Wholly Human

I've always known of ST as an unafraid, intelligent, articulate activist, interested in history, compassionate and empathetic to the human condition, and talented in many fields of creativity and artistry... anyone heard of SOAD? This 'memoir' supports all of the aforementioned, as well as giving so much more. His self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and political acumen shine throughout, making the naturally recurring themes of the book feel less repetitive and more explorative.

The SOAD dynamics feature repeatedly, with Serj sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly about all aspects of the groups' relationships. Of course, the main reason ST is in my sphere of reference is thanks to the band.

Whilst the Armenian genocide, autocracy, corporate greed, political negligence, apathy, anger, fear, and many other impassioned themes are intrinsically linked to ST and his narrative, his membership of SOAD, SOAD itself, as well as the many agencies and parties involved in it, ST comes across as wholly human; woefully imperfect; whimsically youthful

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Life is a waterfall...

I've only recently become a fan of System of a Down and didn't know a lot about the band members so took a chance on this book.

Serj is a natural storyteller with an incredible speaking voice. He welcomes you in to his story like you're sitting beside him.

Highly recommended.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Down With the System!

A great story, beautifully told by the man himself. A history of Serj Tankian, his family and his music told in a way only he could tell.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

a wonderful moment with Serj

a pleasure going through all the threads that have built a beautiful human being like him

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A much waited and needed insight into Serj's world

Having waited and constantly filled family and friend's conversations with expectations about this book, it might sound like another SOAD fanatic. Well, yes but not until recently. Having listened to SOAD's five albums while growing up, I don't recall having particularly hung up on a song (not more than the usual back then). Well, I was a teenager born and raised in what seems like a far away land (that's Baghdad, Iraq), and yet I devoured all the Grunge and NuMetal era could produce. It wasn't until knowing more about the band's history and living in the UK's Arab diaspora, I gained better understanding of Serj's journey. I somehow started feeling a much stronger connection and empathy to his interpretations of life events. I was hooked on listening to every line of Serj's memoir, and almost at every turn I wait with a youngster’s anticipation to hear his next line. His family's struggle surviving the Armenian Genocide to later himself being questioned about his patriotism or threatened for advocating for the Armenians' ongoing suffering is a testament to this gentleman's emotional resilience and dedication to the cause. In anticipation to this memoir's launch, Me and my 9 years old son (no forward planning) started to listen again to all SOAD and Serj's tracks on repeat. Though we never stopped getting the endorphin rush from ruining our vocal boxes trying to imitate Serj's vocals, we were more touched by the depth and relevance of their lyrics. This memoir sheds much needed light into Serj as a person in and out the sphere of System Of A Down. Listening to Serj's softly explaining the band's dynamics and always providing opposite views or perceptions to his is a testament to this man's humility and constant pursuit of understanding the world. A while ago, I listened to Chris Cornell's Total F*cking Godhead, Anthony Bourdian's Kitchen Confidental and Mark Laneghan's Sing Backwards and Weep. I must say this came in a perfect timing to understand more about this group of creative individuals. Today's world tragedies are better dealt with knowing you're here to help facing them, Serj! Having myself lived through three brutal wars, being repeatedly displaced, I could see myself re-listening to this memoir and yet experience different yet hopefully again optimistic views. I personally find this memoir much needed to navigate our lives in the Arabic diaspora (or any of sorts) which is becoming increasingly challenging. A side note, my son believes that he won’t experience the same musical connection and joy listening to Serj and SOAD as he grows up.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Amazing book

Fantastic book. As a person with ADHD, I find it dead easy to start something and hard to finish it. This book provoked a tornado of emotions. I highly recommend it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Excellent

Everything was honest and awesome. Loved that Serj narrated throughout nothing but good things to say about this publication. Download it now

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Kind, gentle soul with a passion for people

Serj explains his family’s background in Armenia which plays a massive role in his upbringing and campaigning for justice. His commitment to his beliefs can’t be faulted although I feel for the rest of SOAD who must have found his change in priorities frustrating over the years

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Very interesting and not your usual "band on the road" dirge

Would recommend this if you're a SOAD fan, although at times it's pretty sad because it essentially kills any hope of another album. Having said that it's not really the point of this book and the most interesting and thought provoking moments are when Serj talks about his Armenian heritage, his families history and also his activism in getting countries to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Amazing.

Funny, touching, horrifying, grounding and captivating. Serj is engaging to listen to throughout and is a wonderful human being.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!