Escape from Bellevue: A Dive Bar Odyssey

Chris has been there, done that. He's even gotten the t-shirt...and vomited all over it. "There" and "that," of course, are a mental institution and various states of depravity and rock-bottomdom. The inspiring thing about "Escape" is that rather than crashing and burning and dying in semi-obscurity as so many who have gotten close to the RnR flame have, Chris shows the lessons that can be gleaned in the most miserable of circumstances and that surviving is possible. He holds up a mirror in which can easily be seen our own family dysfunctions and personal weaknesses. If I can be holding my sides, gasping for air from laughter all while nodding that, "oh man I'm ****ed up like that, too" while hearing Chris's tales, then I consider that storyteller one of the brilliant minds and commentators of our generation. It's an immensely entertaining read from a thoughtful, smart, funny guy whose liver rivals that of Darryl Strawberry's and whose powers of observation approach George Carlin's.

This truly is an Odyssey... Up, down and all around. Like everyone else, I couldn't put this gem down. I found myself gut laughing-out loud, alone. Now you know that's good. There's something for everybody. DON'T miss this!!!

Ever see those people on the subway laughing to themselves like a crazy person? Maybe they're reading this book. Because I am one of those people. Laugh-out loud, gut-bustingly funny stories, with a great message by the end. Highly recommend to anyone who loves memoirs, music, or just loves to laugh. Christopher John Campion is a fantastic storyteller. So wacky at times it is hard to believe some of his tales are true. Although he does preface the book with the disclaimer that for most of the stories he's recounting, he was under the influence. No less of a wonderful book, though.

You HAVE to read Escape from Bellevue if any of the following are true: --you love someone who has suffered from addiction, --you've ever fallen short of accomplishing your dreams, --you've fought against growing up at all, --you love rock music, --you love a good story, --you love reading memoirs. Chris Campion, lead singer of New York-based indie rock band Knockout Drops, shares his dramatic story of battling alcoholism and drug addiction against the backdrop of the band never meeting his (and members of the music industry's) expectations of greatness. The Knockout Drops were never signed, which led Campion into a downward spiral of days-long binges and suicidal ramblings, precipitating three trips to Bellevue psychiatric hospital. But, while the content of the book is at times shockingly sad, Campion's self-deprecating humor will make you laugh out loud--literally. It's hard to believe Campion is alive, much less here to tell his story in a voice that is not bitter, but disarming, humble and funny. Escape from Bellevue is simply a great read.

This troubadour's tale is truly unique. The humor and honesty are alive and kicking from start to finish. A gorgeously gritty valentine to NYC, rock n roll, and the human spirit. You will recognize your own clan in this book; no matter where on the planet they may gather. Flawlessly addictive story-telling, I couldn't put it down!