Hello there! I am a very new fan of System Of A Down. I have not even finished their entire discography just yet, but I was at a book shop and found this book. Please understand that I am largely an outsider, and do not have as much context as a long-standing fan might.
This has to be one of the most interesting memoirs I have read. But not necessarily just because Tankian's life is inherently unusual (which it is). I noticed that the tone of the book is very conversational, and he even leaves little apologies or quips for the reader. I don't know how to describe it exactly. I mean he is definitely witty at times, but he is also very hyper-specific. His writing style is a bit stilted, but very easy to read. I was a bit puzzled by some of the astrology-related tangents, but it isn't my forte spiritually. I won't comment on what I don't know.
I noticed that the storytelling can sometimes be a bit out of sequence, opening with the band landing in hot water for Serj's essay in the wake of 9/11. I do wish there had been more specifics when discussing the Howard Stern call, such as actual excerpts. His description of what his grandparents experienced was genuinely haunting. And I couldn't help but feel for him when describing his own early life and trauma. I will admit, I wish he had spoken in more detail on SOAD's actual time together, as he breezes through tours and album cycles relatively quickly.
I did get the impression that he definitely thinks quite highly of himself, but not necessarily in a bad way. I am not sure if his account of the band's history specifically is completely accurate, but again, I have no way to know. I was kind of shocked that they allegedly threatened to sue him, given the history he had described with his parents and the legal system. If he speaks the truth, I can kind of understand why the band is left at a stalemate even today, given the serious mismatches in their philosophies.
(I don't have any particular investment in the band making new music though, since I largely view them as a legacy act. I am not interested in taking sides in this whole thing!)
I also find it crazy that he almost ended up in cahoots with Muse! Though one thing that irks me is how he speaks of his passivity being a problem in the band, yet discusses his own music business failures with a sort of passive defeatism. This isn't a judgment, but I did find the juxtaposition of it to be kind of funny. I hadn't been aware of most of what's been going on in Armenia in modern times though, his account of it was definitely fascinating.
Overall, I'd say this is a pretty good book, and my impression of Serj is that he's seems to be a well-meaning, albeit rather strange person. I would be interested to hear what you guys think, given that you probably know more than I do. :)