Spring Break
Book Review: "The Paths We Choose"
Sully Erna
Issue date: 3/23/07 Section: The Edge
When it was announced that Sully Erna, singer of the rock band Godsmack, was writing a book, most people probably assumed it would be the cliché sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll story. However, he knew that books like that have already been written (see "The Dirt" by Motley Crue). Erna wanted to write something special and unexpected. With "The Paths We Choose," he did just that.
Known by most as the frontman of Godsmack, Erna knew people would expect him to write about the band. Instead, he told stories of his life all the way up to the point Godsmack got signed to a major record label. Although he does spend a great deal of time discussing drugs and music (keep in mind, he is a rock star), the book is really about him growing up.
In the epilogue, he tells a story about getting into a fight with a group of guys and having to use a shotgun to get out of the situation. His stories are entertaining but always convey some kind of life lesson. One of the main reasons he wrote this book was to show what life could be like when you let yourself slip into the violent, drug-induced lifestyle. From this point on, it's just one crazy story after another. Though the stories are in chronological order, there isn't much of a transition between them.
The reader really gets an idea of what his life was like growing up in the ghettos of Lawrence, Mass. Erna was a stubborn kid always ready to prove his toughness with a good fistfight. He got kicked out of almost every school he attended. It didn't matter to him, though, because he knew he was going to be a professional musician. Luckily for him, he turned out to be right.
Erna makes sure to point out that he's not condoning dropping out of school. Through his struggle with women and finding a competent band, he finally made it as a professional musician with Godsmack. All his life he was a drummer. He was in a lot of bands, but he was always playing drums. After he decided to take hold of the music and do things himself, he knew that he had to be the frontman and singer. Godsmack is the first band he has ever sung in or written songs for, and it is now one of the most popular hard rock bands in existence.
Known by most as the frontman of Godsmack, Erna knew people would expect him to write about the band. Instead, he told stories of his life all the way up to the point Godsmack got signed to a major record label. Although he does spend a great deal of time discussing drugs and music (keep in mind, he is a rock star), the book is really about him growing up.
In the epilogue, he tells a story about getting into a fight with a group of guys and having to use a shotgun to get out of the situation. His stories are entertaining but always convey some kind of life lesson. One of the main reasons he wrote this book was to show what life could be like when you let yourself slip into the violent, drug-induced lifestyle. From this point on, it's just one crazy story after another. Though the stories are in chronological order, there isn't much of a transition between them.
The reader really gets an idea of what his life was like growing up in the ghettos of Lawrence, Mass. Erna was a stubborn kid always ready to prove his toughness with a good fistfight. He got kicked out of almost every school he attended. It didn't matter to him, though, because he knew he was going to be a professional musician. Luckily for him, he turned out to be right.
Erna makes sure to point out that he's not condoning dropping out of school. Through his struggle with women and finding a competent band, he finally made it as a professional musician with Godsmack. All his life he was a drummer. He was in a lot of bands, but he was always playing drums. After he decided to take hold of the music and do things himself, he knew that he had to be the frontman and singer. Godsmack is the first band he has ever sung in or written songs for, and it is now one of the most popular hard rock bands in existence.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 7
April Fry
posted 4/07/07 @ 6:40 PM CST
I thought the book was great,but everyone who is a godsmack fan will!!!!It was so interesting i couldnt put it down untill i was finished.It really explains the struggles of life and how tough it is to become a famous rock star. (Continued…)
a brant
posted 4/27/07 @ 12:27 PM CST
I grew up with Sully Erna, we met when when we were about 13 years old! How he met his close friends is not true. He met them through me I would like to tell everyone about all the lies in the book! What he's really like in person, who he screwed over, all his broken promises to the people who trusted him, how he got Rocco to play his music,& how Erin really found out about him cheating on her etc. (Continued…)
kristin
posted 6/01/07 @ 3:25 PM CST
holy shit Yea I just got finished with it and wow that book is inspiring in so many ways.and sully is right...he could of just quit music alltogether. (Continued…)
Brenden
posted 9/26/07 @ 10:19 AM CST
I really like this book. After reading this book, I was more focused on life and how hard it can be to make it through. I taught me to never give up no matter how things got. (Continued…)
Vivek
posted 1/06/09 @ 9:18 AM CST
Sully erna is one of my greatest idols...im still under 18..but his songs inspire me the most..i think he's the best head banging metal dude....
i hope to be a great singer like him. (Continued…)
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