Steve Almond

Drooling fanatic, n. 1. One who drools in the presence of beloved rock stars. 2. Any of a genus of rock-and-roll wannabes/geeks who walk around with songs constantly ringing in their ears, own more than 3,000 albums, and fall in love with at least one record per week. With a life that's spanned the phonographic ... (more)era and the digital age, Steve Almond lives to Rawk. Like you, he's secretly longed to live the life of a rock star, complete with insane talent, famous friends, and hotel rooms to be trashed. Also like you, he's content (sort of) to live the life of a rabid fan, one who has converted his unrequited desires into a (sort of) noble obsession. Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life traces Almond's passion from his earliest (and most wretched) rock criticism to his eventual discovery of a music-crazed soul mate and their subsequent production of two little superfans. Along the way, Almond reflects on the delusional power of songs, the awkward mating habits of drooling fanatics, and why Depression Songs actually make us feel so much better. The book also includes: - sometimes drunken interviews with America's finest songwriters - a recap of the author's terrifying visit to Graceland while stoned - a vigorous and credibility-shattering endorsement of Styx's Paradise Theater - recommendations you will often choose to ignore - a reluctant exegesis of the Toto song "Africa" - obnoxious lists sure to irritate rock critics Steve is also the author of Candyfreak, Not that You Asked, and My Life in Heavy Metal. "Almond deftly straddles the line between intellectual and fan. He veers smoothly between funny, cruel takedowns of rock fatuity while registering its emotional impact ... a hilarious riff on the power of music." — Publishers Weekly

Harvard Book Store is excited to host New York Times best-selling author STEVE ALMOND, as he presents Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life, a musical extravaganza in celebration of his new book about obsessive fandom. The evening will include literary explorations of classic hits by Styx, Toto, and other ... (more)bands you are now ashamed to admit you once loved, along with other selections from the book, which Publishers Weekly calls "a hilarious riff on the power of music." The show will close with a live set by the utterly rocking Boris McCutcheon & The Salt Licks. With a life that’s spanned the phonographic era and the digital age, Steve Almond lives to Rawk. Like you, he’s secretly longed to live the life of a rock star, complete with insane talent, famous friends, and hotel rooms to be trashed. Also like you, he’s had to settle for the life of a rabid fan, one who has converted his unrequited desires into a (sort of) noble obsession. Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life traces Almond’s passion from his earliest (and most wretched) rock criticism to his eventual discovery of a music-crazed soul mate and their subsequent production of two little superfans. Along the way, Almond reflects on the delusional power of songs, the awkward mating habits of drooling fanatics, and why Depression Songs actually make us feel so much better. The book also includes: • sometimes drunken interviews with America’s finest songwriters • a recap of the author’s terrifying visit to Graceland while stoned • a reluctant exegesis of the Toto song “Africa” • obnoxious lists sure to piss off rock critics "Required reading for all us fans and musicians who belong to the Church of Rock and Roll." —Aimee Mann $7 tickets are ON SALE NOW, and are available for purchase online at harvard.com, at Harvard Book Store, and over the phone with a credit card (617.661.1515). Please note that the ticket price includes the reading and a live music set. These tickets cannot be used as coupons.

Harvard Book Store is excited to host local author STEVE ALMOND (Candyfreak, My Life in Heavy Metal) as he reads from his new book, This Won't Take but a Minute, Honey, and discusses why he chose to publish the book using Harvard Book Store's Espresso Book Machine. Audience members will be able to buy ... (more)their own special editions of the book—to be printed up during the reading. This Won't Take but a Minute, Honey is a quirky resource for budding writers, a sort of freaky Strunk and White. Read through in one direction to find tiny little short stories of a page each. Flip the book over and find mini essays on the psychology and practice of writing. Whichever way you look at it, you're sure to find a nugget of inspiration for your next project.

Panel: "The Comic Ghetto" Charles Baxter, Chuck Klosterman, Steve Almond Moderator: Jan Daley Jury

Panel: "What's So Funny?" Chuck Klosterman, Steve Almond, Karen Russell, Greg Williamson Moderator: Rex Sorgatz

Reading.

Steve Almond will be reading from and signing copies of "Not That You Asked," recently released in paperback. Copies in hardback and paperback will be available for purchase. He is also the author of the acclaimed story collection "My Life in Heavy Metal" and The Evil B.B. Chow, Candyfreak, and Which ... (more)Brings Me to You, co-written with Julianna Baggott. He is a regular commentator on the NPR affiliate WBUR in Boston and teaches creative writing at Grub Street. Steve Almond lives outside Boston with his wife and baby daughter Josephine.

STEVE ALMOND: NOT THAT YOU ASKED 7pm Join certified Candyfreak and New York Times bestselling author Steve Almond as he reads assorted depravities from his new book of essays, Not That You Asked: Rants, Exploits, and Obsessions, then invites audience members
to experience the unveiling of the official ... (more)"Booze Pig Truffle," as crafted by that fearless (and pickled) man of letters, Phoenix New Times' own Booze Pig, Colin Redding. Don't miss this evening of literary mouth-love and libidinal excess!
SEATING begins one hour before the event. Lettered tickets
(free with book purchase) will be called alphabetically to fill seats and will also be used to form the booksigning line.
Seating opens to the general public fifteen minutes before the event, so please arrive early, as space is limited.

Meet Steve Almond!

Beloved funnyman Steve Almond comes to Malaprop’s to read from his recent nonfiction book, (Not that You Asked), now out in paperback! The author of Which Brings Me to You, Candyfreak, The Evil B.B. Chow, and My Life in Heavy Metal will no doubt entertain with his infamous wicked wit. Don’t miss ... (more)it!