Party Like a Rock Star
Even When You're Poor as Dirt
by Camper English
Reviews/ Media
- Here is another recent article in AM New York where I am quoted as an expert. I like to think of myself that way.
-Another review in the UK! Student Direct: "Have you ever wanted to live like a true rock and roller, but find you lack the hefty bank balance you need to do it? If so, American nightlife journalist Camper English has written your bible."
- A story about Camper English and the book in the Village Voice: " The result is a funny book that blends down-to-earth, detailed advice (sign up on lots of e-mail lists to get free invites and giveaways, wear a crappy jacket and stash it in the corner instead of paying for the club coat check) with outrageous schemes and mean tricks (get a club soda, then bump into someone so it spills and force him to buy you another, you know, vodka tonic.) "The more illegal the things are, the less likely that I've actually done them," explains the cheerful English, whose wraparound sunglasses and vintage-photo tee testify that he's still living the life."
-Curve Magazine calls Party Like a Rock Star, "Well-written and freakin’ hysterical."
-From Siouxland.net: “In his new book, "Party Like A Rock Star (Even When You're Poor As Dirt)," English proves one doesn't need to be a rock star in order to start living like one. Offering lessons in everything from crashing concerts to smooching free hooch to double-dipping at the samples aisle at your favorite neighborhood food market, English is truly the thrifty hipster's best friend. Like a canny combination of "Heloise" and Tommy Lee, he knows where you can score the best deals on all of your ass-less pants PLUS he'll save you loads when it comes to the dry cleaning bills!”
-Library Journal: "Freelance writer English's unique financial advice compendium is destined to be read by many twentysomethings. Offered here are self-tested strategies on getting into clubs for free, shopping for new clothes, obtaining discounts on concerts, and dating on the cheap. Although some of his recommendations push the envelope-e.g., bring your own flask into a club to strengthen a weak drink-others are quite practical (wear one shirt eight ways) and humorous (rid your medicine cabinet of hemorrhoid creams before a party). English also includes tips on earning extra income and finding educational discounts along with web search terms for finding free local events. Recommended for any library with a substantial 18- to 30-year-old population."
-The Guardian (UK): “Writer Camper English, whose English does indeed become camper when issuing warnings like "try not to be too blond", hasn't yet figured out a way to sell his own grandmother - if he had it would be in here - but he's not above scamming, mooching and blagging from his mates as well as total strangers in his tireless quest for free everything.”
- A writer at the Philadelphia Weekly tries some tricks of the book but ends up with a lesson on morals.
-The San Francisco Chronicle says, “Now ‘lifetime club trash’ English shares his hard-won financial advice for living the cash-poor high life (sample: "A great place to score cash and loose change is under the bar") in his new book ‘Party Like a Rock Star Even When You're Poor as Dirt.’ It's packed with ingenious and mostly legal tips on saving money (perhaps for rehab).”
- Party Like A Rock Star on Playboy.com!!!!!! “You don't have to earn a rock star's sick salary to party like one. Just ask Camper English, San Francisco's resident nightlife guru…. So if anyone knows how to navigate the party scene with an almost empty wallet, it's English. In his first book, Party Like a Rock Star Even When You're Poor as Dirt, English dispenses handy advice on everything from how to crash concerts to how to swill hooch on the cheap.”
-The San Francisco Weekly says, “Smart and funny, the book makes for an easy and enlightening read, perfect for savvy college students, the financially foolish, or merely the economically hard-up. English's guide -- while not necessarily useful in helping you achieve a lifestyle of the Mick Jagger variety -- will assist you at living merrily, just like you were in the upper- to middle-class tax bracket. Cancer recovery and post-traumatic stress disorders notwithstanding, what other self-help book do you need?”
- The San Francisco Bay Guardian has a Q+A with me with some local tips.
-The June Issue of Instinct Magazine has a quick bit about the book (not online).
-Las Vegas Weekly warns service industry about scams in the book.
-The Advocate says, " “Invest a smidge of the rent money on this shrewd little guidebook and, broke or not, you’ll soon be queen of the night. . . . [English] brings real savvy along with the sass.” June 21, 2005
-Los Angeles Weekly sneaks in a blurb about the book in a small publishing article.
- An interview in the San Francisco Examiner Wednesday June 1. “No one does being broke better or with as much flair as local satirical whiz Camper English. And you, too, can learn to live sorta large with little in your wallet but an ATM receipt that reads ‘Insufficient Funds’ with the help of English's new how-to guide.”
- The San Francisco Chronicle excerpts some of Chapter One: "Going to Shows without Blowing your Budget" Sunday, May 29.
- An article in Portland, OR's Williamette Week shares some of the best secrets in the book for scamming free drinks.
-I found a brief mention of the book on Atlanta's Creative Loafing newspaper (with the old ugly cover!).
-Previous Radio Shows:
- KFOG San Francisco, CA
- KGO Radio San Francisco, CA
- WIYY Baltimore, MD
- WXRX Rockford, IL
- KOMP Las Vegas, NV
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