|
what people are saying aboutthe New Memoir
Finding My GrooveLife, Love, & Lyrics
|
REVIEWS
"The book is so captivating that I read it almost in one breath. I can truly relate and appreciate how you integrated your love for music; like you said – “music touched my soul” and each chapter is marked by different songs, artists, and types of music”. You were able to merge all into one big journey filled with vivid memories and emotions and deeply touched my soul by your words and stories. I found a lot of wisdom in many pages. I like how you raised a profound question: “what if?” I admire how you were able not only to preserve all these precious memories but to share them with the world in such a courageous and heartfelt way.
This book speaks loud about values, and it shines with love. I found it truly inspiring!!!"
---Julia
This book speaks loud about values, and it shines with love. I found it truly inspiring!!!"
---Julia
"Elements of the book that really stood out for me, were the colourful aspects Amstutz achieving his dream of being a radio announcer are fascinating to read. One realizes, from the lens of 2023, how rare it is to attain such a position nowadays. Larry's determination and ability to overcome obstacles that led him to fulfill his dreams, is inspiring, an example to be followed, and a lesson to be learned, for any era.
This memoir is a light, interesting, enjoyable read, and I flew through it in a day and a half, all approximately 240 pages of it. Recommended for those who like historical accounts or autobiographies, in particular about life in specific parts of Canada, over the past sixty years."
---P. L. Stuart
This memoir is a light, interesting, enjoyable read, and I flew through it in a day and a half, all approximately 240 pages of it. Recommended for those who like historical accounts or autobiographies, in particular about life in specific parts of Canada, over the past sixty years."
---P. L. Stuart
"Finding my Groove" is a good read. I particularly enjoyed a peek under the covers of life in mining and forestry camps - a significant part of our provincial history. Well done Mr. Amstutz!
---Ian M
---Ian M
“Finding My Groove” is a very enjoyable read. The author pulls you into his story of growing up in a small town in BC, from a logging camp to central Canada and back to the west coast with many stops and gigs along the way. He tells of the many challenges he overcame to eventually “find his own groove.” Heartwarming, intriguing and well-written, Larry is a talented new writer.
---Jane D, Island Girl
---Jane D, Island Girl
An entertaining, insightful autobiography of a small town-raised regular guy that is at once intensely personal, while also reflecting the common triumphs and tragedies each of us faces growing up and growing older. Importantly, Larry’s life journey also illuminates the disappearing way of life on Canada’s west coast – life in the myriad camps and towns that were fuelled by logging or sawmills, and which are today largely forgotten remnants of BC’s primary-economy past. Told with humility and self-deprecating humour, Finding My Groove is not only the sound track of Larry’s life, it’s a book for any reader to enjoy.
---Scott M
---Scott M
As I read through “Finding my Groove” the stories transported me to other times and places, evoking my own memories about things I had not thought of for decades. Larry’s book details his life story but the words, phrases and period music quotes may also trigger personal mental snapshots of the reader’s life “back in the day!”
---M. Singh
---M. Singh
An engaging, personal account of a life well lived. Autobiographical excursions are not the type of genre I typically read, but was easily caught up in the author’s unpretentious, conversational, style. I can personally recall struggling with an autobiographic writing project in university, and the TA saying, “Just write what happened”. This is exactly what the author does. Many extraordinary stories from an ordinary fellow human trying to find his way through the complex web of family, love relations, work and life – from the forest to the big city. Many of the stories – often intriguing, inspiring and poignant – strike a familiar chord. The book will have special interest for those living in the region, but folks from other places and backgrounds will have lots to relate to and empathize with. This informal and connected read has many vignettes of diverse places and provides some insight into the experiences of logging, mining, radio and financial markets. The author uses an interesting devise: He pairs “Album Cuts” with the heading of each chapter – musical themes for the stories that lie ahead (all referenced and elaborated further on the author’s website). I find these add an interesting dimension, and totally make sense given his background as a DJ, and lover of music. I couldn’t help feeling like I am riding on a train with a fellow traveller in conversation about our lives and experiences...Album Cut for the book overall: The Gambler. The author was dealt some cards, and played some cards, and left some aces we could keep! Overall, a touching, edifying and easy read from a fellow human being.
---Jeff N
---Jeff N
"Welcome to a very honest and emotional ride through Larry Amstutz's life. His adventures are filled with challenges and successes and he pairs them with my favourite music of that time. I found myself laughing at times and crying at others. I was reminded of the importance of friends, family, honesty, optimism, patience and perseverance and the power of education. It was a wonderful journey."
---Susan C
---Susan C
