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

  • Book Review: Paganini (PEOPLE MAKING DANGER) by Adam Fike

    Book Details: Author: Adam FikeRelease Date: 20 March 2025Series: PEOPLE MAKING DANGERGenre: Historical Fiction, Supernatural IntrigueFormat: E-book Pages: 97 pagesPublisher: –Blurb:HISTORIC DRAMA – The wicked life of a notorious nineteenth-century violinist, who played so beautifully, and broke so…

  • Book Spotlight: The Old Clock Peddler by David Morabito 

    Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author David Morabito for his latest release, The Old Clock Peddler. Book: The Old Clock PeddlerAuthor: David MorabitoPublication Date: September 30, 2025Genres: Dark Fantasy, Suspense, Romance, Science-FictionPage Count:…

  • ARC Review: A River of Blood by Adam Williams

    Book Details: Author: Adam WilliamsRelease Date: 1 November 2025Series: Genre: Historical Mystery, SuspenseFormat: E-book Pages: 382 pagesPublisher: Earnshaw Books LtdBlurb:Egypt 1099 CE, Qahira (Cairo)Samuel, a Jewish doctor versed in alchemy, and Gregory, his English apprentice, are investigating a…

  • Book Review: Catalyst by Sloane Mercer

    Book Details: Author: Sloane Mercer Release Date: 2 October 2025Series: Genre: Psychological Thriller, Political Thriller, Terrorism/Espionage Thriller, Literary Suspense, International IntrigueFormat: E-book Pages: 193 pagesPublisher: AMEE PublishingBlurb:Everyone’s the hero in their story. Even the monsters.Jake Rossi, a Capitol…

  • Book Review: Unearthed: The Lies We Carry & The Truths They Bury by Chanchal Garg

    Book Details: Author: Chanchal GargRelease Date: 2nd June 2025Series: Genre: AutobiographyFormat: E-book Pages: 282 pagesPublisher: Blurb:In this searing memoir, Chanchal Garg reveals the spiritual and sexual abuse that shattered her sense of self and forced her to question…