One thing I've always been while writing reviews of various things is honest, so I will tell you right up front that I know Astrid, and not just on the Internet. We were never best buds, but we did hang out a bit back in the 80s, during her days as the lead singer for Sacred Child. I have a lot of respect for Astrid and the things she has gone through, and I just flat like the chick. So there you have my bias going in...

When Astrid told me she had a book coming out in April 2008, I arranged for an advanced copy immediately. Now, this was back in December... I thought I had been dismissed by...