See the article at ReadersFavorite.com.

Readers’ Favorite Bronze Medal for Non-Fiction Music/Entertainment

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For immediate release:

Author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome.
Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Non-Fiction – Memoir book “Stagehand”
by David H Aretsky, currently available at
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DRHSV3RH.

Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

“Reviewed By Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite

Stagehand: A Backstage Pass to My Life Stories by David H. Aretsky is a memoir that talks about the author’s experiences as a stagehand, revealing the highs, lows, and rewards of the profession. Aretsky speaks on the demanding nature of the job, including long hours, difficult conditions, and the physical strain of working in diverse environments. He leans into the sacrifices required, such as missing family events, but also his true love for the work. Aretsky also shares his personal values, contrasting them with conventional measures of success.

Aretsky chose a life of adventure, prioritizing creativity and meaningful experiences over wealth and material possessions. After more than forty years in the industry, he shares the stories and memories from a life well-lived, fulfilling childhood dreams while forgoing traditional markers of success.

Stagehand by David H. Aretsky is a thoughtful patchwork of a memoir, written as
journal entries and standalone reminiscing, that is packed with fantastic stories and the cost of his life on the road. The writing is strong, clear, and detailed, and as a reader who knows nothing of the business, I found the conversational style of the writing fluid and comfortable. Aretsky’s sharp observational style brings each scene to life in near cinematic splendor, whether it’s a chaotic tent collapse, the incredible beauty of the Château de Mazan, meeting Prince, or sharing happier moments with his ex. These varied experiences are unified by a central meditation on change. His line, “There may be times of desperation… But as a creative person, you must keep pursuing your dreams…” is less a refrain and more his guiding mantra and life affirmation. I love his characterizations of others, the standout being the surprising down-to-earth pragmatism of Crystal Gayle, revealing not just names but personalities, values, and the odd, human beauty behind the scenes. Very highly recommended.”

You can learn more about David H Aretsky and “Stagehand” at
https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/stagehand where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.

Readers’ Favorite LLC
Media Relations
Louisville, KY 40202
800-RF-REVIEW
support@readersfavorite.com
https://readersfavorite.com

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Aretsky reveals the often invisible people who prop up the people who prop up the famous—the technicians who skillfully bring the creative vision of artists to life. Aretsky has served as stagehand, lighting director, monitor engineer, and more for hundreds of concerts and live performances, and this lively memoir shares encounters with the likes of Prince (he let Aretsky keep a purple tambourine), Lita Ford (“nice person, tough and totally focused on her music”), Rickie Lee Jones (who declares “If I don’t get a new monitor guy, we’re canceling the show!”), and many others. Aretsky also digs into his personal journey, across past and present and states and countries, documenting many adventures—as a dedicated partner, as a single man trying modern dating in his 50s, and as an enthusiast of life. Following a brief glimpse into his professional past as a lighting technician at a porn-industry award show in 1988, the story opens in 2019, as Aretsky processes the end of a 28-year relationship through journal entries that reveal his raw emotions and disorientation.

From there, the narrative follows an erratic structure that mimics a life in which Aretsky allowed himself to be carried wherever opportunity led across 40 years in show business—living for years with friends at the “Treehouse,” a massive three-story structure resembling a cruise ship perched on a hill; shooting drone footage across Alaska; developing an intense dislike for Art Garfunkel after a particularly difficult production. Interwoven with these vivid tales are fond memories of adventures with his ex-girlfriend and accounts of more recent adventures—a Bumble match with a single mother trying IVF again, rekindling past friendships and attractions.

The anecdotal approach means there’s not much narrative momentum, but Aretsky’s crisp, self-aware writing style and unwavering dedication to his craft—both as stagehand and storyteller—compel, as does his philosophical approach to life’s uncertainties. Aretsky reminds us that often the most interesting stories belong to those standing just outside the spotlight.

Takeaway: Lively memoir of a life setting the stage for great entertainers.

Comparable Titles: Phil Kaufman’s Road Mangler Deluxe, Pat Egan’s Backstage Pass.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-

https://booklife.com/projectid/9c86ee50-eda5-11ef-a5ff-547275647911

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