Bibliography
Partridge, E. (2005). John Lennon: All I want is the truth. New York, NY: Viking.
Summary
The introduction recounts one of the most, if not the most memorable event in John Lennon's life: his "Bed-In for Peace" with his wife Yoko Ono in 1969. Then, beginning in chapter one, Partridge, in what she calls a photographic biography, recounts this icon's life from his birth in 1940 to his tragic murder in 1980. The author utilizes black and white pictures to document John's humble young life, rise to fame, desire for world peace, personal life, and hope for a comeback with the release of a new album, Double Fantasy. Along the way Partridge introduces both loved ones and some not so loved people that helped mold and either help or hinder John in his journey. The reader becomes familiar with not only John's mother, Aunt Mimi, fellow Beatles, and Yoko, but other lesser known characters in his life.
My Impression
I was a little doubtful about the true message of this book, as I grew up during John Lennon's time and I did not have the impression of him being a peace activist, but one of a publicity driven rock star. However, I did like this book as it contains details and wonderful pictures of this time period. I enjoyed The Beatles music and followed their careers so I enjoyed this book. Partridge had some little known facts about John Lennon.
Review
Kirkus Reviews
"The guitar's all very well, John, but you'll never make a living out of it." Despite his aunt's admonition, learning to make a living out of his guitar was the theme of John Lennon's life, and Partridge does a masterful job of placing Lennon's music in the context of his times--the influences of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and Little Richard, as well as the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War and Watergate. Lennon comes across as a brilliant, self-centered, self-destructive figure caught up in a pop culture world that reflected and exaggerated his own worst tendencies. Given the massive amount written about the Beatles, separating the man from the myth is a huge challenge, superbly accomplished here, with great attention to documentation. Source notes let readers into the process of writing nonfiction, and the bibliography is excellent. Photographs and other primary source material help to create an honest, multidimensional portrait of the artist. Strong language, partying, sex and drugs were a big part of John's life, and their portrayal makes this a work for older readers, who will find it fascinating. (afterword, discography, index) (Nonfiction. YA)"
Partridge, E. (2005). John Lennon: All I want is the truth. New York, NY: Viking.
Summary
The introduction recounts one of the most, if not the most memorable event in John Lennon's life: his "Bed-In for Peace" with his wife Yoko Ono in 1969. Then, beginning in chapter one, Partridge, in what she calls a photographic biography, recounts this icon's life from his birth in 1940 to his tragic murder in 1980. The author utilizes black and white pictures to document John's humble young life, rise to fame, desire for world peace, personal life, and hope for a comeback with the release of a new album, Double Fantasy. Along the way Partridge introduces both loved ones and some not so loved people that helped mold and either help or hinder John in his journey. The reader becomes familiar with not only John's mother, Aunt Mimi, fellow Beatles, and Yoko, but other lesser known characters in his life.
My Impression
I was a little doubtful about the true message of this book, as I grew up during John Lennon's time and I did not have the impression of him being a peace activist, but one of a publicity driven rock star. However, I did like this book as it contains details and wonderful pictures of this time period. I enjoyed The Beatles music and followed their careers so I enjoyed this book. Partridge had some little known facts about John Lennon.
Review
Kirkus Reviews
"The guitar's all very well, John, but you'll never make a living out of it." Despite his aunt's admonition, learning to make a living out of his guitar was the theme of John Lennon's life, and Partridge does a masterful job of placing Lennon's music in the context of his times--the influences of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and Little Richard, as well as the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War and Watergate. Lennon comes across as a brilliant, self-centered, self-destructive figure caught up in a pop culture world that reflected and exaggerated his own worst tendencies. Given the massive amount written about the Beatles, separating the man from the myth is a huge challenge, superbly accomplished here, with great attention to documentation. Source notes let readers into the process of writing nonfiction, and the bibliography is excellent. Photographs and other primary source material help to create an honest, multidimensional portrait of the artist. Strong language, partying, sex and drugs were a big part of John's life, and their portrayal makes this a work for older readers, who will find it fascinating. (afterword, discography, index) (Nonfiction. YA)"
Use in Library
Although seemingly a subject not generally used in library studies, a unit on the history of music, or just rock music would be of interest to junior high or high school students. Many students today are interested in retro music and John Lennon: All I want is the truth would be a good, rather short read for students to share with their peers.
Review. (2005). [Review of the book John Lennon: All I want Is the truth by Elizabeth Partidge]. Available at: Kirkus Reviews, 73(17), 980.
Although seemingly a subject not generally used in library studies, a unit on the history of music, or just rock music would be of interest to junior high or high school students. Many students today are interested in retro music and John Lennon: All I want is the truth would be a good, rather short read for students to share with their peers.
Review. (2005). [Review of the book John Lennon: All I want Is the truth by Elizabeth Partidge]. Available at: Kirkus Reviews, 73(17), 980.
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