Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Although the 1980’s is mercilessly-mocked, those who grew up during that time have many fond memories. In addition to the much-loved John Hughes teen-angst movies, it was the music that really stood out: New Wave, New Ro(mantic), Ska and punk—with a smattering of glam and hair band thrown in.
Through the years pop culture and music have always been important, but in the 80’s the smallest things felt so significant—I remember the dawn of M-TV being practically life-changing; my friends and I were often late to school because we were waiting for them to replay the “World Premier” of Def Leppard’s Photograph or Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
No matter how much trash-talk is dished about the bad hair and fashion disasters, I’m willing to bet there isn’t one person who can hear a song from the 80’s and not have it result in an avalanche of memories. Rob Sheffield is one such person.
Penning a memory-filled journey back to his oft-geeky 1980’s adolescence, where he lived, loved and learned through the music of such bands as Duran Duran, Madonna, Prince and the Go-Go’s; and, through their music, Rob tried desperately to glean insight and knowledge that would provide access to and understanding of the complex and elusive female.
Written in his poignantly-witty style, Rob takes you back to the time of hand dances, New Ro hairstyles and shoulder pads. Talking to Girls is a coming-of-age memoir for the masses. A time when songs on the radio marked significant life-moments of friendship, first love and heartbreak that would be remembered and relived over the course of a lifetime.
Talking to Girls is a perfectly-captured snapshot of growing up and finding your way. Now, twenty-something years later, we’re all a lot older—and hopefully a little wiser—but, somehow, a Duran Duran song can still make it all feel like it was yesterday.
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Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Dutton Adult (July 15, 2010)
ISBN-13: 978-0525951568