80,000+ Books in-stock in NZ 📚

Happy Sunday! In-stock orders will ship tomorrow 🚀

Black Sabbath's Master of Reality

By John Darnielle
Series: 33 1/3
0.0 (0 reviews)
4.07 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 2,290 ratings, 361 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Black Sabbath's Master of Reality by John Darnielle is a captivating exploration of a teenager's life in the early 1980s, as he grapples with isolation and the harsh realities of a youth confinement facility. The book uses the protagonist's letters to a caseworker as he weaves a narrative deeply connected to the titular album, illustrating the music's profound impact on his world and inner struggles. This poignant story reflects the power of music as a means of escape and self-discovery.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2199
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the intersection of music and personal experience, particularly if you have a keen interest in how an iconic album can profoundly impact an individual's life. This work offers a poignant exploration of fandom, imagination, and the way music shapes our personal narratives, making it especially appealing to those who value the emotional connections we form with art.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Describes Master of Reality in the voice of a fifteen-year-old boy being held in an adolescent psychiatric centre in southern California in 1985.

John Darnielle describes Master of Reality in the voice of a fifteen-year-old boy being held in an adolescent psychiatric center in southern California in 1985. The narrator explains Black Sabbath like an emissary from an alien race describing his culture to his captors: passionately, patiently, and lovingly.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Black Sabbath's Master of Reality has maintained remarkable historical status over several generations; it's a touchstone for the directionless, and common coin for young men and women who've felt excluded from the broader cultural economy.

John Darnielle hears it through the ears of Roger Painter, a young adult locked in a southern California adolescent psychiatric centre in 1985. Deprived of his Walkman and hungry for comfort, he explains Black Sabbath as one might describe air to a fish, or love to an android, hoping to convince his captors to give him back his tapes.

Series: 33 1/3

View all

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

John Darnielle’s book about Master of Reality is a compelling blend of fiction and music criticism, presented as diary entries from a teenager in a psychiatric institution. The narrative captures the transformative power of Black Sabbath's music, particularly focusing on the personal impact and solace the album provides to its protagonist, Roger. Critiques highlight Darnielle’s adeptness at weaving emotional depth and authenticity into the novella, celebrating its unique approach within the 33 1/3 series as both innovative and deeply resonant for music and literary fans alike.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780826428998

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 June 2008

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 121.0mm

Height: 165.0mm

Weight: 110g

Pages: 112

Collections

Arts & Culture John Darnielle Non-Fiction Series: 33 1/3

About the Author

John Darnielle is the singer and songwriter otherwise known as the Mountain Goats.

Also by John Darnielle

View all

More from Arts & Culture

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

The Latest at Book Hero

View all