2023 was a fruitful year for book reading. Here’s the list of books (in no particular order) we had a chance to read and review this year.
A HARDCORE HEART
David Gamage (Earth Island Books)
“A Hardcore Heart: Adventures In A DIY Scene” is an exceptional book that offers a brilliant, descriptive, and entertaining glimpse into the UKHC scene of the 1990s. David Gamage’s knowledge and personal experiences lend authenticity and credibility to the stories shared within its pages. From start to finish, the captivating narratives will hold your attention and, hopefully, inspire you to embark on your creative journey within the DIY scene.
SILENCE IS NO REACTION: FORTY YEARS OF SUBHUMANS
Ian Glasper (Earth Island Books, PM Press)
“Silence Is No Reaction” is not just a book; it’s a labor of love, a rock-solid proof of the enduring influence of the Subhumans on punk music and culture. Ian Glasper’s dedication to preserving the legacy of these trailblazers is commendable, and his ability to craft a narrative that is both informative and emotionally resonant exemplifies his position as one of the greatest contemporary punk historians.
MY PUNK ROCK LIFE
Marla Watson (Earth Island Books)
Through her lens, Marla Watson captures the energy, camaraderie, and rebellious spirit that defined the punk subculture. The book serves as a reminder that punk rock is not just a genre; it is a way of life that empowers artists and fans alike to challenge the status quo and pursue their passions unapologetically. My Punk Rock Life is a captivating and visually stunning book that transports readers back to the heart of the 1980s punk rock scene.
WISDOM OF THE PUNK BUDDHA
Sam Marsh (Earth Island Books)
“Wisdom Of The Punk Buddha” offers a refreshing take on spirituality, demonstrating that the pursuit of personal growth doesn’t need to conform to traditional expectations.
BUGGER BANKSY
Roy D Hacksaw (Earth Island Books)
Roy D Hacksaw centers this wild story on Glyn and Kevin, two locals who live in Glyn’s barn in Welsh valleys. At first, everything seems normal for these two characters. They’re living a simple life on a farm, watching martial art movies all day and running their own marijuana farm to make ends meet. However, trouble starts once the famous street artist Banksy shows up and leaves his mark on the barn.
SEA, SWALLOW ME
Suki Jones (DIY)
Sea, Swallow Me by Suki Jones is honest and vivid story about 90s Bay Area punk rock scene and her struggle with addiction.
SHORT SKIRTS AND WHISKEY SHOTS
Andrea Janov (Earth Island Books)
Janov’s words capture the essence of rebellion, passion, and the pursuit of freedom. Through her introspective and raw poems, she delves into the complexities of self-identity, love, and living life in unconventional ways.
ROCK’S DIAMOND YEARS
Various Authors (Aurora Metro Books)
Authors such as David Sinclair, Ralph Brookfield, Alistair Young, Gina Way, Pete Clack, Charlotte Banks, Richard Luck, Pete Feenstra, Patrick Humphries, Cheryl Robson, and Robert Hokum examine sixty years of rock music by offering in-depth descriptions, stories, anecdotes, thoughts, and many more about the venues that shaped the London club scene.
CALIFORNIA ROADKILL
GenXCore (DIY)
“California Roadkill” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that combines raw and haunting storytelling with deeper introspection. It is a work that compels readers to examine their preconceptions, emphasizes the human capacity for resilience, and sparks conversations about the complexities of the world we live in.
PUNKS IN THE WILLOWS
Alex CF (Earth Island Books, PM Press)
Through these artworks, the author also promotes veganism, animal rights, anarchism, antifascism, LGBTQ+ rights, love, respect, equality, organization, and power of the community, values that the DIY underground punk rock network nurtured and still nurtures for decades. These illustrations are perfect examples of how the punk rock community works when put into practice.
MASS MOVEMENT: THE DIGITAL YEARS II
Tim Cundle (Earth Island Books)
Tim Cundle’s thought-provoking interviews and examinations of underground music, coupled with his passion for B-movies and classic horror, make this collection a must-read for hardcore, punk rock, and metal fans, as well as anyone with an interest in pop culture.
THETA HOUSE
Jim X Dodge (Earth Island Books)
Theta House by Jim X Dodge is a spine-chilling horror novel that showcases the author’s exceptional writing skills and eye for detail.
THE GRIEF OF GODLESS GAMES
J.T. Audsley (Earth Island Books)
“The Grief of Godless Games” is a stunning debut novel that combines fantasy, fiction, and horror into one captivating literary experience. With Audsley’s storytelling and vivid world-building mastery, readers are taken on a thrilling journey to a world where imagination intertwines with history and myth.
DOMESTICATED VOL. I
James Domestic (Earth Island Books)
Domesticated Vol. 1 by James Domestic is a captivating collection that seamlessly blends poetry, prose, and visual art. With his unique blend of wit and introspection, Domestic offers readers an engaging and thought-provoking experience.
POP ROCK ICONS
Philippe Margotin (Aurora Metro Books)
Pop Rock Icons by Philippe Margotin is one of those exceptional photo books every good household interested in rock needs. It showcases rock history through eye-peeling photos captured by some of the best photographers of the era.
GIORGIO ROMELSKY: FOR YOUR LOVE
Francis Dumaurier (Aurora Metro Books)
From Giorgio Romelsky’s first meetings with Rolling Stones, Yardbirds, Magma, and Gong, over managing those bands, a rivalry between Rolling Stones and The Beatles, and many more wild, mesmerizing, interesting stories, this book offers everything you need to know about one of the most significant characters in the history of rock ‘n’ roll music.
Thoughts Words Action 