Book Review: Cherry Bomb

By Erin Fahy
October 28, 2008

In a world full of books on how to redo your image and why you can’t get a man/job/life, there is one book that is not afraid to kick some ass. It is “the ultimate guide to becoming a better flirt, a tougher chick, and a hotter girlfriend and to living life like a rock star,” otherwise known as Cherry Bomb by Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna.

Borzillo-Vrenna, rock-journalist and rocker wife to Chris Vrenna, wrote this book to teach aspiring rocker chicks the ABCs of rock and roll. Lessons include: Absinthe, Bitchy Broads, Daring Dames, Entrances, Fetishes and much more! Not only is this book full of tips and how-tos, but it also has mini-bios on fashion designers like Dolce and Gabbana, Gautlier, Anna Sui and my personal favourite, Betsey Johnson. It also includes a few chapters written by guest writers including Imogen Heap, Betsey Johnson, Lisa Loeb, Dita Von Teese, Tori Amos and Kat Von D.

Frankly, this book rocks! While it did give some fun information (the cherry trick made me laugh, and I also started looking for a bag of cherries), this book also gives good tips on bottle service, researching clubs, being safe while partying, tattoos and hosting parties. I re-read this book a bazillion times and even brought it with me to an interview and it boosted my rock-goddess confidence. I also liked the tips on meeting celebrities and getting backstage (without putting out), theyæ± e fun and tempting to try. 

This book doesn’t tell you to change your ways, just to keep on rocking and maybe expand your horizons. One of my favourite chapters was Goals. Old goals included having 2.3 kids, having a job with 401(k), joining a health club and meet a nice guy. New goals are to get a job with season tickets, settling down with a “bad” boy and join the mile high club.  It is honest, and gives practical advice. Rocker chicks this is a must read!  It is available online at Amazon.ca and at Chapters/Indigo.