Book Review: Give the Drummer Some by Mark Zero

Give the Drummer Some
by Mark Zero
9781933975047
Giant Publishing
August 2010

Mouse Watkins was the drummer of the funk band The Bad Apples. After a falling out with fellow band member Gateway and the realization that his band and his music wasn't what it used to be, Mouse tries to live like everyone else. He gets a regular day job working, moves out of his mom's home and into his own apartment. During a particular stormy winter in St. Louis, Mouse's retirement from The Bad Apples has put his life into an upheaval. He rekindles a romance with an old flame Shauna, explores Christian Science and fights his personal and professional battles with his old band mate and his family. This novel asks the question: what does a musician do when the spotlight ceases to shine on them?

Mark Zero's Give the Drummer Some is a sensitive look at a musician's fall from grace and the subsequent reivention of the self. Mouse is a veritable literary Phoenix and the reader will enjoy following his journey as he rises from the ashes.

My favorite parts of the book pertained to Mouse's innocent exploration of Christian Science. Growing up Baptist but not being religious, Christian Science offers something to Mouse that nothing else in his present circumstances offer and that's stability and order. Mouse's job at the Anheiseur Busch factory is only temporary. If he can't become a permanent member of staff or get a new job he will lose his apartment. His relationship with former groupie Shauna has serious highs and lows. On top of all that, everything is being covered with layers of snow that will later disappear. Nothing seems permanent. At any given moment, things can slip away. Mouse first visits a Christian Science bookstore. He seeks shelter in the bookstore after walking several miles in the snow. He needs a quiet place to warm up physically and cool off emotionally. Curious about the religion, he gets pamphlets and attends service. He likes how the religion is the opposite of his music and it's freeform style. And while he doesn't intend to convert to the religion, learning about it helps him find balance in his own life.
I personally loved this book and savored each chapter. This is the third book I've read by Mark Zero and I have to say it's by far my favorite. There is no way you will not fall in love with Mouse Watkins, sympathize with him and see parts of yourself in him. Reading about Mouse's relationship with Shauna and his exploration of Christian Science struck a chord with me and I had a personal revelation while reading the novel which I hope will help me become a better person.

Read this book now! You won't regret it.
The author Mark Zero http://www.bookmarkzero.com/
Give the Drummer Some book site: http://giantpublishing.com/givethedrummersome/
Give the Drummer Some book trailer



Special thanks to author Mark Zero for providing me with a Galley for review.