Gray Hardcover – February 19, 2013

It took me a couple of days of reflection to bring myself to write a review. When Gray ended, I just wasn't sure how I felt. The rawness and honesty stuck with me. There are few books I continue thinking about long after I've finished.Grey is the story of a musician and his progression through the industry. When I went into the read I was expecting a lot about the music, with a little romance on the side (sex sells, remember?). In fact, that's why I thought Amazon suggested it to me. Yes, this book has those things, but the book is about the character's relationships with the girl, his band, family, the world and, most importantly, himself.And that was the real tragedy of the story; the character's relationship with himself.There was one line that stood out to me, "I love the way you have with words." All I could think was EXACTLY. The way this man bends, molds, and rearranges simple words to create something so profound is nothing short of raw talent. I don't think I have ever highlighted that many passages in my entire life. Mostly because they were funny, but some because of the pure emotion he could provoke with a few words. All of them made me actually stop and think. Often, a laugh would follow.`Freud suggests that in order to love someone else, one must love themselves. ... Unfortunately, no one really loves themselves. And, if they do, they need to get to know themselves better."How true is that?Don't get me wrong, I'm not stepping on the Gray train and screaming this was the best book ever. I'm not saying the plot, grammar, etc, was epic. I'm saying that Wentz's brilliant use and manipulation of words is magical. That's what kept me going, because a story is just a story until the right person tells it.This book is meant to be fictional, but something about it felt so personal. At times I was almost uncomfortable because it felt like Wentz himself was naked and vulnerable. I don't know how true any of the stories are, but they felt real. No matter how much you say you want to know somebody, there were times I just wanted out of this character's head. I wanted him to have some privacy, because everybody deserves a little bit of it.I enjoyed how Wentz didn't put gloss on anything. It was honest, and unpretty at times (most of the time). But that was the point, I think. You have this character who wanted, and believed in, the fairy tale. He wanted the happily ever after. Instead, he got real life.Even the details about the lifestyle, the expectations, the pressure -- it was certainly not glamorized. What is most frightening is that Wentz likely did fluff them a bit, and leave out some of the worst things. It's an entirely different world, and chances of survival seemed minimal.The relationship the character had with Her is nothing shy of turbulent. It's such a love/hate thing that I was brought back to my late teens. Who hasn't had one of those relationships? Sometimes, they're the best. But other times, they can ruin you. It felt that these two kept swinging back and forth on what the damage was. She brought out the best and worst of him."The air in Her bedroom is heavy with smoke, but the fireworks are over."He's in a band, and they're on the road to success, all while he is fighting his inner demons and the outside world. It's a reminder that these artists, the ones we "love" so much, are people. They have problems, and emotions. Just because his dreams are solidifying, it doesn't mean he's truly happy, and that's okay. That's life.The symbolism is all over this story. I'm not great with spotting those things, but I have friends that are and strongly encouraged them to read this. I think it takes a creative mind to see and understand those things, which I don't have. I can definitely appreciate it, and I enjoyed what parts I did actually catch.My only hang-up with the book was the ending. I had read the major spoiler beforehand (I don't like emotional blows; surprises are not my thing), but the actual ending was so unsettled. I think that was also symbolic, and many will appreciate that. I, personally, like more finality. But that's not life, and this book was definitely about the honesty of life.I did find my new motto in this plethora of brilliant lines, because it completely describes me."Sometimes I am willing to believe in anything if it means ignoring the reality of the situation."Overall, I can't help but recommend it. It's different from most books I review, but it's definitely earned its spot as a favorite. Just don't expect some happy ending, nicely boxed up with a bow - you won't find that here.Unfortunately, something tells me I won't be able to just email this author to purchase a signed copy like I normally do. Oh well. And, yes, my review is lacking its normal inappropriate humor. I blame the sad book. No laughs for sad books.

As a longtime fan of Fall Out Boy, when I heard Pete Wentz was writing a book I was automatically interested in reading it, since I have always loved his lyrics. Although I did enjoy the book, it definitely let me down in a lot of ways.First of all, I'm not sure why this book is labeled as fiction when Pete was obviously writing almost entirely about his life and his experiences. I'm sure some parts are embellished - such as what happened to his on and off girlfriend in the end, which I suspect was totally false - but overall, this reads as more of a memoir than a novel. I wished he would have wrote either 100% about his own life or 100% about a fictional character, instead of mixing both, which is kind of confusing.Anyway, the book is mostly about the author's rocky relationship with his on and off girlfriend, his struggles with depression and anxiety, and how these contributed to his drug use and suicide attempts. Although he is also writing music, recording songs, and touring with his band, there is little actually mentioned about all those things, other than him just saying they were happening. There's not much detail about those events, the book is mainly about how he felt while struggling with mental illness and his ex-girlfriend, and trying to be part of a band at the same time. I thought reading about his feelings and mental state was interesting, but I wish the book had been about a little more than that, as it did get tiresome after a while. (Although, that's how depression is in real life - it was an honest portrayal, just didn't always make for the best reading).This book read more like a diary in which the author was just trying to get their thoughts out on paper rather than creating an actual story. At times I felt like it just rambled on without much rhyme or reason. I did like Pete's writing style, which is very metaphorical, and as someone who has also suffered from depression/anxiety, I enjoyed reading about it from his point of view, and the way he described it. You can find bits and pieces of Fall Out Boy lyrics throughout Gray as well, which is fun.I honestly feel that if the author wasn't famous and there weren't so many fans already willing to buy and read the book, this never would have been published. (Sorry Pete). There is no real plot, little to no character development, no progression in the story, no real beginning, and no real ending. Gray seems more like a collection of blog posts or journal entries than a novel. This book intrigued me and captured my attention, but in the end I still felt a bit let down, wishing it was more like a real novel. If you suffer from mental illness or are a Fall Out Boy fan, you will probably enjoy this book. If neither of those things apply to you, you probably won't.

Very emotional book, Pete Wentz has such a way with words. Super talented- this book will crush your heart.

Honestly, I don't know how to word this but I'll try.Let's get the bad out of the way,this book doesn't have a well developed plot, or a whole lot of character development. About five chapters in I knew that this book wasn't going anywhere, just honest heartbreak. In fact, I didn't gain anything significant from this book, just a dramatic display of values I already knew.However, being that I'm a diehard, I was going to love this book regardless.There were intense emotions in this book, because that's only captivating thing about the story. The raw emotion will suck anyone in until the end. If you're a fan, you'll adore this novel. The heartbreak in this novel caught me off guard and put me in a sobbing session in the early hours of the morning. It's Romeo and Juliet level heartbreak. Expect that if you decide to purchase this novel.Overall, I am satisfied with this story and I don't regret purchasing or investing hours to read it. However, I don't plan on rereading this until time passes; I don't like sobbing on a daily. I recommend if you're a fan, and even if you're not, you just might become one after reading this book.

Fans of Pete will love this book. It took me a few pages to get used to his style of writing but I was mesmerized after that. This book made me want to go back in time and be there for him and let him know he is not alone. This is one I will revisit in the future.

As a Fall Out Boy fan for the last 8 years, I was really interested into reading this book.It's written as well as the FOB lyrics, Pete Wentz really knows how to play with words and "write it better than you ever felt it".It's a must for every FOB fan, it changed the way I listened at some songs of the band, it's really good.I really connected to it. I can't wait to have Pete sign it whenever I see them again.

Hauntingly beautiful. The half-formed metaphors and trailing thoughts captivate you, pulling you down the rabbit hole. I understand this voice. I feel it. This book will get in your head, like someone's playing guitar with your nerves for strings. You'll never think the same way again.

Bought for my daughter who loved it. Took quite a while to get here, but it seems to be a book quite difficult to get in the UK. All in all absolutely fine.

As a Fall Out Boy fan, I'd heard a lot about this book from other fans, so I decided to check it out. It took me months to read but overall, I am glad I chose to read this novel. The only reason that there is a star missing is because I found the book quite confusing and difficult to keep up on at some points, but it was good to see fame and tour life from this point of view. I would definitely recommend this novel.

Book turned up earlier than stated which was awesome. Can't put the book down, it's beautifully written and the writing style is exactly what you would expect from Pete Wentz.