Philip Kerr (4)

Diving Into Heavy Metal by Philip Kerr is both a personal journey into the music and a nostalgic glimpse into the history of a genre.

One of the things that makes this such an interesting book is the relatability of Kerr's journey, even if your journey wasn't into heavy metal. Very few people who love a genre of music fell into that love directly, they started with other things that held the seeds of future love, and as they accumulated, and focused, they found that specific thing they love. show more From Good Vibrations to actual heavy metal, we watch, and for many of us relive, the discovery of a beloved genre.

I found myself thinking back to events in my life that had the same effect on me as a story in the book had on Kerr. I think many readers will do the same. Because I actually grew up with the music as compared to going back to pick up things that happened before I was born, this was a different journey for me. But seeing many of the same acts he did in concert, as well as many he didn't, I was able to both enjoy his journey of discovery while reliving my own.

The playlists at the end of each chapter were fun, I like books that make themselves more than just the written word. I tend to look up things to supplement most books so when a writer makes that easier and more integral to the book, I am appreciative.

Highly recommended for not only music and heavy metal lovers but those who like to read memoir(ish) takes on culture. This is both entertaining and informative.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. show less