Biography Books > M Biography Books

Advantages: A beautiful collection of happy, sad and funny memories
Disadvantages: It's not a starting point

...asked many friends to contribute memories and both the friends and memories are extremely varied. Every part of Lennon's life is covered from childhood (remembered by his cousin Mike Cadwallader and mentioned by others), to the days in Hamburgh, Beatles stardom, peace protests, immigration problems, the househusband/dad years and, finally, his brutal, inane and tragic murder. I was delighted to discover aspects of Lennon's character as remembered ...
...in this book. The memories also vary in length, from Normal Mailer's "WE HAVE LOST A GENIUS OF THE SPIRIT" to much longer recollections from Jann Wenner and Elliot Mintz. The collection also includes various photographs, including ones that are rarely seen, drawings, a few poems and even copies of FBI documents relating to Lennon (heavily blacked-out!). Say what you like about Yoko Ono, but she is responsible for this masterpiece and what a perfect ... Read review

Advantages: Fabulous twisting of the English language
Disadvantages: May not appeal to those of a weak disposition

My Booky wook is a brutally honest biography of the English dandy Russel Brand. He may fool us with his massive hair and strange twistings of the english language but Brand opens up and lets us enter what became a drug fueled hedonism jumping from extreme highs to dangerous lows. When I first saw the book I knew I wanted to read it, with a name like 'My booky wook' written in slightly blurred neon pink, it perfectly reflects Brand's unique sense ...
...of what else is included here are some of the chapter names (in no particular order), - umbilical noose - boobaloo - Dagenham is not Damascus - First class twit - A gentleman with a bike This book begins and ends with Russel in a sex addiction clinic everything in between re-enforces why it was probably a good idea that he ended up there. Following his life so far, from baby to bounder we see how the women in Russel's life played a key role ... Read review

Advantages: Witty, intellegent and honest. No self-pity or bleame-placing.
Disadvantages: Can sometimes come accross as smug.

...all things dirty and bad. Moab was a nation which found displeasure with God because of "her overweening pride and conceit, her pride and arrogance and the haughtiness of her heart." Oddly enough, Fry never makes a reference to the phrase in the book or provides any explanation to his choice – it is for the reader to draw their own assumptions or to google it as I did. In an interview with the Evening Standard Fry glibly states, “If you knew the ...
...his first love. Some of Moab is my Washpot is apparently a non-fiction version of The Liar (a novel also written by Fry) acknowledged by Fry in Moab. As I haven’t yet read The Liar, I can neither confirm nor deny this. What I particularly liked where the little gems that came out now and again like how Fry began his love for the character of Jeeves and the writing of P G Woodhouse, about his ancestry and his maternal grandfather. Sandwiched in the ... Read review

Advantages: may teach you to just stay small time
Disadvantages: will take you from reallity

oddly found in the departure lounge of east midlands airport. from the start to the finnish this was an incredable book. to be honest it was the first book i ever read from cover to cover. as im not a big reader of books and didnt really learn to read while i was at school. i could not put it down the more i read the more i wanted to read. all the way through i could see these things happening to him everything he discribed every word he wrote. for ...
...in its self there aint meny books that can keep my mind going as to want to read it. this one had me from the start and didnt let go till i had finnished it and when i had well i just put the book down went for something to eat then picked it back up and gave it another go once i had finnished a second time i that was it this man had got me so the more books he writes the more ill read ... Read review

Advantages: Covers a range of emotions
Disadvantages: Style can be difficult to follow

Very similar in style to A Million Little Pieces, Frey walks us through his life post-rehab and jail. He continues to write in his choppy repetitive style. I think he is trying to give a glimpse into the altered brain of a recovering addict with his style of writing. His love for Lilly still strong, ends in a devastating way. He maintains his freindship with Leonard, who although treats him like his son, is engaged in illegal activities. Leonard ...
...(met James in rehab), he does not drink alcohol or do drugs anymore. He eats healthy and exercises and appears to enjoy life. But along with his sidekick Snapper, you know they are often up to no good. But you will end up lovign Leonard because he does take care of James. You get a glimpse of his past as he visits with friends from high school and college who are spread out all over the country. He goes out with them and he always says " i had a ... Read review