Even if it kills me, a biased review

Things have felt a lot tougher than usual lately. I’m not alone in feeling this way and I’ll admit that the existential dread serving as a constant companion throughout 2020 has made for some generalized lethargy.

Or I’m just lazy.

Regardless which of those is true, my friend has written a phenomenal book that I sincerely hope you pick up as a pick-me-up. Especially if you happen to have stumbled onto this while doomscrolling. You deserve a break, and Doni can give you one.

Just trust me.

I bought “Even if it Kills Me” expecting it to be a fun little story about the man, the myth, the legend, Doni Darko….er, Blair. What I did not expect or prepare for, was the inspirational rollercoaster of a journey his story took me on. I’ll expand on this but the tl;dr is BUY THIS BOOK NOW. Simple. It’s so much more than a typical rock star memoir.

At its core, this is a book about a musician. A successful musician at that. I love music. I love books. This is obviously right up my alley.

Like any good superhero origin story, we learn about Doni’s upbringing and struggles as a punk teen through his always witty and often hilarious prose. 

The honesty he brings to the page is refreshing and brutal. This doesn’t read as a self-aggrandizing embellishment as much as a survival story. His love of taekwondo and pursuit of his passions on a road to eventual success is a hard fought journey. He’s grown not by luck and timing as much as grit and perseverance. It’s a story that throughout its short 175 page length repeatedly reminds you that you are capable of incredible things. 

You’re 30 and wanting to learn a new skill? Read this.

Lost your way in this misanthropic existence we call life? SAME. Pick this book up.

Feeling undermotivated and tired of Netflix asking if you’re still watching? Yea, this book is for you.

If you set down this blue covered talisman and don’t immediately start to chase your dreams, you lack soul. 

I wanted to read a book about a musician I like. I wanted stories about the road and touring, and I got all that, but so much more. The wealth of extra wisdom hidden in these pages brings this autobiography to an entirely new plane. I want EVERYONE to read this. If you hate music and taekwondo and don’t even realize Doni is the best damn bassist this side of the prime meridian, you will STILL find this book to be enriching and motivating and important.

I cannot over-hype this story. It is remarkable what Doni accomplished with this book and I hope to see more autobiographies emulate his candid, gut wrenching, honesty. You owe it to yourself to buy a copy, and if you know a punk teen that might be in need of some direction in life, this is the very first thing they should read.

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3cDVPUQ

Doni’s Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2uoJJ5tMrGRmbWEd15S7vP