My Life with Megadeth by David Ellefson

Genre: Biography/Autobiography

Pages: Hard Cover

Publisher:  Simon and Schuster

Reviewer:  Jean Eastwood

JAGS: 7

 

 

This is a true story written by David Ellefson about his life as a musician. He grew up in the Midwest (Minnesota) as a son of a farmer who had no interest in learning the family trade. His goal was only to be a great musician. At a young age he taught himself bass guitar which proved to be very beneficial.

As all “rock-n-roll” bands experience a period of drug abuse, David and his band Megadeth were no different. Essentially David was homeless for several years because he spent all of his money on cocaine and heroin. David has a revelation with G.O.D. which he defined as “good, orderly direction” and his life changed 180 degrees. He got married, had children and became a great dad.  After heavy metal music lost its lure, he left the band to work for the Peavey Corporation for 7 years selling musical equipment to bands.

He moves to Scottsdale, AZ and joins the local church. He starts a counseling group for drug rehabilitation called “MegaLife.” The group would initially meet in the evenings, but then moved to Sunday mornings. He became a minister and felt this was his calling in life. He got joy from sharing his stories and experiences with younger “up and coming” rock stars. He felt that G.O.D.  had chosen him to mentor those who now needed his help.

The book was a good weekend read. Anyone can learn from his story about the dangers of drug addiction and faith in a higher power.

“We received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for our honest review. The opinions expressed here are our own.” –The Jag Review 

Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury

Genre: Fiction

 

Pages: Hard Cover

 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

 

Reviewer: Courtney Van Dyke

 

JAGS: 9.5

 

 

Zack Dylan’s family was mostly supportive when he announced he would be auditioning for Fifteen Minutes, a singing reality show.  It was only his Grandpa Dan, and his girlfriend, Reese, who voiced their concerns about the process changing who he is.  Before leaving, Zack promises his family, Reese and God that fame would not change him. He was auditioning because he knew it was what God wanted for him, not because he wanted to be famous.

 

During his time on the show Zack finds himself breaking all kinds of promises. He is no longer the person he was when he auditioned. He allows the producers of the show to mold him into their idea of a “heart throb”. While on the wild ride that is Fifteen Minutes Zack grows attracted to fellow finalist, Zoey. Zoey is constantly throwing herself at Zack, making it difficult to remind himself of his life back home.  

Chandra Olson, former winner of Fifteen Minutes, joins the judge’s panel this season. She experienced the dark side of fame, when a crazy fan hunted down and murdered her parents. 

 

Chandra only agreed to judge this season hoping she would be able to save someone, to warn them about the downfalls of this life. Taking Zack under her wing and offering him a sneak peek into the world of fame, and all it comes with, she hopes to help him find his way out.

 

This was hands down the best book I have read all year.  Kingsbury draws you in to the lives of her characters. You will celebrate their triumphs and feel defeat in their failures. This novel shows how God is able to guide everyone, even those in doubt of their religion.

Kingsbury shows that with God all things are possible. As Chandra Olson’s mom often said, “God is good. All the time.”

 

“We received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for our honest review. The opinions expressed here are our own.” –The Jag Review