Reading Is Fundamental: Your Favorite Bands Dish On Their Favorite Books
Summer is in full swing and that means pools, barbecues, road trips and a break from school—except if you’re one of those people tasked with the dreaded summer reading list. However, you might be surprised to know that some of your favorite bands read a ton on their own. Read on to find out what members of Senses Fail, Silverstein, Ghost Thrower, letlive., A Loss For Words, Hot Water Music and others enjoy reading during those long, boring drives—or in between tours.
Kevin Devine
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
I am currently in the middle of three books and moving slowly: The Pale King by David Foster Wallace, Marable Manning’s book on Malcolm X, and a book called The Ethical Slut about challenging what we broadly accept as normal or correct social sexual relations.
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
At home, it’s on the subway and before I go to bed. On tour it used to be constantly, whenever I wasn’t driving the van. Now, with smart phones, it’s whenever I guilt myself into actually doing it.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
I actually got a Kindle as a Christmas present from my manager and his family. The David Foster Wallace and Manning books I’m reading on there. The other one [The Ethical Slut] is a physical copy.
What is your all-time-favorite book?
I am really bad at answering questions like that. I’m spooked by anything so all-encompassing. It feels too declarative. I guess it’s probably something kind of cliché; something I’ve been in love with since adolescence like [J.D. Salinger’s] Nine Stories or something. I’ll tell you my favorite book I’ve read this year: Just Kids by Patti Smith. Beautiful, generous, highly recommended.
Jonas Ladekjaer of Emarosa
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
Right now I am reading The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, which talks about preparing yourself for death and why it is so important in order to live your life to the fullest. It’s heavy stuff!
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
I have been getting in the habit of waking up early and reading for a while, preferably outside, before getting ready for the day. On the fall AP Tour last year, I spent many hours reading in my bunk at night after hitting the road.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
Old-school all the way! There’s something much more appealing about owning and reading out of a physical copy to me. Even if I borrow a book from somebody, I’ll usually end up buying it myself if I like it.
What is your all-time-favorite book?
So far it’s the book I am reading right now, [The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying] no doubt. It’s a life-changing experience for me, as well as our drummer, Lukas [Koszewski], who is reading it too. I highly suggest for anyone to read it.
Buddy Nielsen of Senses Fail
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
The last book I read was Game Of Thrones, and I am now on the second book of the series called Clash Of Kings.
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
On the subway and bus to and from work.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
Old school. I really don’t like reading on the Kindle or any of those other electronic readers.
What is your all-time-favorite book?
Women by Charles Bukowski.
Colin Corley of So Many Ways
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
The last book I finished was called Dark Prophecy by Anthony Zuiker. It’s the second book in the Level 26 series, which I'm really into.
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
I find myself reading the most whenever I get bored or if I get recommended a good book by one of my friends.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
Old school, all the way!
What is your all time favorite book?
My favorite book of all time would probably be the first book in the series I previously mentioned called Level 26. When I first bought it, I couldn't put it down and finished it in thirty six hours or so.
Mike Adams of A Loss For Words
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
I actually just started H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. I’ve read The Island of Dr. Moreau, Invisible Man, and The Time Machine, and really enjoyed them, so this was one I’ve been looking forward to.
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
I don’t drive much on tour, so I do read a lot on the road, but when I’m home from tour I sit around and read most of the time. I’m a bum.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
I have a Kindle, which might be the love of my life. People are anti-eReaders because not much can replace the feel and the smell of an old or beaten-up book, but when you live out of a backpack and on the road, it’s just way more convenient. Plus, on my Kindle I can stay on Facebook and Twitter at the same time as I read. Free 3G baby!
What is your all-time-favorite book?
That’s a really hard question. When I was a kid, it was definitely Maniac Magee, but I’d have to say now it would be The Stand by Stephen King. He really is the best! Or as cliché as it is, For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Billy Hamilton of Silverstein
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
I recently started reading Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse. My best friend gave me a copy for Christmas, as it’s her favorite book, and I’ve finally gotten around to reading it.
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
Touring internationally usually gives me a lot of time to read in airports and on planes, so I find that’s when I do the most reading.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
I'm still kicking it old-school!
What is your all time favorite book?
I think Killing Yourself To Live by Chuck Klosterman is my favorite book. It is written as a traveling diary by a music snob and heavily romanticizes nostalgia—which is all super relatable for me. I started reading it and had a hard time putting it down. I think I finished it in two sittings.
Sean Stockham of Middle Class Rut
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
True Grit.
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
The only time I get a chance to read is on long van drives or on [an] airplane.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
All of the above. I read magazines, books made of paper, and eBooks on my iPad. I prefer the old fashioned way to the eBooks.
What is your all time favorite book?
Little Critter: I Was So Mad, by Mercer Mayer.
Tim Landers of Transit
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
Kafka On The Shore by Haruki Murakami is the last book I read. It was a strange one, with a lot of twists, but I actually really liked it. Although, I will admit the only reason I was reading it was because our other guitarist, Torre [Cioffi], paid me $40 to do his last English assignment.
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
Mostly [I read] when I’m at home. I try to read in the van on tour. Sometimes I’ll have a few solid day streaks, but I normally end up getting distracted and left with a bunch of unfinished books.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
Old-school for life. I don’t like reading off screens.
What is your all-time-favorite book?
Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. Don’t really need to explain that one. It’s just amazing.
Christian Holden of The Hotel Year
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
I just read The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff and I am currently reading Demanding the Impossible by Peter Marshall.
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
[I’m reading] really at any time and anywhere.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
Old-school. Never had the money for one of those fancy things.
What is your all time favorite book?
Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace Llewellyn or Endgame by Derrick Jensen.
Jimmy Stadt of Polar Bear Club
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
I'm currently reading A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin. [It is] the third book in the Song of Fire and Ice series.
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
I try and read on tour, but I’m really easily distracted. At home in the morning with a cup of coffee is how I read most of the time. It’s insane, it took me five months to finish book one of the series because I was touring off and on. But [it] only [took] two weeks to finish book two, all because I was home and free from distractions.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
It’ll be a while before I switch to eBooks. I just love the smell and feel of real paper in your hand. That’s just me, though.
What is your all-time-favorite book?
This is really hard. I’m huge into Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, but for my favorite book of all time I’ll go with Cassavetes on Cassavetes. It’s essentially the biography of John Cassavetes with some behind-the-scene stories of his films getting made.
MC Lars
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
The Gospel of Hip-Hop by KRS-One. It’s an amazing look at the history of hip-hop by one of its originators. What I love most about the book is its thesis: KRS posits that hip-hop feeds a basic human need that goes back to our genesis as a species. There is so much positivity and inspiration in this book. I recommend it to everyone.
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
On the Warped Tour this summer, I’ve been trying to sneak into my bunk after the parties and find time for reading. It’s important when I’m out on an amazing or grueling tour like this, because quiet time for introspection is a great counterbalance to the noise and pressures of being on the road. I love to read at night before I fall to sleep, and I try to read a book a week when I’m at home, a book a month when I’m on tour. I was an English major in college, and I’ve taken a bunch of speed-reading courses, so I feel like I’m good reader. Books are my best friends. I’m an introverted dude, but I’m okay with that.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
I usually read old-school books, but I’ve increasingly been reading on my iPhone. Not to encourage piracy, but I’ve discovered a lot of great torrent sites where you can download free .PDFs of basically any book in print. I always have a few on my phone that I’m reading after soundcheck or when it’s slow at the merch booth. Technology rules! It’s sure a lot better than Tweeting all day.
What is your all time favorite book?
Confederacy Of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole is the greatest book ever written. It’s the story of a Will Ferrell-esque manchild named Ignatius J. Reilly and his experience with 20th century New Orleans. The cast of characters is hilarious and reflects the strata of society. It’s satire at its finest. Sadly, it was Toole’s most famous work; he committed suicide before it was published. However, he sure left a great legacy. Cop that ish!
Ryan Jay Johnson of letlive.
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
I’m currently reading Island by Aldous Huxley. Nothing is better than a little criticism on the poisonous nature of human nature and modern culture.
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
Surprisingly, when I have time off of the road. There are moments where I’ll take time to immerse myself in a book on the road, but it can be hard to bring yourself around to it when overwhelmed with dealings on tour.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
Old school. I actually worked at Barnes and Noble for five years, and learned a lot about the perceived “evil” that is e-reading; in the end, it’s all preference. I’m not particularly against it, considering its convenience and portability, but I love the feeling and experience of an actual book.
What is your all time favorite book?
The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky. Known as one of the greatest novels in history, and teaches you everything you need to know about life. Read on.
Chuck Ragan
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
I’m reading Robert Kull’s Solitude: Seeking Wisdom In Extremes.
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
I usually read when I don’t plan to or while I’m in transit from one city to the next.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
I’m totally old-school—hard, tangible books.
What is your all time favorite book?
Right now I’d say Walden by Henry David Thoreau.
Andrew “Koji” Shiraki
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
I always read two books at once. Currently, I’m reading Out Of Exile: The Abducted and Displaced People Of Sudan, which is a first-hand account by refugees and abductees and their escape from the wards in Darfur and South Sudan, political and religious persecution and from abduction by militias. The second book is the graphic novel, Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi. Both books are must-reads.
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
Summertime and during the holidays is when I can get through serious reading. It’s so tough when you’re on a solo tour to find the time!
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
Paper, always! As an artist/designer, I will always have a love affair with print.
What is your all-time-favorite book?
Growing up, A People’s History Of the United States by Howard Zinn altered the trajectory of my life by reframing and reshaping my understanding of American history. His voice will be dearly missed! Tied for first is a book called What Is the What: The Autobiography Of Valentino Achak Deng by Dave Eggers. Stories and history have shaped my life in a way that I will always be grateful for.
Travis Alexander of Ghost Thrower
What is the last book you read or are currently in the middle of reading?
I’m currently reading The Gunslinger, the first book in Stephen King's series The Dark Tower. It rules. Also, I’ve almost finished the Preacher graphic-novel series. So excited to finish both!
When and where do you find yourself reading the most?
I read mostly in transit to work or to/from NYC. It's usually the only time I have to myself.
How are you reading: old-school or eBook (e.g., Kindle, Nook, etc.)?
I am exclusively pro-real-book. The Kindle, the Nook and iBooks are going to do to book publishing what Napster did to the music industry.
What is your all-time-favorite book?
It's a tough call. I'm going to have to say a tie between Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut and anything by H.P. Lovecraft.
