Every Sunday we are taking a look at the world of books. I read a lot and always want to share my opinions on what I read, so I thought it would be fun to write reviews. Today we are looking at an autobiography by the frontman of the band Sum 41.

Walking Disaster (2024)

Deryck Whibley

Synopsis

This candid memoir of punk rock, fame, and endurance from Deryck Whibley, lead singer of Sum 41, follows Whibley’s rise from a punk kid in Canada to an international star.

From his earliest days as a kid in Canada, Deryck Whibley was a punk who loved music and couldn’t wait to achieve something bigger and better than the humble path that lay before him. Raised by a single mom and constantly moving from place to place, Deryck was used to being the new kid, starting fights (or finishing them), and finding friends who shared his sensibility for chaotic fun and loud music. Sum 41 was born of a group of friends who loved to jam, shared a DIY ethos, and were determined to be rock stars one day.

Walking Disaster is Deryck’s story, but it is also the untold story of Sum 41. Deryck takes you backstage, into the recording booth, and through the highest highs and lowest lows of the band whose story is inextricably woven with his own.

With his insightful, earnest, and genuine voice, Deryck gets real about fame, fortune, and the music industry. From winning at the MTV Video Music Awards, being nominated for a Grammy, his high-profile relationships and friendships, contending with invasive paparazzi, and suffering from health issues that brought him to the brink, Deryck offers a forthright and unforgettable memoir.

– from Waterstones website

Positive Points

If you are looking for an autobiography full of rough, tough, drugs, sex and rock and roll then this is the book for you. This book does not hold back on the raw emotions and experiences that Deryck Whibley went through when he was part of the band Sum 41. It delves into some really serious stories about abuse as well that are in depth and gives you a glimpse of what the industry can be like. If you listen to the audio book he also sings some of the songs which is a really nice touch.

Negative Points

If you are not a fan of Sum 41 fan then you may not like this book. Also at times te story can be a tad repetitive that you tent to want it to move a but faster.

Overall Review

This was actually a really good read, I thought it would not be as interesting as it actually was. There are some really intense chapters that make you want to keep turning the pages. There are sections that are a bit dull but stick with it.

Rating : **** 4 Stars

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