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ttodd86's review against another edition
3.0
Many of the criticisms about this book focus on the fact that Petty and author Warren Zanes are friends to some degree and the result is that the book paints a very favorable portrait of Petty. There is certainly plenty of that -- in some places the glowing praise of Petty becomes almost difficult to read.
The bigger issue, however, might be that Zanes' familiarity with his subject causes some problems with the story telling in terms of where he places the focus and how he tells the story. For example: far too much of the book focuses on the friction between Petty and longtime drummer Stan Lynch. It is problematic on many levels for the reader: it is repetitive to the point where it is hard to care anymore, the portrayal of Lynch becomes cartoonish and Petty seems to want to make sure you are clear on his side of the story. The bigger problem, however, is that it is hard to see how this friction is such a pivotal event in Petty's life story to merit this much attention. Conversely, there is extremely little written about the 1987 fire at Petty's home that was very nearly fatal and a major event in Petty's life for many reasons, including the fact that it was arson and someone may have very well been trying to kill him.
There are other problems as well, but the stuff about Lynch and the fire are particularly interesting in that they illustrate what is almost an unforgivable weakness on what is becoming my baseline test for any non-fiction work: Can I quickly and easily find credible information online that paints a more complete picture of the subject. In this case, a quick Google search uncovers that Lynch (surprise) actually has some talent, has had an extended career in music and is not a cartoon character, meanwhile, you can also learn that Petty was so troubled by the arson attempt at his home he made a conscious effort to avoid using the word "fire" in a song for years. In this regard, the book fails the test.
The bigger issue, however, might be that Zanes' familiarity with his subject causes some problems with the story telling in terms of where he places the focus and how he tells the story. For example: far too much of the book focuses on the friction between Petty and longtime drummer Stan Lynch. It is problematic on many levels for the reader: it is repetitive to the point where it is hard to care anymore, the portrayal of Lynch becomes cartoonish and Petty seems to want to make sure you are clear on his side of the story. The bigger problem, however, is that it is hard to see how this friction is such a pivotal event in Petty's life story to merit this much attention. Conversely, there is extremely little written about the 1987 fire at Petty's home that was very nearly fatal and a major event in Petty's life for many reasons, including the fact that it was arson and someone may have very well been trying to kill him.
There are other problems as well, but the stuff about Lynch and the fire are particularly interesting in that they illustrate what is almost an unforgivable weakness on what is becoming my baseline test for any non-fiction work: Can I quickly and easily find credible information online that paints a more complete picture of the subject. In this case, a quick Google search uncovers that Lynch (surprise) actually has some talent, has had an extended career in music and is not a cartoon character, meanwhile, you can also learn that Petty was so troubled by the arson attempt at his home he made a conscious effort to avoid using the word "fire" in a song for years. In this regard, the book fails the test.
tommyhousworth's review against another edition
4.0
This is a captivating bio of Tom Petty. Zanes does a wonderful job in crafting an intimate portrait of a rather shy artist who mostly let his music do the talking. Growing up in an abusive home in Gainesville, Florida, Petty wanted to escape the physical and emotional toil exacted by his alcoholic father. Zanes takes us through the early days of Mudcrutch, the formation of the Heartbreakers, and the highs and lows that followed. Some highlights that stood out to me were how Stan Lynch created so much tension for Petty and the band, how Howie Epstein slipped away from addiction while Petty was fighting his own battle with heroin, and how Stevie Nicks was determined to befriend and collaborate with Petty. It's also wonderful to learn about how important the mid-80's tour with Bob Dylan (as his backing band) was, how George Harrison formed such a bond with Petty, and how Petty regretted letting Mike Campbell's music track for "The Boys of Summer" slip away and land in Don Henley's hands.
Alongside sharing Petty's struggles with heroin and the day-to-day of keeping a band of strong headed musicians together, Zanes also reveals how Petty left one abusive relationship (his father, who hit Petty up for money at the funeral of Petty's mother) for another (his first wife Jane, who was physically and verbally abusive to him, and who suffered from mental illness and addiction).
Petty poured his pain into his music and the beneficiaries of that pain are his fans. His music is wistful, humorous, and hopeful, and the stories behind those songs also help form the backbone of this book.
Petty's death left a huge hole in the music world, but this books helps us understand that, more than a gifted musical artist, Petty was a man struggling to find happiness, a man who was always learning to fly.
Alongside sharing Petty's struggles with heroin and the day-to-day of keeping a band of strong headed musicians together, Zanes also reveals how Petty left one abusive relationship (his father, who hit Petty up for money at the funeral of Petty's mother) for another (his first wife Jane, who was physically and verbally abusive to him, and who suffered from mental illness and addiction).
Petty poured his pain into his music and the beneficiaries of that pain are his fans. His music is wistful, humorous, and hopeful, and the stories behind those songs also help form the backbone of this book.
Petty's death left a huge hole in the music world, but this books helps us understand that, more than a gifted musical artist, Petty was a man struggling to find happiness, a man who was always learning to fly.
misskamibee's review against another edition
4.0
Although it was written in a bit of a disjointed manner, I really did enjoy this book. At first I was surprised at how much of the book was about the Heartbreakers, and their journey- I mean it is called Petty, right? It should be all about the man. Then I realized: that is the man. He WAS his band. He IS his band. I've always loved his music, but having a deeper knowledge and understanding of him as person makes me love the music even more. And finding out that he only agreed to own a cellphone a scant 3 years ago (and apparently still doesn't know how to use it) shows me how much we are alike, and makes him all that more endearing. You can bet if the Heartbreakers roll through town again, I will most certainly be in the audience cheering them on.
hoodster's review against another edition
4.0
Generally worth reading if you are a fan. The second quarter dragged, way too much detail about the various members of his bands before the Heartbreakers coalesced.
The second half of the book is fairly compelling, but I had to wonder why Zanes waited so long to give us some important details about the man that really help understand what made him tick. For example, Tom's performance anxiety is not even mentioned until about 20 pages left in the book.
The other thing that bugs me is that, as a musician, the author should have had more interest in the actual songcraft, but he hardly ever even mentions lyrics. Really a shame for a book about such a brilliant songwriter.
The second half of the book is fairly compelling, but I had to wonder why Zanes waited so long to give us some important details about the man that really help understand what made him tick. For example, Tom's performance anxiety is not even mentioned until about 20 pages left in the book.
The other thing that bugs me is that, as a musician, the author should have had more interest in the actual songcraft, but he hardly ever even mentions lyrics. Really a shame for a book about such a brilliant songwriter.
tracyk22's review against another edition
5.0
Superbly written. A beautiful story about a beautiful soul.
poisonwhiskeyy's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic testament to the successes and hardships of Tom Petty’s career as well as his personal life. Petty is undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians of all time & this book speaks volumes of his resilience, dedication & love for music.
kchiappone's review against another edition
4.0
Strong, literally rich language from Zanes. Can be a lot to take in at times, given all of the people he writes about. I was surprised that there wasn't more information about a few key events in Petty's career. Specifically, his lawsuit with MCA, the death of Howie Epstein, and his acquisition of incoming band mates. He does talk about these things, but not as in depth as I'd expected. Overall, I was very satisfied with this book. Like I said, strong writing for a biography.
loonyboi's review against another edition
4.0
A very good (if authorized) biography, but ultimately frustrating, as it ends in 2016, a single year before Petty's death. It feels like an updated version is needed.
jesusjeronimo's review against another edition
3.0
Entretenido, mola recordar al bueno de Tom, pero tampoco tengo la sensación de que Petty haya dejado de ser un misterio para mi.