We Could Be...Bowie and his Heroes

We Could Be...Bowie and his Heroes, by Tom Hagler, consultant edited by Tony Visconti, 2021, 400 pgs. 

To kick-off our new, music-centered book discussion group, Rhythm and Books, we're starting with this fairly recent book about the thin white duke himself, David Bowie. But this isn't a traditional biography--it's kind of hard to pigeon-hole exactly what kind of book this is. The author worked with legendary producer Tony Visconti to collect stories from celebrities, rock starts, and artists about their interaction with the famous glam star. Chrissie Hyde, Slash, Dave Grohl, and so many more--all describe meeting the star as their "Bowie moment"--the moment they realized they were talking to a living legend. Each encounter is dedicated only a few pages at most, with brief, hilarious and sometimes illuminating vignettes about how Bowie got his start, how he maneuvered drugs and shifting music trends, all the way up to his final days, as he knew he was dying but was able to keep it a secret from virtually everyone. One of my favorites was Bowie inadvertently giving Grace Jones the idea for her Christmas song during the Pee-Wee Herman Christmas Special (we just watched that for the holiday so it was fresh in my mind). Seriously fun, quick ready, recommended for adults and music enthusiasts. 

Space Opera

Space Opera, Catherynne M. Valente, 294 pages

Do you like Eurovision, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and David Bowie? Then you'll probably enjoy Catherynne M. Valente's Space Opera. It is fully of quirky humor, wonderfully absurd descriptive phrases, and all the kooky times that one could only get if the fate of the world depended upon a washed up pop star singing in an alien organized test of sentience based solely upon a species being able to produce music. Space Opera is a quick, enjoyable read, perfect for a post holidays recharge.