- You write in a bright. consistent voice and maintained this really excellent tone of optimistic sweetness juxtaposed with the sometimes gnarly antics. Really good!!"
- ~ DARIA from 105.1 The Buzz Portland Or.
SNEAK PEEK - READ THE FIRST 4 PAGES HERE
- I'm Not a Groupie, I'm IN the Band! The Real Life Adventures of a Female Musician Encore Edition is an entertaining part memoir- part commentary on what it’s like to eat, live and breathe the world of a working cover band musician during the 80’s and early 90’s. It is the true story of the decisions Hollie made, good and bad, while working in a crazy, unorthodox
business.
I’m Not a Groupie, was written in a style that is Hollie’s voice and her personality; a dry wit, laughs at anything, sometimes talks like a truck driver and views the world as an insane storm circling around her. She speaks to each reader as her close friend as she shares personal adventures in life and a career that is unique to most.
REVIEWS |
- Buy, beg, borrow or steal this book!, September 19, 2008
- By Wanda Lapp (Arvada, CO)
For those of us who played the scummy dive bars, the dysfunctional wedding receptions and the stale smoky hotel lounges, Hollie Olson's portrayal of the life of a working road musician is comically and sometimes tragically veracious. For those of us who were also female musicians, this book is simply a must-read. Punctuated throughout this chronological account of the unbelievable but true events that happen on the road are little pearls of wisdom that only a Renaissance woman like Hollie can offer. You will learn what it is like to book last-minute gigs for bands that haven't ever played together; to be the back-up band for a hot air balloon; to change song lyrics to an x-rated version just to see if anyone is actually listening to you; to convince the US border patrol that you are in a church singing group instead of a rock band; and whether or not man-groupies are actually stalkers. I recommend setting aside a weekend to read this book because you won't want to stop until you reach the back cover. -Wanda Lapp
- Charles Deemer, Editor, Oregon Literary Review
- "Hollie Olson has written a romping confessional in "I'm Not A Groupie -- I'm In The Band!" This isn't a story about rising to fame and fortune but about touring lounges and bars in small and larger towns, the gigs that define the lives of most musicians. Hollie brings a special perspective and sense of humor to her life on the road. Whether being fired by her brother, working for an Elvis impersonator, trying to keep a relationship together, partying, fighting to get a fair shake in the band, or simply surviving the grueling life on the road, Hollie tells her story with the energy of a survivor. This is a natural story for the screen but you don't need to wait for the movie. Get the book now.""Hollie Olson has written a romping confessional in "I'm Not A Groupie -- I'm In The Band!" This isn't a story about rising to fame and fortune but about touring lounges and bars in small and larger towns, the gigs that define the lives of most musicians. Hollie brings a special perspective and sense of humor to her life on the road. Whether being fired by her brother, working for an Elvis impersonator, trying to keep a relationship together, partying, fighting to get a fair shake in the band, or simply surviving the grueling life on the road, Hollie tells her story with the energy of a survivor. This is a natural story for the screen but you don't need to wait for the movie. Get the book now."
- Honest & Comical! October 29, 2009
By Starr (New York) I've never left reviews for books that I've read before but after reading this book I just had to. I couldn't put it down! What a great read! You feel like you know Hollie as she goes through her up's and down's.
Thank you for writing such a great book!
Starr
- What a wonderful book, December 30, 2009
By Kelly M. Fleek (vancouver,WA)
I'm Not a Groupie I'm IN the Band is a great book to read. This book is filled with crazy but true story's of what its like to be a female musician and i loved the tales of the Alaskan dive bars. There are so many funny stories and one that i really enjoyed was of the penguin wedding! This book was a page turner and i found it hard to put down at times.
- Fascinating look into the life of a woman musician, February 7, 2013
By zorkman -
This review is from: I'm NOT a Groupie, I'm IN the Band!: The Real Life Adventures of a Female Musician (Volume 1) (Paperback)
As a woman musician, I found this empowering. I can relate to the stories the author tells. There are few places more difficult to trove in for a woman artist than the music scene. This gave me hope.
- A great read, December 11, 2009
By Caetis "Caetis" (Portland, Or United States) I must say that this has been one of the best books I've ever read, and I read a lot. This is no the typical type of book I'd read, but something about it made me not want to put it down. It's not only an enjoyable read, but is so packed with little stories here and there that you want to keep seeing what else this wonderful woman has been through. I've never finished a book as quickly as I did this one. It's one of the few that has inspired me, and I laughed a great deal, and even cried a little. Yes, I cried, read it, and you might understand why.
This author has an AMAZING tallent to make this read feel more like you've joined her for drinks, and she is just telling you a story about her life. She writes exactly as she speaks (I know this because I know her) and it's a fresh and imaginative thing to read... or hear.
I really must STRONGLY recommend this book. It has terse language, yes, so does she, but I think it's warranted every time it's used, considering what she had to put up with when it was happening.
Honestly, you won't find a lot of people that can tell stories, least of all true events the way Hollie does, and I hope you all give it a chance, It's truly worth it.
- What a great book!, August 31, 2008
By Beverly J. Raffaele (Vancouver, WA United States) This is a funny, compelling and a very well written book. It will pull you in and hold you. Hollie Olson is an amazingly talented writer, musician and actress...This book would make a great movie! Beverly J Raffaele, author and artis