A handful of rock writers can explain what they think about music, and lots of rock writers can explain what they feel about music. What makes Rob Sheffield different is that he understands how those feelings are generated. He can turn those abstract emotions into concrete thoughts. It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes the smartest guy in the room is also the funniest guy in the room…and the nicest guy…and the tallest guy…and the most vocal Chaka Khan fan. Read Talking to Girls About Duran Duran and enter that room.”—Chuck Klosterman, New York Times bestselling author of But What If We’re Wrong? and Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs
“Sheffield goes deep into the ’80s, into his own adolescent heart. Sheffield uses music the way some people use scripture-to elucidate and sanctify the mysteries of life. He raises teen angst into high art that is funny, charming, and profoundly pleasurable.”—Darcey Steinke, author of Easter Everywhere
“A funny and insightful critic… After happily wallowing in this nostalgic journey, haul out your Go-Gos tunes, and you’ll soon feel the same.”—Miami Herald
“A lighthearted coming of age story about a music-addicted teen growing up in ’80s Boston, driving an ice cream truck and gobbling up all things new wave. We all have songs that serve as emotional and biographical touchstones, but Sheffield has a gift for writing about such songs and bands in a way that brings his past to vivid life.”—Dallas Morning News
“Readers who were teens during the Eighties will love Sheffield’s anecdotes, insights, and odd pop-culture trivia and will find themselves humming the tunes as they read. Those who don’t remember this time period will be looking up the bands to find out more. An endearing coming-of-age story, perfect for music lovers and all who feel nostalgic for the music and moments that shaped their lives.”—Library Journal
“Sheffield is back with the same encyclopedic knowledge of pop music and touching, resonant prose in Talking to Girls About Duran Duran…incredible, almost stream-of-consciousness commentary on 1980s music.”—Bookpage
“Much like the ’80s, this book is chock-full of pure, guilty-pleasure cheese … [but] Sheffield’s writing is deeply introspective and thoughtful, not just entertaining.”—Philadelphia City Paper
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