Slade

“Slade by Robb Grindstaff is a unique attempt, using an unusual style and format, to pinpoint and highlight both the light and dark sides of the human psyche. Written as a series of interviews, the story focuses on the incredible survival and life story of Slade Bennington.

“Slade is an incredibly powerful and thought-provoking story. Author Robb Grindstaff hit upon a stroke of genius in the styling of this tale. By using a series of interviews, conducted by someone writing the story of Slade’s life, we are able to get a deep insight into the motivations and emotions of all the principal characters, something not always achievable with a straight narrative style. I particularly appreciated the candor of the interviewees throughout the story. This made actions and reactions crystal clear for readers. I loved the thoughtful analysis of so many ideas and philosophies. By casting Annie as a retired movie star, whose focus in life these days was the study and teaching of comparative religion, the author was able to discuss many of the great religious leaders and philosophers of history, which I found compelling. I did enjoy Slade’s continued bemusement at his own success and his simple, down-to-earth belief in who he was, what he was doing, and his purpose on this earth. Perhaps the most fascinating part of this story is the exploration of the human psyche and the battle between inherent good and inherent evil in all of us. This is a powerful story that does what all good stories do – it makes you think, it makes you question your own beliefs and motivations and, most importantly, it entertains you deeply. Some of the subtle humor was instantly appealing to me and just added to my enjoyment. This is a fantastic book on many levels and I can highly recommend it.”

“Robb Grindstaff’s Slade was a fabulous read, pulling me into a story that was compellingly interesting and very heart-wrenching in every way. The concept of someone experiencing the harshest of brutalities life can throw at them and coming out the other side a new person may not be new, but the way Slade portrays this journey most definitely is. I found so many subtleties wrapped within that were deftly created: the demonstrated attitude of Mark Devlin; the introduction of firearms to Slade’s girls; the unanswered questions concerning the direction of the fatal shot which killed Devlin; even the death of Jolene on her way to terminate. This is what life is in its raw form. Sometimes there are no do-overs and sometimes there are, and if we get those chances, what we make of them will ultimately define us as human beings. Slade is a book I would not hesitate in recommending to every reader of high-quality, real-life drama. A very impressive book.”

“The premise of the story was as unique as the author promised. I loved Slade, his dark humor, and his positive outlook on life. At first, I thought Slade was suspiciously positive, especially considering his accident and condition. However, the more I read, the more I realized how a single incident changed his life forever. The narrative style was different but entertaining at the same time. Schuyler and Matt had an important role in Slade’s recovery whereas Randall became very important to Slade. I loved how Slade’s character development went on a steady upward journey and only got better with time. The interview-style narrative was intriguing and helped Robb Grindstaff keep readers interested. Slade was more effective than I anticipated and that only made me want to read on. I would highly recommend this novel!”

“I enjoyed Slade by Robb Grindstaff. It is written as a series of interviews with people close to the central character, Slade Bennington, as well as those who hold him in contempt. It covers absolutely every aspect of his life and each interview reveals an integral part of his story. I loved that some chapters left you hanging, others provided an “aha” moment, but then there are those that slapped you in the face. The book covers some theology, a type of philosophy, and some plain common sense. All of it is written in an easy-to-read, never boring style. There is a theory that the best writers are those who are or were journalists and Grindstaff reinforces that notion.”

“A timely satire of the celebrity-obsessed culture plaguing our society, Slade is an intriguing and authentic piece of work that has plenty to offer. Author Robb Grindstaff’s experimental narrative structure and stylistic choices may take a moment to get used to, but after a few pages, the story flows past without a single hitch. Slade is a complex character. A charismatic and intelligent man, often seen as the shaman to the stars, he isn’t without his flaws. That’s what makes him thoroughly compelling to the reader; the fact that for all the fame and fortune, he still feels human. If you like to read uniquely told satirical stories, I recommend Slade.”

“This is a very interesting and well-written novel that is told to the reader through a very different style. Rather than a regular chapter-by-chapter format, the author writes the entire novel as a series of interviews that Slade’s biographer holds with Slade and many others in his life. These interviews are with people who know Slade well and adore him as well as those who believe he is not as wonderful as others make him sound. The style makes for a very stimulating read that causes the reader to think and make some decisions for themselves. In addition, Grindstaff has a wonderful way of writing that makes the story come through as not only tragic but very witty with a kind of dark humor that leaves the reader almost laughing at various points in the story.

“Slade is a novel that is very readable and enjoyable. The main character, Slade, is an unusual protagonist and his story is so well-written that it unfolds for the reader perfectly. In addition, each character in the book has a real purpose to the storyline and they are each well-developed and intriguing.

Quill says: Slade is written in a very unique style that brings a refreshing feel to the story. It is a thought-provoking novel and I recommend it and the unique format in which it is written.”

“Slade is a well written story that unfolds naturally in front of you in a unique style. It’s challenging for the reader emotionally as the story can often hit home in many ways.”

“The crisp, natural writing style made this book a joy to read, and while it might seem odd at first, the book’s structure quickly wound up making me want to read, ‘just one more chapter’ to see what came next. Intriguing and entertaining, Slade, and its characters and themes, will linger with me for some time.”

“This is a thought-provoking novel, a commentary on celebrity culture, and an intense character study. It’s also a really good read.”

“Slade is enlightenment, and his story is how you can get there. Getting to know the characters through the interviewer’s questions was fun and refreshing. I highly recommend this book! I agree with another review, it’s worthy of a cult following!!”

“From the start, SLADE got inside my head and stayed there. It’s so good that I wished I had written it. That’s probably about the best praise one writer can give another.”

“I sat down on my couch and didn’t move for two hours. I read it straight through from beginning to end in one sitting. I laughed. I cried. I couldn’t put it down. This really is unlike anything I’ve ever read and I loved it. Robb truly is a master wordsmith and this book pulled me in immediately, just like his other two. Go get it! (and get his other two while you’re at it!)”

“Robb Grindstaff employs an unusual format—interviews—to chronicle the story of a most unusual man, Slade Bennington. Do not let that format deter you. Grindstaff is a talented storyteller, as his new novel demonstrates. He will draw you in and use plot twists and well-drawn characters to flesh out an incredible life-and-death story. Trust me, it’s one you won’t soon forget.”

“Laughter. Tears. Robb Grindstaff deftly delivers both in this tale of triumph, tragedy, and what becomes of those who surrender themselves to—and stir up—cults of personality.”