Lifestyle/Art

Published on January 7th, 2022 | by Darren Paltrowitz

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25 Great Books Worth Adding To Your Early 2022 Reading List

Few hobbies are more pandemic-proof or recession-proof than reading. Whether you prefer hardcovers or e-books, you can read just about anywhere. Many of us are still home-based, and below are 25 recommendations — all available for ordering online through Amazon and other top book-related retailers — for those seeking some new titles for their early 2022 reading lists.

MOX by Jon Moxley

An instant national best-seller, MOX is a memoir penned by current AEW star Jon Moxley. Best described as “a vivid trip through the mind of the top professional wrestler in the business,” Moxley’s road to success was not long or quick. A self-described “nobody from nowhere,” he ultimately achieved his ambitions and walked away with championships and the girl of his dreams.

The 4-Martini Lunch: A Food & Drink Guide For The Modern Real Man by Keith Previte

Keith Previte is the creator and former chef of Chocochicken, a restaurant in Los Angeles that served chocolate fried chicken among its specialties. In The 4-Martini Lunch, Previte reveals his most flavorful dishes to pair with the perfect martini like Wiki Tiki Rack Of Lamb, Calamari Stuffed With Italian Sausage, Braised Pork Butt With Cucumber Slaw, and Port-Braised Short Ribs.

Previte is also the host of The 4 Martini Lunch Podcast, where he talks about cocktails, cars, cinema, and cuisine with expert guests from around the world. He was also recently named executive producer on a yet-to-be-titled television drama series currently in development about the early days of the International Motor Sports Association auto racing. The series is set in the 1980’s, at a time when several drivers formed a massive drug smuggling operation just to finance their sport.

A Year In The Life Of Death: Poems Inspired By The Obituary Pages Of The New York Times by Shawn Levy

In A Year In The Life Of Death: Poems Inspired By The Obituary Pages of The New York Times, Shawn Levy wrote one poem each day for a year inspired by an obituary in The New York Times. He had no way of knowing that the year he embarked on this project that 2016 would claim so many of the world’s most iconic figures. From Nancy Reagan to Muhammad Ali, David Bowie to Arnold Palmer, Prince to Janet Reno, Antonin Scalia to Mary Tyler Moore, and including a Black Miss America, an obsessive weather reporter, the nurse famously kissed by a sailor on VJ Day, the man who put the “@” in your email address, and the last man to walk on the moon, the lives recollected in these poems provoke compassion, sorrow, outrage, surprise, nostalgia, even laughter. Expect to laugh, cry and learn from this one.

2020* The Year Of The Asterisk: American Essays, as edited by Greg Gerding)

In 2020* The Year of the Asterisk: American Essays, editor Greg Gerding invited 51 people to weigh in with personal essays about their experiences in 2020 with the prompt: “We’re all just trying to navigate and survive the condition of these garbage times, what statement do you want to make about it?” Contributors include Brendan Canty, Ally Henny, Alex Dang, Gabino Iglesias, John S. Blake, Ashley James, Amoja Sumler, Kenning JP García, Isobel O’Hare, Dang Nguyen, Skyler Reed, Wryly T. McCutchen, and Chris Valle. Smart people with smart perspectives.

Keto Junk Food: 100 Low-Carb Recipes For The Foods You Crave―Minus The Ingredients You Don’t! by Faith Gorsky & Lara Clevenger

Keto Junk Food is the latest keto recipe book from Lara Clevenger and Faith Gorsky, who are also known as TheKetoQueens. Keto Junk Food features 100 recipes that can easily and mindfully-fit into your ketogenic lifestyle. The book includes recipes for diner favorites (Loaded French Toast, Biscuit Eggs Benedict, Glazed Sour Cream Doughnuts), Burger Joint staples (Bacon Double Cheeseburger, Fried Chicken Tenders Wrap, Loaded Zucchini Fries), Pizza Night party ideas (Meat Lover’s Pizza, Mozzarella Sticks, Garlic Breadsticks), Asian Takeout go-to’s (General Tso’s Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Keto Pad Thai), Taco Tuesday specials (Chips and Queso, Chicken Fajitas, Carnitas Tacos), decadent desserts (Brownie Bites, Quadruple Chocolate Cake, Ice Cream Sundae Waffle, Chocolate Overload Milkshake), and even happy hour drinks and bar bites (White Russian, Classic Margs, Strawberry Daiquiris). These recipes ought to work with both your 2022 New Year’s Resolutions and living your best life in 2022.

Beast: John Bonham & The Rise Of Led Zeppelin by C.M. Kushins

Beast: John Bonham & The Rise Of Led Zeppelin is the first-ever biography of the iconic John Bonham, who is widely-considered by many to be one of the greatest — if not THE greatest — rock drummer of all time. Bonham first learned to play the drums at the age of five, and despite never taking formal lessons, began drumming for local bands immediately upon graduating from secondary school. By the late 1960s, Bonham was looking for a more solid gig in order to provide his growing family with a more regular income. Meanwhile, following the dissolution of the popular blues rock band The Yardbirds, lead guitarist Jimmy Page sought the company of new bandmates to help him record an album and tour Scandinavia as the New Yardbirds. A few months later, Bonham was recruited to join the band who would eventually become known as Led Zeppelin. As an added bonus, Beast features a foreword by Foo Fighters leader Dave Grohl.

Beaumonster: A Memoir by Jesse Dayton

Jesse Dayton’s story reads like a “who’s who” of American music. In his debut memoir Beaumonster, Dayton reveals the stranger-than-fiction encounters and outlandish experiences that have ensued across his wide-ranging career. After sneaking into night clubs to play gigs in his youth, 18-year-old Dayton and his trio began packing clubs and theaters across Houston, Dallas and Austin. His first solo record which featured great luminaries like Doug Sahm, Flaco Jiménez and Johnny Gimble, hit #1 on the Americana radio charts and then he was off to the races, touring the world solo and with punk legends Social Distortion and the Supersuckers. While doing press in Nashville, he caught the attention of Waylon Jennings and was whisked off to Woodland Studios, where he was greeted by none other than Johnny Cash, who told Dayton, “We’ve been waiting for you.”

Since then, Dayton’s ride across the entertainment industry, traversing genres and formats, has only gotten wilder. Whether it’s playing guitar on records and film with the likes of Cash, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Johnny Bush, Glen Campbell and Guns N’ Roses Duff McKagan, writing and recording soundtracks for horror director/rockstar Rob Zombie, directing Malcolm McDowell and Sid Haig in his own horror movie, filling in for the iconic punk band X’s guitarist, joining Ryan Bingham on tour, or the many solo and guest projects he continues to work on.

Van Halen: The Eruption & The Aftershock by Michael Christopher

Van Halen: The Eruption & The Aftershock tells the story of how one of America’s greatest bands weathered arguably the most dramatic soap opera in rock history with songs that would weave themselves into the fabric of every musician who heard them, alongside an incendiary and unrivaled live show. Featuring exclusive interviews with insiders, fans, and artists who were there to witness the rise, the tumult and the making of legends, it is a story that has to be read to be believed. A comprehensive look into one of my favorite bands of all time.

Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments In An Extraordinary Life by Ray Richmond

Betty White has been in the headlines lately due to her unexpected passing on New Year’s Eve 2021. Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments In An Extraordinary Life is a visual salute to who many have called “the First Lady of Television,” spanning her more than 80 years as a performer and star of such legendary series as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls. Chronicling 100 highlights from the acting life and passions that have defined an entertainment career like no other, this stunning tribute includes a foreword by actor Gavin MacLeod, beyond interviews with friends and colleagues, such as Carol Burnett and Candice Bergen.

Skaboom!: An American Ska & Reggae Oral History by Marc Wasserman

Musician, podcaster and author Marc Wasserman has penned a comprehensive anthology, as lovingly told through interviews with musicians, artists, managers, DJs, club promoters, writers and fans who were there at the dawn of the 1980s through the early 1990s to witness the birth and growth of a uniquely American version of ska and reggae. Through 500 interviews, Wasserman collected stories, anecdotes, history, gossip and, most importantly, the feeling of what it was like to be there as groups of young, ska-crazed acolytes spread their passion and ignited a fiercely loyal dedication to a burgeoning culture

Each chapter profiles one of 18 bands, including The Shakers, Blue Riddim Band, Bim Skala Bim, The Toasters, The Scofflaws, Mephiskapheles, The Hooters, Heavy Manners, Gangster Fun, The Uptones, Let’s Go Bowling and The Untouchables. It also features an essay from Stephen Shafer, a foreword by Horace Panter of The Specials, and photos.

Wembley Or Bust by Jeff Lynne’s ELO

In his first official book, Jeff Lynne reveals the meticulous planning leading up to the epic Wembley Or Bust concert of Jeff Lynne’s ELO and shares the stories behind a career-spanning catalogue of songs. In an exclusive new text, Lynne reflects on his formative years growing up and his eventual success with ELO hits such as “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Evil Woman” and “Livin’ Thing.” From his memories of producing The Beatles’ last single, “Free As A Bird,” to his anecdotes from inside one of the greatest supergroups, the Traveling Wilburys, Lynne also discusses his fascinating career outside of ELO. An essential piece of literature for any fan of Lynne’s.

Eric Clapton Six String Stories by Eric Clapton

In Six-String Storiesm Eric Clapton reflects on a legendary career as told through the tools of his trade: his guitars. Collected together here for the first time are the instruments Clapton sold in three record-breaking auctions between 1999 and 2011 to benefit the Crossroads treatment center he founded in 1998. Featuring some of the most iconic guitars ever played, Clapton guides the reader through nearly 300 instruments as he discusses their provenance, reveals insights about his own playing, and shares anecdotes from each chapter of his spectacular life in music.

Made in Louisiana: The Story Of The Acadian Accordion by Marc Savoy

Born in 1940, Marc Savoy grew up in a rural French-speaking community outside of Eunice, Louisiana, and started playing the accordion at age twelve. By age 20, he was building and selling his own Acadian-brand Cajun accordions. In 1966, he opened the doors to the iconic Savoy Music Center in his hometown. Today, Savoy is revered as one of the finest builders and players of the instrument in the world. Few know the instrument as intimately as Savoy, as wonderfully-demonstrated through his new book, Made In Louisiana: The Story Of The Acadian Accordion.

Queen: The Neal Preston Photographs by Neal Preston with Dave Brolan

In the words of the MOJO publication about this one: “From 1977, rock smudge Neal Preson documented Queen on-stage and off, braving machine guns and Wack Jacko. Now there’s a book of his best work with the band, some of it unseen.” I personally cannot describe it any better than that, as you have one of rock’s top photographers looking after one of rock’s all-time top bands at their peak.

Led Zeppelin Vinyl: The Essential Collection by Ross Halfin

A tribute to the world’s greatest rock band through a kaleidoscopic collection of vinyl, from obscure international records to handmade albums of historic performances Led Zeppelin released only eight studio albums and no singles over the course of their 12-year career. Yet to date there are more than 1,000 Zeppelin singles and 2,000 Zeppelin LPs on the market. This definitive volume illustrates — in full color — some of the rarest and most interesting vinyl releases, including one-of-a-kind rarities, bizarre regional variations, official albums and historic recordings of legendary concerts, sometimes featuring handmade artwork or colored vinyl. The vinyl, labels and covers have been documented by photographer Ross Halfin in superb detail and are annotated with details of their release.

In addition, the book includes over 40 pages of the most up-to-date comprehensive discography ever compiled on the band, with forensic detail. Not the only title by Ross Halfin from this list of reading recommendations…

Metallica: The Black Album In Black & White by Ross Halfin

This one aims to be the authoritative portrait of the best-selling metal classic, Metallica’s self-titled album, with unseen photographs from the recording sessions and tours. Metallica’s official photographer Ross Halfin was in the recording studio with the band and documented the tour that followed. Between 1991 and 1993, he shot thousands of film rolls of the hectic performing schedule and many unique portrait sessions, backstage documentary-style photography, rehearsals, interviews and band meetings. This official Metallica book features many previously-unpublished images, with introductions by Ross Halfin, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Jason Newsted and Robert Trujillo. Printed with a metallic silver jacket with block-foil lettering, it is an epic celebration of one of rock’s greatest creations.

Synth Gems 1: Exploring Vintage Synthesizers by Mike Metlay

A 320-page hardcover book from the creators of Push Turn Move, Patch & Tweak and Pedal Crush, Synth Gems 1 aims to take readers on an awe-inspiring ride through the world of vintage synthesizers. Authored and curated by well-known synth expert and music technology writer “Dr. Mike” Metlay, Synth Gems 1, takes readers on a chronological journey through a unique selection of over 60 synthesizers — some popular, some rare, but all beautiful.

Meant for newcomers to synthesis as well as experienced electronic musicians alike, Synth Gems 1 spans the critical historical period from 1970 to 2000 with stunning photography and detailed articles that explain the history, technology, and legacy of each instrument.

Southern Man: Music & Mayhem In The American South by Alan Walden with S.E. Feinberg

Southern Man: Music & Mayhem In The American South is the story of Alan Walden, who helped to forge — along with his brother Phil and best friend Otis Redding — the foundation of a musical renaissance that emerged from the American South. As a manager, publisher, promoter and producer, Walden helped to bring scores of artists into the world’s consciousness—from R&B to Southern rock, from Percy Sledge to Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Furthermore, Southern Man is the memoir of a life in music during one of the most racially turbulent times in American history. Alan Walden’s passion for R&B and rock helped to shape said musical renaissance, at a time when it took wits and a Southern persistence to overcome the obstacles on the road to success — the tragedy of loss, disappointment, and betrayal, along with the joy of victory, optimism, and hope, and taking a dream right over the mountain.

Dr. Kellyann’s Bone Broth Diet by Kellyann Petrucci

Dr. Kellyann Petrucci is the bone broth diet revolutionary who transformed the health and wellness industry with her expertise on one of the world’s most powerful foods. Thus comes an “elevated release” of her New York Times Bestseller Dr. Kellyann’s Bone Broth Diet, as released last month. An ideal read for anyone wanting to reach their whole-body health potential by transforming their relationship with food and incorporating the power of bone broth, this edition features four new chapters, 39 additional recipes and the latest information on complimentary superfoods to enhance the bone broth diet and lifestyle.

Ruse: Lying The American Dream From Hollywood To Wall Streetby Robert Kerbeck

In the world of high finance, multi-billion-dollar Wall Street banks greedily guard their secrets. Enter Robert Kerbeck, a working actor who made his real money lying on the phone, charming people into revealing their employers’ most valuable information. In this exhilarating memoir that will appeal to fans of The Wolf Of Wall Street and Catch Me If You Can, unsuspecting receptionists, assistants and big-shot executives alike all fall victim to “the Ruse.”

After college, Kerbeck rushed to New York to try to make it as an actor. But to support himself, he would need a survival job, and before he knew it, while his pals were waiting tables, he began his apprenticeship as a corporate spy. As his acting career started to take off, he found himself hobnobbing with Hollywood luminaries; this includes working with O.J. Simpson the week before he became America’s most notorious double murderer. Kerbeck ultimately became one of the world’s best practitioners of this deceptive—and illegal—trade. Until the inevitable crash. In turn, Ruse finds
Kerbeck interestingly sharing the lies he told, the celebrities he screwed (and those who screwed him), the cons he ran, and the money he made — and lost — along the way.

The Meaning Of Metallica: Ride The Lyrics by William Irwin

The Meaning Of Metallica: Ride The Lyrics< is arguably the first book to give Metallica’s lyrics the care and contemplation they deserve. Sure, their mighty guitar riffs and pounding drums are legendary, but Metallica’s words match the intensity of their tunes. Lead singer James Hetfield writes rock poetry dealing with death, war, addiction, alienation, corruption, freedom, religion and other weighty topics. Painting a rainbow of emotions with a deft palette, subtle but not obscure, Hetfield’s lyrics deserve careful attention. A master of narrative, Metallica makes listeners care about a vast array of characters, from a vengeful God, to a suicidal teenager, to a man in mid-life crisis. The Meaning Of Metallica aims to be like a riveting conversation with a close friend. A thematic tour de force that traces Hetfield’s lyrical development across the decades, this companion examines everything from deep cuts like “Confusion” to megahits like “Enter Sandman.” Sure to spark debate and discussion, The Meaning Of Metallica provides a close reading of lyrics dense with details and rich with allusions.

Hearts On Fire: Six Years That Changed Canadian Music 2000-2005 by Michael Barclay

Michael Barclay has penned authoritative, unprecedented account of how in the early 2000s Canadian music finally became cool. While the Canadian wave didn’t just sweep over one genre or one city, it stretched from coast to coast, affecting large bands and solo performers, rock bands and DJs, also connecting to international scenes by capitalizing on new technology and old-school DIY methods. The Arcade Fire, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Feist, Tegan & Sara and Alexisonfire are those were just the tip of the iceberg.

Featuring more than 100 exclusive interviews and two decades of research, this one is also the story of hippie chicks, turntablists, poetic punks, absurdist pranksters, queer orchestras, obtuse wordsmiths, electronic psychedelic jazz, power-pop supergroups, sexually bold electro queens, cowboys who used to play speed metal, garage rock evangelists, classically trained solo violinists, and the hip-hop scene that preceded Drake. In turn, Hearts On Fire is the music book every Canadian music fan will want on their shelf.

Blood & Fire: The Unbelievable Real-Life Story Of Wrestling’s Original Sheik by Brian R. Solomon

Last but definitely not least… This one tells the captivating story of how The Sheik — arguably the most vicious, bloodthirsty, reviled villain in his day — captured the imagination of a generation, conquered the wrestling business, and lost it all in a blaze of flame and glory. During the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, The Sheik drew record crowds everywhere he went and left a trail of burned and bloody opponents in his wake. He was a mysterious and terrifying madman from Syria whose wanton destruction and mayhem are the stuff of wrestling legend. But what those legions of fans screaming for his head never knew was that The Sheik was really Eddie Farhat.

From Lansing, Michigan, and the son of Arab immigrants, Farhat served his country proudly in World War II and was fulfilling the American dream through hard work and tireless dedication to his craft. And when he wasn’t screaming unintelligibly and attacking his enemies with sharp objects, he was busy being the owner and operator of World Wide Sports, one of the most successful wrestling companies in North America. An excellent documentation of not just one of wrestling’s greats but also what many feel to be the peak of Detroit, Michigan.


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About the Author

Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."


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