Customer Reviews

The Paths We Choose

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

My husband bought this book and really liked it so I hesitantly picked it up. Having read several other musicians books about their pathetic attempts at immortality and endless conquests; I was skeptical about the contents of this one. I am so glad I have a find out for yourself attitude. This is by far one of the best books I have read in a LONG time. He is real and honest about his childhood and becoming a man. It's one of those books that make you laugh out loud and then cry a few pages later. It's almost as if you can hear him telling you the stories. He had a rough childhood and was NO angel but he had heart and he had potential as you can see by the man he is today. I would definetly recommend this book. The only thing some may not particularly like is the profanity and violence but such is life.

This memoir is inspiring to anyone who thinks their dreams are unattainable, or if they have lost sight of what they are. This is not a book solely about Godsmack, this is a book about achieving your goals through persistence. It should be required reading for teenagers/young adults, aspiring musicians, anyone who find themselves at a crossroads in their life and about to choose their direction. Sully tells his story in somewhat of a spiritual context, implying that we all have a path and it's found by listening to our heart that, and we can choose to stay on it go the wrong way! Sully himself knew he was not always on the right path! He takes us through his journey of discovering it, starting as "just another punk in the street" in the industrial, crime-ridden city of Lawrence, Massachusetts, where it would have been so easy to stay that way-but he knew he had a different path to follow! In a straightforward prose, he takes us through his trials and tribulations with friends, enemies, girls, school, jobs, family, and of course MUSIC-where Sully never lost his vision! He also trusted both the wrong and the right people along the way and learned some lessons and maintained a definite strength. In the end the message is very simple -don't let adversity stand in your way. It's an honest tale told with sensibility, heart and is funny at times (one of my favorite parts was when Sully describes the "Larceny Of Bread.") I myself grew up in Lawrence and now work in the entertainment industry, so I can relate to this story on different levels. Thank you for telling your story, Sully. It's really admirable.

Sully has a cool way about him when he writes. You learn a ton about him before he became famous and his stories to his road to glory are pretty funny. He gets into how he formed Godsmack and I was pretty shocked when I realized how he brough it together. You have to read it to understand what I'm talking about. Overall the book kept me interested. You don't have to be a Godsmack fan to enjoy this story. But I can guarantee you if you've never heard of Godsmack or don't like them now, you'll attitude will change after you read this book. Sully really made it in an industry he seemed doomed to fail in.

One of the most interesting facts stated in this book is that Newbury Comics in Boston,Mass.starting selling Godsmack's first CD's ever printed.
Newbury Comics is a chain of stores like Hot Topixx. They are one of Amazon's biggest and most popular sellers.But more importantly Sully gets down to the roots of who he is and all the torture he went through to be a million-dollar rockstar.If anyone thinks that his level of success is easy,then just flip through a few chapters.At one point Erna quit music altogether and had a job as a collection agent. He pulled odd jobs and had very interesting,funny and borderline psychotic relations with the ladies.Sully reveals that he could have choked to death from doing too much coke and the period of his life where he suffered with anxiety attacks.And some chapters play out like screwball buddy movies.The whole cocky hardened rocker image fades away and you find out that this dude is as fragile as the rest of us.He says there is nothing wrong with showing weakness and emotion and that you need to release those feelings or they could kill you.This is where the music and songwriting comes into play.Sully is a machine and he has mastered every aspect of a hard rock band.Everything from writing,guitar progressions and drum arrangements.You will never find a more greatful person like Erna or his band Godsmack.But in the end he states that hard work is the price of fame.Life is full of disappointments but what you survive will make you a stronger and better person. If you have a dream of being a rockstar you should follow it. You will be surprised what paths it will take you on!

I thought Sully's book delivered insight into a great musician, but really a great person. I thought his writing about panic attacks hit home, as I suffer the same things. We think that "rockstars" feel no pain and are invincible, well Sully clears that up! Thanks Sully for this book, it really made me feel good that I'm not alone in my "world", even rockstars get the blues.

I am a huge fan of Godsmack and have always admired Sully's work. His lyrics are phenominal. I was very excited to buy this book and was not disappointed. I have listened to the music for so long and now can put even more meaning behind the lyrics. It is awesome to read about someone who worked so hard to make a dream come true for themselves despite the odds. I would recomend this book to anyone who has ever listened to Godsmack or who simply enjoys a story about someone who made things happen for themselves. Sully should be proud of where he came from and what he has made of his life!!!!

Just as the title suggests Sully takes us back to his childhood, teenage and adult years ending with his mega succesful band Godsmack! He didn't have an idyllic childhood. This book shows what courage, motivation & dreams are made of. As the title "The Paths We Choose" suggests it is just that. Sully knew at an early age he wanted more...and was capable of acheiving his goals! It's all about the paths we choose in our lives. The negative and the positive.

This is an absolute must read!

Miss Dark

I was so excited to read this book. I have been a Godsmack fan from the beginning. I too could relate to growing up in the 80's. Sully's life growing up in a hard knock city. His trials and tribulations. Overcoming drug abuse. I commend you! I saw Sully in Las Vegas last May 08, acoustic performance. He was so laid back, good looking, and very entertaining. He is also very talented. He made it to the top of the rock scene by NOT GIVING UP! Also by reading this book it makes the music mean so much more, because you understand the meaning and source of his lyrics. His music does touch your sole.

Must read for all of you Godsmack/Sully fans out there

I very much liked the book !!! It isnt one of those tails of the rock star life,but the reason an life of he how got there !! Just needs to be more in depth seems to overview to vague in some areas but he one ofy heros so i very much like it anyway