Cut My Hair [Paperback]

Jamie S. Rich (Author), Andi Watson (Author), Scott Morse (Author), Judd Winick (Author), Renee French (Author), Chynna Clugston-Major (Author), Mike Allred (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 7, 2000

Mason is young, and he hangs out with kids that are into bad music and bad haircuts. He lives in sunny California, where he spends his nights acting stupid in punk rock clubs and his days aimlessly reading comics and listening to tunes. The two most important things in his life are the girl who makes his heart beat at erratic speeds and the band with the strange boy he knows from high school-both of whom lead lives far more interesting than the one he leads himself. Unfortunately, his life is about to come crashing down on him in a barrage of angry fists and stomping feet. Everything is going to change. The debut novel by Oni editor in chief Jamie S. Rich is finally back in print. Featuring illustrations by Scott Morse, Andi Watson, Judd Winick, Renee French, and Chynna Clugston-Major. Cover by Mike Allred (X-STATIX). Co-published by Crazyfish/MJ-12.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Willamette Week:

"[A] lyrical elegy to lost youth, the death of modern rock, and the search for something authentic....Rich's novel is full of excellent, spare writing....He lingers over beautifully rendered character descriptions, making even the most ancillary figures vital and relevant....Rich's biggest accomplishment is in capturing an era that ended so softly that many are still wondering how it faded away."

Bookslut:

"It's beloved by those lucky enough to have heard about it... Very highly recommended."

Fourth Rail:

"This is a terrific "coming of age" story that reminds me of Nick Hornby's work. It's honest and raw and incredibly gripping, and well worth a read."

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Oni Press; 1st Oni Press Ed edition (July 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970038704
• ISBN-13: 978-0970038708
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,867,365 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book everyone can relate to., June 25, 2001

By 

"ninfragile19" (Lowell, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cut My Hair (Paperback)

I find it surprising that no one else has taken the opportunity to express their opinion for this book. I cannot think of a better book that even comes close to the writing style of Jamie Rich.

To paraphrase, "Cut my hair" tells the story of 19 year old Mason who copes in this world through his interests. There's his best friend Jack who brought him out of his lonely shell in high school; his girlfriend Jeane who allows him to open up in unprecedented ways; and most of all his love for punk-rock.

One contributor that must not go unmentioned is Chynna Clugston-Major for her illustrations within the book. I have enjoyed her artwork in her graphic novel, "Blue Monday: The Kids are Alright", and it was a pleasure to have her hand in this Mr. Rich's literary opus.

I must point out that this book is not for everyone. If I had to recommend the appropriate reader demography, this book is geared for the teenage and Generation X population. I say this because the majority of the characters fit within this group, and it's told through the perspective of a 19 year old. Of course that is just my opinion.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Close to My Heart, April 22, 2005

By 

Sulia Serafine "Pedro" (Jacksonville, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cut My Hair (Paperback)

I bought this book on a whim. As many of the people who have read it, I first heard of it through Oni Press. And I was not disappointed one bit.

My reaction was surprising most of all to me, since I've made the analysis of literary works my life (and my degree). There's nothing about this book that makes it astoundingly unique compared to all the other coming-of-age novels out there. But that's the beauty of it.

For different people with different experiences, certain elements of this book resonate on a deeper level than can be described. For those who cannot live without their music and all that's connected therein. For those who have the small store job and find happiness just fine. For those yearning away for the "Eternal Girl."

For me, who suddenly recognized a very close friend and was delighted at last to know who he was. I showed my friend this book and he wondered how on earth this author had picked up scenes from his life like they were pennies lying face-up on the ground. He started telling me about concerts he'd driven half the day to get to, fights he'd been in wondering who he was fighting... life's realization. Music. Friendship. Love.

So, for me, up to my neck in all the Shakespeare, Hemingway, and Palahniuk I can stand-- and this is my favorite of them all. There's something about it that just resonates deep inside. I *know* Mason. I know him even better now. His name may not be Mason, but he's got all the bad haircuts and scars to prove otherwise.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Forget Hollywood Endings..., January 14, 2007

By 

Brendan Collins (Tulsa, OK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cut My Hair (Paperback)

With "Cut My Hair," Jamie Rich has recreated the mythos of the early '90s music scene as seen through the eyes of one who had lived during the time. (No, it's true... there was some good stuff going on back then, though coming on the tail of the Decade of Greed, those who lived during the time are characteristly cynical over any reminder of said years.)

Mason, the narrator/protagonist of the novel, could concievably be a real-life person. None of his insights, emotions, or actions are one-sided. In fact, he most resembles a modern-day depiction of J. D. Salinger's Holden Caulfield, though somewhat more adjusted to the life in which he lives. And a life of glamour and rock 'n' roll it is not! Mason abides with parental apathy, poverty-line conditions, and a super-heated drought-stricken California, while discovering that life holds none of the Hollywood-esque promise made to his generation. In Mason's life of change and uncertainty, the only possession to which he places any trust and security is his leather jacket - his shell.

This book delves into the alternative music scene, and successfully captures its heart and soul. It doesn't apologize for retroactive weaknesses, because it doesn't feel it has to. It's merely presenting a backdrop which is as rich and vibrant as Mason and his inextricable band of friends and associates.

Most of the sporadic artwork contained therein equally displays a good feel for the characters and their times (Andi Watson's efforts especially accomplish this; Judd Winick's, not so much), and give the book a considerable amount of character.

Fantastic book, well-deserving of multiple readings.