“A balls-out joyride through eighties pop culture that enlightens as much as it exhilarates.” —Armistead Maupin, New York Times bestselling author of Michael Tolliver Lives From the critically acclaimed author of I Am Not Myself These Days comes the very odd adventures of a starry-eyed young man from the Midwest seeking fame and fortune in the flamboyant surreality of New York, Los Angeles . . . and everywhere in between. Jayson Blocher is tired of worshiping pop culture; he wants to be part of it. So he's off, accompanied by an ever-changing cast of quirky extended family members, on an extremely bumpy journey from rural Wisconsin to a New York escort agency for Broadway chorus boys, to a Hollywood sitcom set. Somewhere out there his destiny awaits—along with the discovery of first love, some unusual coincidences, a kidnapping mystery . . . and the sobering truth that being America's sweetheart can leave a very sour aftertaste.

From the concert stage to the dressing room, from the recording studio to the digital realm, SPIN surveys the modern musical landscape and the culture around it with authoritative reporting, provocative interviews, and a discerning critical ear. With dynamic photography, bold graphic design, and informed irreverence, the pages of SPIN pulsate with the energy of today's most innovative sounds. Whether covering what's new or what's next, SPIN is your monthly VIP pass to all that rocks.

In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.

At Coney Island's Mermaid Parade, Jeremy's eyes lock on the Wonder Wheel — and a plan to rob the host of a friendly visit takes hold. "LORDS" drags you into the pulse of Brooklyn, 1996, where every heartbeat is laced with risk and desire. Mark Brandstetter's "LORDS" is a gritty, electrifying tale that snatches you into a whirlwind of loyalty and betrayal. Jeremy, turning his back on college for a crime-fueled adrenaline rush, is ensnared by love and a heist that spirals out of control. Manny, fighting to rescue his father, sacrifices everything, while Mary’s heart is a battlefield, torn between love and loyalty. As their world teeters on the brink, Paulie, desperate for revenge, pulls a rogue cop into their chaos, threatening their already fragile existence. Brandstetter's prose hits hard and fast, capturing the raw, reckless spirit of youth. "LORDS" promises a gripping ride through the dark streets of desire and redemption, holding you captive until the very end. Pick it up — but be warned, you won't put it down.