THE RADIO BOOKSHELF
Where former DJs, programmers, and radio junkies discover books about the business we just can't quit. From behind-the-scenes memoirs to novels set in the world of radio, you'll get honest reviews and recommendations that keep the magic of the mic alive long after the on-air light goes dark.
|
HEAVY ROTATION, Buxton Manning
In 1967, shy, overweight 16-year-old Chuck Moorman lands a chance to host a weekend Top-40 radio show, but hides his identity behind the on-air persona "Gary Arizona" to escape the ridicule he's faced in the past. When he becomes a hit, Chuck's secret is put to the test when the girl he likes falls for the popular DJ. Will revealing the truth risk everything? Lisa's Review: This novel took me back to my early days in radio! The great music Gary plays is still in my head. Manning cleverly and deftly mixes the personal life of young Chuck/Gary with his pursuit of a radio career. It's a page turner--lots of secrets and suspense. I'd highly recommend this story for young people, as it carries a great lesson about hard work and passion when it comes to career success, but it's also for anyone who ever worked in radio. So many situations in this story happened to all of us! There was one page in this book that was so similar to RADIO STARR (re: the real names of DJs on the FCC license posting board), I thought I accidentally plagiarized it! And the ending to me by surprise. Buxton Manning, why did you write HEAVY ROTATION? When I retired, I wanted to get back into writing but didn’t want to be tied down with research or interviews and stuff like that—I wanted to make it up! But, they always say “Write what you know,” and who better to write a story about a nerdy, fat, shy kid who wanted to get into radio back in the days of AM TOP 40 dominance than a guy who was a nerdy, fat, shy kid who wanted to get into radio back in the day…well, you get the idea. |
|
I HATE THE MUSIC, Chris Heuston
Former postal worker and community radio DJ Danni Shaw claws her way to Sydney's top breakfast show after accidentally causing the deaths of the previous hosts, then becomes ruthlessly obsessed with turning her success into fame, fortune, and eventually television stardom. A darkly comic antihero, Danni will sacrifice her body, relationships, home, and coworkers—doing virtually anything—to become radio's most outrageous shock jock. Lisa's Review: Ridiculous silliness mixed with moments of brilliant writing and lots of fun Aussie slang. Danni has very strong feelings and dares to express herself... most DJs would not admit they hate the music they're playing, especially to their boss! Despite Danni's disgusting behavior, I ended up rooting for her. If I hadn't worked in radio, I may not have finished the book due to the amount of dialogue. It's a memorable story for sure. |
|
I'LL HAVE TO ASK MY MOM: A RADIO JOURNEY, Warren Garling
The startling true story of of a teenager’s struggle to enter the enticing world of Top 40 radio in its heyday, not for fame or fortune, but for below minimum wage. Follow the exploits of a boy who can’t even use his real name on the radio, but whose parents let him do it anyway. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and then you’ll laugh again when you try to understand why someone would want to work in a profession where a second job is necessary to afford food. And you’ll say to yourself, “Why am I reading this? There must be a better use of my time and reading prowess.” The Associated Press raves, “You won’t give a plugged record about the author, but you may crack a smile.” Lisa's Review: This memoir was a trip back in time and so true to my own experience in radio. The writing is funny and warm. I enjoyed reading what radio was like in the late 1960s and '70s, before I got my start and reliving the culture of when I was a kid listening to DJs like the author! Warren Garling, why did you write your memoir? Radio was my first love and I wanted to try to explain to my family why it meant so much to me and why it’s so addictive for most people who do it professionally. I started writing it three times over the years, but it was on the third try after I retired that it pretty much wrote itself. It just poured out from my heart through my fingertips and onto my iPad screen. |
More reviews will be posted on Lisa's Substack... soon!