"Ara Babajian is a gifted storyteller—funny, observant, self-deprecating and, most importantly, fearless about turning the lens on himself. He gives us the stories behind the stories: how friendships were made and broken, how bands came together, and how music can become both an escape from the world and a way of finding your place in it. I thought I knew Ara's story. I knew only part of it." —Marc Wasserman, author of Ska Boom and Soul Salvation

"Those who know have known for a long time that Ara Babajian is one of independent music's most thoughtful and articulate band people. Drummers aren't always the most talkative of band people, but when they say something, you'd better listen: they've been watching, observing, quietly directing. It's time to listen to Ara." —Franz Nicolay, The Hold Steady, author of Band People

"Indisputable truth that music, despite the foibles of some of its practitioners, will save the world. Glorious." —Horace Panter, The Specials

"What I love about this memoir is that, although it's packed with plenty of anecdotes and Punk history, it's coming from a totally personal perspective and really gets into the nitty-gritty of things like childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, burnout, explorations of queer identity and how it actually feels to go through the rollercoaster of band dynamics. Although Ara’s story is very unique, I think in some ways anybody who’s into Punk or who has ever felt like an outsider will relate to and enjoy this book. Whatever you want from a 90s/2000s Punk memoir, Mister Tragedy goes there and does it in a readable, relatable way. It’s like a great song in book form. Loved it!" —Jesse Michaels, Operation Ivy

"It's fantastic!!! One of the most candid and realistic portrayals of touring and band dynamics I’ve ever read." —DJ Bonebrake, X

"Ara has a unique ability to show you exactly what it's like to be in a regular, working band (which is much more interesting than a huge arena band.) The highs, the lows, the long days of driving to gigs, the pointless fights, the magic that happens when musicians find that connection on stage. His book, Mister Tragedy, was a pleasure to read. You don’t need to be a fan of The Slackers or Leftover Crack to appreciate these stories. All you have to do is love music. I couldn’t get enough of it." —Aaron Carnes, author of In Defense of Ska

"A thoughtful and insightful, yet quirky and utterly hilarious book from an insanely versatile musician and a brilliant, soft-spoken man." —Tim Hildebrand, Catbite