This book passed me by unnoticed. It was commisioned and compiled by Yoko Ono (who also introduces and edits it) to commemorate the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death last year. She asked many friends to contribute memories and both the friends and memories are extremely varied.
Every ... Read review
Gathers together memories from fans, friends, and colleagues about the inspiring and ... more
influential singer-songwriter, John Lennon. Some of the most well-respected artists, including James Brown, Marshall Crenshaw, Peter Gabriel and Dennis Hopper, share their reminiscences within this pages.
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 ... ...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 ... more
This book passed me by unnoticed. It was commisioned and compiled by Yoko Ono (who also introduces and edits it) to commemorate the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death last year. She 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 by his friends that don't turn up in the biographies and commentaries I've read. There is a wealth of material, of memories, 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 masterpiece it is. She has chosen to include memories spanning Lennon's entire life and neither shies away from including memories of his death nor dwells on it. She has hit precisely the right tone with what she has chosen to include. As she herself acknowledges in the introduction, she doesn't know if she'll ever be ready to tell her story of life with John (I for one hope she does though), but she has honoured his memory perfectly with this tribute.
Interestingly, she has also included 'memories' of people who never met him and wish they had, including Alicia Keys whose life - like mine - didn't even overlap with his (though in her case she missed it by a month and a half, with me it was 3 and a half years!). This is a nice touch and shows how much John Lennon affected the world and the lives of people - even those who were never lucky enough to know him.
If you're interested in finding out more about Lennon, this book would be a great addition to your collection. However, it is not the best starting point because it is not a biography: it would be better if you are familiar with Lennon's life and work before you read this, because you will appreciate it more. This is a beautiful book that made me laugh, cry and think. I cannot recommend it enough.
Product Information for "Memories of John Lennon - Yoko Ono" »
Product details
Author
Yoko Ono
Title
Memories of John Lennon
Genre
Biography
Type
Non-Fiction
ISBN
006059456X; 075094384X
Manufacturer's product description
'My first encounter with John Lennon gave me a sense of humility, which is funny in a way. The Beatles were such a big deal then - this was in 1963, before we had made a record - and we weren't really anyone.' - Mick Jagger. In this unique and evocative book, Yoko Ono, the widow of John Lennon, gathers together memories from fans, friends, and colleagues about the inspiring and influential singer-songwriter. Even in death Lennon and his work continues to inspire and enthrall. Some of the most well-respected artists, including James Brown, Marshall Crenshaw, Peter Gabriel and Dennis Hopper, share their reminiscences within these pages. Harry Benson is one of many photographers who recall Lennon's generosity and sense of humour; Cilla Black recounts how Lennon gave her her first break; activist Tom Hayden writes of how MI5 and the FBI tracked Lennon; Donovan tells of playing their guitars together at an Indian ashram; and many others tell of their excitement at hearing the Beatles music for the first time, and the impact it had on their lives.
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