The Reading Bud

Book Blog by Heena Rathore-Pardeshi

Book Review: Meatballs & Microphones: A True Story About Small Kitchens and Big Dreams by Gregory Patrick Travers

Author: Gregory Patrick Travers
Release Date: 3rd June 2019
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 183 pages
Publisher: 
Blurb:
Being a cook and a rapper is hard work. Thankfully there are drugs to make it better.
They say out of all the aspiring rappers trying to make it, only 1% will ever find mainstream success. Gregory Patrick Travers pens a fiction-like memoir of the ups and downs of Vancouver rapper, joBlow. One of the 99% who didn’t. Set in the years 2010 to 2014, not only does the book give you a behind-the-scenes look at the world of underground hip hop and the politics of the chain restaurant industry, but it places you in the timeline of notable Canadian milestones like the 2011 Stanley Cup riots, the Occupy Movement, and the 2010 Olympics.
Meatballs & Microphones is a raw look into how one man’s chase for fame led to the destruction of every personal relationship he ever held dear. From bad band breakups to his struggle with addiction, to being homeless in order to pay for his tour expenses, this book lifts the veil of glamour surrounding fame and focuses on the hardships and downfalls that come with it.

Book Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Meatballs & Microphones by Gregory Patrick Travers is a touching and extremely relatable tale of someone who did not make it big in the music industry and, therefore, is a very realistic dig at the other side of the coin towards which a lot of people tend to turn a blind eye. This book is very much an eye-opener for anyone who either wants to enter the hip-hop music scene/industry or want to know how things really are behind the scenes.

I loved the writing of the author as it successfully delivered the context in a very relevant way and managed to pull at my heartstrings at the same time. I felt strongly for the author and was enraged in the last third fo the book, though thankfully, I was relieved by the ending as it turned out to be okay, if not great, for the author.

I’d definitely recommend this book to all the non-fic readers, but I’d also urge the fiction readers to check out this book as it reads really well (almost like a fiction novel) and tells a great story.

You can also read this review on 

I love reading your comments, so please go ahead…

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

I’m Heena

Welcome to The Reading Bud, my cosy corner of the internet dedicated to all things books and authors. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovering under-represented books, independent and small press authors, and all things book with a touch of love and loud purrs. Let’s get Reading!

Book of the Month

Read this captivating story on the adventures and hardships of Frank Knightlite, a man who strives to illuminate darkness with his lantern in search of answers to life’s questions.
You can get it here.
September 2020
M T W T F S S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930  

Reading is like breathing to me.

Recent Posts

  • Author Spotlight: David Morabito

    Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author David Morabito for his latest release, The Lantern Man. About The Author David Morabito David Morabito is a freelance writer who lives in the mountains and deserts…

  • Book Spotlight: The Price of Breathing by Melanie Faith

    Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring Melanie Faith for her latest release, The Price of Breathing. Book: The Price of BreathingAuthor: Melanie FaithPublication Date: September 15, 2026Pages: 134 pagesPublisher: Vine Leaves PressGenre: Novel in Verse,…

  • Book Review: Seven Serpents Assembled (Grimdark West 1) by Seth Hobbs 

    Book Details: Author: Seth HobbsRelease Date: 10 June 2026Series: Grimdark West (Book #1)Genre: Western Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Horror, GrimdarkFormat: E-book Pages: 470 pagesPublisher: Voxinus House PublishingBlurb:Outlaws chase silver. Cults summon gods. The desert takes the rest…Imagine taking Sergio…

  • Book Review: Cold Plate: A Dr. Shaw Mystery(Dr. Shaw Murder Mysteries) by Edward B. Haynes

    Book Details: Author: Edward B. HaynesRelease Date: 4 June 2026Series: Dr. Shaw Murder Mysteries (Book #1)Genre: Historical MysteryFormat: E-book Pages: 56 pagesPublisher: –Blurb:COLD PLATE: A Dr. Shaw MysteryHong Kong, 1894. A city of meticulous ledgers, colonial formality, and simmering…

  • Book Review: Hunter Bound (The Clans’ Ward Book 1) by Mel Dufresne

    Book Details: Author: Mel DufresneRelease Date: 21 May 2026Series: The Clans’ Ward – Book 1Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal RomanceFormat: E-book Pages: 209 pagesPublisher: –Blurb:A secret past. A dangerous world. A truth she was never meant to uncover.Ellie has…