I have not read any other book about John Lennon so i cannot comment on the claims of "hackery" and my views are therefore only based on my reading of this book alone. And what a book. A brilliant read, very interesting details about his early life but also the book weaves the genesis of various songs and albums into the various stages of Lennon's life. I agree that the Yoko Ono years are slightly less interesting, however the final chapter, where Sean discusses some of his memories of John is really moving, sensitive and perceptive. Superb. A bout of flu has helped me devour the book in 4 days! I couldn't put it down. Wonderful.
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Every time I fall into the 'Autobiography' trap, I swear I will never be caught again. Just because someone has led an interesting/extraordinary life, it does not follow that they can share this with us in writing! Craig Revel Horwood's book illustrates the point. Dreary, dull, lifeless writing. Craig.....you needed a ghost writer, or at the very least a crash course in creative writing!
Knowing very little about John Barrowman other than his work in Doctor Who and Torchwood, this helped me learn much more about him and his life. I had no idea that he was so cheeky! He really has had an extraordinary life, and he recalls it in such an entertaining fashion. I laughed a lot while reading this. And though it concentrates a LOT on musical theatre - which I know zilch about - it didn't matter. It was entertaining anyway. Too short, though.
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This book was a present: purchased because I like autobiographies and cooking programmes. Whilst this book is not the greatest literacy piece ever written, it is an easy book to read which maintains the same energy & pace exhibited by Mr Ramsay himself. The story outlines his life and experience, peppered with his views on the people around him and the restaurant industry. This book won't earn Ramsay a literary award to run alongside his Michelin stars (which won't bother him) but it is worth the read and is readable - unlike some many other celebrity autobiographies.
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'Burlesque and the Art of the Teese / Fetish and the Art of the Teese' is a stunning look at the history of both Burlesque and Fetish from the point of view of one of the most famous models and Burlesque dancers of today, Dita Von Teese. It has stunning imagery and is well presented, without being lascivious or in poor taste. This book is class all the way. The various sections focusing on the history of both arts are fascinating, with information you would never have considered and you can tell Dita is both knowledgeable and passionate about her art. If you're a fan of Dita or just interested in Burlesque or Fetish then this is an excellent place to go, and though slightly unorthodox, this would make a wonderful coffee table book.
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I thought this book was very honest and says it all about what really happens in the Entertainment business, its all about connections. It also shows that if you have ambition no matter what age you are you can still achieve your goals. Fabulous
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I've read many autobiographies of actors, composers, singers, musicians etc., and I've got to say this is one of the best autobiographies I've ever read. I know its been said before, but it is a true rags to riches story. You can't help but feel very proud for him, for what he has achieved, when often behind closed doors there has been real turmoil in this man's life. He could have gone one way or the other, but I truely feel Russell's positive attitude (although tough at times), and cheeky chappy strong personality pulled him through.
Russell's autobiography includes every emotion I can possibly think of (!), and good on him for sticking two fingers up at the "snobs who are classically trained at one of the top musical establishments", who have ... Read More:
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Anthony Kiedis. Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was interesting to read Anthony's autobiography and understand the meaning beyond some of the lyrics he has written so far. I do need to separate book from "facts" however.
The book: 465 pages in tiny print describing a life of excesses in every sense became at times a tedious read, mainly because Anthony's life is self-described and delivered by what I define a rather flat narrative. A repetition of events -and most often, a vicious circle, literally- that failed to engage me in full in a few parts. That does not mean that I did not "appreciate" the content. If anything, his is an often brutal testimony of what a serious drug addiction can do to a human being (I felt that this book was more about his drug addiction ... Read More:
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