Yashin Blake’s remarkable debut novel is an exquisitely wrought introduction to a cast of characters?a world, in fact?that until now had no literary voice.  Issac “Iqbal” Khan, a devout headbanger, comes of age in a summer of beer, bikes, concerts, camping, and love. It’s a breathless take on a young man in the midst of significant personal evolution, a man coming to terms with religious intolerance and subtle racism, with bad cops and hidden agendas. A man about to fall in love. Iqbal provides a backstage pass to the shadowy world of underground music, opening up its racial, cultural, and sexual mix to the scrutiny of many who’d prefer not to acknowledge its existence and relevance.

Yashin Blake's profile page

Yashin Blake is a literacy and basic skills instructor at the Toronto East Detention Centre. Blake is inspired by a lifelong love of reading and listening to heavy music by bands such as Unsane, Madball, and Motörhead.

"Blake takes us into clubs, mosh pits, and backstage crannies with a raw, unadorned passion." — The National Post

"T.O. bike freak and headbanger Isaac Khan gets off on a summer of camping, concerts, and beer. And, yes, sex is a factor. Blake is brash and headstrong. One to watch, for sure." — NOW Magazine : Critics’ Pick for Spring 2001

"Blake deftly captures that moment that long, aimless summer when youth gives way to adulthood, played out to a soundtrack of songs that will continue to haunt as the years pass." — Vancouver Sun