New Haven – On Tuesday, author and former music agent Adam Voith introduced his new novel Recommended If You Like at Hamden’s Best Video, a stop on his 36‑city promotional tour. The book is presented as a collection of transcripts from a fictional 1990s cassette series called “The Christian Humper,” which follows an Indianapolis teen’s immersion in Christian rock and metal before he pivots toward a secular music‑industry career.
From Underground Tapes to Printed Pages
Voith explained that the novel’s format mirrors the way underground cassettes were passed hand‑to‑hand in the pre‑digital era, offering a “DIY” authenticity that modern podcasts often lack. While the tapes themselves are fictional, many of the bands mentioned—such as Roadside Monument—are real, and the novel even references a genuine Roadside Monument song, “Sperm Ridden Burden,” that appears in the story.
Faith, Family, and the Search for Meaning
Voith, who grew up in a fundamentalist Christian household, uses the narrative to explore how young people wrestle with parental expectations, religious upbringing, and the desire for artistic freedom. He says the novel reflects a broader cultural shift as today’s youth turn to vinyl, zines, and in‑person gatherings to find genuine community outside the “dehumanizing nonstop attention‑sucking content machine.”
Local Reception and Future Projects
Attendees at the Best Video reading sipped coffee while listening to excerpts, and Voith handed out free copies of the book. He also announced the launch of Little Engine Books, an underground‑style imprint he founded after retiring from music‑agent work at age 52. The imprint will continue to publish works that celebrate the “imperfect is perfect” ethos of 1990s underground culture.
Why It Matters for New Haven
The event underscores New Haven’s vibrant arts scene and its support for creators who blend faith with contemporary culture. By spotlighting a story that bridges Christian heritage and modern artistic expression, Voith’s novel offers a fresh perspective for local readers seeking both spiritual and creative inspiration.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
