The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself by Nicholas Tanek

Olivia Howe's review for "The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself" by Nicholas Tanek:

When I first came across this book, I was having second thoughts about reading it because of the title, but no one actually kills themselves in this story. My friend was telling me about this book and how amazing it was written. I was curious and decided to just read the sample pages on Amazon. As I was reading, just the sample pages, I felt myself getting pulled into Nicholas' story. I couldn't get enough of it.

“The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself” is on of those rare and unique love stories. This “fiction” novel focuses on Nicholas and Lynn, the beautiful love that they share. This is also a story about addiction and how two people helped each other through their struggles. There are billions of people in the world and sometimes all you need is one.

I remember growing up and hearing this quote, “If it's meant to be, it will always find a way.” I believe that is true with the love Nicholas and Lynn share. They went through so much struggle, depression, fighting addiction, and they still seemed to find their way back to each other. Love always finds a way.

Nicholas did more than a wonderful job with writing this story. I felt like I was right there with him throughout the whole story and I connected with all of the “characters” emotionally. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars, but unfortunately Amazon doesn't work that way.

~ Interview with Author Nicholas Tanek~

Olivia: Tell us a little bit about “The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself”.

Nicholas: The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself is a book that was written as a tribute to a woman named Lynn. During the 1990’s, we were punk rock kids who used to go to raves and do drugs. We loved to write poetry and short stories. My work was always for other women, and some of it was published. Lynn would get very upset, and say, “No one will ever write anything for me. Why doesn’t anyone write anything for me?” Well, I wrote a book for the girl who thought no one would ever write anything for her. 

During Hurricane Sandy, I was stuck in my parents’ basement. We did not have power. So, with the help of a generator, I wrote this book as a tribute to her. We lived pretty crazy lives. We knew each other from the early 90’s rave scene to the come down that followed. This book documents not only that time period, but a very unconventional love story that spanned over almost 2 decades.

Olivia: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Nicholas: I am a ghostwriter. I am a punk rock skater kid from New Jersey who finally grew up and is trying to do something creative and positive with my life.

Olivia: How did you become a writer, and did you always want to write?

Nicholas: I have always been a writer. In 8th grade, I wrote three screenplays and each of them were 80 pages long. I think I was trying to be like John Hughes. Looking back, those were horrible screenplays I wrote, but the creative energy was there. I love stories and writing. Ever since I was a child, I used to want to make films and write novels. 

Olivia: What influenced you to write this story?

Nicholas: Love, loss, and an overwhelming need to be creative. As someone who has indulged in very negative behavior, I could have lost myself in addiction, depression, or dangerous thoughts. I wanted to do something creative and something positive. I hated many things about myself and I fought with depression and thoughts of suicide too. Instead of putting a bullet in my head or a needle in my arm, I thought I should kill my old self in a creative and positive way. So, I wrote a book. I have to admit that it has changed me for the better.

Olivia: Tell us a little bit about Lynn.

Nicholas: Lynn was a punk rock girl from New Jersey. She graduated top of her class and was an almost perfect student. Still, she was dangerously emotional. She felt that no one would ever truly love her. As teenagers, both of us got swept away in drug culture. I broke her heart and we went our separate ways. Years later, we found each other again and had a beautiful relationship.


Olivia: How do you hope readers react to your story?

Nicholas: I want readers to feel a connection with Lynn and myself. We lived through so many wild experiences and we actually found each other again. I want readers to know that there is hope. I also want people to recognize second chances and embrace that second chance.

Olivia: What responses to your writing have affected you the most and why?


Nicholas: Many readers have identified with various situations in the book.  Lynn and I felt like freaks sometimes. Drugs and kinky sex are not normal in most relationships. In our time apart, we both did things we were not proud of, and ended up in situations we never expected. We survived and found each other. Our unconventional relationship helped save us both in many ways. I think readers who have dealt with things like addiction, depression, and feeling like they just don't fit, can recognize and appreciate our love story. When readers contact me and tell me about their own experiences and how they related to my book, it is very touching.

Olivia: What goals do you have as an author?

Nicholas: My goal was to create a grand gesture for the love of my life. I accomplished that. Now, I want to have people read it and appreciate the book. Hopefully, I can write more. It would be wonderful if this leads to other creative things.

Olivia: Should we be expecting more books from you? If so, can you tell us about them?

Nicholas: I am done with the rough draft of the prequel to The Coolest Way to Kill Yourself. When I was about 13 years old, I fell in love with a punk rock girl who was much older than me. It is a love story that takes place during the 1989 New Jersey punk rock / hardcore scene.


Olivia: What would you like to say to all of your fans?


Nicholas: I love you. Stay creative. Stay cool.

Olivia: Any last words?


Nicholas: Be honest to yourself.” It is always better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” When in doubt, be honest and be creative. It’s the coolest way.

Olivia: Thank you so much Nicholas Tanek! You're the coolest!

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