Brenda

The Last Letter gives back.

Revisado: 08-23-22

The Last Letter by Andy Chaleff is more than a love letter to his mother, more than a goodbye to someone who he didn’t know how to survive without but a better way to understand life and love. From death of a mother, the author shares personal life lessons on how to live better. A way to change the only path learned and to grow from the grief to be a more open, appreciative, and wiser person.

This is an intimate look at the life of a young man that is seeking guidance, not even knowing what he was searching for but definitely on the path to renewal.

The author takes us on his spiritual journey. His ride is sometimes uncomfortable but rewarding and enriching. With purpose and meaning, soul searching takes him to a better place.

If you are looking for contentment and a deeper understanding of yourself and life, this is a beautiful resource. I found my inner voice learning as I listened to the narrative. We are never too old or too young to want to grow and find happiness. Thank you, Brenda Perlin

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Inclusive look at the L.A. music scene

Revisado: 06-08-19

More Fun In The New World


“Seeds were thrown, for sure. What was essentially hiding in the shadows moved from a whisper to a scream.”

Tom DeSavia’s opening to More Fun In The New World, “We’re Having Much More Fun” is brilliant. And so is his voice on the audio book. I’d actually been reading the book while listening to the audiobook version simultaneously. Full impact!

“Mosh Pit Ubuists” by Tim Robbins is such a treat as a reader to get a little of his past history in his story and to learn how he was influenced by punk back in the day. Enjoyable reading!

“It Sounds Too Much Like The Blasters: 1982-1985” by Dave Alvin of The Blasters is a keen look at their early history and experience with this music business, namely Warner Bros. Records.

“Sliver Of Glass” by Jane Wiedlin deserves a holy cow! She did it again. Wowed me, she did. Wiedlin is brutally honest with her storytelling and doesn’t hold back. Gives us the ‘fly on the wall insight’ to what it was like to be her in a time that she should have been having the time of her life. I don’t know her but I love her. My heart can’t help feeling for her. I adore her candidness and her ability to share things that are so raw, so honest. So unusual. I’d hug her, if I could.

“Under The Marquee” by W. T. Morgan takes us back to his early experience with punk and the bands that define the times. Especially X. He describes the making of his movie, X - The Unheard Music Documentary in such a beautifully heartfelt way. The passion comes right through. Skilled storytelling.
Something precious about the memories he shares with us readers. And the film! Thank you,” I would say to him.

In “The New World” by John Doe I couldn’t wait to rip through. Wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it on paper first or listen to the audiobook. I knew I would be in for something desirable.

This is a bittersweet tale, as he writes about the crisis’s that were happening at the time in the Midwest and beyond. Workers were losing their jobs. I love how he describes their songwriting, “We took the opportunities we were offered and toured and wrote songs as if our life depended on it—because it did.” There is so much heart and soul to the telling of this story. Eloquent, direct and at the same time good reading.


“Another State Of Mind” by Mike Ness and Tom DeSavia is so great because it reminds us old timers what it was like in the early days of discovering punk and the LA scene. I remember Mike from those days and have watched Social Distortion evolve. Like Bad Religion, I can say I remember them before they were famous. Great story!


I kind of got lost into Keith Morris and Jim Ruland’s “Hollywood Shuffle”. An easy read that made me laugh. Well, there were sad moments but as an old punk it was fun to read about the places I’d been with many of the people I’d known. The Circle Jerks were one of us and they were always playing, so it seemed. When I think of them and bands like X and Adolescents my teenage years float back to me. I’m glad Keith is still around to tell his story.


“Deliverance” by Charlotte Caffey parallels Jane Wiedlin’s account of being a Go Go. These stories inspired me to look at some of their live performances. Searching their faces for signs of trouble. At the time, they were America’s sweethearts! They appeared squeaky clean though I did see them live in their punk days. The way I preferred them because they were authentic then, before they lost themselves to fame.


“The Ongoing Cost Of A Low-Grade Immortality” by Jack Grisham is a WOW! No surprise. Nevertheless, a WOW! Dark. Dirty. Disgusting. Poetic. Sick. Brilliant. The man is damn talented. He’s got a gift. And that story is sheer genius!


“Princess Of Hollywood” by Pleasant Gehman is a who's who and where's where to the Hollywood scene in the early to late eighties. An edgy look back to the days of what was dubbed Disgraceland.

“Los Lobos: Los Rockstars Accidentales” by Louie Pérez shares the early beginnings of Los Lobos (confusing everyone) and the passion for the music. “There we were, part of a music community whose purpose was to free music from the kidnapping by mainstream rock. It was unabashed, liberating, and obnoxious. It was more about spirit than how good you played. I bet that some bands were formed in the van on the way to the show.”
Beautiful story.


I loved John Doe’s sweet (bittersweet) little story about Top Jimmy.
“Top Jimmy: In The Mud And The Blood And The Beer!” Precious.

“Our Wolf” by Chris Morris is as good as I would expect! I love the history he shares and the commentary. His writing is smooth like an 50s newspaper reporter. Just give me the facts! In Chris’ stories you can be a fly on the wall. He takes you there. Right there!

"Grand Theft Paper: A Conversation With Billy Zoom” is a adorable! Interesting about Top Jimmy and the trouble that followed him. It’s nice to hear Zoom share personal bits like this. I can feel the admiration both Doe and Zoom has for this guy. Touching if not laughable. At times, of course.


“With punk in my life, the preps, jocks, nerds, etc. seemed like mere cretins in the rearview rather than my torturers or captors.”
“Prep School Confidential: Finding My Voice” by Shepherd Fairey, a force to be reckoned with. So interesting how punk inspired his artwork and the emotion he has for the music. He is able to detail what led him to where he is now. Very inspiring!

“You Say You Want An Evolution” by Tom DeSavia is passion filled story and talks about the evolution of music and how it shaped his life. I love these coming-of-age stories that are enthusiastic and entertaining.

“This World Is Not My Home, I’m Just Passing Through” by Maria McKee and Tom DeSavia is a story that should be made into a memoir. Maria McKee’s biography would be a good read. This story flowed like it was supposed to be on its own. Really nice.

“The Paisley Underground, Americana & Me” by Sid Griffin where not everything good happened in the LA punk scene. Shares the early days of his band, Long Ryders. And the influence they would eventually have over Americana and alt-country music.

“None of the bands were quite ready. Punk hadn’t really happened in L.A. yet—it was like the hour before dawn.”
“Ten Short Years On The Sunset Strip” by Peter Case is a slick story about his rise to fame in the Plimsouls and I finding his voice.

“The Kinman Brothers: American Music” by Tom DeSavia is a dedication to the musical contributions of Chip and Tony Kinman. RIP Tony Kinman.
It’s difficult not to get emotional reading Chip Kinman’s, One Thousand Nights. His story just seems to fall into place.

“Skate Punks” by Tony Hawk is about his relationship with punk rock and skateboarding. Loved this story! “I was lucky that my parents didn’t mind if my new skater friends had mohawks or piercings, as long as they were polite. And they were.”

"Free Radicals: A Conversation With Fishbone” by John Doe is an ode to these magical musicians and their music. Such an uplifting interview. Beautiful.

“Come On, All You Cowboys . . . Don’t You Wanna Go?” By Annette Zilinskas, bass player for The Bangles and Blood On The Saddle. Another Valley Girl, like myself. A bit of a coming-of-age story. Her musical coming-of-age.

“Ain’t Love Grand” by John Doe kind of made me sad. Made me see a sliver of what it must be like to have the pressure of being in a band. A successful band, at that.
As an outsider looking in, not sure how John and Exene managed to stay together as long as they did, especially through all the stress of the ‘business’ and the 24/7 lifestyle. That had to take a toll. Thanking Doe for sharing his soul a bit with us.

Terry Graham writes a clever little story about the ending of The Bags and the changes that took place after The Decline Of Western Civilization. In “Shot Glass Full Of Luck” the author describes his rock ‘n’ roll adventures with The Gun Club. Or misadventures?! Very clever and stylish.

“Hardcore To Spoken Word: A Conversation With Henry Rollins” by John Doe is relatable if you were a part of the early punk scene in Los Angeles. When things started changing,  the impact was swift. It was nice to learn more about Rollins and understand his situation, being part of Black Flag. Very insightful.

“Everything Became Possible” by Allison Anders is bliss! It’s her passion and ambition that drove her. Her success is not by accident. She was a motivated person with an authentic voice. She had gumption and was interested in more than money. This woman is a trailblazer and paved the way for many women living in a man’s world. Big respect. Loved how she detailed how she made the movies and the chances she took.

Fallen Soldiers by John Doe is very well worded. Genuine.


I read “More Fun In The New World” with great gusto as it was compelling all the way through. It’s not just about music but life. Honest, bold, brave. There’s depth and vulnerability. The writers stepped up and wrote stunning narratives that were both candid and engaging. The audiobook is an extra bonus. Everyone did a fantastic job. And a big high five to Krissy Teegerstrom who played a big part in making this a beautiful piece of history. Impressive.

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A love song to the early punk days in LA.

Revisado: 07-09-16

Would you listen to Under the Big Black Sun again? Why?

I will without a doubt listen to Under the Big Black Sun again. There were so many brilliant moments that were expressed in such a way that it needs to be listened to more than once. Great stories that take you right there into the punk scene in Hollywood. I was there but I wasn't up close and personal with all the bands like these folk. Well, some but not as many. Everybody is in this book and they don't hold back.

Who was your favorite character and why?

There are too many great story tellers and stories to mention but I do have to say John Doe. His stories are all poignant, to the heart of things and gripping. Mike Watt did an amazing job, has the best voice. Robert Lopez told the sweetest of the stories and Tom DeSavia writes with a great life force. Jack Grisom killed it with his in your face story that I found appealing because he comes across honest and to the point. Quite startling at times.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was by far the best audio version to ANY book I have listened to because all the authors lend their voices to their own stories. They all did an amazing job. Loved it and plan to keep Under the Big Black Sun on my desk top forever.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Much of this was close to home because I went to many of the same shows, knew many of the same people, went to the same clubs and stomping grounds and listened to the same music. In a way, this took me home, back to a past that I think of with mixed feelings but mostly good. It took me back to my coming-of-age story and I ate it up!

Any additional comments?

X always put on a good show and I was happy to be blessed to be amongst this group of outcasts and artistic types. The music the center stone to it all and this band put their souls into it. This book should definitely be read and for certain it's the old punks that will enjoy it the most. There is a real feeling of history here.

I loved being in John Doe's shoes. Most of us will never know what it feels like to be that alive. To be on stage and sharing a performance that feels as true to God that a non-religious person can feel. He takes us there with him and the view is spectacular.

Exene Cervenka writes with passion as she shares her love of The Doors and the music. In the day, I loved her Ike this and as a fan we didn't need her to be any more glamorous than she already was. To me, she was truth and it came across in the music she sang.

The common trend in most of these stories are about how things eventually started to change in LA. As she says, "That openness and nurturing nature of the scene in 1977 and thereabouts was changing."

The deterioration of something good is always a disappointment.

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The Healer swept me off my feet immediately.

Revisado: 06-30-16

What made the experience of listening to The Healer the most enjoyable?

The story is engaging and I was instantly involved in the drama. I love the authors use of language and natural dialog. I was entertained, emotionally involved and intrigued. The characters were believable and I listened with great interest. I had no idea where this story would take me but I was curious right away.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Healer?

I loved when Erica was able to meet Arpan, the Healer for the first time. We didn't know what to expect. It was a great scene that I could visualize as I listed to the narrator who did a very natural job of making me feel I was hearing this story from a character from the story rather than just a reader.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't want to ruin the ending but it was very satisfying. I so badly wanted the healer to be able to cure Erica and I wanted the elixir to be a miracle cure.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I loved this story and found it inspirational even though we are dealing with life and death. The messages were strong and made me think about my own life.

Any additional comments?

Mr. Fischer's passion comes across in his writing as well as his attention to the human spirit. He writes with his heart and moves me as a reader.

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Explosive! Great drama and suspense!

Revisado: 08-13-15

Would you listen to Scribbler Tales Volume Five again? Why?

Because these are original stories that are fascinating. Dark and alluring. Not your average mystery. Had me wanting more. Hope there will be a Volume Six? I have read all five and loved them all.

What did you like best about this story?

All the stories are spellbinding and unique. They are haunting while they feel realistic. Definitely worth the great escape.

Which character – as performed by Roberto Scarlato – was your favorite?

I was drawn into Felictiy's plight in Illusion, were we travel to another country, the Ancient City of Thebes where romance is a must! Though Felicity could not believe her good luck, she would have to re-think that. Could this man be too good to be true? I felt for her. .Roberto did a wonderful job. Easy to listen to and his narratives were well done. These tales read like a clever mystery you would see on the big screen.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I just listened to this in one sitting but I would just listening to one short story at a time if you have a busy schedule. I love listening to audio books in the car. It helps take the focus off the stress and traffic. A really good way to get into a book. This one is a real treat.

Any additional comments?

Mary Ann Bernal’s Scribbler Tales Volume Five is filled with smart, suspenseful, riveting, and edge of your seat stories. Each one is a gem upon itself. I enjoyed their twists that I didn’t see coming. Very unique pieces that took me outside myself and welcomed into extraordinary adventures.

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Scribbler Tales Volume Four is full of mystery

Revisado: 06-06-15

What did you love best about Scribbler Tales, Volume 4?

I love how unpredictable the stories were. They were all filled with mystery, suspense and big drama. Couldn’t put the book down if I tried. Enrapturing.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The entire time, through all the stories I was on the edge of my seat. They are like watching short films in the movies. so fun and entertaining. A real treat. I have loved each volume. They all have something special to offer.

Which character – as performed by Roberto Scarlato – was your favorite?

I couldn't pick just one. There were so many characters that had big personalities. Lady Margaret stood out the most for me. She was a great character with flaws that I could see before my eyes. That story Enamored was one of the best.

If you could rename Scribbler Tales, Volume 4, what would you call it?

Tales from the Damaged.

Any additional comments?

This series should be made into a motion picture. I would want to see these stories played out in film. Like Twilight Zone. Something edgy like that.

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The Night I Danced with Rommel!!!

Revisado: 01-02-15

Would you consider the audio edition of The Night I Danced with Rommel to be better than the print version?

It really came to life listening to it. Enjoyed the narration very much.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Night I Danced with Rommel?

Just the fear. There were moments that I could see the fear and feel it. So emotional.

What does Nancy Peterson and Bennett Allen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She brings the sotry to life. Very believable.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had several different emotions. More tears than laughs, for certain.

Any additional comments?

The Night I Danced with Rommel by Elisabeth Marrion is emotionally gripping. It all came to life as I listened to the narrative on the audible version. I was moved and touched, horrified and inspired. This is a very well written historical period piece that was surprisingly unique. The author had a way of telling this story in her own way. Special.

Hilde, the young German woman attracted my attention right away. Not just because she was a survivor of World War II but because I could feel her struggles as she told us her story with such a life force. It feels real. All too real. Terrifying.

I was lost into this emotional story and was able to listen to this audible book in one sitting. I just carried my lap top with me. Hilde’s life filled my thoughts. I could have been there are the visuals are all so real and clear.

So many sacrifices! Makes you really feel blessed not to have had to live through something so horrific. We need these kinds of books to be reminded that this really happened. Hitler existed and people were killed viciously and in inhumane manners.

I felt so many different emotions while hearing this story play out. Even though it is a dismal story there is also a great message of hope and inspiration.

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Heart and soul

Revisado: 09-29-14

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys good poetry. These pieces are all very moving and written from the heart.

What other book might you compare Transcendence to and why?

This work should not be compared!

Which character – as performed by Sarah Van Sweden – was your favorite?

Sarah Van Sweden did a beautiful narration of these great poems.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I loved some of the topics these poems touched on. Deep, insightful and moving.

Any additional comments?

K Meador’s collection of poetry was powerfully moving. There were so many strong moments that I could really get into. The author writes from deep down inside. There is depth to her work which I think most people could appreciate. There are messages of hope and inspiration. Poetry that I can always come back to when I can use a little lift. Sometimes we just want to be understood. These poems are very life-like and relatable. Highly recommend.

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Clever way to entice it's reader!

Revisado: 09-29-14

Would you listen to Their Journey Begins again? Why?

It has a great storyline and narration that I could see myself listening to again. Yes, I would. I save the downloads on my computer.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I would have to say I was compelled by Daniel. He had a soft and easy way about him.

Which scene was your favorite?

After I read the book I saved a few quotes that I liked. This was one. This is a touching story. I liked reading the book and listening to it on audiobook too. What a great way to get into a story.

"Today would be the last day mama sat with Daniel on the porch. The remaining few crackers sat between them, along with a glass of water. Her face was pale and lined with worry, but she was still the prettiest woman he had ever seen."

If you could rename Their Journey Begins, what would you call it?

I wouldn't change the title at all. Works perfectly!

Any additional comments?

"Their Journey Begins" is a very clever way to entice it's reader to want to read more by the author and this book did just that.

These stories all by K. Meador are well written, dripping with real-life emotion and adventure. The characters drew me in and the story lines made me appreciate my life just a little bit more. These stories pulled on my heartstrings and at the same time left me wanting more. Good thing there are full length books available. These tales kept me cozy while I escaped into other lives  and time periods. These powerful intros caught me off guard. So emotional and moving.

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Powerful! Endearing! Creative!

Revisado: 09-29-14

What did you love best about La Princesa Alexia y el Dragon [The Princess Alexia and the Dragon]?

I love that this book features a strong spunky female lead and the best sidekick ever, her dog.

What other book might you compare La Princesa Alexia y el Dragon [The Princess Alexia and the Dragon] to and why?

There are many I could compare it to but I think this story is an original. Really special.

What about John Martinez’s performance did you like?

He did a great job having the story and characters come alive. So much fun.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I wrote down and I saved this quote for my review because it was so sweet.


“Princess Alexia loved the outdoors. Each day she would go to the courtyard to practice shooting her bow and arrows at targets set up. To please her mother, she wore a dress of a different color each day around the castle. But, if it was up to her, she would wear pants like the boys did around town so she could climb trees easier.”

Any additional comments?

The plot feels so empowering for young girls as Princess Alexia goes on a noble journey to protect her people from a fire breathing dragon. This fairytale is one of acceptance and great compassion.

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