Symposium Books is an independent bookstore on the uber groovy
Westminster St. in Providence. Taped to the window was an office
paper sized sign announcing a reading by Stuart Lewis. “Who the
fuck is Stuart Lewis?” I asked myself. Upon further investigation
I found he’d written a book called “Rockstarlet”. It was the
story of a gay man trying to success in mainstream rock culture
and music business. Sounds good I thought. I made a mental note
of the day and time of the reading along with a cryptic written
note in case my rather weak retention skills failed me.
It
was a hot August night, very Neil Diamond; Symposium Books
arranged chairs on the sidewalk in front of the store. Stuart
Lewis was introduced and he smiled. He’s cute. A tall dirty
blonde with a nice smile and laughing eyes. He sat down, pulled
out a matte black acoustic guitar, and played. He played one song
put the guitar down and picked up his book. He read from the
introduction. The plot is apparently a semi-autobiographical
story of his experiences as a gay man in the music Business. The
book starts with him in New York at Virgin Records signing a
record contract. He is brought there by two completely closeted
gay men in the “industry”. Be straight is their advise. There is
an inner conflict, but he does what one does and signs the
contract in order to “live the dream”.
Time
for another song from he newly released CD which was available for
only ten dollars. He plays and sings well. I’ve never been a fan
of acoustic guitar so it’s really hard for me to judge. If there
are no amps, it’s all Joni Mitchell to me.
The
next segment of the book he read was about LA. “I don’t hate LA.
I just like to make fun of it.” A sentiment I could totally relate
to. Gyms, Xanex, limousines with possible celebrities, isn’t that
the essence of LA?
Stuart’s writing style is glib and fun but under the barb there is
truth. His songs are filled with “vague pronouns” and ambiguous
gender. I would have bought a copy of his book but the bookstore
had sold out due to a group of groupie chicks. Good for him!
Pedi-cabs and shoppers passed often stopping to listen to the
reading. Stuarts writing and delivery is involving, he’s just
telling you a story and it’s fun. I am assuming this guy’s
hysterical at a party.
So
to make a long story short; if you are looking for a fun book to
read “Rockstarlet” seems to be it. But what do I know, I haven’t
read it.
