The Listless

by Steven Mohr

Languid in speed, introspective in tone, The Listless is a dialog driven book filled with some characters who see the world as it is and others as they want it to be.

Living in the crudeness of Detroit and working in the refinement of the metro area suburbs, first year teacher Conor Batey is having difficulty adapting to a world plagued by greed and vanity. In his college days, the response was to rebel against society through music and art, but with age creeping in and a recession on the lookout for those in the undeserving working class, he chooses the suit and tie life.

Quickly, however, anticipation rises and fears are avoided as Conor, together with his past musician friends, are offered a record deal for their fairly successful but recently defunct band Listless. The group doesn’t immediately see the value in this brief stint of regression and avoidance of their everyday existences. However, with adult/professional life during the recession looking so bleak and their past dreams so close to realization, they choose to take this one last chance to tour their favorite music venues and play with some of the their favorite bands.

Along the way, the band meets the beautiful young journalist Ellie Cruz who opts to travel with the indiepop rock group and document their sometimes funny and other times awkward jaunt around the East Coast. The story ends in a realization that takes the characters (and reader) right back to the start in this vicarious ride through the cyclical reality life is.

196 pages

First published October 30, 2012

Reviews

[Mike Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE LISTLESS is an interesting book. A band reunites for a final tour, and things go wrong--and also right at the same time--as they make their way across country. At times, I actually felt I was there in the audience, listening to the music. At other times, I felt that I was watching the story unfold on my television since things were so visually described. I could both hear and see the music being performed on stage.

The characters were all well drawn, each very differentiated from all the others, and each staying in character throughout. I felt their excitement, disappointment, frustration, and fulfillment as they struggled to stay together one last time.

The ending came as real surprise to me, catching me completely off guard. I found myself sitting there and thinking about what I had just read, tossing emotions around in my head, realizing that I had learned something important here. I highly recommend this book.

[A_Mc · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Listless, old friends who were once in a band come back together after being offered a record deal to do a tour. Their adventure is meandering as they visit places they once loved and live a sort of rocky dream life for a short time, taking a break for their mundane post-college lives. I think if I knew more about the indie band scene or music in general, I would have appreciated this book a little more. It's not a scene that I am really into, but I'm sure a lot of teens and young adults would know all about it. It's probably more of a new adult book than a young adult novel, actually; the characters are out college and getting used to life beyond teenage-hood. At times the main characters waxes pedantic, and it seems more like he's teaching a lesson to the reader; possibly a case of where 'telling' instead of 'showing' takes precedence. While good if you're looking for something to give you thoughts to chew on, do not expect this book to be fast-paced. However, if you've got a love for road trips, post-college stories or indie band scenes, this book is so for you. Go out and grab it now. PS- I am a fan of this cover. <3

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Library Thing to read and review. Just like the title, I was listless as I read this book. I did not really hold my interest very well, and I found myself, more often than not, hoping I was near the end. The story involves a now defunct band, who get one last chance to rave the country, playing music as they earlier did. The book is written well enough, just not very exciting. In addition, I wondered about some of the band members actions, which were pretty juvenile, to say the least. I guess the message was that it doesn’t always pay to go back and try to relive the past because, sooner or later, reality smacks you in the face, and you see things are really not very different. I am not sure which audience the author wrote this for. At times, I thought it might me a young adult audience, while at other times I thought it might be the older adult who has “been there, done that”. I do wish the book had held my interest more, however. Nevertheless, I am not giving up on the author and will try other books.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Listless is a Young Adult fiction novel about a group of 20'somethings who are just making it into the career world during the recession. After years of playing music across the country in a band, the 9-5 life that had always been the eventual plan just doesn't seem all that appealing or even all that possible. The group is offered one last chance for an adventurous tour. On the way they meet a lot of interesting, sometimes crazy, people. One newcomer who catches the main character's eye the most is a young reporter who travels with the band to write an article about their trip in her newspaper. The novel ends with a surprise that I won't spoil, but I'll say it's definitely worth the read.

[Aggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Listless was different than any young adult book I have read before. For one thing, the writing style is unique and different from the books today. It sets an interesting pose for the book. There aren't books that have this type of writing today. I will admit because of writing style I wanted to put the book down in some moments, but I continued to know what will happen next.

The characters are well plan throw, which I always aporachwd in a author. Having lovable characters, so the reader can enjoy the story more. My favorite is Aiden.

I do recommend to read the book, and I hope many will.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd recommend this book to any young adult reader. The storyline is fun and entertaining. There were a few unexpected twists, and I found myself rooting for the main character along his adventure. THE LISTLESS had me laughing at times, but in the end there is a deeper meaning that really had me take a look at my own life and the choices I've made. It's a quick read and definitely well worth it.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the storyline but it didn't hold my interest. I found myself skipping forward a little during some parts. That being said for a debut novel I think it shows the authors potential. I would definitely give the author another try.

[Melanie Naugler · Rating 2 out of 5]

story of a band on the road for 1 last tour.
the story line for the most part was pretty good ,I found the actions of a couple of the band members to be juvenile and I kept expecting them to be arrested.
reading was slow & I couldn't wait to be done this book.
2.5 stars