“With clear and eloquent writing, Platforms is as laid back as its characters in this music-filled
coming-of-age story.” – Catherine Thureson, Clarion Review
To read the full Clarion Review, click here
J. Swanson
“Unlike most first efforts this book is an easy read. The author does a great job painting a picture of the time and place but more importantly he gives each character real feelings and drives. This is the best coming of age tale I’ve read since catcher.”
N. Cox
“Tyler Spence writes a fun coming of age story full of music and fashion. Tyler is good hometown boy that makes a choice; music and funk over football. That’s where the adventure starts. With a couple of gigs under the belt the group of young boys head out of town for what seems like a routine gig. Fate had something else in store for them. This was truly a fun story to read that made me wish I had grown up in a small town. I really enjoyed all the music references to an era that I was born in. It had a very realistic feel to it. I felt like I was there with them. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who just wants to smile and feel good. Or if they want to relive the funk!!”
Haberwoman
“I really enjoyed your book Tyler. It brings back great memories from the 70’s that were all but forgotten. May the funk live on forever!”
B. Keeler
“Although I didn’t grow up in this era my parents did and being a musician myself I was very intrigued by the story. Many of the songs mentioned I remember my dad playing on the stereo and some phrases I remember of what things my dad used to say. I even stopped reading the book a couple times and picked up my bass to play them as they were songs that I loved to play and what made me want to play music as a kid. I love the author’s obvious passion for music and he does a great job keeping you really eager to know what happens next in the story. Even a not someone avid book reader like myself had a hard time putting the book down. I think this book would make an excellent movie!”
T. Bolinger
Platforms grabbed my interest right up front. I graduated from high school in 1975, so this story was like taking a stroll down memory lane. Tyler Spence’s writing style is very entertaining and extremely descriptive, which kept me engaged in the many turns that the band members’ weekend took them on. Tyler artfully sums up the boys’ journey into the life lesson that kindness and decency is the best way to live your life. I would recommend this book to anyone who went to high school in the 1970’s as well as today’s teenagers.”
G. Machado
“Tyler Spence writes a “’70s Grease!” I wasn’t sure about the topic since I didn’t “live it” but the story line captured me anyway: Young guys out on a lark, free and happy and musical to boot (or platform shoe anyway). Cute & witty. Entertaining. And seems like perfect screenplay material. Can’t wait for his next book and hope it covers the Peace & Love Generation!”
G. Heat
“This book had me laughing out loud at times and in tears at other times. For any musician of the 70’s who came up through ‘the circuit’, it would be a fun read and bring back lots of memories and emotions. I met JT just after he returned to Seattle from his stint in LA and we have become like brothers, now collaborating in a recording studio. Tyler ‘hits the nail on the head’ with his portrayal of JT. It was good therapy for me :-)”
S. Barnes
“I was a young mom to 4 teenagers in the 60’s and 70’s and thank goodness my children’s tastes in shoes then was about 10 years too late for the platform shoes craze. Their father and I had made sure those shoes were not to be a desired fashion statement in our house at that time either by my sons, or daughters. My kids knew about them and the people who wore them and they had their opinion. I couldn’t imagine a book being written on this subject but for several months now my son who was a teenage musician during the time of the book, was reading it and kept telling me these funny stories and events the characters in this book were experiencing. So altho I am a generation away from the age of the characters in this book and did not know what to expect, I got the book and found it to be an interesting, funny and engaging account a of a certain time and an event that took place during those times. I anticipated each chapter to see what happened next to Tyler and the band, wearing those funny shoes. What I liked about this tale of a trying social and political time in history, is the authors skill to tell a story without smutty overtones or constant and boring use of the language of the street which is so prevalent in today’s movies, games, entertainment of any kind, books, and music about teen-angers, geared to the teen -age consumer. To be able to write a fun book or even construct a sentence without using base language is not only refreshing but intelligence use of written communication in today’s world. It does not offend or disgust. The author could actually tell an interesting and engaging story just for the simple pleasure of it and have you care about the characters. No, it is not Shakespeare but we only needed one of him. An easy read, I recommend this to anyone who just wants to relax a few moments into another time and have a smile.”
Audrey B
“I have to admit, when my friend recommended this, I was skeptical. I remember platform shoes, and it’s not a pretty memory. But Tyler Spence has created a marvelously well structured story that’s about much more than funky music and colorful fashions for men. When the band–decked out in all their finery–books a gig in tiny Okanagan, Washington, they face fashion dilemmas, automotive mysteries, old rivals, romantic entanglements, a giant Native American, and people who help them realize, time and time again, that the they are much more than a bunch of musicians with bad taste in clothing. I particularly enjoyed the dialog among the bandmates; it’s authentic and salty and often very funny. If you enjoyed watching “That Seventies Show,” you’ll love Platforms.”