Books matching: autobiographical memoir
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- #1
Improbable as it may seem, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and rock icon Patti Smith were the closest of friends from the time they arrived in Manhattan in the late 1960s. This memoir is about their friendship, their artistic coming of age, and a very particular time and place, Manhattan in the late 60s and early 70s. Patti Smith's writing has a very poetic quality to it, unsurprisingly, being an incredible lyricist and poet. The book delves into the NYC art scene of the late 60's and early 70s, providing a glimpse into the artistic and cultural time of that era.
WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG, MY MOTHER TOOK ME FOR walks in Humboldt Park, along the edge of the Prairie River. I have vague memories, like impressions on glass plates, of an old boathouse, a circular band ... - #2
'Acid for the Children' by Flea is a memoir that delves into the life of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist, offering a raw and honest account of his childhood, teenage years, and young adulthood before the band's formation. The book portrays Flea's journey through dislocation, vulnerability, and manic energy, showcasing his transition from Australia to the US East Coast, LA, and beyond. Flea's writing style is described as authentic, humble, and painfully real, allowing readers to connect with his personal tale of flawed, searching, spiritual, goofy, and completely human experiences.
The narrative of 'Acid for the Children' is filled with entertaining, funny, and sometimes sad stories, providing insight into Flea's life shaped by petty crime, drugs, and music. Despite his onstage persona and the fame of RHCP, Flea remains grounded and sincere in his storytelling, focusing on his true loves - the people and music that influenced his journey. The book offers a unique voice that sets it apart from traditional rockstar memoirs, creating a connection with the reader through an offbeat narrative that reflects Flea's poetic soul and genuine personality.
Ethiopia, I yearn for you, I aspire to you, to feel you again reminding me who I am and what I am for. Your common sense reducing me to a sobbing wreck, tears of relief, a river of caring flowing down... Trevor Noah's memoir, "Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood," offers a unique perspective on growing up during and after apartheid in South Africa. Through a series of vignettes, Noah intertwines seemingly unrelated stories to illuminate the forces that shaped his childhood. The book delves into the complexities of race and culture in South Africa, providing insights into the author's upbringing, his family dynamics, and the societal norms that influenced his life.
Sometimes in big Hollywood movies they’ll have these crazy chase scenes where somebody jumps or gets thrown from a moving car. The person hits the ground and rolls for a bit. Then they come to a stop ...- #4
Eric Clapton's autobiography delves into his life as a renowned blues musician, showcasing his struggles with addiction, personal relationships, and musical journey through bands like Cream and the Yardbirds. The book provides a candid look at Clapton's personal demons, his growth as a musician, and his reflections on his past mistakes. Readers get insights into his music history, substance abuse problems, and his relentless pursuit of musical fulfillment beyond fame and fortune.
Clapton's writing style is described as honest, straightforward, and at times brutally honest. The book offers a glimpse into Clapton's personal redemption, his battle with addiction, and his introspection on his past actions. The narrative covers his experiences with various bands, his relationships with fellow musicians like Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison, and his journey towards overcoming his addictions and finding peace.
Early in my childhood, when I was about six or seven, I began to get the feeling that there was something different about me. Maybe it was the way people talked about me as if I weren’t in the room. M... - #5
'Life' by Keith Richards is a mesmerizing autobiography that takes readers on a journey through the life of the legendary rockstar. The book delves into Richards' long and tumultuous career with the Rolling Stones, providing intimate details of his experiences, struggles with addiction, relationships within the band, and his deep passion for music. Through a candid and honest narrative, Richards shares stories of his rock and roll lifestyle, songwriting process, and personal reflections, offering readers a unique insight into the life of a music icon.
Why did we stop at the 4-Dice Restaurant in Fordyce, Arkansas, for lunch on Independence Day weekend? On any day? Despite everything I knew from ten years of driving through the Bible Belt. Tiny town ... - #6
'Born to Run' by Bruce Springsteen is an autobiography that delves into the life and career of the iconic musician. It provides a detailed account of his upbringing, struggles with mental illness, and the journey to becoming a rock superstar. Through honest and personal storytelling, Springsteen shares insights into his hardscrabble childhood, the challenges he faced in the music industry, and the emotional depths of his relationships with family and bandmates. The writing style captures the essence of his music, blending lyricism with raw honesty to create a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the world of Bruce Springsteen.
I am ten years old and I know every crack, bone and crevice in the crumbling sidewalk running up and down Randolph Street, my street. Here, on passing afternoons I am Hannibal crossing the Alps, GIs l... - #7
'The Beatles: The Biography' by Bob Spitz is a comprehensive account of the legendary band's rise to fame, exploring their successes and failures, from their childhood stories and early struggles to their conquest of Britain, America, and the world. The book delves deep into the personal lives of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, shedding light on their individual backgrounds, relationships, and the impact of fame on their dynamic as a band. Spitz's writing style captures the essence of the Beatles' music, business ventures, and personal experiences, providing a detailed and informative narrative that keeps readers engaged from cover to cover.
There was no eulogy for the Quarry Men—no tears shed, no postmortem. It was never actually acknowledged by anyone that they’d disbanded. But if they weren’t officially “done with,” the group was nonet... - #8
'Wild Tales: A Rock & Roll Life' by Graham Nash is a memoir that delves into the author's musical journey from his time with The Hollies to forming Crosby, Stills, Nash & sometimes Young. Nash provides insights into his relationships with fellow musicians, his struggles with fame, and his personal reflections on the music industry. The book is written in a conversational style, detailing the rock and roll lifestyle of the era, filled with stories of friendships, creative collaborations, drug use, and the challenges of maintaining musical integrity.
I had a tune running through my head as my flight touched down a few minutes late at LAX. All my life I’ve had music in my head, but that night the tune (the theme from the TV series 77 Sunset Strip) ... 'The True Adventures of the Rolling Stones' by Stanley Booth is a detailed account of the birth and progression of the legendary rock band, The Rolling Stones. The book delves into the band's history from the early 1960s, focusing on key moments such as the Altamont disaster in 1969 and emphasizing the role of Brian Jones within the band. Booth's writing style immerses the reader in the chaotic world of the band, capturing the highs and lows of their journey through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes. Despite some criticism for including excessive autobiographical information, the book is praised for its insightful portrayal of the band's inner workings and its significance in the cultural landscape of the 1960s.
- #10
'David Bowie: A Life' by Dylan Jones is an oral history biography that delves into the life of the enigmatic artist through testimonies, interviews, and quotes from various individuals who knew him. The book captures the essence of David Bowie as a multifaceted individual who left a lasting impact on those around him. The writing style, consisting of individual interviews with friends and collaborators, provides a genuine and insightful look into Bowie's life, showcasing his talent, charisma, and complexities.
The book presents a comprehensive view of Bowie's life, highlighting his relationships, music, art, and cultural influence. Through the diverse perspectives shared by interviewees, readers get a deeper understanding of Bowie as a person beyond his iconic status in the music industry. Despite some interviews revealing controversial aspects of Bowie's life, the overall narrative paints a vivid picture of a man who was both a musical genius and a complex individual.
He was a postwar baby, born in London in 1947. He was part of the new world, two years after the end of the old. A London baby. He went to school in Brixton before being cast out to the suburbs. Even ...