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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
In an attempt to read more non-fiction this year, I picked up Not Dead Yet from the local library on a whim. I thought that, since Phil Collins/Genesis was never really on my musical radar, that it might be interesting to get some background while also potentially expanding my musical library.
The book definitely helped to acquaint me with the general goings on of Phil Collins during the Genesis and solo years. In fact, it kind of read a bit like a Wikipedia article at times because it felt extremely linear, i.e. we went back into the studio, recorded x album, toured for 18 months, then went back into the studio. Oh also this single went to #1 and we toured in x,y, and z countries for this many dates. In some sense, this worked for me because again, I really knew nothing about the band/solo stuff (other than the big hits) so it helped to push the story forward.
On the other hand, the more personal aspects of the story fell a little flat because I got the sense that Phil Collins wasn't being entirely truthful. From some other reviews, people noted that it was refreshing that he was so honest, but for me it still felt like he was holding something back. He did a good job, for example, in laying out that his long absences created strain on all of his marriages as the primary cause, but I just felt like I wasn't getting the whole picture and I also felt that the self-reflection he was trying to portray wasn't really all that deep. More than one time, I felt myself saying out loud, "Jesus, Phil Collins" because of all the questionable relationship choices he was making throughout his life. Like (also are spoiler tags a thing for memoirs?).
All in all, I learned a lot about his life so I don't regret having picked this up. Key takeaways: I definitely have realized that early Genesis is not for me and also Easy Lover is a super earworm.
The book definitely helped to acquaint me with the general goings on of Phil Collins during the Genesis and solo years. In fact, it kind of read a bit like a Wikipedia article at times because it felt extremely linear, i.e. we went back into the studio, recorded x album, toured for 18 months, then went back into the studio. Oh also this single went to #1 and we toured in x,y, and z countries for this many dates. In some sense, this worked for me because again, I really knew nothing about the band/solo stuff (other than the big hits) so it helped to push the story forward.
On the other hand, the more personal aspects of the story fell a little flat because I got the sense that Phil Collins wasn't being entirely truthful. From some other reviews, people noted that it was refreshing that he was so honest, but for me it still felt like he was holding something back. He did a good job, for example, in laying out that his long absences created strain on all of his marriages as the primary cause, but I just felt like I wasn't getting the whole picture and I also felt that the self-reflection he was trying to portray wasn't really all that deep. More than one time, I felt myself saying out loud, "Jesus, Phil Collins" because of all the questionable relationship choices he was making throughout his life. Like (also are spoiler tags a thing for memoirs?)
Spoiler
when he was going through a divorce from his second wife and he went full-on creeper when he met his third wife or when his third wife filed for divorce and the book makes it seem like he hops right into another relationship while that's happeningAll in all, I learned a lot about his life so I don't regret having picked this up. Key takeaways: I definitely have realized that early Genesis is not for me and also Easy Lover is a super earworm.
Like for so many, I’m sure, Phil Collins was one of those figures that was always around while growing up. I didn’t know much about him, or his career, he was just always… there.
And so I picked up this audiobook (read by Collins himself) out of pure interest. A little bit of knowledge of the songs adds to it, but it’s a brilliant memoir in itself.
His early years are fascinating, to see how he got in the industry and how things slowly fell in to place. The career aspect of the book is so interesting and still so relevant today. It’s by far the most interesting part of the book. The wide range of stars he has worked with and opportunities he has been a part of is exceptional. A clearly talented and driven artist who pushed himself, in many ways, to the limit and beyond.
As for his love life, I appreciate this was probably significant at the time, especially in the British tabloids. And if you were there, I’m sure this is interesting to hear the differences between what was reported and what actually happened. But for me, this really didn’t add anything. In fact, it took away from the book for me and made him come across terribly. While the point of an autobiography is to be honest, and authentic, something about this just didn’t fit for me.
Overall I really enjoyed it, and his reading of the audiobook was fabulous. If you’re interested in music, this is a fascinating read that I would definitely recommend. A 4 star from me!
And so I picked up this audiobook (read by Collins himself) out of pure interest. A little bit of knowledge of the songs adds to it, but it’s a brilliant memoir in itself.
His early years are fascinating, to see how he got in the industry and how things slowly fell in to place. The career aspect of the book is so interesting and still so relevant today. It’s by far the most interesting part of the book. The wide range of stars he has worked with and opportunities he has been a part of is exceptional. A clearly talented and driven artist who pushed himself, in many ways, to the limit and beyond.
As for his love life, I appreciate this was probably significant at the time, especially in the British tabloids. And if you were there, I’m sure this is interesting to hear the differences between what was reported and what actually happened. But for me, this really didn’t add anything. In fact, it took away from the book for me and made him come across terribly. While the point of an autobiography is to be honest, and authentic, something about this just didn’t fit for me.
Overall I really enjoyed it, and his reading of the audiobook was fabulous. If you’re interested in music, this is a fascinating read that I would definitely recommend. A 4 star from me!
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
medium-paced
informative
reflective
fast-paced
reflective
sad
medium-paced
I expect a rock 'n roll biography to be bold, not banal. Collins is self-effacing, in both a good way and a bad way. But mostly, it feels like he is just listing out events that have happened and failing to add much color to them. It seems like Collins's agent suggested he write (or have ghost-written) a book to make a little money, share an inside look with the fans, and tell his side of the story on a bunch of stuff that got negative PR. I am surprised to see this so positively reviewed on Goodreads. I found it boring, and if I had not chosen to read it on audiobook, I likely would not have finished it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug use
Minor: Homophobia, Infidelity, Medical content
funny
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
This book gave me the same kind of vibe as the Tom Selleck memoir—surprising and oddly off-track from what I expected. I’ve always liked Phil Collins for a very specific slice of his career, so reading a memoir that’s 90% not that was a bit disorienting and sometimes hard to follow.
That said, Collins is blunt, self-deprecating, and doesn’t hold back. There were more than a few moments where I found myself thinking, “Phil… no…” out loud. 😅
Still, it’s a fascinating ride through his life—from drumming and singing to producing, Broadway, and even his deep obsession with the Alamo (I didn’t expect that twist, but hey—he's now an Honorary Texan!). Worth the read if you're curious about the man beyond the music.
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced