Mark Parsons

Road Rash Mark Parsons

Brief Description: "When teen drummer, Zach, signed up to spend the summer on tour with a rock band, he didn't realize the stairway to heaven was such a bumpy ride"--Biographical Note: MARK PARSONS has been a drummer since 7th grade when he saved $100 from his paper route to buy a used drumset, and he's been pounding away ever since. He's a long-standing contributor for "Modern Drummer" magazine, and has written non-fiction books on audio and music-related topics. Mark lives on the Central Coast of California with his wife and two sons (the four of whom comprise the ever-eclectic dance-rock band, Risky Whippet). "Road Rash" is his debut novel. "From the Hardcover edition."Marc Notes: When teen drummer, Zach, signed up to spend the summer on tour with a rock band, he didn't realize the stairway to heaven was such a bumpy ride--; Provided by publisher. Publisher Marketing: A teenage drummer finds out what life is "really" like on tour with a rock band in this funny and bittersweet YA novel. For anyone who loved "Almost Famous" or "This Is Spinal Tap." After being dropped from one band, sixteen-year-old drummer Zach gets a chance to go on tour with a much "better" band. It feels like sweet redemption, but this is one rocky road trip filled with jealousy, rivalries, and on-stage meltdowns. Mark Parsons has written a fast-paced, feel-good novel about a boy finding his place in the world, in a band, and in the music. Zach is a character teens will stand up and cheer for as he lands the perfect gig, and the perfect girl. "" A must-read for young garage-band types. "Booklist" Readers and especially musicians should enjoy debut novelist Parsons s look at a band on the run. "Publishers Weekly" A road-trip adventure in romance and friendship that is ultimately all about the music. "Kirkus Reviews" "From the Hardcover edition."" Review Citations:

Publishers Weekly 12/02/2013 (EAN 9780385753425, Hardcover)

Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2013 (EAN 9780385753425, Hardcover)

Booklist 01/01/2014 pg. 108 (EAN 9780385753425, Hardcover)

School Library Journal 03/01/2014 pg. 161 (EAN 9780385753425, Hardcover)

Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 05/01/2014 (EAN 9780385753425, Hardcover)

Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2014 pg. 123 (EAN 9780385753425, Hardcover)

Publishers Weekly 12/02/2013 pg. 84 (EAN 9780385753432, Library Binding)

Booklist 01/01/2014 pg. 108 (EAN 9780385753432, Library Binding)

School Library Journal 03/01/2014 pg. 161 (EAN 9780385753432, Library Binding)

Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 05/01/2014 (EAN 9780385753432, Library Binding)

Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2014 pg. 123 (EAN 9780385753432, Library Binding)

Contributor Bio:  Parsons, Mark The author is a 70 year old northwest resident and writer who has been a truck driver, process server, sea captain, mechanic, fireman, carpenter, hell raiser and dog walker as well as occupying many other positions. With Me n Mikey he takes us on his own personal journey back through his childhood as a juvenile delinquent, criminal, ex-con, con-man and then as an outlaw biker. Then he married Christine and never again broke any laws. In his twenties he served legal papers for attorneys in Portland, Oregon and then drove long-haul flat-bed trucks. After building the family home in the mountains of southern Washington State, Mr. Parsons started as a writer in 1982 when he wrote short freelance articles for the area newspapers. Being then on the local volunteer fire department and often driving the biggest fire truck, he was in a unique position to write about the emergency responses in that area. As he continued volunteering, he started writing about local history, eventually leading to the publication of three history books in 1983. Also, during this time, he started working with wood by building houses, sea chests, gun cabinets and store interiors. He also drifted into other fields like auto mechanics and security guard. After raising two children he and Christine moved onto a 57' sail boat in Puget Sound and lived aboard for twelve years, only writing occasionally. In 1995, after serving for a time as a deck hand, then boat owner, he obtained his captain's license to pilot larger vessels. After a time at sea he came ashore and went back to cabinet making, his favorite past-time. He is now found writing about his youth and using an alter ego in the person of Mikey, who takes the reader on a journey into and through crime, passion and punishment until he is redeemed by a young woman who sees hope somewhere in Mikey's dark soul.