Reviews

The Road Beneath My Feet by Frank Turner

jachinheckman's review against another edition

5.0

The only thing that needed to be done in order for me to love this book was for him not to come across as some kind of monster. Thankfully he came across as a delightful dude with a bunch of interesting stories and some cool insights on life and music. There is definitely some value even if it your not a massive Frank Turner fan, but not nearly as much.

jenjenjenmolloy's review against another edition

informative lighthearted medium-paced

2.5

a_writer_guy's review against another edition

4.0

As a huge Frank Turner fan, it was really cool to see some of the stories behind the music, to see where the ideas for some of my favorite songs came from. I discovered Frank's music way, way late in his career, to a point where I read in this book that he was in my city and it didn't even register to me at the time. One of the most interesting parts of this book, being a late-to-the-show fan, was how it seemed like true success didn't come along for him until much later than I would have expected. Maybe it was just his humble way of portraying himself, but it seemed like he was playing tiny run down clubs and house parties during years I would have though he'd be in much higher levels. Of course, if I've learned anything from this book, those crappy little gigs were exactly the kind of shows he loved playing. Since the narrative is split up by shows, my only gripe is that the show that he specified at the beginning of each section was often times a footnote to the story that came before or after. A lot of times it was pages of story and then "the show was good, everyone seemed to enjoy it." I suppose there's only so much you can actually say about the shows themselves when there's so many to talk about, but still. This was a really interesting look into the life of someone whose music I truly admire.

annlouise's review against another edition

adventurous informative reflective slow-paced

3.75

marieeveduchesne's review against another edition

4.0

As a fan of an artist it is always interesting to read what happens on tour. That is the case with Frank Turner.
Turner makes diary entries about his time on the road and explains how certain songs are born or certain things that made him an artist.
It was at times a bit long, but Turner's writing helped me get through the book at record reading speed.

mmajer's review against another edition

2.0

Frank Turner is one of my absolute favorite artists. I have seen him live a few times and try to anytime he’s playing in my area. I love his writing... of songs, but not this novel. If you know of Frank’s fun and outspoken character, you will be surprised to find that this book is pretty mundane. It’s a rundown of the events of most of his concerts, broken down venue by venue in chronological order. But it’s basically all the same cycle of... We played here. There were x many people in the crowd. The show went however well. We got plastered. I don’t know how we made it to the next venue. Repeat. And there’s a random interesting story sprinkled in here and there. Frank is just such a fun and interesting guy, I was expecting this book to be more exciting. Still love him as a music artist though!

flis14's review against another edition

4.0

Overall this is a pretty good book! I've seen quite a few reviews that say its repetitive, and yes, it kind of is, but what do you expect from a book that's pretty much a tour diary? That's the nature of touring, and plenty of unique stories and events and people pop up along the way, to the extent to which I'd say its actually much less repetitive that I'd expect the average account of touring to be.

I really enjoyed reading about the adventures and mishaps of Frank and his team, and their many many friends. As a fan of Frank for a long time now, I loved this peak into the behind the scenes of his touring life and how hard he worked to get to where he is today.

For any fans of Frank Turner, this is a must read.

dtab62's review against another edition

5.0

Very fun and interesting read. It's essentially a musical autobiography of Turner's solo career framed in his progression from playing basements and house parties to playing Wembley arena. Frank is a very honest and open writer, and the reader at time can almost smell the dank bars and tour vans.

justlizcarney's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0

becishly's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.25