Hello folks! We got something a little different for you all today. We have a book review! Now, I don’t know if this will be a thing going forward; however, this is one of those circumstances when you come across something that touches your soul; you want as many people to know about it as possible. Heavy Metal Headbang is that circumstance! I hope you enjoy the review as much as I did writing it.
What happens when you lose your life, but you’re still alive? At first, this question may not make sense. In some cases, this happens to people, and they fly under the radar. The demolition, the rebuild, and the lasting effects all fly under the radar. If the saying “only the strong survive” rings true, then Melissa Meszaros is a titan among humans.
Heavy Metal Headbang is more than a memoir. It’s a testimony to not only finding the resolve to keep going but to make peace with who you are and where you are. When I was given an advanced copy of the book, I wasn’t ready for the book’s impact on me. While parts of the book hit extremely close to home, this review isn’t about me. It’s about Melissa and her steadfast tenacity for life and being a good-hearted human in a world that is not built for such a person. I was greeted with heartache, humbleness, and love throughout the book.
I can’t fathom Melissa’s struggle or pain. As she recanted her accident, I felt scared for her. I cried.
This book feels like a field trip through Melissa’s life, with fun music references. For example, when she mentions the Dave Mathews Band and then starts off with “Well, I guess Grace is Gone.” The parts about her relationship with members of her family and bouncing from different states in an attempt to find who she is and the proper path she needs to be on. The million-dollar question is, how do we find such a path? We’ve all been there! Melissa tells a fascinating story filled with vivid visuals. You can hear the cafe noises, smell the small sweaty music venues, and hear The Melvins playing.
Drawing attention to TBIs (traumatic brain injuries) is not easy. We hear about them in sports, but what happens when a normal everyday person experiences such an injury. ESPN didn’t document Melissa’s rehab efforts in getting her life back. She had to rely on her spirit and will to survive, and she never quit. Mellisa lets you know when to laugh, smile, and cry without forcefully or overdoing it.
Heavy Metal Headbang is a journey that’s full of heart and soul.