time to read a novel is when we're traveling on the road. I probably go through one every week or two, so for longer tours my suitcase begins to look like a bookshelf.

I read paper books. I'm anti-e-reader. I love buying used books because they all have a life of their own. I love the process of scouring a bookstore for rare finds. I love using bookmarks and I love the smell of the pages.

Favorite books... wow. Atlas Shrugged, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, The World According to Garp, The Autobio of Malcolm X, East of Eden, The Story of B, The Brothers Karamazov...

Recently I discovered an author named Larry Brown, from Oxford Mississippi i think. He writes in the grand tradition of Faulkner-- multiple narrators, sparse language, only giving away little pieces at a time. I recommend Father & Son and Dirty Work."

Thanks, Brady! Wow is right. You can find out more about New Medicine at www.newmedicinerock.com and follow Brady on Twitter (@MatthewHBrady)!

Check out New Medicine's "Laid" video!

Eliza Dushku

2012-02-13T06:50:00.000-06:00

You've seen the lovely Eliza Dushku in many shows: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Tru Calling, Dollhouse on TV and at the movies -True Lies, Bring It On, and more! And if you are a guy, I'm sure you've heard her voice on a video game. So you want to know what she likes to read, right?!

Good, because I recently asked Eliza about her favorite and current reads.

She tweeted me some great picks,

"just read Shooting to Kill by Christine Vachon & Worst Laid Plans by Alexandra Lydon & Laura Kindred. Also Just Kids P. Smith."

"in love w "Spirit Junkie" by @GabbyBernstein and her "Add More ~ing to your Life" also "Aboke Girls" by Els De Temmerman."

"and my coffee table favorite "The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy."

Thanks, Eliza!

You can follow Eliza on Twitter here and on Facebook.

Photo from gunaxin.com.

C. Thomas Howell

2012-01-31T06:45:00.001-06:00

C. Thomas Howell has been one of my favorite actors since I was ten years old. He, of course, won me over as Ponyboy in The Outsiders. I loved the movie and the book by S.E. Hinton. Ponyboy holds the honor of my favorite literary and movie character of all time.

Tommy is also known for his early roles in Red Dawn and The Hitcher. He's guest starred in over fifty movies and television shows since then. You may have watched his stirring portrayals on ER or on Criminal Minds as the Reaper. Howell currently guest stars on TNT's show Southland on Tuesday nights as hilariously inappropriate Officer Dewey. I started watching this season, and I'm hooked! He can also be seen in the upcoming The Amazing Spiderman movie.

I recently asked Tommy about his favorite books.

Tommy answered, "One of my fav books is The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. It's based on the battle of Gettysburg, and it's a wonderful read!"

Howell starred in Gettysburg and Gods and Generals, both Civil War era movies.

"The other I'd recommend for kids is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein! A beautiful story that I've loved for years!"

One of my faves, too! Thanks, Tommy!

You can follow C. Thomas Howell on Twitter here. He's quickwitted and friendly to his fans. He also banters with S.E. Hinton on Twitter too. Fun stuff.

Tim Daly

2012-01-24T06:45:00.000-06:00

Tim Daly has been on some darn good shows. We loved him on Wings, cringed at him on The Sopranos, and currently sigh at him on Private Practice. You may have even heard his voice as Superman on Superman: The Animated Series. If you haven't yet, check out Tim's hilarious The Daly Show on Youtube (next episode is January 29). Private Practice airs on Thursday nights on ABC.

I recently asked Daly what his favorite read was.

Tim tweeted, "Cloud Atlas. Freekin brilliant." He also said it was his current and fave read.

Overview of David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas from barnesandnoble.com.

"A reluctant voyager crossing the Pacific in 1850; a disinherited composer blagging a precarious livelihood in between-the-wars Belgium; a high-minded journalist in Governor Reagan’s California; a vanity publisher fleeing his gangland creditors; a genetically modified “dinery server” on death-row; and Zachry, a young Pacific Islander witnessing the nightfall of science and civilisation -- the narrators of Cloud Atlas hear each other’s echoes down the corridor of history, and their destinies are changed in ways great and small."

You can follow Tim on Twitter here . Help out the man, and follow him to get him to 30K followers!

Photo from zap2it.com.

Gavin Rossdale

2012-01-17T06:43:00.003-06:00

Yes, I already posted Gavin's current read in October here, but he's reading something else now. As you probably are, too. I think it makes him even more appealing that he's a reader!

Gavin Rossdale is the lead singer of rock band Bush. He's a swoon-worthy frontman, and last week I asked him about reading again.

Gavin recently finished Just Kids by Patti Smith. He tweeted that it is a"gorgeous memoir of love and art."

I also asked Gavin if he reads traditional paper books or with an ereader.

He tweeted, "Happy with both. It's the words that count...nice to sit with a good book though."

I have to agree!

You can follow Rossdale on Twitter.
You can find out more about Bush at www.bushofficial.com. They are touring worldwide in February with Evanescence, and the U.S. tour with Nickelback starts in April.

Patrick Sharp

2012-01-11T06:45:00.002-06:00

I thought I'd mix it up a bit, and put a sports figure up at the ole book rec site today.
So hockey fans, I give you the amazing Patrick Sharp today!

Patrick Sharp plays right wing for the Chicago Blackhawks who, of course, won the Stanley Cup in 2010. He's one of the leading scorers for the Blackhawks, and unfortunately a recent hand injury will sideline him for 3-4 weeks.

Sharp is handsome, athletic, and yes, he reads.

What's one of Patrick Sharp's favorite books?

According to this week's Chicago Tribune magazine, Patrick lists Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell as a favorite read.

From barnesandnoble.com
Lone Survivor is the story of the only survivor of Operation Redwing, fire team leader Marcus Luttrell, and the extraordinary firefight that led to the largest loss of life in American Navy SEAL history.

You can find out more about the Chicago Blackhawks at www.blackhawks.nhl.com.
Go Blackhawks!

Perry Farrell

2012-01-03T06:55:00.000-06:00

Perry Farrell created and produces the popular twenty year old music festival Lollapalooza. Farrell is also the lead singer of alternative rock band Jane's Addiction. Jane's Addiction gained popularity in the 90's with such hits as "Jane Says" and "Been Caught Stealing." The rock band was ranked 35th on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock list. They have released four studio albums, and the most recent, The Great Escape Artist was released a few months ago in October of 2011. Check out the "Irresistible Force" video from this album here. Perry has also fronted bands Porno for Pyros and Satellite Party (with his wife, Etty).

I recently asked Perry what he is currently reading.

He tweeted, "Brought Jobs on this trip."

Of course he means the best selling biography of Apple founder, Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson.

You can follow Perry on Twitter here.

You can find out more about his band at janesaddiction.com

Find out more about Lollapalooza here.

Photo from wwd.com.

Kelly Clarkson

2011-12-20T06:45:00.001-06:00

As you probably know, Kelly Clarkson was the first winner of American Idol. Since then she has been the most successful Idol winner with two Grammy wins, three Mtv Video Music awards, and four American Music Awards. Her most popular songs include "Because of You" and "My Life Would Suck Without You." Kelly's fifth studio album, Stronger, was released in October of this year. Check out her newest video "Stronger - What Doesn't Kill You" here . Clarkson will continue her tour in January. See tour dates here.

What is Kelly reading?

Clarkson recently tweeted, "Just finished the last book of the Hunger Games .....so good."

I highly recommend this series as well, and if you are one of the few who hasn't read it, what are you waiting for? Read it before the first movie comes out on March 23!

You can find out more about Kelly at kellyclarkson.com and follow her on Twitter.

Photo from news.lalate.com.

Tom Bergeron

2011-12-15T06:45:00.001-06:00

Tom Bergeron is always on your TV, whether it's hosting America's Funniest Home Videos or on Dancing with the Stars. Tom even guested on a Tosh.0 episode this year. He is one busy man and always quick with a witty comment!

In addition to his hosting responsibilities, Bergeron released a book in 2009 titled, I'm Hosting as Fast as I Can!: Zen and the Art of Staying Sane in Hollywood. He is married with two children.

I recently asked Tom what he is reading.

He tweeted, "Don't have a favorite book (other than the one I wrote, of course), but just read "The Affair" by Lee Child. A Reacher novel."

You can follow Tom on Twitter here.
Photo from mda.org.

Our family watches AFV all the time. Tom's comments are just as funny as the videos themselves. Watch for some holiday giggles.

Duff McKagan

2011-12-08T06:45:00.001-06:00

Duff McKagan is one iconic rocker. Duff was bassist in the original Guns N' Roses lineup with such huge hits as "Sweet Child O' Mine," "November Rain," and "Welcome to the Jungle." Guns N' Roses will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

McKagan's band Velvet Revolver has released two hard rock albums and won a Grammy. Duff is rhythm guitarist and singer of another rock band, Loaded. Their most recent album, "The Taking," was released in April, and they just returned from a concert tour. I've seen Duff play live with both GnR and Velvet Revolver, and he's an amazing musician.

McKagan is also a writer. Since 2008, he has written a regular column for SeattleWeekly.com. Read his most recent post here. He also writes for espn.com. Duff released an autobiography in October titled It's So Easy: And Other Lies.

What is Duff McKagan reading?

Duff recently tweeted me that he is currently reading The Invisible Bridge.
He added that his favorite read this year is Lamb by Christopher Moore.

You can find out more about Duff's music at duff-loaded.com and velvetrevolver.com.

You can also follow him on Twitter.

Photo from thenervousbreakdown.com.

Check out Duff in Velvet Revolver's hit video, "Slither." Duff is the blonde bassist with the abs.

Britney Spears

2011-12-05T06:45:00.001-06:00

Pop star Britney Spears turned 30 last week. Britney is the eighth top selling female artist in the world. Her seventh studio album Femme Fatale was released in March with hits like "Hold it Against Me." And of course everyone knows the song that propelled her to superstardom, "...Baby One More Time."

It's wonderful to see that Britney takes time to read.

What is Britney's book recommendation?
According to People.com, Britney is reading The Mastery of Love by spiritualist author Don Miguel Ruiz.

"It's basically an analysis of love and what it means to love," said Britney.

Read me baby one more time!

You can find out more about Britney at britneyspears.com.

Photo from myspace.com.

Angie Harmon

2011-11-29T06:45:00.000-06:00

Angie Harmon is the beautiful star of TNT's detective series Rizzoli and Isles which returned with new episodes this week. You may also remember her from Law and Order and Baywatch. She is also a model, and I clearly remember when she won a Seventeen modeling contest, because I subscribed to the magazine as a teen. Angie is the wife of former football player Jason Sehorn, and they have three daughters.

Harmon is also involved with Celebrity Cards for a Cause with the Bonnie Marcus Collection. A portion of the proceeds from her design benefit the Children's Institute.

I recently asked Angie about books.

Angie's favorite book is Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. She is currently reading A Woman's Worth by Marianne Williamson.

See those cute girls in the Got Milk ad? I asked what their faves are, too. Angie answered, "My girls read Treasury of Virtues, & we just started The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane."

Angie is a sweetheart on Twitter. You can follow her here. Thanks for sharing, Angie!
Photos from whatscookingtoday.blogspot.com and people.com.

Mark Tremonti

2011-11-08T06:44:00.000-06:00

Mark Tremonti is the renowned lead guitarist in two popular rock bands, Creed and Alter Bridge. Both bands have created number one songs including Creed's "Higher" and "With Arms Wide Open" which also won a Grammy award in 2001. Alter Bridge's "Isolation" recently topped the charts. Tremonti is incredible live, and plays amazing, memorable riffs. Alter Bridge's song "Blackbird" was named the greatest guitar solo of all time by Guitarist magazine. The man can shred!

I recently asked Tremonti about books.

Mark told me that he is currently reading John Scalzi's Agent to the Stars.
Overview from barnesandnoble.com
The space-faring Yherajk have come to Earth to meet us and to begin humanity’s first interstellar friendship. There’s just one problem: They’re hideously ugly and they smell like rotting fish.
So getting humanity’s trust is a challenge. The Yherajk need someone who can help them close the deal.
Enter Thomas Stein, who knows something about closing deals. He’s one of Hollywood’s hottest young agents. But although Stein may have just concluded the biggest deal of his career, it’s quite another thing to negotiate for an entire alien race. To earn his percentage this time, he’s going to need all the smarts, skills, and wits he can muster.

When I asked Mark about his favorite book, he answered, "It's a toss up between George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones and Gene Wolf's Book of the Short Sun.

Thanks, Mark for sharing some great recommendations!
Find out more about Mark's bands at alterbridge.com and creed.com.
You can follow Mark on Twitter and like him on his Facebook page.

Take a listen to one of Creed's number one hits, "My Sacrifice." When my son was 3, it was his turn to pick a song to sing with the group during sing along time in a Mom & Me class. Others chose "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or "The Wheels on the Bus." My son sang this song by himself.

Photo from hardrockhideout.com.

Joshua Morrow

2011-11-03T06:45:00.000-05:00

I started watching The Young and the Restless with my grandma when I was 11 years old. Back then, Nick Newman was just a twinkle in Victor Newman's eye. When Nicholas was rapidly changed into a teenager in 1994, Joshua Morrow took on the part and has played the handsome Newman heir ever since.

If you are unfamiliar with the long-running soap opera Y&R, here's a quick rundown of Nick's life on it. Who knew Wikipedia had a Nick Newman page? As on any long-running television show, Nick Newman has had his fair share of business ventures, jail time, rifts with his father - The Mustache, and of course romances and marriages. But what about the dimpled, cordial guy who plays Nick Newman?

Besides trading barbs with his TV siblings Victoria and Adam, Josh is a sports fanatic, Little League coach, husband, and father to three sons. He was also in the boy band 3Deep with fellow Y&R alum, Eddie Cibrian, in the 90's. Click here to see a video of a 3Deep song. (sorry, Josh) To redeem him, you can also click here to see Josh play Nick on the Emmy award winning CBS show.

I recently asked Morrow about books and what he likes to read to his three adorable boys.

Josh just finished The Swinger by Michael Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck. The book is "fiction loosely based on Tiger Woods. Very entertaining and an easy read" according to Josh. Another book recently read was Unbroken which he describes as "unreal!"

Some favorite books that he likes to read to his boys include Ten Apples Up on Top by Dr. Seuss, Go, Dog Go! by P.D. Eastman, How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen, and Quick as a Cricket by Audrey Wood. (Great picks!)

Joshua's favorite book ever is The Last Stand of Fox Company which is a true story of U.S. Marines in combat by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin.

Thanks, Josh, for the awesome book recommendations!
Joshua is very active on Twitter where he frequently ribs his costar Michael Muhney who plays rival Adam on the show. Click to follow him on Twitter here.

Robert Englund

2011-10-31T06:45:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween! Do I have the perfect actor to feature today or what?

Robert Englund plays one of the most recognizable characters in horror movies. Yes, Freddy Krueger of the Nightmare on Elm Street film franchise. Englund has an extensive list of film and television roles spanning over thirty years. You can see him tonight in a guest-starring role in a spooky episode of Hawaii Five-0 on CBS. Despite his frightening character's persona, Robert is known to be a congenial, fan-friendly man.
See?

What does Robert like to read?

Robert's wife, Nancy, was kind enough to ask Robert and emailed me with his favorites.
Robert's favorite recent books include Jennifer Egan's A Visit From the Goon Squad and Three Junes by Julia Glass. As a kid he loved Kidnapped and Treasure Island by Robert Lewis Stevenson and A European Education by Romain Gary.

You can find out more about Robert at robertenglund.com.

Johnny Depp

2011-10-27T06:46:00.000-05:00

I first noticed the handsome Johnny Depp when I saw A Nightmare on Elm Street. Can you believe that movie is over 25 years old? Johnny, of course, became a major movie star after that. He has created such unique, memorable characters like Willy Wonka, Edward Scissorhands, and Captain Jack Sparrow. It seems he can play any type of role and own it. His latest film, The Rum Diary, premiered this month. The movie is based upon the novel of the same name by Hunter S. Thompson. Depp also played the lead in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas which was also based on a Thompson novel.

According to a recent article in the Speakeasy section of the Wall Street Journal, Depp has been reading an eclectic list of books lately.

He is quoted as reading The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson and re-reading Ulysses by James Joyce. Johnny also mentioned he was reading poetry by Dylan Thomas. Find out more about the movie premiere and what else Johnny is reading in the Speakeasy article here.

View the impressive list of movies that Johnny has appeared in here.
Photo from celebritydogwatcher.com.

Gavin Rossdale

2011-10-24T06:45:00.000-05:00

Gavin Rossdale is the British lead singer of alternative rock band, Bush. I've seen Gavin Rossdale live after his solo album came out and recently with Bush. Gavin is very energetic frontman and makes the women swoon while he's singing onstage. Some of Bush's biggest hits include "Machinehead" and "Comedown." Gavin also achieved success with his solo hit, "Love Remains the Same."

What is the last book that Gavin loved? He answered, Blood, Bones & Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton in the October 17, 2011 issue of People magazine.

He added, "I would have been a cook if I hadn't been a musician."
What? He's handsome, talented, AND he cooks? Gwen is one lucky gal!

I also recently asked Gavin what his fave book to read was and what he reads to his two young sons. He tweeted, "Paul Auster-Moon Palace- books every night for the boys."

Good to hear that rockers read to their children!
You can follow Gavin on Twitter and check out Bush's website.

Bush's latest album was released last month. Here is "The Sound of Winter."

Nikki Sixx

2011-10-17T06:45:00.002-05:00

Nikki Sixx is one of my all time favorite musicians. He is bassist and song writer for three awesome bands: Motley Crue, Sixx: A.M., and Brides of Destruction (who are no longer together). I've seen all three bands live, and they are amazing. My fave Crue songs? "Wild Side" and "Afraid." I also love Sixx: A.M.'s newest single, "This is Gonna Hurt."

Besides being a rock star, Nikki is also an author. He co-authored The Dirt with the four members of Motley Crue. It's shocking, entertaining, and interesting to see each band member's view of the same ole situations. Nikki also wrote The Heroin Diaries and most recently This is Gonna Hurt which also showcases his photography. Sixx:A.M. released a killer album of the same name to go along with the book. Nikki also has a clothing line with Kelly Gray called Royal Underground which I have a few cool items from. You can listen to his radio show, Sixx Sense, on select radio stations or online nightly. Yes, he is one busy man.

What is Nikki currently reading? Sixx tweeted yesterday that he is reading Guns 'n' Roses/Velvet Revolver bassist Duff McKagan's autobiography It's So Easy: And Other Lies. Nikki went on to say that the book is "Well written, honest and extremely interesting....Nice to read a book by an artist who doesn't slag his ex band too."

Nikki is very active on Twitter and Facebook, follow him!
Oh, and looky here! Here's me and Nikki before a Crue concert!

Jane Lynch

2011-10-14T06:45:00.001-05:00

Jane Lynch plays the hilarious Sue Sylvester on the popular tv show, Glee. This talented comedian, singer, and actress is featured in many movies including Julie and Julia, Role Models, and Best in Show. She was well received as the host of the Emmy's last month and won a Golden Globe for her role in Glee.

Jane recently released an autobiography titled Happy Accidents detailing her journey to fame. Jane revealed what she is reading in last week's Us Weekly column, "What's On My Nook."

Some of the books currently on Jane's Nook are Bossypants by Tina Fey and John Adams by David McCullough. To find out more of her book picks, check out the October 10, 2011 issue of Us Weekly.

Photo from trashionista.com.

You can follow Jane on Twitter.

Billy Corgan

2011-10-10T06:45:00.002-05:00

Billy Corgan is the lead singer of alternative rock band Smashing Pumpkins. The Smashing Pumpkins created such hits as "Today," "Bullet With Butterfly Wings," "Perfect," and "Tarantula." This rock band formed in Chicago over 20 years ago and will release their next album titled "Oceania" in 2012. They just kicked off a new concert tour last week. Check here for concert dates.

Last week I asked Billy what he is currently reading during a Live Nation Q&A.
Billy answered that he is reading Valis by Philip K. Dick. Valis will be released to the public on October 18.
Corgan also mentioned that he is writing a book right now titled God Is Everywhere from Here to There when asked if he would ever release a book.

You can find out more about the Smashing Pumpkins Record Club here.
You can also follow Billy on Twitter.
Photo from zmemusic.com.

Here's my favorite Smashing Pumpkins song, "Disarm." (My second fave is their cover of "Landslide.")

Sarah Jessica Parker

2011-10-06T06:45:00.000-05:00

Sarah Jessica Parker's "Last Book I Loved" will come to no surprise to SATC Carrie Bradshaw fans. According to the September 19 issue of People magazine, this stylish actress loves Diane: A Signature Life by Diane von Furstenberg.

From barnesandnoble.com:
"Diane is the frank and compelling story of an extraordinary woman and her adventures in fashion, business, and life. 'Most fairy tales end with the girl marrying the prince. That's where mine began,' says Diane Von Furstenberg."

SJP's most recent movie, "I Don't Know How She Does It" came out last month. You can also explore her signature fragrances here.

Photo from binsidetv.net.

Josh Wolf

2011-10-03T06:45:00.000-05:00

Josh Wolf is funny. Very funny. You may have seen him at the round table on Chelsea Lately or on the now defunct series My Name is Earl. This comedian/actor is also a writer for sitcoms and for Chelsea Lately.

Wolf also contributed to Chelsea's latest book, Lies that Chelsea Handler Told Me. I was able to see him on tour with Chelsea and her peeps in the spring. He was hilarious!

I recently asked Josh what he was currently reading. Josh tweeted that he is reading Slash's autobiography (aptly titled Slash). I also asked him if he puts his books down his pants before reading them. His answer was no. And unless you watch Chelsea Lately, you are going to really wonder why I asked that!

You can follow Josh on Twitter.

Sebastian Bach

2011-09-29T06:46:00.002-05:00

Sebastian Bach has one of the most powerful voices in rock 'n' roll. Bach is the original lead singer of Skid Row. Skid Row's hits include "18 and Life" and "I Remember You." I played their two first CDs over and over and over in the early 90's. This Rolling Stone cover was on the front of my bedroom door in my sorority house.

Sebastian Bach is still creating new kick butt music. His newest album dropped on Tuesday. Sebastian has also performed on Broadway, and you may also remember him from his time on Gilmore Girls. In a recent interview Bach mentioned that he will also be in the upcoming movie, Rock of Ages. Though I would prefer him in the title role instead of Tom Cruise!

I recently asked Bach about his favorite books. He tweeted,

"Favorite book ever is keith richards 'life'. Also like henry miller 'tropic of cancer' its like porn without the pictures."
Photo from weheartit.com.

Now that is some eclectic taste in books! Check out Bach's newest single, "Kicking and Screaming" below!

Find out more about Sebastian at sebastianbach.com and follow him on Twitter.

Matthew Scott Montgomery

2011-09-26T06:45:00.001-05:00

You're not going to believe this, but Disney channel's own Matthew Scott Montgomery recently told me about some of his favorite reads. Matthew Scott stars on Disney's hilarious sketch show So Random. This Disney program is like SNL for teens and preteens (and I laugh along with my kids to the skits). On the hit show, he plays such crazy characters like Angus, Rufus, and Billy.

What does Matthew Scott Montgomery like to read?

Montgomery loves anything by R. L. Stine.
He also enjoyed Hush Hush by Becca Fitzgerald and Sixteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton.
Books he's loved recently include Happyface by Stephen Emond and Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Leviathan.

His favorite book of all time? The Haunted Mask by R.L. Stine.

Thanks, Matthew Scott. Go Positive Ayttitude on reading!
Find out more about Matthew Scott at matthewscottmontgomery.com.
Photo from imdb.com.

Watch MSM in action as Angus looking his beast.

James Michael

2011-09-18T17:00:00.001-05:00

James Michael is the melodic voice of the band Sixx: A.M. Sixx: A.M.'s hit song "Life is Beautiful" topped the rock charts in 2007. Their newest album released in May and has already produced hits like "Lies of the Beautiful People" and my favorite from the album, "This is Gonna Hurt." I was able to see them live on their only tour so far for Cruefest. I hope they tour again.

Besides fronting this killer rock band, Michael is also a producer and songwriter. He's worked with Papa Roach, Alanis Morissette, Motley Crue, Meat Loaf, and many more artists.

I recently asked James what he is reading. He replied, "Right now I'm reading Keith Richards Life." He continued, "For some reason I read WAY more books on my ipad than I ever did with the actual hard cover books."

You can find out more about James at jamesmichael.net.
Top photo from dedica.la.

Take a listen to their latest single.

Mike Malinin

2011-09-14T06:45:00.004-05:00

Today we have an awesome Q&A with Mike Malinin. Mike is the drummer of not one, but two bands: Goo Goo Dolls and Forty Marshas. The Goo Goo Dolls exploded in the 90's with hits like "Name" and "Iris." Click HERE to see the lyric video of their latest song from the Transformers 3 soundtrack.

Thanks to Suzanne Casamento, Mike kindly agreed to fill us in on what he's reading and more.

QUICK Q&A with MIKE MALININ

1. How many books do you read on an average tour?

I'm not sure how many books I read on a average tour. It depends on the content and the length. I mean, I read "War and Peace" while on tour. I also read shorter novels. And a lot of history books. So I guess the best answer is, I read a lot.

2. Do you read paper books or use an e-reader? (If an e-reader, which kind?)

Both. I have a Kindle, and it's loaded. But I still love buying books. I'm the guy who kept buying records long after CDs became the standard. So I'm slow to accept change. The Kindle is awfully convenient for traveling, but I like having the hard copies if it's something I want to keep.

3. Do you read rock biographies? Have the Goo Goo Dolls ever considered penning one?

I recently read Keith Richards' book. And I've read a few other rock bios in the past, but I don't really read that many of them. I haven't heard of anybody who plans on writing a Goo Goo Dolls bio. I doubt one of us ever would.

4. What is your all time favorite book and/or what are you currently reading?

I'm currently reading a couple of books. "America Aflame" by David Goldfield and "Gilgamesh" by Joan London. The Goldfield book is a history book about the Civil War that really gives amazing insight into some of the causes and mindsets of Americans before, during, and immediately after the war. So far it's amazing. It touches on many of the questions I always had about the war. So if that's your thing, I highly recommend it.

The other book is a novel by an Australian writer about an Australian woman who travels to Armenia on the eve of the Second World War. There are obviously many references to "The Epic of Gilgamesh", hence the title of the book. It was published about ten years ago. I think I just bought it on a whim. She's a great writer. Very vivid.

I like reading at least a couple books at once. One novel and one history book usually works well for me.

Favorite books? Hmmm. "Galapagos" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr is pretty important to me. More recently, I was blown away by "2666" by Roberto Bolano. Another classic favorite that I share with a lot of people is "100 Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

5. What is your favorite song to perform live?

It depends. Usually ones that we don't play too often. I really liked playing "Falling Down" on the most recent tour. And I always like playing "Iris."

Thank you so much, Mike, for stopping by and promoting great literature! I love that you read "War and Peace" once while touring. I imagine not many musicians can claim that! I'm looking forward to seeing Goo Goo Dolls live next month!

You can find out more about Mike and his bands at their websites.
http://www.googoodolls.com/
http://www.fortymarshas.com/

You can follow Mike here, too!
www.facebook.com/mikemalinin
www.twitter.com/mikemalinin

Joe Manganiello

2011-09-12T06:45:00.005-05:00

TRUE BLOOD EDITION
You know I love me some True Blood, so I'm excited to share with you my favorite werewolf's fave read.

6'5" Joe Manganiello plays Alcide on the hit HBO show. The True Blood season finale was last night, and it was crazy awesome as usual. It's going to be a long wait til the next season in June!

According to the September 5 issue of Us Weekly, Joe listed that his favorite book is The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand in the magazine's article "25 Things You Don't Know About Me."

Brawn AND brains. Sexay.

You can follow Manganiello on Twitter HERE. Click HERE to read a recent interview from The Huffington Post. In this interview, the classically trained actor discusses his upcoming movies including his next role as a male stripper in a Steven Soderbergh film, Magic Mike.
Vanity Fair photo from socialitelife.com.

I also recently asked Anna Paquin (Sookie Stackhouse on True Blood) on formspring.me what she is currently reading. Her answer? "My scripts. Thank you!"
I'm sure Hollywood is throwing all kinds of scripts at this talented Oscar award winning actress.

Looks like this Truebie will be cracking out the next Charlaine Harris book to get my fix til next summer.

John Taylor

2011-09-08T06:35:00.001-05:00

John Taylor is the bassist for the popular British band Duran Duran. I had their posters on my bedroom wall in junior high. This was one of them.

I've seen Duran Duran live many times and will continue to go see them on tour. Yes, this rocker girl is a Duranie.

Sixth grade me was screaming when John told me what he is currently reading. "I recently got turned on to The Slap," JT tweeted me. The Slap is by Australian author Christos Tsiolkas.

From Barnes & Noble:

"Winner of the 2009 Commonwealth Writers' Prize, Christos Tsiolkas's The Slap is a riveting page-turner and a powerful, haunting rumination on contemporary middle-class family life. When a man slaps a child who is not his own at a neighborhood barbecue, the act triggers a series of repercussions in the lives of the people who witness the event-causing them to reassess their values, expectations, and desires."

Duran Duran will be starting their U.S. tour with Neon Trees in just a few weeks. You can find out more about the band at duranduran.com.

Photo from belfasttelegraph.com

Tyler Glenn

2011-09-06T06:45:00.003-05:00

"Whoa -ohhhh. I want some more. Whoa - ohhh. What are you waiting for?"

Tyler Glenn is the lead singer of the band Neon Trees. Click here to see their music video for the hit song, "Animal." I've seen Neon Trees in concert a few times, and Tyler is one vibrant, energetic frontman!

I recently asked Tyler what he likes to read. Tyler tweeted me, "i read biographies...chelsea handler, tina fey, steven tyler, keith richards...all fascinating reads."

I have read Chelsea Handler's books;they are too funny! And Tina Fey's Bossypants is on my To Be Read pile, too. Here's a pic of me, Tyler, and Neon Trees bandmate, Brandon!
Find out more about Neon Trees at their website.

Leah Remini

2011-08-31T06:42:00.002-05:00

I loved her sass on The King of Queens, and she told it like it is on The Talk. Unfortunately, I just read that she is not coming back to The Talk. Quite shocking!

Leah tweeted me last week that she is currently reading You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. (And to clarify, this was before the official news of her not coming back to the show.)

You can find out more about Leah at her website, leahremini.com.

Thank you to Jon Arntson for my cool new banner! :)

Photo from tvguide.com.

Kate Middleton

2011-08-29T06:38:00.000-05:00

She's not only royalty, but she's an avid reader, too!

According to the recent issue of Us Weekly, the Duchess of Cambridge has been spotted reading When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman and the new release The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. See more of her picks in the September 5 issue of Us Weekly.

Photo from styleclone.com.

Welcome!

2011-08-24T07:26:00.002-05:00

Thank you for stopping by my new blog! I will be compiling and posting book recommendations of celebrities once or twice a week. If you have a fave celeb or musician that you'd love to know what he or she is reading, let me know in the comments! I'll try and get the book recommendation for you.

To start us off, here's a great link of 20 Celebrities with Stunning Libraries. The libraries are indeed beautiful. Of course Oprah is one of the celebrities listed, but Keith Richards' library is highlighted, too!

Please spread the word that READING ROCKS!

Thanks!