Genre: Biography
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While I'm definitely a Bowie fan, I never read any of the many biographies written about him. His death, and the void it leaves in the music world, encouraged me to read at least one book describing the life of this talented man. I choose Spitz' book, because it seemed to offer a plethora of information about the performer I knew so little about.
Marc Spitz is a rock journalist who was thinking of leaving New York when his agent brought up the idea of writing a book on Bowie. He was reluctant at first, because of the dozens of books already written about him. Being a super-fan of Bowie for many years, the temptation was there, and he decided to think it over. He tells how coincidently he ran into David Bowie during this time of decision, and realized that he was the only one who recognized him on the street. He went home, called his agent and agreed to write this book.
He writes a bit about Bowie's parents and his earlier years. Mental illness was prevalent in his mother's family, and the musician often wondered when it would come out in him. Spitz talks about the drugs, sex and messed up years of this talented man, often quoting people who were less than kind. The author was a fan however, and one can see him trying to soften the negative with the positive aspects of his life. I loved that he apparently had a library with 45,000 books. His ability to write a song in less than an hour amazes me.
I enjoyed reading about him but can't say the book was perfect. It was confusing in parts, and I would have liked to read a bit more about the author's interpretations of the legend. Unfortunately musicians are often portrayed as lacking morals and living the wild life, and it is important to see the straight side of these famous performers. I am not sure Spitz gave us the complete picture, but he did help me know more about the man behind the music.
- Beverly
Publisher - Crown Archetype
Date of Publication - October 27, 2009
Marc Spitz is a rock journalist who was thinking of leaving New York when his agent brought up the idea of writing a book on Bowie. He was reluctant at first, because of the dozens of books already written about him. Being a super-fan of Bowie for many years, the temptation was there, and he decided to think it over. He tells how coincidently he ran into David Bowie during this time of decision, and realized that he was the only one who recognized him on the street. He went home, called his agent and agreed to write this book.
He writes a bit about Bowie's parents and his earlier years. Mental illness was prevalent in his mother's family, and the musician often wondered when it would come out in him. Spitz talks about the drugs, sex and messed up years of this talented man, often quoting people who were less than kind. The author was a fan however, and one can see him trying to soften the negative with the positive aspects of his life. I loved that he apparently had a library with 45,000 books. His ability to write a song in less than an hour amazes me.
I enjoyed reading about him but can't say the book was perfect. It was confusing in parts, and I would have liked to read a bit more about the author's interpretations of the legend. Unfortunately musicians are often portrayed as lacking morals and living the wild life, and it is important to see the straight side of these famous performers. I am not sure Spitz gave us the complete picture, but he did help me know more about the man behind the music.
- Beverly
Publisher - Crown Archetype
Date of Publication - October 27, 2009
