I Am (Not) The Walrus by Ed Briant

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Available July 8, 2012

As the singer and bass player for Lucky Twenty, a Beatles cover band, Toby wants to make it big. But Zach, Toby’s friend and fellow band member, is convinced there’s a problem: Toby’s utter lack of mojo. How can he croon about love when he’s never even kissed a girl?

So begins Toby’s quest for cred as a lovestruck singer. But his quest derails when he finds a note inside his old bass guitar. Who is the true owner of the bass? And can a kiss really help Toby figure out who he is?

What a delightful and uncomplicated read! When you’ve read one too many dystopian novels, it’s a refreshing change of pace to come across something where the biggest decision is agreeing on the band’s name that changes from day to day. 

Toby’s problems are pretty normal: prepping for his band's first gig as a Beatles cover band, trying to impress a very confusing girl and a possible move out of town which would mean the end of the band. However, his biggest dilemma becomes whether or not to keep his beloved p bass guitar after he comes across a hidden note within it. From the note he surmises that his older brother most likely stole the bass.  His decision to dig into the history of his p bass has him running into some interesting characters.

Being a huge Beatles fan myself (especially of the early stuff), how could I not enjoy this book? Toby is very likable – his self-deprecating sense of humor had me laughing out loud several times. I really got a kick out of how he would analyze his various situations and his clueless moments were funny!  In fact, the tone of this book reminded me quite a bit of Nick Hornby’s “Slam” which I also liked very much. 

I think if you’re someone who appreciates dry humor you’ll enjoy this charming story that will not only have you giggling but also thanks to Ed Briant, have a few Beatles tunes running through your head.

~ Bel