Customer Reviews

Cut My Hair

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Cut My Hair is written by former Oni Press Editor Jamie S. Rich with illustrations by such noted comic book artists as Judd Winick, Chynna Clugston-Major, Scott Morse, Mike Allred and Andi Watson, with the title taken from the Who song of the same name off of their Quadrophenia album. As I am a huge fan of both comic books and The Who, Cut My Hair sounded like it was right up my alley. Cut My Hair is a smart, well written, coming of age story. It's also about being in love, not only with another person, but with music. Specifically, Punk rock music.

Set in the early 90's, Cut My Hair is narrated by 19-year old Mason, who lives with his best friend Jack. Jack isn't just his best friend, but also his protector and as close to family as anyone he knows, as Jack hasn't spoken to his abusive, alcoholic mother since he moved out after High School. Nicknamed "Jailbate" (incorrect spelling intended) because of his small size and stature, Mason's life consists of working full time at a comic store, going to Punk rock shows and pining away for Laine, his High School crush. As with all things in life, nothing stays the same. Mason's life begins to change, as he meets and falls passionately in love with Jeane. Before Mason can fully enjoy his newfound happiness, an event occurs which sends him over the edge into a deep, alcohol-fueled despair, from which even the music he loves cannot save him.

Cut My Hair, filled with the longing and heartache of teenage angst, explores both the lifestyle and the music of the Los Angles Punk rock scene of the early 90's with authority and affection. Regardless of whether you're a Punk or not, you'll be quickly drawn into this fascinating, often violent world that, in it's own way, is infused with an underlying sense of romanticism, hope and love.

OMG! This book was amazing. I read about this book a few years ago in some music magazine. Somehow, I remembered the title and decided to look it up on amazon. I found it and ordered it and I am greatful I did. Jamie S. Rich did an excelent in developing the character of Mason. The way he uses the first person and really captures what it is like to be a teenager who feels like he doesn't fit in. He finds a way to really show the ups and downs in a teen's life. I could not put this book down. I would recomend it to anyone. I could not have agreed more with the musical taste in this book. And I was able to see myself through Mason. If you are a teenager or not, this book is definetly one to read!!!

Cut My Hair by Jaime S. Rich is an incredible book.
I read half of it the day that I got it. I couldn't put it down.
I loved how Mason created his own little niche but still felt that some thing was missing. He left his safety zone to get away from the messy, painful life he led. The day he lost his best friend is the day his world got turned up side down, he became lonely, depressed, refusing to speak to those who cared about him. Nothing could take away his pain except for his love for punk rock music.
Jaime S. Rich knows how to get into the mind of the reader and I really enjoyed reading about someone I could relate to.

I just put down this book and had to drop a few lines. Jamie is one of those rare writers able to bring truly original definition to characters and their relationships. You don't observe his world, you enter it, walk its streets, TASTE its dimensions (and boy are there a lot of 'em). It felt as though I was stealing conversations from the characters, rather than reading them.

By all means, pick up 'Cut My Hair'. You won't be disappointed. Jamie is a rare talent. Bravo.

Cut My Hair by Jaime S. Rich is an incredible book.
I read half of it the day that I got it. I couldn't put it down.
I loved how Mason created his own little niche but still felt that some thing was missing. He left his safety zone to get away from the messy, painful life he led. The day he lost his best friend is the day his world got turned up side down, he became lonely, depressed, refusing to speak to those who cared about him. Nothing could take away his pain except for his love for punk rock music.
Jaime S. Rich knows how to get into the mind of the reader and I really enjoyed reading about someone I could relate to.

I sometimes wonder just what led me to this book; whatever it was I am thankful. While I can't speak for everyone, I can say that this book reswonated with me in a way I've never found before. Mason is the voice of the overlooked, the unnoticed. I often feel that way myself.

I've bought several copies of this book; the first lost when it was loaned to a friend, one to replace it, and two to give away -- one as a gift, one to be loaned. I won't lose another copy again.

The story will hook you in if you like punkish music and are fascinated by how young adults make it through difficult periods. I loved the plot although it got kind of sad at times.