Rock-n-Roll Reads

Below are a collection of books that deal with everything rock-n-roll. From band geeks to rock gods, from playing in a garage band to making it in the big times. "For those about to rock ... We Salute You!"

King Dork by Frank Portman

Tom Henderson is a typical American high school loser until he discovers his deceased father's copy of the Salinger classic. Soon Tom finds himself in the middle of several interlocking conspiracies and at least half a dozen mysteries involving dead people, naked people, fake people, ESP, blood, a secret code, guitars, monks, witchcraft, the Bible, girls, the Crusades, a devil head, and rock and roll. And it all looks like it's just the tip of a very odd iceberg of clues that may very well unravel the puzzle of his father's death and-oddly-reveal the secret to attracting semihot girls. Being in a band could possibly be the secret to the girl thing-but good luck finding a drummer who can count to four. (FIC PORTMAN)

The Exes by Pagan Kennedy

The Exes, an up-and-coming indie band, is made up of people who used to be lovers. Progressing from jam sessions in a basement to second-rate clubs to a cross-country tour that requires them to share seedy hotel rooms -- with their exes -- the four band members reveal their quirks, their problems, and their fantasies in alternating narratives. (FIC KENNEDY)

Guitar Girl by Sarra Manning

Seventeen-year-old Molly Montgomery never planned on becoming famous. Molly's band, The Hormones, was just supposed to be about mucking around and having fun. But when the deliciously dangerous Dean and his friend T join the band, things start happening fast. Soon The Hormones are front-page news, and their debut album is rocketing up the charts. Molly is the force behind the band, but the hazards of fame, first love, screaming fans, and sleazy managers are forcing the newly crowned teen queen of grrl angst close to the edge. Fame never comes for free, and Molly's about to find out what it costs. (FIC MANNING)

Tribute to Another Dead Rock Star by Randy Powell

15-year-old Grady returns to his hometown three years after the death of his mother, a famous hard-rocker, to speak at a concert performed in her memory. (FIC POWELL)

Rockstar, Superstar by Blake Nelson

When a high school bass guitar player joins a rock group which is about to make it big, his new focus on his music career forces a crisis in his relationship with his girlfriend. (FIC NELSON)