Hello, It’s Me : Dispatches from a Pop Culture Junkie

“Beginning during his adolescence in ‘70s New York, through his time as an ad-man and to his current career as an author, Hello, It’s Me tells tales of Epting’s life-long love affair with all sorts of culture and entertainment, and it does so with the sort of excitement that can only come from someone truly passionate about these things. As he regales readers with stories of the cultural events and celebrity interactions that have shaped his life, his enduring enthusiasm for his subjects is clear. In fact, when he talks of certain pivotal people, that enthusiasm becomes something like affectionate obsession, and that level of love is what makes this book such fun.”
— Christel Loar, Associate Music Editor, www.popmatters.com

“Thematically, the whole book is a celebration of the decades that defined this baby boomer and the experiences that really made them come alive. It’s a collection of short and very readable nuggets on music—from the Ramones at CBGBs to new metal and prog–rock his kid has turned him onto—to television to baseball to pop culture in general….For Baby Boomers who grew up in the USA or those who just have a soft spot for the past few decades, this is a fun and surprising romp through pop culture history.”
— Tim Leffel, Editor, www.perceptivetravel.com

“The vignettes about stars from Mick Jagger, Michael Jordan, Milton Berle, Jerry Lewis, Jay Leno, Fred Willard, and many, many more, are funny, touching, and remarkably vivid.”
— Movie Mom, http://blog.beliefnet.com/moviemom

“This highly entertaining book exudes warmth, nostalgia and a consistent sense of fun. Author Chris Epting, self-confessed pop culture addict, deftly creates poignant moments, as well as amusing ones. He looks back on his life as journalist and fan, describing in vivid detail his close encounters with luminaries from the worlds of music, TV, movies, sports and literature. Some have accepted his invitation to add their own recollections, providing valuable added perspectives. The fascinating cast of characters includes Alfred Hitchcock, Peter Frampton, Todd Rundgren, Ronnie Wood, John Cheever and Milton Berle. This time machine takes us on a joyful trip from the ’70s back to the present, noting all the fads and fashions along the way. And as Epting points out, it’s sure to inspire readers to peruse their memory banks and to reflect on the idols who helped shape their own lives. Don’t ignore Epting’s “Hello.” It’s a breezy delight, capturing that surrealistic, magical sense of awe we feel when stumbling upon the stars we most admire.”
— www.popcultureclassics.com