Book Review: Entertain Us: The Rise of Nirvana

Current title and cover

20 years after their fame and glory, author Gillian Gaar explores that fame Nirvana breeched in her latest release Entertain Us: The Rise of Nirvana.  An in depth view from the woman who lived through the 90's grunge era, and loved every minute of it.  Seattle-based Gaar has released several books over the years, with a few of which being inspired by the band that was Nirvana.  She has extensive knowledge in rock'n'roll, haven written for Rolling Stone, Q and The Rocket.  This gives us all reason to believe she knows what she's talking about.

Entertain Us: The Rise of Nirvana withheld a previous title with Entertain Us: Nirvana, Bleach and the Rise of the Seattle Scene.  Below is the original idea, with a black & white cover.  Gaar indulges into Nirvana before they were even Nirvana, with stories around the one-time band Fecal Matter that Kurt Cobain and Dale Crover created together, and their demo managed to suave their desired bassist, Krist Novoselic.  She introduces the inspirations of the band, the culture of the Seattle scene and how it created that all important grunge sound.  She explores the growth of the members as a family, be it at times broken, and the invitation of Dave Grohl to complete their final line-up.

Original book title and cover

The story continues with their fame, the love of grunge music globally and how Nirvana inspired other Seattle based acts to explore that sound.  She also transverses into the destruction of the band and the complete death of the iconic group.  Gaar includes quotes from interviews she had taken out with Nirvana and grunge associates such as Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl, Kurt Danielson, Mark Arm and Butch Vig.  In the opening, she provides a collection of beautiful and rare photos of Nirvana, with a focus on Kurt, and an in depth explanation of the creation of their biggest hit, 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' which is a very nice touch.

I am on of the biggest Nirvana fans you could meet, but I never can understand the need to have multiple books on the exact same story.  I have read books on Nirvana, Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl, and they all tell me the story I already know.  But Gaar throws that stereotype out the window, and although it is another passage back in time like the other books, she proves she isn't another Nirvana author, making money out of a dead man's legacy: Gillian Gaar releases a book no Nirvana fan can predict.  Her writing skills and personal touch, and genuine love for Nirvana and grunge music blossom through her words, making this book an excellent, intense read.

Entertain Us: The Rise of Nirvana will be available to buy in August.