Boys Keep Swinging
A Memoir
by Jake Shears
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Pub Date Feb 20 2018 | Archive Date Mar 06 2018
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Description
“One courageous joyride of a memoir. It should be illegal for rock stars to write so beautifully.” —Armistead Maupin
“A wild, sexy, emotional ride through underground New York at the millennium…a tale that speaks to the outsider in all of us.” —Andy Cohen
In this deeply affecting memoir, one of rock music’s most entrancing figures transforms the vividness of his musical world into an unforgettable literary account of overcoming odds and finding his true voice.
Long before hitting the stage as the lead singer of the iconic glam rock band Scissor Sisters, Jake Shears was Jason Sellards, a teenage boy living a fraught life, resulting in a confusing and confining time in high school as his classmates bullied him and few teachers showed sympathy.
It wasn’t until years later, while living and studying in New York City, that Jason would find his voice as an artist and, with a group of friends and musicians who were also thirsting for stardom and freedom, form the band Scissor Sisters. First performing in the smoky gay nightclubs of New York, then finding massive success in the United Kingdom, Scissor Sisters would become revered by the LGBTQ community, sell out venues worldwide, and win multiple accolades with hits like “Take Your Mama” and “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’,” as well as their cult-favorite cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb.”
Candid and courageous, Shears’s writing sings with the same powerful, spirited presence that he brings to his live performances. Following a misfit boy’s development into a dazzling rock star, Boys Keep Swinging is a raucously entertaining memoir that will be an inspiration to anyone with determination and a dream.
Advance Praise
“On the stage, Jake Shears is a triumphant explosion of unembarrassed carnality and charm. On the page, he's very much the same. Boys Keep Swinging is one courageous joyride of a memoir. It should be illegal for rock stars to write so beautifully.”
– Armistead Maupin
“Jake Shears puts it all on the line. He draws you in and you can’t look away. Boys Keep Swinging is the book everyone will be reading and talking about.”
– Sandra Bernhard
“This is a beautiful, fascinating memoir by a beautiful guy who has lived a fascinating life — and he has the insights and receipts to prove it. Wonderful!”
– Dan Savage
“Boys Keep
Swinging goes beyond the origin story behind some of my favorite music...A
wild, sexy, emotional ride through underground New York at the millennium. From
the fringes to the top, it’s a tale that speaks to the outsider in all of us.”
– Andy Cohen
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781501140129 |
| PRICE | $26.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 336 |
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 362456
4.5, rounded up. This is a surprising book in many ways, not the least of which it isn't just the usual lame rock star autobiography - and Shears can really write. Given that he studied creative writing in college (he 'graduated', but never got his degree because he failed to turn in his final novella!), perhaps that shouldn't be such a surprise. And the majority of the book actually chronicles his years as a young, confused, bullied queer kid - the creation of his infamous band, Scissor Sisters, doesn't even happen until well over the halfway mark. Although many of these familiar tropes have been trotted out elsewhere - let's face it, most queer kids go through similar traumas - he still writes them in a refreshing and interesting fashion, and it gives insight into what transpires when he DOES become famous.
The latter part of the book does ALSO contain some typical elements about the rocky road to fame - drugs, sex and rock 'n roll figure prominently - and how success isn't always all it's cracked up to be; but anyone who - as I do - considers themselves to be a fan of SS will be entertained and enthralled by the gossipy tales. I devoured the 336 page book within a 24 hour period, so that alone is a testament to its power.
Sadly, the book ends rather abruptly around 2005, and I was HOPING for a detailed account of Shear's collaboration on the failed musical version of "Tales of the City' (which I saw in its premiere production in - where else? - San Francisco). But Shears hints that there MIGHT be a volume two chronicling the last ten dozen years - and I for one would be first in line to read it!
My sincere thanks to Atria Books and Ariele F. for their kind provision of an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
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