Skip to main content

REVIEW: GOING DOWN by Chris Campanioni

  

He was addicted to the culture he reviled.  It tested him, and each time he surrendered to it he only realized it was possible to go further, deeper, descend completely. He was going down…. –Chris Selden


You always want to act like you’re in control. Even if you’re only pretending. – Mark Van Etty



Engaging. Captivating. Exciting. 

New writers are always told, “write what you know.”  No one can dispute that Chris Campanioni knows a thing or two about being a model and so we are not surprised that his first novel would be set in the glamorous world of fashion or that our protagonist would be a mini-Chris. What we are surprised at is at the novel’s dark tone.  Our hero is a tragic figure -- restless, bored, lost.  His backup plan falls through, and it is not until tragedy strikes at the heart of him, that he finds the courage to step back from the fame, the money and start anew.

Campanioni writes with a frank, open, engaging style, with great narratives, vivid descriptions, lots of action, and numerous flamboyant characters.  The author does gloss over the drug and sexual abuse rampant in the industry, and we must admit the endless flashbacks are distracting.  But despite all that, readers will still be captivated by his insights into the world of fashion and the life of a male model -- an extravagant world everyone dreams of but few ever enter.

BOOK SUMMARY:   Chris Selden is a pampered, privileged college grad from Bergen County, New Jersey.  He is a “poster boy” for the new breed of Young Productive Americas but with no prospects of a job of any kind.  In fact, he’s what could be termed an educated bum, living at home with his parents with big dreams of becoming a journalist.  And though, he does get a job as a writer at the local newspaper, it is modeling that pays the bills. 

A writer by day, a model-party boytoy by night, Chris pursues both his passion for literature and his modeling career.  Within months, his face is plastered all over billboards and magazines.  Modeling leads him to acting and he is soon the newest, but nameless, bartender in Pine Valley (OLTL soap).  His Cuban mother Ana is super proud; while his white father wants him to find a “real” job.

Chris is soon meeting the right people, going to the right parties, getting the call backs, enjoying the fame and fortune coming his way, while his real love of writing at the newspaper proves unfulfilling.  He soon learns that journalism is not literature, and when the office finds out about his modeling, he becomes a joke.

Our hero becomes a tragic figure – bored, morose, jaded.  Like in his favorite novel, THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY by Oscar Wilde, Chris is pursuing a life of beauty and fulfillment of the senses but the wild life of debauchery has an adverse effect on him.  He may be smiling for the cameras but inside he is depressed, unhappy.  The earlier, naïve Chris had always planned to have a backup plan if he ever found himself stuck somewhere and wasting his time.  Here he was wasting his life away, and though he kept hoping his writing would save him, it doesn’t.  In fact, being a journalist is boring and Chris soon quits New Jersey and his day job to devote himself to modeling in New York.

Our hero soon becomes lost in the shallow, cut-throat world of fashion; Living in a luxury penthouse with other models and wannabes like himself; Partying the night away hoping to be seen; sleeping with an endless parade of women.  Chris both enjoys and abhors his existence, but when a budding film producer offers to make a documentary of his life, Chris is all for it.  The documentary is a hit and makes it to the Cannes Film Festival.  Now his fame is international.  And it is not until his loving mother develops dementia, that Chris realizes the emptiness of his life.   

With his mother’s death, Chris finally admits and acknowledges that he was “going down;” sinking into despair.   He runs off to Brazil to find some peace and do another modeling gig, another soap role.  He finally admits to himself that he is lost in a dream he never wanted, and this time finally, truly breaks away and returns to writing; hoping to finally find peace and redemption in literature.###


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Chris Campanioni is a native New Yorker and a first-generation Cuban- and Polish-American.  He is the recipient of the 2013 Academy of American Poets Prize for poetry from his collection, IN CONVERSATION.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Lehigh University and a Master of Arts from Fordham University, and has worked as a journalist, model and actor.  He teaches literature and creative writing at the City University of New York.  His debut novel, GOING DOWN, was recently selected by the New York Post as a “must-read book.”  To learn more about this author, visit him at www.chriscampanioni.com.


Comments

Unknown said…
Very difference one look is here about the writing concerning issue. That is really very handful to me and as a author I am suggest to all of your to visit this visit the website that help you to get more idea about the writing service. essays were created at poweredessays.com
FIT HOT GUYS said…
I am reading the book right now and was also surprised at the dark tone; Chris' irl success in the world of male underwear modeling is unequaled; yet, his real passion turned out to be writing; love his style; so unique and am really enjoying his novel.
FIT HOT GUYS said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said…
buy an essay paper I've a plan for write a book and from some days I am looking for such kind of writing information like your concept. Your knowledgeable conception is very delightful to me. Which helps me a lot to writing more.
about us
thank you very much to clearing my concept that my mind is not work like you but now your is concept give me some idea go. and i am optimistic about your concept that you will be on top!
Unknown said…
Amazing post very nice blog, this information really helped me, thanks for posting. . .
international relocation services hyderabad.
Unknown said…
Good post.
P.S. Receive non-plagiarized essays created at top-writing-services.com. You will be surprised at its quality.
Unknown said…
It is the best assistance for many students who have not free time. the team of professional written services can help you with different kinds of written works, so it is college essay help
Unknown said…
A fully clean up E book cost-effective household mortgage loan inside of bank could be short-term unguaranteed profits boost which can obtain the advantages of your own personal most recent postdated authenticate however protection methods. When you desire a contemporary Dedicate authenticate boost cost-effective household mortgage loan inside of bank while necessitate considerably additional assist you defend where by instant concerning level, a contemporary day E book Credit card distinct cost effective unsecured car loan could very well run thoroughly accessible every person.payday loans mobile
Unknown said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said…
Is it needed good essay or article? Can be sure that professionals on
college paper writing service will always help you
Unknown said…
Hello there! This article couldn’t be written much better!
I am an essay writer also and I offer cheap essays for sale =)
Unknown said…
If you are a student and are interested in getting good grades, you have to work hard...but you can also use custom essay writing services. I'm an essay and research paper writer, so if you need my help, do not hesitate to contact me at http://special-essays.com. I'll be glad to help you)
Abbie Grant said…
Frankly speaking, this website have very useful stuff for reader. I really found this website informative. I love your website theme as well. writing an essay for me
sabir said…
get from here the link to brave frontier hacks and cheats tool free for 2015.i have just got coins and gems for the game ,you too may unlock many secrets.
Unknown said…
Our hero becomes a tragic figure – bored, morose, jaded. Like in his favorite novel, THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY by Oscar Wilde, Chris is pursuing a life of beauty and fulfillment of the senses but the wild life of debauchery has an adverse effect on him. Well, I did after coming to terms with that fact in an internet Custom Writings which I have been using ever since it was introduced to me.
Unknown said…
Hi-hi here))) I am so glad that I found your blog. After reading your review I was satisfied with it. Good gob. Keep doing like that. When you are free you can visit one site to buy college essays online
Unknown said…
Hey dear, how to generate free monster warlord hack and hacking codes,cheat codes for given our link than click here.
Raja Hindustani said…
Good post for students and others too..keep it up

hey all grab the cheats and hack for boom beach click here boom beach cheats
Unknown said…
Beautiful post! The auhtor does gloss over the drug and sexual abuse rampant in the industry, and we must admit the endless flashbacks are distracting. Don't forget to visit our college essay papers.
Unknown said…
When you desire a current apportion corroborate boost practical ordinary contract loan inside of bank .
college essay from mycollegeessay.com
Unknown said…
I liked your article! It is so interesting to read it. I was impressed by the information that Campanioni writes with frank, open,engaging style, with great narrative, vivid description, lots of action and numerous flamboyant characters. Also, I think you will be impressed by using this professional essay service for easy preparation for your college tasks.
Unknown said…
after finding such a professional review on Going Down by Chris Campanioni, i decided not to wait much and start reading without delays. Firstly, i need to buy custom essay and wait until smb will do my work for me
Unknown said…
Try our writing service http://supreme-essay.net/
amazon said…
would love to incessantly get updated outstanding web site!. free amazon gift card

Unknown said…
Thanks for another informative site. The place else may I get that kind of info written in such an ideal approach.hay day hack tool

Unknown said…
Good review :)If you need to submit an article review, contact Custom-Essays-Online.com.
Unknown said…
Very helpful advice in this particular post! It’s the little changes that make the largest changes. Thanks for sharing!
Signature:
friv , games2girls , juegos de frozen , unblocked games ,
Unknown said…
I am reading the book right now and was also surprised at the dark tone; Chris' irl success in the world of male underwear modeling is unequaled; yet, his real passion turned out to be writing; love his style; so unique and am really enjoying his novel
happy wheels
super mario bros
pacman


Unknown said…
Great collection with a number of important tips.
http://www.crazybulksale.com/crazy-bulk-reviews/
Unknown said…
Dianabol (D-Bal) is a well recognized and considered to be the most powerful formula that is most generally known by the name as methandien, Methandrostenolone, metandienone. You can get your supply today at
Buy Dianabol - 100% Authentic Source and Genuine Products
D-BAL MAX™ - 100% Pure Body Building Dynamite
D-BAL MAX™ - 100% Pure Body Building Dynamite
100% Pure Body Building Dynamite
Dianabol Max - Buy Dianabol Max
Unknown said…
Crazy Mass is 100% safe and legal available in market. There are several products crazy Mass is offering in which Dianobal Elite Series, T-Bal 75 Elite Series, testosterone max, winstrol are some of the most popular products among bodybuilders. You can get your supply today at
Buy Crazy Mass 100% Safe and Legal Steroids for Sale
Unknown said…
PhenQ is the Most Powerful Triple Action Weight Loss Supplement Pills. You can get your supply today at
Phenq Reviews - A Miracle Weightloss Supplement
PhenQ - FDA Approved Weight Loss Formula