Bootleg Stardust - Glenn Dixon

Fiction

Rating: 7/10

In 1974 Levi is a high school dropout with dreams of being a rock star when suddenly this seemingly impossible fantasy is within reach.

He lands an audition for Downtown Exit, a band that is the latest sensation well on their way to attaining rock and roll greatness. Levi believes he is being catapulted into the stratosphere of stardom, but nothing is quite what it seems. While he is playing with the band, he isn’t part of it, relegated to lurking in the wings and covering for the bands real guitarist whenever he begins tripping out on stage.

It won’t surprise you to find out that there is a girl, isn’t there always? and conflicts in the band.  But that’s not to say that there aren’t some surprises to be found here. I always enjoy a story that takes place in my favourite decade and better yet one ensconced in the music scene of the same period.

As you likely know by now, I love an unusual framework.  Each chapter of this book bears the title of a song on the fictional bands upcoming album.  Giving the reader a sneak peak of what might be on the horizon.

Thanks to Net Galley, Simon & Schuster Canada Publishers and the author for the advance readers copy.

Footnote: This book is being compared to Daisy Jones & The Six which is only accurate on the surface of it.  Forcing such as comparison only spotlights this read as being pale in comparison.