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The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself
Okay. So no one actually kills themselves in this book.
The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself pulls you into the early 90's New York City rave scene, in all its chaotic, psychedelic glory. The narrator grabs you by your wrist and drags you behind two teenage lovers from New Jersey as they tumble through a whirlwind of reckless hedonism that eventually spirals into a dark, devastating world of drug addiction and heartbreak.
As a teenager, Lynn cried, "No one is ever going to write something for me." Nearly two decades later, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Nicholas did just that. The gesture came too late for our unlikely heroine, but his heart was in the right place. A broken heart... but a true love. Reunited after years apart, Lynn and Nicholas embraced their love and sexuality, and embraced each other, despite troubled pasts, despite illness, despite all of their imperfections and mistakes. They shared the kind of honest and shameless connection that few have had the honor of knowing, and most would never understand.
"We're not hurting anyone. We're just living life without caring what anyone thinks about us."
"It's the coolest way to kill ourselves," Lynn said.
So turn the page, and pull the trigger.
The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself pulls you into the early 90's New York City rave scene, in all its chaotic, psychedelic glory. The narrator grabs you by your wrist and drags you behind two teenage lovers from New Jersey as they tumble through a whirlwind of reckless hedonism that eventually spirals into a dark, devastating world of drug addiction and heartbreak.
As a teenager, Lynn cried, "No one is ever going to write something for me." Nearly two decades later, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Nicholas did just that. The gesture came too late for our unlikely heroine, but his heart was in the right place. A broken heart... but a true love. Reunited after years apart, Lynn and Nicholas embraced their love and sexuality, and embraced each other, despite troubled pasts, despite illness, despite all of their imperfections and mistakes. They shared the kind of honest and shameless connection that few have had the honor of knowing, and most would never understand.
"We're not hurting anyone. We're just living life without caring what anyone thinks about us."
"It's the coolest way to kill ourselves," Lynn said.
So turn the page, and pull the trigger.
- GenresRomance
472 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2013
7 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Tanek
5 books154 followersNicholas Tanek is an author, speaker, and podcaster. He is best known for his memoir, The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself, which chronicles his experiences as a young man in the punk rock and BDSM subcultures of the 1990s. The book has been praised for its honesty and rawness in depicting Tanek’s struggles with addiction, depression, and unconventional sexuality.
Tanek has also written several other books, including Chipped Black Nail Polish, a novella about NJ punk rock romance, and Your Kinky Friends, a non-fiction book about alternative lifestyles and sexual practices. He hosts a podcast by the same name, in which he interviews people involved in BDSM, kink, and other alternative lifestyles.
In addition to his writing and podcasting, Tanek is a frequent speaker at events and conferences, where he discusses topics related to alternative lifestyles, mental health, and addiction recovery.
Stalker Links:
http://yourkinkyfriends.com
--
Twitter
https://twitter.com/NicholasTanek @Nicholas Tanek
YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSfx...
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/41QVG4q...
Like my Author Page
https://www.facebook.com/thecoolestway
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Website
http://www.yourkinkyfriends.com
Interview Links
Podcast Episodes:
https://www.listennotes.com/top-podca...
Interview with Rutgers University's RUckmakers:
http://www.ruckmakers.com/coolest-way...
Writer's Bone:
https://www.writersbone.com/interview...
TKS – Radio Interview
Blogtalkradio.com
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tksradio...
Interview with Kim Gray Loves Books
http://kimgraylovesbooks.blogspot.com...
Books Charming:
https://www.bookschharming.com/p/inte...
JERSEY INDIE:
https://www.jerseyindie.com/nicholas-...
Amazon reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Coolest-Way...
Tanek has also written several other books, including Chipped Black Nail Polish, a novella about NJ punk rock romance, and Your Kinky Friends, a non-fiction book about alternative lifestyles and sexual practices. He hosts a podcast by the same name, in which he interviews people involved in BDSM, kink, and other alternative lifestyles.
In addition to his writing and podcasting, Tanek is a frequent speaker at events and conferences, where he discusses topics related to alternative lifestyles, mental health, and addiction recovery.
Stalker Links:
http://yourkinkyfriends.com
--
https://twitter.com/NicholasTanek @Nicholas Tanek
YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSfx...
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/41QVG4q...
Like my Author Page
https://www.facebook.com/thecoolestway
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Website
http://www.yourkinkyfriends.com
Interview Links
Podcast Episodes:
https://www.listennotes.com/top-podca...
Interview with Rutgers University's RUckmakers:
http://www.ruckmakers.com/coolest-way...
Writer's Bone:
https://www.writersbone.com/interview...
TKS – Radio Interview
Blogtalkradio.com
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tksradio...
Interview with Kim Gray Loves Books
http://kimgraylovesbooks.blogspot.com...
Books Charming:
https://www.bookschharming.com/p/inte...
JERSEY INDIE:
https://www.jerseyindie.com/nicholas-...
Amazon reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Coolest-Way...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 9, 2016
When I was sent this book, there was a lot said that alluded to the fact that I’d be shocked by this. I was very cocky about it. I’ve seen things people. I’ve lived things. Nothing shocks me anymore. I believe my exact words to the author were something like: “If I’m not shocked or repulsed by this I am going to be very upset.” …An idiot, am I.
Not because I was shocked or repulsed by anything in the book (although, I’m sure some would be), but because when I finished this book, I realised how thoughtless my words now seem against the story of these people.
Nicholas Tanek isn’t anyone you’d normally care about. He isn’t a famous actor or singer or artist. If you passed him on the street you wouldn’t know anything about his life. You wouldn’t give him a second thought. He would just be another faceless human who doesn’t affect your life in the least bit. And he IS just a regular person. But he’s a regular who wrote an autobiographical novel about a woman he once loved, a woman who thought nobody would ever write anything for her.
In this brutally honest account of his life and loves he’s asking you to take a look at a woman who thought she wasn’t worthy of looking at. He’s asking you to be affected by a woman who thought she didn’t mean much to many and he is bravely asking you to look past many sins, choose this woman who was never chosen by anyone and grant this woman’s life the substance and significance it deserves.
This isn’t a typical romance novel. This is a book with many romances and many happy endings. It’s a story about how beautiful things can turn toxic and horribly ugly. It’s a story of many mistakes and of great loss but ultimately it is a tale of love and redemption. It takes you on a journey through drug fuelled youth, sexual awakening, the exploration of kink, the adult life of a junkie and the consequences thereof.
The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself is filled with many entertaining and sometimes hilarious anecdotes but, as mentioned before, it is brutally honest and it wasn’t an easy read. I, for one, am very glad to have been granted the opportunity to meet Lynn and to be allowed a look inside the life of one of the faceless people I pass on the streets. I’m grateful that I got to know her and that I got to share in part of their romance.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
Not because I was shocked or repulsed by anything in the book (although, I’m sure some would be), but because when I finished this book, I realised how thoughtless my words now seem against the story of these people.
Nicholas Tanek isn’t anyone you’d normally care about. He isn’t a famous actor or singer or artist. If you passed him on the street you wouldn’t know anything about his life. You wouldn’t give him a second thought. He would just be another faceless human who doesn’t affect your life in the least bit. And he IS just a regular person. But he’s a regular who wrote an autobiographical novel about a woman he once loved, a woman who thought nobody would ever write anything for her.
In this brutally honest account of his life and loves he’s asking you to take a look at a woman who thought she wasn’t worthy of looking at. He’s asking you to be affected by a woman who thought she didn’t mean much to many and he is bravely asking you to look past many sins, choose this woman who was never chosen by anyone and grant this woman’s life the substance and significance it deserves.
This isn’t a typical romance novel. This is a book with many romances and many happy endings. It’s a story about how beautiful things can turn toxic and horribly ugly. It’s a story of many mistakes and of great loss but ultimately it is a tale of love and redemption. It takes you on a journey through drug fuelled youth, sexual awakening, the exploration of kink, the adult life of a junkie and the consequences thereof.
The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself is filled with many entertaining and sometimes hilarious anecdotes but, as mentioned before, it is brutally honest and it wasn’t an easy read. I, for one, am very glad to have been granted the opportunity to meet Lynn and to be allowed a look inside the life of one of the faceless people I pass on the streets. I’m grateful that I got to know her and that I got to share in part of their romance.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
April 15, 2014
Sometimes in our lives, amazing things happen to us, things that don't come often, things that stay with us forever, things that change us unexpectedly in an unexplainable way; for me it was reading The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself.
When I came across this book, I was obviously taken aback by its title, I thought, hold on a minute that can't be right, then I read the description and slowly things made sense, I immediately wanted to know more about this story, I was absolutely captivated so I purchased the book, however, nothing could have prepared me for the incredible journey which I was going to be transported into.
Nicholas Tanek has written this book for "Lynn", the love of his life who unfortunately passed away in 2012, but, in order to do that, he has to take us through a trip down memory lane from the first time they met, this may I add, is no easy task, Nicholas has to go back to the early 90's when he was only 16 years old, what starts as friendship soon develops into something else, in a time when drugs were an easy distraction and music was a vital ingredient the leads embark in a passionate love affair which would withstand the test of time, however, most of us readers have been through our teenage years, and we know that at this age every day represents a new adventure, external factors, and things beyond our control have an impact in our relationships, and at this time Nicholas and Lynn part ways.
I would like to think whereas Lynn's feelings towards Nicholas even as a young teenage girl were pretty much a given, for Nicholas at that time as a romantic, love came and went without consequence or true happiness, he is not afraid to share each and every one of his painful relationships for they each had an impact in the man he came to be, to each he gave his love but in reality not his heart, each lover is a stage, each is a learning curve, each is a piece in a puzzle forming a new identity that would kill his old self and replace him with a genuine personality, through it all he is not afraid to open up and talk about his insecurities, his addictions, his desires and his obsessions; For Lynn unfortunately, the journey wasn't without difficulty and Nicholas allows us to get a glimpse into her years as she fights a terrible illness, an abusive partner, a battle with addiction and ultimately the loss of her identity.
It's not common for destiny to offer us second chances, these very seldom come, very few of us have the opportunity to do things right, to correct mistakes and to love again, Nicholas and Lynn were given a precious gift by being able to find each other after many years apart, to love each other the honest and purest way, for Nicholas it was a realization of the greatest love he felt for Lynn and for her it was the satisfaction to finally being with her one true love, for both it was being with a person that knew and accepted the worst parts of each other, their darkest past but still loving each other with a ferocity few ever experience in a lifetime.
"Lynn and I felt thankful to have each other. The comfort was truly magical in the sense that we both felt that we would never be alone again. We felt that we would always feel the love of one another in our hearts. We were looking forward to our time together. We were looking forward to our lives together."
As I write this review listening to Roxy music playing "Mother of Pearl" in the background still feeling quite emotional, I am so thankful that life has given me the opportunity to have read this book, it has changed me in so many ways, it has taught me to live life to the fullest, and love with intensity, with purpose, I would like to say this story is of love lost and found only to lose it again, of many different types of love and passion, Nicholas wrote this story for a girl who once thought nobody would ever write about her, he does it with so much emotion and conviction, I am in awe of his accomplishment to overcome so many obstacles, to immortalize Lynn through the pages of this book and to do it in the coolest way.
When I came across this book, I was obviously taken aback by its title, I thought, hold on a minute that can't be right, then I read the description and slowly things made sense, I immediately wanted to know more about this story, I was absolutely captivated so I purchased the book, however, nothing could have prepared me for the incredible journey which I was going to be transported into.
Nicholas Tanek has written this book for "Lynn", the love of his life who unfortunately passed away in 2012, but, in order to do that, he has to take us through a trip down memory lane from the first time they met, this may I add, is no easy task, Nicholas has to go back to the early 90's when he was only 16 years old, what starts as friendship soon develops into something else, in a time when drugs were an easy distraction and music was a vital ingredient the leads embark in a passionate love affair which would withstand the test of time, however, most of us readers have been through our teenage years, and we know that at this age every day represents a new adventure, external factors, and things beyond our control have an impact in our relationships, and at this time Nicholas and Lynn part ways.
I would like to think whereas Lynn's feelings towards Nicholas even as a young teenage girl were pretty much a given, for Nicholas at that time as a romantic, love came and went without consequence or true happiness, he is not afraid to share each and every one of his painful relationships for they each had an impact in the man he came to be, to each he gave his love but in reality not his heart, each lover is a stage, each is a learning curve, each is a piece in a puzzle forming a new identity that would kill his old self and replace him with a genuine personality, through it all he is not afraid to open up and talk about his insecurities, his addictions, his desires and his obsessions; For Lynn unfortunately, the journey wasn't without difficulty and Nicholas allows us to get a glimpse into her years as she fights a terrible illness, an abusive partner, a battle with addiction and ultimately the loss of her identity.
It's not common for destiny to offer us second chances, these very seldom come, very few of us have the opportunity to do things right, to correct mistakes and to love again, Nicholas and Lynn were given a precious gift by being able to find each other after many years apart, to love each other the honest and purest way, for Nicholas it was a realization of the greatest love he felt for Lynn and for her it was the satisfaction to finally being with her one true love, for both it was being with a person that knew and accepted the worst parts of each other, their darkest past but still loving each other with a ferocity few ever experience in a lifetime.
"Lynn and I felt thankful to have each other. The comfort was truly magical in the sense that we both felt that we would never be alone again. We felt that we would always feel the love of one another in our hearts. We were looking forward to our time together. We were looking forward to our lives together."
As I write this review listening to Roxy music playing "Mother of Pearl" in the background still feeling quite emotional, I am so thankful that life has given me the opportunity to have read this book, it has changed me in so many ways, it has taught me to live life to the fullest, and love with intensity, with purpose, I would like to say this story is of love lost and found only to lose it again, of many different types of love and passion, Nicholas wrote this story for a girl who once thought nobody would ever write about her, he does it with so much emotion and conviction, I am in awe of his accomplishment to overcome so many obstacles, to immortalize Lynn through the pages of this book and to do it in the coolest way.
April 26, 2016
I am hooked! What an awesome read!!! I can totally relate to the era with his music info. This is a very heartbreaking story to read. Yet, I am so glad I read it. The Author is telling a story of his one and only love of his life. And the struggles and pain they both endured from the beginning till the end. I cried my ass off. And I also laughed my ass off. Be warned this a real life story about drug abuse, spouse abuse and love. But so worth the tears and laughs. If you are from the 80s and love the punk and techno music you will understand the music behind his writing. He does an excellent job writing and pulling the reader into his story. You will hate it but then love it.
April 29, 2018
Honestly I'm at a loss for words; I feel like I can't come up with the right wording to truly express how much I loved this book.
I knew minutes into reading The Coolest Way that it was going to be something I would never be able to forget, and even that's an understatement. Don't let the title fool you, no one kills them self in this book. Nicholas Tanek takes his readers on an emotional journey of love; gaining it, losing it, understanding it, accepting it, and fighting for it.
The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself is written for Nicholas' love "Lynn", who unfortunately passed in 2012. I honestly felt so emotionally connected to Nicholas throughout reading this book. I felt like he was telling me his story personally; like he wanted me to know every aspect of the life he lived, good and bad. What I loved most is when he personally addresses the reader many times throughout the book. To me, that was brilliant and made me feel even more connected to the story and characters.
This wasn't your typical "love" story. There are a lot of aspects to the story. In the end, the most important of those, love. Learning to appreciate love, not taking it for granted. Nicholas was lucky enough to be given the chance to experience love in the most important form; purity.
Lynn is such an inspiration to me as a woman. She was real. She went through things that no woman should have to go through, and more. The two met in their teens, and shortly became friends with some of the same interests; sex, drugs and music. What could be better than that, right?
What was an extremely close friendship, quickly turned into more. Lynn wanted more from Nicholas, but as a young, naive man, Nicholas just wanted to have "fun". He later learned that no one could love him, for who he truly was (kink and all), more than Lynn would.
Personally one of the things I loved about Nicholas and Lynn was the fact that they had time to explore life without each other. Letting fate be the biggest component bringing their love back to life; and what a beautiful love to have.
Once they both realized they should be together, they were both very honest in what they had gone through in the past. Weirdly enough they both went through some of the same things. They both had turned to using heavy drugs and once that happened it took over their lives. They both did many things they weren't proud of. I found it beautiful that while they did crazy things to survive, they never passed judgement on each other.
Like I said earlier, this book is far from typical, but what makes it EXTREMELY different is the author's brutal honesty. It takes a lot of courage to admit and come to terms with everything Nicholas shared in this book. Knowing people can judge you for the things you did, yet not caring, because all you wanted people to know was the love you found, is just amazing, and truly inspiring. I applaud you for that Nicholas Tanek.
Another huge factor of Lynn and Nicholas' relationship was referred to as "kink". Some people are vanilla, while some like to explore. There is no denying that Nicholas and Lynn were far, very far from vanilla. But again, they accepted each other.
I honestly, truly believe there are people in your lifetime that you love, and then there is that special someone who is your soul mate. So all the relationships prior to meeting your "soul mate" ultimately prepare you for the love you're truly meant to experience. Lynn was Nicholas' soul mate, and he was hers.
It goes without saying that I loved the story of Nicholas and Lynn. I'm so happy to have experienced their love. I wish I could give this book 20 stars, because that's what it deserves, but 5 bold stars will have to do. Nicholas you truly outdid yourself. If your journey taught me anything about Lynn, I know she would have loved this story. You have gained a forever fan in me!
I strongly recommend this book to everyone. You need to go and start this beautiful, emotional, love story that is The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself.
I knew minutes into reading The Coolest Way that it was going to be something I would never be able to forget, and even that's an understatement. Don't let the title fool you, no one kills them self in this book. Nicholas Tanek takes his readers on an emotional journey of love; gaining it, losing it, understanding it, accepting it, and fighting for it.
The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself is written for Nicholas' love "Lynn", who unfortunately passed in 2012. I honestly felt so emotionally connected to Nicholas throughout reading this book. I felt like he was telling me his story personally; like he wanted me to know every aspect of the life he lived, good and bad. What I loved most is when he personally addresses the reader many times throughout the book. To me, that was brilliant and made me feel even more connected to the story and characters.
This wasn't your typical "love" story. There are a lot of aspects to the story. In the end, the most important of those, love. Learning to appreciate love, not taking it for granted. Nicholas was lucky enough to be given the chance to experience love in the most important form; purity.
Lynn is such an inspiration to me as a woman. She was real. She went through things that no woman should have to go through, and more. The two met in their teens, and shortly became friends with some of the same interests; sex, drugs and music. What could be better than that, right?
What was an extremely close friendship, quickly turned into more. Lynn wanted more from Nicholas, but as a young, naive man, Nicholas just wanted to have "fun". He later learned that no one could love him, for who he truly was (kink and all), more than Lynn would.
Personally one of the things I loved about Nicholas and Lynn was the fact that they had time to explore life without each other. Letting fate be the biggest component bringing their love back to life; and what a beautiful love to have.
Once they both realized they should be together, they were both very honest in what they had gone through in the past. Weirdly enough they both went through some of the same things. They both had turned to using heavy drugs and once that happened it took over their lives. They both did many things they weren't proud of. I found it beautiful that while they did crazy things to survive, they never passed judgement on each other.
Like I said earlier, this book is far from typical, but what makes it EXTREMELY different is the author's brutal honesty. It takes a lot of courage to admit and come to terms with everything Nicholas shared in this book. Knowing people can judge you for the things you did, yet not caring, because all you wanted people to know was the love you found, is just amazing, and truly inspiring. I applaud you for that Nicholas Tanek.
Another huge factor of Lynn and Nicholas' relationship was referred to as "kink". Some people are vanilla, while some like to explore. There is no denying that Nicholas and Lynn were far, very far from vanilla. But again, they accepted each other.
I honestly, truly believe there are people in your lifetime that you love, and then there is that special someone who is your soul mate. So all the relationships prior to meeting your "soul mate" ultimately prepare you for the love you're truly meant to experience. Lynn was Nicholas' soul mate, and he was hers.
It goes without saying that I loved the story of Nicholas and Lynn. I'm so happy to have experienced their love. I wish I could give this book 20 stars, because that's what it deserves, but 5 bold stars will have to do. Nicholas you truly outdid yourself. If your journey taught me anything about Lynn, I know she would have loved this story. You have gained a forever fan in me!
I strongly recommend this book to everyone. You need to go and start this beautiful, emotional, love story that is The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself.
September 28, 2014
To start out, this story cannot be classified as a romance novel so put that idea aside right now. The happily ever after ending is not here. This is a true story of love and loss through difficult circumstances. But if you’re looking for an expos è of the New York/New Jersey rave party scene, look elsewhere. This is a love story. While some of the subject matter is raw, particularly the heavy drug use and the rave party scene, the description of the actual parties and use of drugs is minimal, keeping to the story's theme.
THE COOLEST WAY TO KILL YOURSELF is an autobiographical novel, written in first-person from author Nicholas Tanek’s point of view. He’s changed the names of characters but the story plays out just like it did in real life. It’s a very emotional book. Emotion plays the largest part of the story, unusual for the male point of view. Nicholas Tanek extends that emotion even to the parts of the book that describe Lynn's life during the years they were apart. Her story alone is worthy of a book and is at the same time both uplifting and sad.
As a real-life story without the gloss and polish that is often present in romance literature, I identified with Nicholas and Lynn and found something of myself within their story. This was very surprising for me since my life as a teenager and young adult was about as far from theirs as one could get. But we’ve all fallen in love, out of love and faced adversity during love in some way in our lives. That’s the beauty of this story, the basic principal that love is forever and can conquer all.
It's clear that both Lynn and Nicholas have terrific senses of humor and that shows in the book as they use that humor to deal with their daily struggles with substance abuse and health issues. I found myself laughing with them.
And there’s music. The rave party scene in the New York area is all about the music. Many of the bands were foreign to me but those that weren’t, I remember from the odd listen at a friend’s home or through the internet. Nicholas Tanek takes advantage of his time in the music scene as a fan and critic so you can be sure that you’ll find everything and just about anything referenced in the book.
As I said in the first paragraph, this isn’t a romance novel. It’s a hard look at the life of two lovers as they grow into each other. Highly recommended if you want a real story about the type of love you can find yourself. It’s the coolest way.
THE COOLEST WAY TO KILL YOURSELF is an autobiographical novel, written in first-person from author Nicholas Tanek’s point of view. He’s changed the names of characters but the story plays out just like it did in real life. It’s a very emotional book. Emotion plays the largest part of the story, unusual for the male point of view. Nicholas Tanek extends that emotion even to the parts of the book that describe Lynn's life during the years they were apart. Her story alone is worthy of a book and is at the same time both uplifting and sad.
As a real-life story without the gloss and polish that is often present in romance literature, I identified with Nicholas and Lynn and found something of myself within their story. This was very surprising for me since my life as a teenager and young adult was about as far from theirs as one could get. But we’ve all fallen in love, out of love and faced adversity during love in some way in our lives. That’s the beauty of this story, the basic principal that love is forever and can conquer all.
It's clear that both Lynn and Nicholas have terrific senses of humor and that shows in the book as they use that humor to deal with their daily struggles with substance abuse and health issues. I found myself laughing with them.
And there’s music. The rave party scene in the New York area is all about the music. Many of the bands were foreign to me but those that weren’t, I remember from the odd listen at a friend’s home or through the internet. Nicholas Tanek takes advantage of his time in the music scene as a fan and critic so you can be sure that you’ll find everything and just about anything referenced in the book.
As I said in the first paragraph, this isn’t a romance novel. It’s a hard look at the life of two lovers as they grow into each other. Highly recommended if you want a real story about the type of love you can find yourself. It’s the coolest way.
August 8, 2015
There are two things I am going to admit here: 1. I am an author who is terrible about leaving reviews for books. 2. I read this many months ago and am now just getting to the review, see #1 for reason.
Enough about me, let’s get on to this book. It’s a love story for sure but not in the traditional sense, but in the real life sense. Nicholas and Lynn are two people who truly experience life, sometimes together and other times apart. When I say life, I mean the ups and downs of life. For some people it’s drug addiction, abuse and so many other things that can start to cripple the mind. These characters are no exception to these woes. But as we watch them grow from wild teenagers into troubled adults, we connect to them.
I don’t know about you and your life, but reading this book was like taking a peek back into my younger days. I was right around this age when this took place, listened to the same music and did a lot of the same stupid stuff. I even found myself getting angry at the characters and thinking, “You are going to regret that. I know I did.”
The way the author not only gave life to the characters but brought me the reader into the story it was heartbreaking at times but that’s a good thing – trust me. Since I lived a lot of that it was hard to read it, difficult to take a step back in time and be like Ebenezer Scrooge with the Ghost of Christmas Past watching the hardships unfold knowing there is nothing to be done.
Perhaps that is why I waited so long to write this review. I knew it had to be done as this book warrants all the praise it gets, but a part of me didn’t know how to put my thoughts and feelings on paper – or online in this case.
In short, this author has a gift at drawing a reader in, making them feel as if this is their life and bringing the characters around them to life. Everything worked together perfectly: the writing, the time period, the music and the story itself. I am not going to rehash the premise as you can get that by reading the blurb or several of the reviews, but I will tell you if you do read this book it will be difficult to walk away after finishing it without emotion. This will never be one of those take it or leave it books, it’s too powerful for that.
Enough about me, let’s get on to this book. It’s a love story for sure but not in the traditional sense, but in the real life sense. Nicholas and Lynn are two people who truly experience life, sometimes together and other times apart. When I say life, I mean the ups and downs of life. For some people it’s drug addiction, abuse and so many other things that can start to cripple the mind. These characters are no exception to these woes. But as we watch them grow from wild teenagers into troubled adults, we connect to them.
I don’t know about you and your life, but reading this book was like taking a peek back into my younger days. I was right around this age when this took place, listened to the same music and did a lot of the same stupid stuff. I even found myself getting angry at the characters and thinking, “You are going to regret that. I know I did.”
The way the author not only gave life to the characters but brought me the reader into the story it was heartbreaking at times but that’s a good thing – trust me. Since I lived a lot of that it was hard to read it, difficult to take a step back in time and be like Ebenezer Scrooge with the Ghost of Christmas Past watching the hardships unfold knowing there is nothing to be done.
Perhaps that is why I waited so long to write this review. I knew it had to be done as this book warrants all the praise it gets, but a part of me didn’t know how to put my thoughts and feelings on paper – or online in this case.
In short, this author has a gift at drawing a reader in, making them feel as if this is their life and bringing the characters around them to life. Everything worked together perfectly: the writing, the time period, the music and the story itself. I am not going to rehash the premise as you can get that by reading the blurb or several of the reviews, but I will tell you if you do read this book it will be difficult to walk away after finishing it without emotion. This will never be one of those take it or leave it books, it’s too powerful for that.
December 1, 2014
This book was an emotional journey filled with music,drugs,abuse, lust and of course love . I stayed up all night to finish it and when I did I crawled into bed and held my husband tight, grateful to have the man I loved in my arms . That is what I took from this story , to appreciate life and to LIVE it . I easily fell in love with Nicholas and cheered him on, laughed with him and cried for his pain and loss. If the author ever does read this I would like him to know that he did a great job and not only do I recommend this book ,I encourage others to read it .Lastly , thank you and please write more !
May 6, 2014
Let me just start out by saying that this has to be the most unusual book I have read in quite some time. That is not to say I didn’t like it because I absolutely loved, loved, loved it! This book was a gift and I am very thankful that it was in fact gifted to me because I don’t know if I would have picked it up off the shelf with a name like it has. Although now I understand the title, I would have been very reluctant to read a book about suicide as that subject hits very close to my home recently, but I digress. The Coolest Way is a book about one man’s evolution into maturity, his exploration of sex, love, music, and drugs. This is a book about redemption, and second chances. Nicholas Tanek has truly taken me on the adventure that was his life. I was hooked from the start, it took me a few days to finish reading it, only because I had to work and then life kept getting in my way, but that didn’t stop me from sneaking a quick read in the mornings (only to make me late for work) and reading it during my lunch break, getting in a few pages in the parking lot before heading home from work. I think I lost a few pounds because I didn’t want to stop reading to make dinner. I finally finished it on 3/1/14 and I was so affected by the ending that I haven’t been able to read another book since, as I usually want to move right on to the next book, like a smoker wants that next cigarette. But I was just too preoccupied with my thoughts to do that.
There is a lot of reference to music that I wasn’t familiar with but that’s fine, I looked some of the songs up along the way. However I could relate to so much of this book, I understand making mistakes and discovering yourself along the way, figuring out what was right in front of you was the answer all along, maybe not to this extreme but I could relate. Nicholas made me feel like he was sitting with me on my couch telling me his story until I fell asleep. There were times that I hated Nicholas and other times I was falling in love with his heart, his love for Lynn, even envious of his courage and free feelings and desires. Times that had me bust out laughing at this man and his outrageous way of expressing his love and desire for Lynn. Other times I literally had my hands over my mouth, engrossed in sadness. Oh and yes there were definitely some kinky sexy scenes in this book, but I feel it was a necessary part of this book, not just to add some steamy interest. There is a certain poem that comes to my mind about a certain body part that was so funny to read about. But if you want to know what I am referring you just have to buy this ebook or paperback, it is well worth it. I know there is so much more I could say about this book but I just don't have the words to express myself. I have already recommended this book and will continue to do so. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars because I absolutely love this story.
A unique Love Story, or would you call it erotica? Or would you say it's a book about a guy that has alot of sex, drugs and rock n roll? I say it's a Book about Redemption and Second Chances. A realistic look at yourself... I dare you to read this book! Love it or hate it, it really doesn't matter... It's that real!!
One of my favorite quotes from the book, but with that said, there are many.
"We wrapped our arms around each other. The whole scene was so typically cinematic. We fell asleep kissing each other. A wave of comfort crashed over. The woman who I held in my arms loved me. Maybe, she was right. The more I looked back on my life, the more I felt that I had been wrong."
Nicholas Tanek is a gifted Author and I will always read his books.
5 out of 5 stars from ~ Kim
There is a lot of reference to music that I wasn’t familiar with but that’s fine, I looked some of the songs up along the way. However I could relate to so much of this book, I understand making mistakes and discovering yourself along the way, figuring out what was right in front of you was the answer all along, maybe not to this extreme but I could relate. Nicholas made me feel like he was sitting with me on my couch telling me his story until I fell asleep. There were times that I hated Nicholas and other times I was falling in love with his heart, his love for Lynn, even envious of his courage and free feelings and desires. Times that had me bust out laughing at this man and his outrageous way of expressing his love and desire for Lynn. Other times I literally had my hands over my mouth, engrossed in sadness. Oh and yes there were definitely some kinky sexy scenes in this book, but I feel it was a necessary part of this book, not just to add some steamy interest. There is a certain poem that comes to my mind about a certain body part that was so funny to read about. But if you want to know what I am referring you just have to buy this ebook or paperback, it is well worth it. I know there is so much more I could say about this book but I just don't have the words to express myself. I have already recommended this book and will continue to do so. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars because I absolutely love this story.
A unique Love Story, or would you call it erotica? Or would you say it's a book about a guy that has alot of sex, drugs and rock n roll? I say it's a Book about Redemption and Second Chances. A realistic look at yourself... I dare you to read this book! Love it or hate it, it really doesn't matter... It's that real!!
One of my favorite quotes from the book, but with that said, there are many.
"We wrapped our arms around each other. The whole scene was so typically cinematic. We fell asleep kissing each other. A wave of comfort crashed over. The woman who I held in my arms loved me. Maybe, she was right. The more I looked back on my life, the more I felt that I had been wrong."
Nicholas Tanek is a gifted Author and I will always read his books.
5 out of 5 stars from ~ Kim
September 21, 2014
The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself Is Love.
Wow what an amazing book I've just read. I was extremely hesitant about reading this book but as it had been recommended to me numerous times, I felt compelled to just read it and get it over and done with. Shame on me. This is not the kind of book that one simply 'gets over'. This book took me on such an intense and extremely emotional roller-coaster ride that I'm afraid I will never get off from. I had no intention of writing a review for this book because frankly, who am I to critique or review someone's life? Because this is indeed the story of someone's life. Someone who you will love, hate and feel pity for. Someone you will wish you could hug at the end of it. The book is written impeccably and from the heart. The musical references of which there are many, were beyond me but it simply did not signify. This is a beautiful heart-breaking love story that will stay with me for a very long time - it is raw and it is real and I loved it. Thank you Nicholas Tanek for sharing this journey with us.
Wow what an amazing book I've just read. I was extremely hesitant about reading this book but as it had been recommended to me numerous times, I felt compelled to just read it and get it over and done with. Shame on me. This is not the kind of book that one simply 'gets over'. This book took me on such an intense and extremely emotional roller-coaster ride that I'm afraid I will never get off from. I had no intention of writing a review for this book because frankly, who am I to critique or review someone's life? Because this is indeed the story of someone's life. Someone who you will love, hate and feel pity for. Someone you will wish you could hug at the end of it. The book is written impeccably and from the heart. The musical references of which there are many, were beyond me but it simply did not signify. This is a beautiful heart-breaking love story that will stay with me for a very long time - it is raw and it is real and I loved it. Thank you Nicholas Tanek for sharing this journey with us.
June 17, 2014
WOW readers this story will stay with me forever,it's an amazing read about Nicholas and Lynn's love. You will become to feel you know them as Nicholas tells a brilliant story, he tells you not to judge but you will, you will think I can't carry on reading as it becomes very dark but please don't stop I'm pleased I carried on. Ultimately finding someone you can love and who loves you for the person you are is the greatest thing which Nicholas and Lynn experience through the toughest of times.
This is the greatest and coolest true story I have ever read, I hope that everyone reads it.
This is the greatest and coolest true story I have ever read, I hope that everyone reads it.
April 28, 2014
Unconventional and beautiful..
I finished this book last night, and I read it over 2 days. I tried to sit down and write my review when I was done, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t come up with words because I’ve not read a story like this one before. This book breaks the formulaic love story book mold. It comes to a different sort of closure. Stay on your toes when reading it – or you will miss it. Believe me, I did.
I felt like I was in a steady stream of consciousness with the author, and at first I wasn’t sure what to think – could I tuck in with this style or not? It was kind of like sitting in the front room, having coffee and chatting with a long lost friend. There were moments when he stopped the story to address me directly. Well that was interesting, I thought. But then he did it again. And again, and, well you get the picture. It was wholly appropriate. Because had he not done that, I would not have been prepared for what was to come. It was refreshing to read a love story where the expected sex scenes are not queued up in chapters 2, 6, 12 and 18. That’s not to say there is no sex, because believe me, there is. Remember when I said ‘unconventional’?
There are many moments (or scenes) where I found myself feeling like I was outside viewing something that I shouldn’t be viewing. But that was the beauty of the writing style – there was no sugar coating anything. It just was out there for how ever the reader decided to take it in. And I’m glad I kept going.
Each ‘Act’ holds its own theme, it seems. When I got to the end of the book, I completely forgot that these two people had spent 15 years apart. I had to go back and read that part again, because after I got out of Act 2, it just felt like Nicholas and Lynn had always just ‘been’. And then I was just mad. Mad about the world and what it sometimes does to peoples’ perceptions of other people. The end result is often devastating.
Life is imperfect and we are imperfect. But as the author says on more than one occasion and using different words – simply loves those who love you. Why don’t we do that? Do we always think there is something better over the horizon? I struggle to find the right words here because this book is listed as fiction. Well, yeah, fiction. Ok. You go on and have that fantasy. Nicholas found balance in the end, it seems. Remember when I said ‘beautiful’?
I finished this book last night, and I read it over 2 days. I tried to sit down and write my review when I was done, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t come up with words because I’ve not read a story like this one before. This book breaks the formulaic love story book mold. It comes to a different sort of closure. Stay on your toes when reading it – or you will miss it. Believe me, I did.
I felt like I was in a steady stream of consciousness with the author, and at first I wasn’t sure what to think – could I tuck in with this style or not? It was kind of like sitting in the front room, having coffee and chatting with a long lost friend. There were moments when he stopped the story to address me directly. Well that was interesting, I thought. But then he did it again. And again, and, well you get the picture. It was wholly appropriate. Because had he not done that, I would not have been prepared for what was to come. It was refreshing to read a love story where the expected sex scenes are not queued up in chapters 2, 6, 12 and 18. That’s not to say there is no sex, because believe me, there is. Remember when I said ‘unconventional’?
There are many moments (or scenes) where I found myself feeling like I was outside viewing something that I shouldn’t be viewing. But that was the beauty of the writing style – there was no sugar coating anything. It just was out there for how ever the reader decided to take it in. And I’m glad I kept going.
Each ‘Act’ holds its own theme, it seems. When I got to the end of the book, I completely forgot that these two people had spent 15 years apart. I had to go back and read that part again, because after I got out of Act 2, it just felt like Nicholas and Lynn had always just ‘been’. And then I was just mad. Mad about the world and what it sometimes does to peoples’ perceptions of other people. The end result is often devastating.
Life is imperfect and we are imperfect. But as the author says on more than one occasion and using different words – simply loves those who love you. Why don’t we do that? Do we always think there is something better over the horizon? I struggle to find the right words here because this book is listed as fiction. Well, yeah, fiction. Ok. You go on and have that fantasy. Nicholas found balance in the end, it seems. Remember when I said ‘beautiful’?
August 21, 2024
I've never written a book review for a book before so bare with me.
This book took me way too long to finish, but I did not want it to end, so I savoured it as much as I could. I stumbled upon this book here on Goodreads and decided one late evening to read the sample. I was hooked immediately. A common theme in the books I love to read surround addiction, co-dependency, recovery, and love. This book is all those things and more. The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself is an epic love journey full of graphic and torturous scenes of the trials and tribulations of being in love, falling out of love, and rekindling love. Nicholas Tanek pulls you in and takes you by the hand sharing memories of his life and the good, bad and ugly memories of his soulmate Lynn. Nicholas does an amazing job of making the reader fall in love with Lynn. This was one of the first times I genuinely cried while reading. I am envious of the type of Love Lynn and Nicholas got to experience and will grieve the fact that Lynn did not have an opportunity to read this epic love story written for her. I don't know what more to add to this review either than: Thank you thank you thank you Nicholas Tanek for writing such a vulnerable and brutally honest novel about your adolescence and young adulthood. Thank you for also sharing Lynn's story, she truly is one of a kind. I cannot wait to read more of your work!
This book took me way too long to finish, but I did not want it to end, so I savoured it as much as I could. I stumbled upon this book here on Goodreads and decided one late evening to read the sample. I was hooked immediately. A common theme in the books I love to read surround addiction, co-dependency, recovery, and love. This book is all those things and more. The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself is an epic love journey full of graphic and torturous scenes of the trials and tribulations of being in love, falling out of love, and rekindling love. Nicholas Tanek pulls you in and takes you by the hand sharing memories of his life and the good, bad and ugly memories of his soulmate Lynn. Nicholas does an amazing job of making the reader fall in love with Lynn. This was one of the first times I genuinely cried while reading. I am envious of the type of Love Lynn and Nicholas got to experience and will grieve the fact that Lynn did not have an opportunity to read this epic love story written for her. I don't know what more to add to this review either than: Thank you thank you thank you Nicholas Tanek for writing such a vulnerable and brutally honest novel about your adolescence and young adulthood. Thank you for also sharing Lynn's story, she truly is one of a kind. I cannot wait to read more of your work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2014
Where do I start? I saw this title around for more than a month before I finally got around to reading it. Nicholas wrote a story for the love of his life as a memoir of sorts, but really it's one of the most intense, love stories I've ever read. It starts with his telling of his crazy, youthful years and by crazy I mean CRAZY.. drugs, debauchery, wild sex.. you name it. Then, he lives life as he thinks he 'should' and when that makes him miserable, he reconnects with his first and true love. It's at this point of the book that I became completely gripped. The telling of the reconnection and their intense acceptance of each other brought me to tears more than once.
This book made me think about my life and my relationships in a whole new way. It made me grateful that I'm not 'normal'. It made me stop and think about how fortunate I am to have the relationship with my partner that I have... it's that intense a book. If you read this, be prepared to spend time.. it's not a quick romantic read.. it's a long, dark tale that will ultimately touch your heart and soul.
Warning: It's graphic.. drugs, sex, kink, wildness- if that alarms you, then it's not a book for you. If not? Read it.. it's so worth your time and your thoughts...
This book made me think about my life and my relationships in a whole new way. It made me grateful that I'm not 'normal'. It made me stop and think about how fortunate I am to have the relationship with my partner that I have... it's that intense a book. If you read this, be prepared to spend time.. it's not a quick romantic read.. it's a long, dark tale that will ultimately touch your heart and soul.
Warning: It's graphic.. drugs, sex, kink, wildness- if that alarms you, then it's not a book for you. If not? Read it.. it's so worth your time and your thoughts...
December 31, 2014
Possibly one of the most memorable books I've ever read. Unforgettable.
A testament to a girl who thought that no one would ever write about her. The love of her life did though. He made it happen. Now, he's shared it with us.
Not only has Nicholas Tanek wrote about her, he's brought her to life and introduces her to his readers. He gives us a glimpse into real life, real memories, real loss, real pain and real love. The ups and downs, years apart, until finally they are given the gift of another chance with each other. One which this time around, they make the most of.
This is not Nicholas Sparks by any means... this is Nicholas Tanek. An author who will make you feel a gamut of emotions, good and bad, a love so brutally honest... This is what makes this book unforgettable. It is real.
Thank you Nicholas for allowing me in. You're one of a kind, and it was a real pleasure reading this testament to two soul mates. I think Lynn would be extremely pleased.
A testament to a girl who thought that no one would ever write about her. The love of her life did though. He made it happen. Now, he's shared it with us.
Not only has Nicholas Tanek wrote about her, he's brought her to life and introduces her to his readers. He gives us a glimpse into real life, real memories, real loss, real pain and real love. The ups and downs, years apart, until finally they are given the gift of another chance with each other. One which this time around, they make the most of.
This is not Nicholas Sparks by any means... this is Nicholas Tanek. An author who will make you feel a gamut of emotions, good and bad, a love so brutally honest... This is what makes this book unforgettable. It is real.
Thank you Nicholas for allowing me in. You're one of a kind, and it was a real pleasure reading this testament to two soul mates. I think Lynn would be extremely pleased.
November 12, 2015
Beautiful writing, great story-telling. It was poignant, honest and wonderfully and uncomfortably gritty at times. I liked the concept of lessons learned, second chances, humility gained, and learning the real meaning of true love and friendship.
I initially gave this book 4 stars. However, two days later I still had a book hangover. I couldn't seem to recover from the story of Nicholas and Lynne so I realized that this needed 5 stars. The honesty in the story that the author displayed was very unsettling and brave that it will stay with me for a long time. The truth that was shared in their relationship was really beautiful. They shared a true intensity, understanding and language with each other. This was a lovely tribute to someone who changed his life for the better and mine has been changed by reading it. You will hold the person you love a little tighter and closer after reading this.
I initially gave this book 4 stars. However, two days later I still had a book hangover. I couldn't seem to recover from the story of Nicholas and Lynne so I realized that this needed 5 stars. The honesty in the story that the author displayed was very unsettling and brave that it will stay with me for a long time. The truth that was shared in their relationship was really beautiful. They shared a true intensity, understanding and language with each other. This was a lovely tribute to someone who changed his life for the better and mine has been changed by reading it. You will hold the person you love a little tighter and closer after reading this.
June 14, 2014
I am going to have to agree with my counterpart reviewer below that this is the most different and unusual book that I have also ever read. It took me a while to think about this book and what rating/review I wanted to leave for it because it is one of those books that is with you a while- good or bad? Really that's for each reader to decide.
This book is about Nicholas and basically his journey through life and I mean he really lived an adventurous, interesting life. And it also focuses on his one true love Lynn- who passed away in 2012.
This book has a little bit of everything. Sex. Drugs. Rock and Roll. Suspense. Love. Passion. Heart. Life Choices. Sadness. Heartbreak.
I definitely recommend this book to people who don't mine stepping out of their comfort zones of what they normally read.
I will look for more novels by this author once they are available.
PS- No! This book is not in any parts a manual on how to "kill yourself." ;)
This book is about Nicholas and basically his journey through life and I mean he really lived an adventurous, interesting life. And it also focuses on his one true love Lynn- who passed away in 2012.
This book has a little bit of everything. Sex. Drugs. Rock and Roll. Suspense. Love. Passion. Heart. Life Choices. Sadness. Heartbreak.
I definitely recommend this book to people who don't mine stepping out of their comfort zones of what they normally read.
I will look for more novels by this author once they are available.
PS- No! This book is not in any parts a manual on how to "kill yourself." ;)
January 15, 2014
I've told a lot of people about this book since reading it. Sure, there are a lot of drugs, sex, and other somewhat reckless behavior that takes place in the book. But, at the end of the day, it's seems to be the tale of a man who becomes enlightened and finds out how valuable love can be in life. If you're open minded enough to get passed the negative behaviors, I think it could truly change the way you view the world. I know that was the case for me. It's a must-read.
April 28, 2014
Well this was not a book I would have picked to read a book lover like me told me about it , Let me say Im glad she did. I have never read something written by a male author before, reading this book having someone tell me about their life and the life of his love that he had then lost then had again only too lose her again broke my heart. Then to be told of his wild drugged out days and his sex which was some kink wow . I even knew the music I listen to the same stuff growing up .
December 15, 2013
Passionate and flawed. A unique love story about choices, consequences, and second chances.
June 12, 2014
I started into The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself and immediately thought it was Sixteen Candles (movie) meet s The Circle Jerks (punk band). This book should automatically come with a scratch n sniff n listen option. I could almost smell the pot, hear the East coast accents and wanted desperately to hear the soundtrack Nicholas has set up for this, if it becomes a movie. If you haven’t read this book yet, have your iTunes and Youtube players handy. The compulsion to look some of his music references up is just too strong. That’s a good thing.
Right away it’s clear that Nicholas Tanek was one of those stoner kids you knew in high school, if you weren't already one of them. He had one of those charismatic pulls that easily brings you into his web of fun and destruction. I knew one of those guys. I hope you did too. Aaaahhh the memories that flooded back to me while reading. It was easy to like Nicholas and his friends from the beginning and throughout. It was also easy to worry about them. Shoot, I worry about them even now, after reading the book!
I really appreciated the asides to us, the reader, throughout the book. It made me feel Nicholas didn’t forget I was there with eyes wide and mouth just as wide open, and he wanted to make sure I was on the right track of what his thought process was. Better yet, these asides made the book feel more personal. This is a painfully personal book, so I was grateful he never forgot it wasn’t just himself and his close friends who would read it.
Without giving too much away, this book could be a controversial and effective required read for all high schoolers, on the effects of long term and peripheral use of drugs. Having no real addiction, other than to Nutella, I wanted to shake Nicholas and Lynn and all of their friends, several times throughout the book. The struggle.
Other struggles were with the women in Nicholas’s life. I think these epiphanies and insights he so eloquently described will resonate with everyone who reads this book. Damn relationships. The only one that felt right, definitely not all the time either, was with Lynn. His unconditional love of her is what we all strive for. Imagine a relationship where both partners are unconditionally in love with the other. Not trying to fix them, not making excuses or apologies for them, just loving them in the moment, every time. What a wonderful world this would be.
5 STARS for Mr. Tanek. I saw he’s a ghost writer and this is HIS first book. I hope most of it is true and I wish real names were used and to heck with protecting the innocent. I want to meet them all and simply follow up with them. Maybe listen to some amazing indie music from the 80s, 90s and 2000s. I raise a glass of non alcohol sparkling cider champagne to Nicholas and The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself.
I hope this is Nicholas Tanek in the photo his publicist and team provided too. It looks so damn real, and it's perfect for him.
Right away it’s clear that Nicholas Tanek was one of those stoner kids you knew in high school, if you weren't already one of them. He had one of those charismatic pulls that easily brings you into his web of fun and destruction. I knew one of those guys. I hope you did too. Aaaahhh the memories that flooded back to me while reading. It was easy to like Nicholas and his friends from the beginning and throughout. It was also easy to worry about them. Shoot, I worry about them even now, after reading the book!
I really appreciated the asides to us, the reader, throughout the book. It made me feel Nicholas didn’t forget I was there with eyes wide and mouth just as wide open, and he wanted to make sure I was on the right track of what his thought process was. Better yet, these asides made the book feel more personal. This is a painfully personal book, so I was grateful he never forgot it wasn’t just himself and his close friends who would read it.
Without giving too much away, this book could be a controversial and effective required read for all high schoolers, on the effects of long term and peripheral use of drugs. Having no real addiction, other than to Nutella, I wanted to shake Nicholas and Lynn and all of their friends, several times throughout the book. The struggle.
Other struggles were with the women in Nicholas’s life. I think these epiphanies and insights he so eloquently described will resonate with everyone who reads this book. Damn relationships. The only one that felt right, definitely not all the time either, was with Lynn. His unconditional love of her is what we all strive for. Imagine a relationship where both partners are unconditionally in love with the other. Not trying to fix them, not making excuses or apologies for them, just loving them in the moment, every time. What a wonderful world this would be.
5 STARS for Mr. Tanek. I saw he’s a ghost writer and this is HIS first book. I hope most of it is true and I wish real names were used and to heck with protecting the innocent. I want to meet them all and simply follow up with them. Maybe listen to some amazing indie music from the 80s, 90s and 2000s. I raise a glass of non alcohol sparkling cider champagne to Nicholas and The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself.
I hope this is Nicholas Tanek in the photo his publicist and team provided too. It looks so damn real, and it's perfect for him.
May 9, 2023
A crazy ride about life and love - terrifyingly beautiful, addictive.
I don't like to read books when I already know the ending. It's the same reason I don't tend to reread books. But this book was different. I knew the ending from the beginning; I even knew the ending would be sad, but I still wanted to read it. And oh, it was so worth it.
From the beginning, I heard the punk rock/hip-hop soundtrack playing, while I watched Nicholas and Lynn meet and go from friends to lovers, then lovers to friends, then finally, friends to lovers again. They both went through so much in their lives and when they finally come together again, they are able to help one another through the most trying times one can endure. SEX-DRUGS-ALCOHOL ADDICTION. Their lives were not easy. So many difficult struggles...separately and together, and they learned to love each other, appreciate life, embrace their love, their kink, and themselves.
Author and protagonist, Nicholas Tanek, is timid at first, like a teenager trying to make his way: will they like me, or won't they? As he learns about life and love, he grows, and finds his way. Nicholas took me with him as he attended outrageous 24-hour raves (a lot of raves), drugs (a lot of drugs), sex (a lot of sex), orgasms while high on heroin, theft, danger (a ridiculous amount of danger...it is a wonder he survived to write the book), love, and loss (an overwhelming amount of love and loss). We see the author's writing mirror his confidence and strength of character. There is an exquisite beauty in the tenderness and emotional depth that he is able to express to the reader, particularly near the end.
As if one had never truly experienced what the world could be, what life and love could be, he showed me what it's like to see LIFE IN COLOR. He let me in on the chaos of people and insane realities, the real-life cacophony of emotions one feels, and always, the sounds of creative, often obscure, punk and hip-hop music, which somehow makes sense of things, when they might not otherwise. I feel the joy as he feels romantic love, highs, and all of the music, deep, deep in his soul. Tears fall from my own eyes as he experiences terrible heartache and loss. But remarkably, when it finally feels like the end, when all feels lost, I feel hope; Nicholas pushes himself to write this book for her. He says it's for her, and it is. Lynn was lucky to have been loved by someone so passionate and determined. But it's also for himself. If he can write this book, then he's still alive and experiencing new things; this isn't the end of his life. Having killed killed off his old self, he reinvents himself to begin again, to live again.
I don't like to read books when I already know the ending. It's the same reason I don't tend to reread books. But this book was different. I knew the ending from the beginning; I even knew the ending would be sad, but I still wanted to read it. And oh, it was so worth it.
From the beginning, I heard the punk rock/hip-hop soundtrack playing, while I watched Nicholas and Lynn meet and go from friends to lovers, then lovers to friends, then finally, friends to lovers again. They both went through so much in their lives and when they finally come together again, they are able to help one another through the most trying times one can endure. SEX-DRUGS-ALCOHOL ADDICTION. Their lives were not easy. So many difficult struggles...separately and together, and they learned to love each other, appreciate life, embrace their love, their kink, and themselves.
Author and protagonist, Nicholas Tanek, is timid at first, like a teenager trying to make his way: will they like me, or won't they? As he learns about life and love, he grows, and finds his way. Nicholas took me with him as he attended outrageous 24-hour raves (a lot of raves), drugs (a lot of drugs), sex (a lot of sex), orgasms while high on heroin, theft, danger (a ridiculous amount of danger...it is a wonder he survived to write the book), love, and loss (an overwhelming amount of love and loss). We see the author's writing mirror his confidence and strength of character. There is an exquisite beauty in the tenderness and emotional depth that he is able to express to the reader, particularly near the end.
As if one had never truly experienced what the world could be, what life and love could be, he showed me what it's like to see LIFE IN COLOR. He let me in on the chaos of people and insane realities, the real-life cacophony of emotions one feels, and always, the sounds of creative, often obscure, punk and hip-hop music, which somehow makes sense of things, when they might not otherwise. I feel the joy as he feels romantic love, highs, and all of the music, deep, deep in his soul. Tears fall from my own eyes as he experiences terrible heartache and loss. But remarkably, when it finally feels like the end, when all feels lost, I feel hope; Nicholas pushes himself to write this book for her. He says it's for her, and it is. Lynn was lucky to have been loved by someone so passionate and determined. But it's also for himself. If he can write this book, then he's still alive and experiencing new things; this isn't the end of his life. Having killed killed off his old self, he reinvents himself to begin again, to live again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2014
This Author really knows how to reach way down deep into your soul and rip everything out. I honestly feel destroyed, damaged, wrecked, and torn asunder, however at the same time I do feel more complete, fulfilled, or maybe just healed enough to move on with my own life and brush the struggles from my past aside. No matter what the Title to the book is people, his words hold a true meaning for real life and true love.
The Author tells this story of his own real life circumstances in a very true, gritty and raw way, it truly is a work of art and unique to his own style of writing. He tells us about two people who are destined to be soul mates for I believe this is what they were, a true romance and a forever kind of love. They start out very young yet share many experiences and go through a lot of emotional turmoil together. This is his story, written for his love, Lynn. This is his tribute to her as she passed and left him to mourn and struggle to overcome his grief.
The Author introduces us to the most honest and strongest woman I think I've ever read about, she was emotional but tough, independent, strong and her strength helps her overcome things no woman should ever have to go through. She has been through hell and back, struggling through addiction, mental and physical abuse, battered, bruised, homeless and later prostitution. She was an inspiration, she was a survivor.
The most unusual and uniquely original things about this author's style of writing is his honest and open ability to share these experiences without regard to anyone's censor. He is very honest and true to himself and us and willing to share these struggles and life's experiences with the world. I absolutely admire him for this.
Nicholas goes on to tell about experimenting with kink and opens up about his fascination with Femdom, which he later explains in detail. He tells about his experiences with sex, drugs, raves, and I truly think that music somehow played a big part in his coping mechanism to overcome his addiction to many things.
This book has changed my way of thinking, I definitely feel as if everyone should have a copy of this and experience a sense of freedom. Open yourself up people. Pick this copy up, find love, happiness, heal, move on and have joy.
Mr. Tanek, Thank You for changing my way of thinking and helping ME heal. You should not put a number of stars on perfection!
The Author tells this story of his own real life circumstances in a very true, gritty and raw way, it truly is a work of art and unique to his own style of writing. He tells us about two people who are destined to be soul mates for I believe this is what they were, a true romance and a forever kind of love. They start out very young yet share many experiences and go through a lot of emotional turmoil together. This is his story, written for his love, Lynn. This is his tribute to her as she passed and left him to mourn and struggle to overcome his grief.
The Author introduces us to the most honest and strongest woman I think I've ever read about, she was emotional but tough, independent, strong and her strength helps her overcome things no woman should ever have to go through. She has been through hell and back, struggling through addiction, mental and physical abuse, battered, bruised, homeless and later prostitution. She was an inspiration, she was a survivor.
The most unusual and uniquely original things about this author's style of writing is his honest and open ability to share these experiences without regard to anyone's censor. He is very honest and true to himself and us and willing to share these struggles and life's experiences with the world. I absolutely admire him for this.
Nicholas goes on to tell about experimenting with kink and opens up about his fascination with Femdom, which he later explains in detail. He tells about his experiences with sex, drugs, raves, and I truly think that music somehow played a big part in his coping mechanism to overcome his addiction to many things.
This book has changed my way of thinking, I definitely feel as if everyone should have a copy of this and experience a sense of freedom. Open yourself up people. Pick this copy up, find love, happiness, heal, move on and have joy.
Mr. Tanek, Thank You for changing my way of thinking and helping ME heal. You should not put a number of stars on perfection!
April 5, 2014
When I first heard about The Coolest Way, I was a bit worried to read it. It has been a long time since I've read anything longer than two hundred pages. I was happy that I took a chance and read it. This story has opened my eyes and left me raw.
Lynn stated that no one would ever write her a story, Nicholas Tanek did just that. He painted us a picture of love, heartbreak, abuse, drugs, sex, and music. We were allowed a peek into not only Nicholas's life but also Lynn's.
I felt most connected Lynn as parts of her struggle connected with mine. I found myself wanting to scream at Lynn to escape her horrible situation. Even though she struggles a lot, I found strength in her. I saw where even though her life was rough she was still positive. She was hit at her lowest point but rises from the ashes.
There's a scene in this story and without giving any spoilers, I strongly recommend you keep to this story until the end. My heart was shattered by the end of this story as tears trickled down my face. A horrible event, Hurricane Sandy helped to stem a beautiful story.
The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself read like someone's memoirs. I felt as if I was sitting at a coffee shop listening to Nicholas tell me about his life. There are a lot of music references which shows how strongly Nicholas ties his life in with music.
Anyone that has ever struggled, cried, or been broken down to the tiniest of pieces should pick up a copy of this book. It does have strong language, sex, and drug use but it's all crucial to the story. Each page, chapter, and act flows into one another. Everything Nicholas does with this story ties in someway. It all comes to together.
Join Nicholas and Lynn on a journey of healing, love, and forgiveness. Pick up a copy of The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself and get lost in its pages. This will be a story to remember and one I will surely read again. I think each time you read this, something different will speak to you.
Lynn stated that no one would ever write her a story, Nicholas Tanek did just that. He painted us a picture of love, heartbreak, abuse, drugs, sex, and music. We were allowed a peek into not only Nicholas's life but also Lynn's.
I felt most connected Lynn as parts of her struggle connected with mine. I found myself wanting to scream at Lynn to escape her horrible situation. Even though she struggles a lot, I found strength in her. I saw where even though her life was rough she was still positive. She was hit at her lowest point but rises from the ashes.
There's a scene in this story and without giving any spoilers, I strongly recommend you keep to this story until the end. My heart was shattered by the end of this story as tears trickled down my face. A horrible event, Hurricane Sandy helped to stem a beautiful story.
The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself read like someone's memoirs. I felt as if I was sitting at a coffee shop listening to Nicholas tell me about his life. There are a lot of music references which shows how strongly Nicholas ties his life in with music.
Anyone that has ever struggled, cried, or been broken down to the tiniest of pieces should pick up a copy of this book. It does have strong language, sex, and drug use but it's all crucial to the story. Each page, chapter, and act flows into one another. Everything Nicholas does with this story ties in someway. It all comes to together.
Join Nicholas and Lynn on a journey of healing, love, and forgiveness. Pick up a copy of The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself and get lost in its pages. This will be a story to remember and one I will surely read again. I think each time you read this, something different will speak to you.
April 1, 2014
When I first came across this book, I was having second thoughts about reading it because of the title, but no one actually kills themselves in this story. My friend was telling me about this book and how amazing it was written. I was curious and decided to just read the sample pages on Amazon. As I was reading, just the sample pages, I felt myself getting pulled into Nicholas' story. I couldn't get enough of it.
“The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself” is on of those rare and unique love stories. This “fiction” novel focuses on Nicholas and Lynn, the beautiful love that they share. This is also a story about addiction and how two people helped each other through their struggles. There are billions of people in the world and sometimes all you need is one.
I remember growing up and hearing this quote, “If it's meant to be, it will always find a way.” I believe that is true with the love Nicholas and Lynn share. They went through so much struggle, depression, fighting addiction, and they still seemed to find their way back to each other. Love always finds a way.
Nicholas did more than a wonderful job with writing this story. I felt like I was right there with him throughout the whole story and I connected with all of the “characters” emotionally. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars, but unfortunately Goodreads doesn't work that way.
Nicholas Tanek wrote a story for a girl that thought no one would ever write for her.
“The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself” is on of those rare and unique love stories. This “fiction” novel focuses on Nicholas and Lynn, the beautiful love that they share. This is also a story about addiction and how two people helped each other through their struggles. There are billions of people in the world and sometimes all you need is one.
I remember growing up and hearing this quote, “If it's meant to be, it will always find a way.” I believe that is true with the love Nicholas and Lynn share. They went through so much struggle, depression, fighting addiction, and they still seemed to find their way back to each other. Love always finds a way.
Nicholas did more than a wonderful job with writing this story. I felt like I was right there with him throughout the whole story and I connected with all of the “characters” emotionally. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars, but unfortunately Goodreads doesn't work that way.
Nicholas Tanek wrote a story for a girl that thought no one would ever write for her.
June 13, 2014
In this loving tribute to his life parter, Lynn, Nicholas Tanek shares the story of their epic love from adolescence through adulthood. His recollections about their lives, together and apart, is gritty and riveting. It is endearing and, at times appalling; but is always unapologetic and forthright.
Thank you, Nicholas, for sharing your life, your love, and your experiences with the world. For those of us who have lost our loves, or our loved ones this book is a reminder that forgiveness is a blessing, love - in all its forms - is to be cherished, and that we should never withhold our true selves from one another.
Thank you, Nicholas, for sharing your life, your love, and your experiences with the world. For those of us who have lost our loves, or our loved ones this book is a reminder that forgiveness is a blessing, love - in all its forms - is to be cherished, and that we should never withhold our true selves from one another.
April 10, 2014
This book chronicles the relationship between Nicholas and Lynn as they grow up from young teenagers. Set against a backdrop of the 1990s rave scene, we follow these two as they navigate relationships, addiction, and discovering who they truly are. I could not put the book down and felt very drawn in to these characters' lives. At times, the story is funny, heartbreaking, shocking, but always honest, and it all adds up to a beautiful story. I look forward to reading more by this author (who incidentally has excellent taste in music, as evidenced by all the music references in the book)!
August 5, 2014
Words can not describe the journey this book took me on! As someone who typically sticks to the NA romance, I was skeptical about this book. And I can honestly say there were a few times I wanted to stop reading. But having literally just read the last page, I can tell you that this is the BEST and most REAL love story I've ever read. As someone who has lost a true love I felt Nicholas's pain. I recommend this book to any and everyone who loves someone, has loved and lost or is still waiting for that one true love. Take this book to heart. You won't regret it
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May 9, 2014ACT ONE
March 29, 2016
Not what I'm use to reading but boy, I'm sure glad I did! I really enjoyed reading about the struggles and the love between Lynn and Nick.
January 18, 2024
Nick has lived and loved, made mistakes and learned, and laughed and cried along the way. He crafts a love story so realistic that it leaves me reminded of the greatest loves of my life. Do not waste a moment with the ones you love and together you will make it through the challenges are the messages I leave his book knowing.
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