Faithful and Devoted: Confessions of a Music Addict Paperback – March 17, 2017

I'd first heard of this book via the Depeche Mode Global Fan Group on Facebook of which I'm a relatively new member and so only learned of its existence recently. Apparently it was published a few years ago so I may be a late-comer regarding being aware of the amusing anecdotes contained within its 220 pages.The author takes the reader along with her back in time to relive moments of anxiety, confusion, despair and joy that accompanied her on her summer sojourn to Spain for the expressed purpose of traveling to various DM concerts in that country in 1993 along with a her host pen-pal who was given a pseudonym per request.I found it amusing to vicariously experience the various emotions she went through during her trip overseas in a quest to not only see the band perform over the course of several evenings in different cities, but actually meet them face to face. And this she does a few times in not-so-spectular fashion. The writing is often-times self-deprecating which makes it all the more enjoyable and accessible to anyone who is aware of their own idiosyncracies and motivations.Definitely worth a read - especially if you happen to also be a fan of Depeche Mode like myself...

I fall under the term “Devotee” as I’ve been a highly devout Depeche Mode fan for over 35 years. So it was a no-brainer that I needed to read this book. To avoid any spoilers, I will simply state that it wasn’t what I expected but I thoroughly enjoyed it. By no means do you need to be a fan of the band to enjoy it though. Jenna is a great storyteller and her vivid details immerse the reader in her story. I’ve already recommended this book to several friends.

I gave this book five stars because it is professionally written and professionally published. The reader will not find bloopers, typos, clumsy phrases...this writer can write.Whether or not a reader likes the story depends on whether or not the reader likes reading about other people's misadventures and coming-of-age experiences. The book is autobiographical and concerns the author's family,relationships, and personal growth. It isn't really about Depeche Mode, though the band is definitely in the story.The tone of the story is humorous but emotionally truthful, which means sometimes the humor is a way of dealing with pain. It's a rollicking narrative, a picaresque, but the author avoids the superficiality which is the bane of humorous books. Instead, she goes for depth of characterization; you will feel, by the end of the book, like you really know the author and the other characters more deeply than many of the people in your life.

I am not a music band groupie or anything close to that. I am not familiar with Depeche Mode other than a faint recognition of the name. So why did I like this book?The best writing transports you elsewhere begging you to read on. This book does that and even more amazing with a subject I am not very interested in. Yet the band is not the real subject, it is Jenna and her adventures over the course of a mere week.Jenna's writing pulls you in so that you feel what she experiences. You are there with her.When it is over I was very sad for it to end. Maybe I became a groupie for Jenna? Not so bad.

Anyone who is a true Depeche Mode fan will enjoy this book. She writes it in a way that you feel like you’re there experiencing it yourself through her eyes. She touches on the what I call “groupie” type people and then those of us who are connected to the music and love it and appreciate it for what it is. The true DM fans who have been here for years and years. It’s the music. And she gets that point across even though she was still college age. Great writing. I will have this book on my shelf forever!

This was an enjoyable, quick read that was both endearingly and personally told of an exceptional experience two young aquaintances have in Spain. Told in a familiar style the author draws you in and makes you feel the excitement and ups and downs of being mostly carefree, young and in love with rock stars!

As a DM fan, this book pulled me in but the writer captured moments that we can all relate to. We can feel what the writer is going through with all its turbulence. Thanks for sharing such a personal perspective on your experience.

A a music addict myself, raising two music addicts, the book has made it rounds and then some. A must read!

Annoyingly, more often than not, when Americans write about people, events and language that is not their own, they over do it by trying to ‘impress’ the reader of their (often mistaken) knowledge of words and phrases of that language. In this case it was Spanish. It can be a little cringey when they feel the need to put obvious words like ‘ amiga ’ for friend or so on. Unless you’re mentioning names of places, events etcetera , just keep it in the language you are writing in. If you insist in putting in Spanish phrases , expressions or words in, get them right, Jenna, as it just appears sloppy to readers who understand Spanish. ‘Eres en España !” Page 130 , should be ‘ Estás en España’ . On the same page she says’ ‘ As he gave the obligatory Spanish greeting - three kisses on the cheeks.’ Err … no ?! In Paris maybe but certainly not in Madrid or the rest of Spain. There are a number of other errors dotted all over the book - shame. Get your facts right, Jenna. It looks much more professional.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I was drawn in by the Depeche Mode content but actually it's a really well written and absorbing book and would've been enjoyable even if I'd no interest in the band at its centre.

I bought this book based on a Twitter recommendation. And as someone who lived in Spain in the late 90`s and who previously thought of himself as obsessed with Depeche Mode. Having read this riot of a tale; part travelogue, part coming of age story, part ode to the Mode, I know now I am not that obsessed (so, er, thank you Jenna). It's a a laugh out loud funny account of life following Depeche around Spain on their Devotional tour. To me, it really captures the warmth and chaos of Spain beautifully. The pages flew by and I can't recommend this book enough; it's a must read.

Took me back to the Devotional tour and my memories of it ( did crystal palace in 93 )Well written and enjoyable.

Really interesting and engaging read. I definitely recommend to all Mode fans out there!Nick