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The Queen of Soul tells the story of her whirlwind life and spectacular career in this breezy autobiography. Franklin speaks with candor and wit about her teenage pregnancies, her career ups and downs and her infamous fear of flying. However, Franklin is at her best when she discusses her music, her various peers and the tradegies that rocked her family in the 1980's. Few fans will finish this book without wanting to dig in the crates and listen to some of her classics. More importantly, don't read this book on an empty stomach---there is hardly a page in the book where she does not mention food.

Reviewed by LaJuan P., University City Regional

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From the Summer of Love to the late '70s Starship sell-out (for which no apology is offered) the more-or-less queen of acid rock takes the reader on a tour of her life. Along the way, she recounts the rise of the San Francisco sound and the Jefferson Airplane - which, for a time, were one and the same in this reviewer's experience. Grace seems to have aged well and to have gained serenity through motherhood and quieter pursuits. Her view the era is interesting, often humorous in its inimitably sarcastic way, and - at times - almost uncomfortably candid.

Reviewed by Jim B., Main Library

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Alex and Lewis are stand up comics who seem doomed to spend forever barely making a living. Carlton is a Bowie 4.5 android, meaning he looks like Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust period. The three decide to go on the road to Mars, slang for the trek to the inner planets and maybe fame. Instead Carlton has to save Alex and Lewis while terrorists and assassins seem to pop up everywhere. Eric Idle, of Monty Python fame, has written a satirical science fiction novel that is richly comic and tense.

Reviewed by Rogan H., Main Library

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To get away from her husband's beatings, Delia Byrd ran off from Cayro, Georgia with Randall Pritchard and his rock band, leaving behind two young daughters. Ten years later, after Randall is killed in a car wreck, Delia is determined to return to Cayro, to face Amanda and DeDe, and to try and forge a family with them and Cissy, her daughter with Randall. Written in Allison's strong, clear style, this story of love and redemption unfolds as Amanda, Dede, Cissy and Delia learn how to accept the past, and move ahead to their individual futures.

Reviewed by Susan H., Main Library

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This biography details the life of legendary soul singer Marvin Gaye. The author goes into great detail recounting Marvin Gaye's musical career (both before and after he became an internationally known pop star). But the most memorable episodes come from Gaye's life offstage. His constant battle with drugs and his dysfunctional relationship with his father (which ultimately ended with his death at the hands of his father) provide the most intriguing moments of the story. This book is not only a must read for fans of Marvin Gaye, but it will also satisfy the appetites of true-crime readers as well.

Reviewed by LaJuan P., University City Regional

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While hardly a role model for anyone other than an aspiring guitar player, Grateful Dead leader Jerry Garcia was a great lovable bear of a man who lived and finally died by an uncompromising personal code. According to the many friends (including ex-wives), whose memories comprise this book, his goal in life was to reach the highest level of music above all else. If that meant getting high, he was more than willing. That may well have been his tragic flaw, but he died with a smile on his face. Because many of Greenfield's interviewees knew Garcia well and speak candidly of him, this book is essential to a fuller understanding of the man and his genius.

Reviewed by Jim B., Main Library

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Chili Palmer is back. The ex-shylock from Get Shorty has returned with all his cockiness, style, and attitude. He has decided to make a film about the music industry and is in search of characters in Hollywood. As he manipulates people and situations, Chili makes his life more action-packed than ever. The book moves fast, flashing quickly from scene to scene and giving the reader the feeling the situation is spinning out of control. The characters are hilarious and scary, because they seem absurd enough to exist in Hollywood.

Reviewed by Diana S., Main Library

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One night in Seattle, a successful but world-weary musician overdoses while sitting alone on top of a parking garage. Three years later, her son Grady, 15, is forced to dredge up his feelings when he is asked to speak at her memorial festival. Grady wants to spend more time with his mentally retarded half-brother Louie, but this would mean moving in with Vicki (Louie's outspoken and religious stepmother). Powell does an admirable job of presenting the struggle between Grady's beliefs and his loyalty to his brother. The characters are diverse and refreshing, and the author maintains the believability of this extraordinary adolescent situation.

Reviewed by Greg E., South County Regional

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Reader's comments about this book

This book is great!
-Michael, New York

It was the best book I ever read!
-Cory, Charlotte, MI

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Steve York is writing his life story to earn the make-up credit he needs to graduate from high school. He recounts many of his high school experiences including his adventures as a charter member of the iconoclastic Grace Order of Dadaists, his first ever romance with a girl nicknamed Dub, and his difficult relationship with his distant father, a former football star and famous astronaut who wants Steve to be more like him. In writing his story, Steve confronts past feelings of anger and resentment and learns that life's situations are not always black and white. Rob Thomas' writing is intelligent, irreverently funny, and truly evocative of the teenage spirit and voice. A must for any teen who swims outside the mainstream.

Reviewed by Peter J., Carmel Branch

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The Clinton presidency. Sex, drugs and rock 'n roll. Eszterhaus, a child of the 60's, former writer for Rolling Stone, screen writer of Basic Instinct, attempts to describe and explain Bill Clinton. We get a panoramic view of the United States from the 1960s to the end of the century - real history mixed in with quasi-history, with quite a bit of sensationalism-type-of-history folded in. The Clinton haters will find new reasons to fuel their feelings. Those who like him, or are willing to give him what credit is due will be amused, and saddened by this book. It's entertaining and thought provoking, filled with wonderful cameo descriptions of all the players in this comedic tragedy.

Reviewed by Susan H., Main Library

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Inspector Rebus is a hard drinking, rock n’roll loving, police investigator in Edinburgh, Scotland. His latest case has Rebus investigating a hospital soon to be demolished to make way for the new Scottish Parliament. Things soon turn nasty when a skeleton wearing an old Rolling Stones T-shirt is found in a fireplace at the hospital. Days later, things go from bad to worse when an up-and-coming local politician is found dead at the demolition site. A page-turner, populated with shadowy characters, plot twists and turns to be read in a single sitting.

Reviewed by Gina D., Myers Park Branch

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There has been an almost forty year old controversy as to whether the Beatles caused the rock and roll revolution or merely led the way as icons of change. In The Beatles Anthology, the Beatles themselves never claim a profound genius or a conscious plan to change the history of popular music, but their remarkable lives and careers represent many of the defining moments for an entire generation. This book is an exceptional collection of memories which answer many of the questions, rumors and speculation that have swirled around the Fab Four since their early days jamming in Liverpool beer halls. Their songs were the backgound music for many of us as we came of age. This volume is an honest revelation of a historical era and another triumph of the caliber of work we have come to expect from Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr.

Reviewed by Susan C., Independence Regional

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When legendary blues man Robert Johnson shows up on the Spokane Indian reservation he’s looking for a little peace; however, his guitar is looking for a soul to steal. Reputed to have sold his soul to the devil in return for talent, it would seem that it’s Johnson’s guitar that is devilish – whoever takes it up can play like nobody’s business! Enter the all-Indian Catholic rock band, Coyote Springs. Yesterday they were worse than bad, today they are a smash on the red circuit. Soon the band gets the call to audition in New York – crash and burn time. Fast and playful, Alexie’s characters are individuals first, Indians second, but full-blooded humans most of all. Full of black humor and mythical magic, this one rocks!

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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In a world created by Anne Rice, vampires move about and interact with mortals. The Vampire Lestat tells his story in this second volume of The Vampire Chronicles. He has been underground for more than fifty-five years renewing his strength, and now he emerges telling his story with exuberance and exactness. Lestat tells of his humble beginnings, when he became a vampire to the glorious career as a rock star with the group Satan's Night Out. He roars about New Orleans in leather on his Harley-Davidson listening to Bach at full blast and takes journeys around the world searching for the origins of the vampire. Rice's world of the undead is alive with vampires at times funny, surprising, and frightening, but never horrifying.

Reviewed by Natalie M., Morrison Regional

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If laughter is the best medicine, Carl Hiaasen’s latest novel, Basket Case, delivers lots of TLC. Jack Tagger, a former ace investigative reporter, has been demoted to obituary writer for voicing opinions no one else dares to utter. His lack of political correctness is just one of his most endearing qualities. When assigned to write the final tribute for ex-rock star Jimmy Stoma who dies mysteriously in the Bahamas, Tagger sees a way to get back on page one. The ensuing investigation of the ex-Slut Puppies star performer is hilarious. Hiaasen continues to entertain his readers with his edgy humor as well as to offer hope to all the middle-aged romantics out there. Basket Case is a riot!!

Reviewed by Susan C., Independence Regional

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After a large professional mishap that changes his career path, Jack Tagger is an obituary writer for a large Miami newspaper. When the name James Badley Stomari passes over his desk, Jack first notices his age, (39) then recalls he is actually the lead singer of a band from his past, Jimmy and the Slut Puppies. Jack quickly immerses himself in the mysterious (only to Jack) SCUBA diving accident that claimed Jimmy’s life. The resulting investigation and Hiaasen’s cast of characters create a novel that has readers on the edge of their seats and laughing hysterically at the same time. The adventures and situations will stay with you long after the novel has been finished (especially the monitor lizard…)
-Diana, Charlotte, NC

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This fascinating, funny and tragic look at the art and excesses of punk starts with the Velvet Underground and Andy Warhol scene in New York, includes the MC5 and the Stooges and ends with the pathetic heroin related deaths of a couple of icons well after the scene peaked. It’s interesting not only for the required reminiscences of musicians. Some of the more revealing stories come from the bands’ friends and girlfriends that show that they also helped define the culture with their style and personal art. Recommended for those that already have a familiarity with the music and can handle the very frank discussions of sex and drugs.

Reviewed by Ed M., Morrison Regional

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Just the facts ma'am. Amidst the emotional storm of opinions regarding the First Amendment v. music censorship in the U.S., Parental Advisory seems to be a lone voice of reason. Not overly cynical, the author liberally points out inconsistencies in censors’ reasoning and their lack of scientific method. He’ll also remind you that censorship legal battles are often a matter of money. This thorough study of the history of music censorship is expertly cobbled together by Eric Nuzum, the programing director for the NPR affliliate at Kent State University. Not only does this book read like a true crime story, but it works effectively as a reference resource, with both thematic and chronological arrangement, as well as a rich bibliography and an effective index.

Reviewed by Lydia L., Main Library

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Jesse played guitar, usually bass, for the band, Anything Goes. He never knew his mother, and his dad was a drunk who took all his miseries out on Jesse. Music was his only solace, and the band became his family. Based out of Nashville, they toured roadhouses playing mostly covers. When they added Estelle and her powerful voice things began to happen. Jesse’s dad had sobered up, and is seeking peace with his son, plus the band begins to really sizzle. Music is vital to this novel; it helps carry the plot along, is woven into the themes, and it gives a certain authenticity to the whole. As Jesse begins to mature, his music blooms also. This easy read has deceptive depth – kind of like rock ‘n’ roll itself.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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Psychedelic and then some: late-sixties San Francisco is the perfect setting for this alternative recent history. Told by Chance - half-white, half-black suicidal graduate history student in search of a thesis and an identity – it begins when a brief flash of blue light strikes Earth from deep space. Of those touched, a housewife becomes a love goddess, a streetwise scammer becomes a prophet. A junkie is driven mad by Truth, a girl dreams whatever will happen any tomorrow, and a sweet child blossoms overnight into a beautiful, gentle and deadly Amazon. The down side is a bummer (one of the glories of this exquisitely ambitious book is the prose which echoes primal jazz counterpointing intensely articulated, sophisticated soul/funk): one of the “blues” was in the process of dying when the ray found him. Now he lives, consumed with hatred for the blue force of life -- and for those whom it has changed.

Reviewed by Jim B., Main Library

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Rushdie, a master of word play, takes us on a romp through the world of rock ‘n’ roll. This densely packed novel uses a retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth to explore Western pop culture as it encircles the globe. Ormus Cama, songwriter, guitarist, and visionary along with Vina Apsara, singer, feminist, and hell-for-leather hedonist, create the supergroup VTO. This pair of Indian exiles takes the world by storm as their childhood friend, and Vina’s sometimes lover, Rai chronicles it all. Rushdie uses the exile to examine the realities of the modern world from the outside, giving us a perspective unfettered by political or religious ideologies. This world may not always be beautiful, but it is always filled with a sense of joy.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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Hotel California by Barney Hoskyns is the backstage pass for the soundtrack of many baby boomers lives. With the subtitle - The True Life Adventures of Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young, Mitchell, Taylor, Browne, Ronstadt, Geffen, the Eagles and Their Many Friends- you expect the inside story and Hoskyns does not disappoint. Hotel California gives you the stories behind the songs fixed in the audio of your memories. Hoskyns has skillfully researched the history of the California sound, conducted an amazing amount of very candid interviews from the artists on the scene, and pieced together a fascinating account of the sex, drugs and rock and roll. Hotel California represents the power of a time in history when music shaped a generation. Hoskyns doesn’t miss a beat.

Reviewed by Susan C., Independence Regional

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What is love? Rob Sheffield has no idea until he meets Renee, a Southern, punk-rock loving girl who turns his world upside down. They initially have nothing in common but their eclectic taste in all kinds of music, but this mutual love of music quickly turns into love for each other. Throughout their courtship and marriage Rob and Renee make mix tapes for each other filled with songs they know the other will love. This passion for music and mix tapes is what helps Rob heal when Renee suddenly dies. Music is what drew Rob and Renee together and what allows him to work through his grief. In this moving tribute to love and music Rob discovers that Love is a Mix Tape.

Reviewed by Jessica B., Mint Hill Branch

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The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is arguably the most important album in the history of recorded sound. The music, sometimes cryptic lyrics and images from the record have become part of global culture and continue to be cited as an influence on artists to this day. Almost everyone knows a story of “secret” significance behind some detail of this classic record. Famed Beatles producer George Martin dispels the conjecture with insight that could come only from one within the band’s protective enclave. He provides minute details of each track’s composition, performance and production along with priceless anecdotes about the Fab Four. Not just for the devout Beatles fan. A true gem!

Reviewed by Paul D., Main Library

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