Review: For Ladies, Gents and anyone who loves music!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 6, 2012
I had read Ms Tyler's other books and enjoyed them all, so was awaiting this release, which I devoured in a day and a half. Not knowing anything about rock music, initially I was a little concerned that I might not enjoy it as much as the other three books. I need not have worried. After a bit of scene setting and introducing the band, we swiftly engage with single mother, Janice, who I really felt for throughout the book. I'm sure we have all seen this chain of events happen over and over in real life.The author once again delivers realistic characters, with real depth, which we can't help but like. Even those we want to rap over the head and knock some sense into, we can't feel too mad at them for long. I am not a fan of reality TV shows, but in the same way as Ben Elton sent up some of the early shows, Terry Tyler does this in Dream On. The collection of weirdos that come out of the woodwork ((namely bodhran playing Glynis) as well as those who genuinely want to make their living from music, rounded off by the barely talented, Melodie, made me laugh. So, whether you love or hate reality TV shows, you will love this book!I also liked the life lessons learned by more than one of the characters, as well as secondary characters like Max and Harley, too, was a sweetie. The very touching scenes about a relative with dementia were particularly well portrayed and accurate.I could imagine the pub scene, certain characters barely getting a round of applause, others getting totally lost in their dreams, to the exclusion of all else, even when it was to their detriment. We've all met people like that, whether rock stars or another pipe dream.Dave, the male protagonist was lovely, but needed a talking to. And Shane, he needed neutered! Ritchie just needed to stop waffling!The bottom line is a very funny book, with warm, real characters that you might bump into down your local.