Sour Candy & Chaos: My life with the Party Monster

I couldn’t put it down! I loved every page - not always what was happening of course because the story of Michael Alig is a troubled one, but this was written so well. Empathetic without sugar coating. Highly recommend!

I read anything I can find that involves the 80s and 90s NYC Club Kids and their wild parties, outlandish costumes, and their leader, Michael Alig. In this book, author David Maurici takes the reader along the journey that he and husband, club kid Ernie Glam experienced while trying to help Michael Alig start a new life after 17 years in prison. Most books that center around Alig often focus on the crime he committed or his extravagant club parties. However, Maurici takes a different route, letting us meet the real Michael, and showing that no matter how hard anyone tried to help Alig, he refused to try to help himself. This book painted a very clear picture of who Alig truly was, not the romanticized King of the Club Kids. David and Ernie showed a tremendous amount of support and kindness, while often getting backlash for trying to help. I finished this book in one sitting.

what a crazy story!! this book is hard to put down. an interesting read, but also a tragedy. a tale of wasted lives -- not just alig's but also angel.

I've had an interest in club culture since I was very young. This book gives another perspective and I find it very refreshing. As much as our interest in Michael Alig may drive us to consume the sensational accounts of his life, David has told his personal truth. He welcomed Michael into his (and Ernie's) home in order to allow him to reboot his image, outlook and most importantly, his life but Michael fell into old habits (as an addict, I understand) and sadly he eventually overdosed. David tells HIS story in this book, and it is brilliant.

Knowing the people that are written about in this book I immediately felt like I was in the room. I am friends with Ernie Glam and knew Michael socially. I know David through social media. David's writing is vivid. it is some pretty heavy subject matter yet I found myself laughing while understanding the gravity and absurdity of it all at the same time. if you want an intimate look into the NYC club kids before and after Michael Allig this is a great, personal interpretation. Party Monster by James St. James is also an excellent read about the rise and downfall of Michael.

I was so excited to read this book and it did not disappoint! I read it in a few hours. I could not put it down! It left me wanting more! The photos were also amazing! Gives a deep look into what was going on behind the scenes. Ì started watching the Peeeew when it debuted, and I instantly remembered a lot of the scenarios that the book described. I always had a feel there was a lot more going on then the viewers seen and it was confirmed. The only thing I kind of side eyed was the mention of Michael's young fan girl followers from the Midwest, as I am a female from the Midwest (in my 40s), but it made me chuckle. I was never a follower of Michael. I was more into the history of the club kid Era, as I am an artsy girl. I had read all of Ernie's books and more so admired the work he has put into the world. If you are trying to decide on whether or not to purchase this book...do it! You will not be disappointed! David details many events that shows how good of a person he is and how much people tend to tolerate when they genuinely care for other humans. This is a must read! Hopefully we will see more work from David in the future!

Such a spell binding tour of the final months of Michael Alig's life. Compelling from the start as Michael's friend's are turned upside down in an effort to help a friend. I would strongly encourage anyone to read this book.

read it in two nights. fun and shocking book detailing life with michael alig after his prison release. recommended.