Sinner's Creed

October 15, 2012
The story of a small-town boy rocketing to fame only to lose it all in a flurry of drugs and alcohol is not a new one, especially in the world of rock 'n' roll. Kudos then to Stapp, who, with the help of veteran music writer and biographer Ritz, makes his own story a compelling one. The former singer of the once hugely popular rock band Creed, Stapp is a devout Christian who was raised in a fundamentalist home ruled by an abusive stepfather. That background proved to be fertile ground for the creativity and complex relationship with faith that continues to define Stapp as a musician and songwriter to this day. His journey from musician on the rise to rock star spinning out of control is given depth when examined through the lens of his often less-than-perfect faith. Unfortunately, later chapters seem to lack that same close introspection, and readers may feel that Stapp glosses over certain events that could cast him in too critical a light. Nevertheless, those curious to discover what happened to the singer of a once ubiquitous band should be pleased with this offering.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)