I think this is a first for me two reviews on the same day!

Jim Cherry Takes Us On A Trip Through Time!
By Nanci Arvicu

When I first started reading The Last Stage, I thought that this was Jims life! It's written with such great detail of events I believed it to be the story of Jims life, that he was the lead character, he was the one on stage, that he was Morrison. Crazy stuff! I was almost dissappointed to find that this was a work of fiction - but then to discover that Jim Cherry created this all in his own mind, fantastic!

I had the opportunity to talk with Jim about The Last Stage on Page Readers. Talk about an interesting person! Jim talked about how he took "everyones" fantasy - who doesn't ever dream of being the person on stage with fans screaming your name - and turned it into this wild ride into the past.

After reading the book and talking with Jim, I have to say to the main stream publishers who passed on this book - you missed out! Thank you Jim, for following your heart and making this book a reality. This is one any Doors or Jim Morrison fan - or anyone who has ever dreamed of being up on that stage - must read!


Nanci interviewed me on her Page Readers Radio Talk Show on 3/15/10


A Review of The Last Stage
by Patrick Monaghan

I enjoyed reading this book immensely. I found it hard to put down and when I did I couldn’t wait to get back to it. I was initially drawn to this book because I am a huge fan of The Doors. Although it is not a book about The Doors themselves it is inspired by them and the author includes so many great references and Doors related content that even a casual fan of the band will take an immediate interest in this material. This book drew me in from the first paragraph and although I liked the ending I found myself wanting more upon finishing the book. I just enjoyed reading it so much I didn’t want it to end. One of the things I can single out about this material that makes it so enjoyable is the character development. Author Jim Cherry carefully crafted each character so well I felt like they were real people. People I might encounter in everyday life. People that are very easy to identify with on an emotional level. This made it easy to invest in the characters and truly care about what has happened to them and what is going to happen to them. No character in the book is a better demonstration of this than the main character/narrator Michael Gray. Initially it was easy to identify with him to the point that I felt like I actually knew him or someone just like him. I almost felt like portions of his character were based on myself. Which obviously isn’t the case but it made him a more accessible. I found Michael to be a regular everyday guy in the beginning of the book and he was very likable. Which is interesting, because as I plunged deeper into the story I hated him at times. Michael’s character is certainly hard to nail down. You think you know what he wants until you realize that he doesn’t even know what he wants for a significant portion of the story. Michael Gray is the ultimate Doors fan. He even bears an uncanny resemblance to Jim Morrison. He has a chance meeting with Ray Manzarek and eventually concocts a tribute to his hero. His idea is to form a Doors cover band with him filling Jim’s leather pants, which he successfully pulls off when he convinces a young but talented band to back him up. This band puts their original material/career on the backburner as Michael and his vision takes precedence. Resentment and animosity builds the more Michael’s vision of the band gets distorted from a tribute to The Doors to more of a launch pad to turn him into a star. The cover band calls themselves the Unknown Soldiers and it isn’t long before they are on their way to becoming less unknown. They begin to tour and it is very enjoyable reading their tour chronicle. Everything from the 2nd hand van they travel in to the performances and venues themselves will peak your interest. Michael’s fantasy of becoming a rock star like Jim Morrison becomes more and more a reality on and off the stage. Michael seems to lose himself in his vision of what Morrison was really like as he tries to essentially become the reincarnation of him. Unfortunately for the band and most people Michael encounters it’s the negative things about Jim’s personality that rise to the surface. From what I gathered Michael was a tormented soul and he was afraid to let anyone know the real Michael so it was easier to attempt to be someone else. Being a jerk is a sure fire way of making sure no one could get close enough to get to know what you are really like. This however doesn’t completely turn you off to Michael’s character. He never loses 100% of his likeability. He is interesting through out whether you identify emotionally with him in his torment or you are excited to see what crazy stunt he will pull next. Michael takes his fantasy of becoming Jim Morrison to the next level when sets his sights on landing the role of Jim in a major motion picture. Eventually the band’s tour winds down and they have one final show at the Whiskey A Go-Go. This is a dream come true for any band on the rise but especially a Doors Tribute band given the Doors well documented history in the club. The big shots in charge of the movie were to be in attendance and this performance will serve as Michael’s audition for the role of Jim Morrison. This is a huge opportunity for Michael and without giving too much away it is a very climactic moment in the book. Several times while reading this amazing book I thought I had it all figured out only to find out I was completely wrong. This is a testament to the talent and skill of its author. Jim Cherry kept me guessing and taught me that one can not always trust his own premonitions. The ending of the book is great, it brings Michael’s character and the whole story full circle. This is a very satisfying read that I recommend to anyone and everyone. Get this book and by the time you are done with it, I am convinced that you will feel the same.

Thank you Patrick & Nanci!

The Last Stage is available at Jymsbooks