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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
Unique in that it weaves Freddie Mercury's story in with the history of the AIDS epidemic. You can't tell Freddie's story without talking about AIDS and this book did a great job in explaining where it came from, how it was transmitted, the stigma surrounding it, the lack of treatment options at the time and how Freddie chose to live and die on his own terms. Listening to the Queen catalog along with the book also made me realize that they are more than just their best known songs. They had an extensive catalog of music that delved into many genres of music from rock to opera to jazz. Freddie and his talent for writing and combining many of these genres not to mention his incredible talent for singing and performing makes Queen one of those bands that I would have loved to have seen live because what an experience it would have been.
Absolutely fascinating. Highly recommend, whether you are a Queen fan or not. I love how the AIDS epidemic was explained parallel to Freddie Mercury’s story.
I think Freddie Mercury is a fascinating person and performer, and an extremely worthy subject of a biography. I really enjoyed reading this book, but I do question the truth of some of its claims, and find some of the journalistic practices used to write it to be less than thorough. A bio requires so much investigation and questioning of sources and verifying and re-verifying of facts. This book just seems too comfortable accepting the word of the sources who were most generous with their time. Much of the information seems culled from prior interviews, and so naturally the authors aren't able to do follow up questions or ask for clarification.
I would definitely need to read another book for a second opinion and interpretation of the facts.
I would definitely need to read another book for a second opinion and interpretation of the facts.
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Homophobia, Terminal illness, Alcohol
Beautiful. Didn’t shy away from tough topics and I really appreciated that this included a history of HIV and AIDS.
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Amazing!
This is an amazing book about the rise, (and inevitable) fall and death of Freddie Mercury. It also delves into the AIDS pandemic; where it came from, how it spread, and the utter pandemonium and devastation it unrelentingly released on such an unsuspecting population. This is an amazing read, and definitely worth five stars.
This is an amazing book about the rise, (and inevitable) fall and death of Freddie Mercury. It also delves into the AIDS pandemic; where it came from, how it spread, and the utter pandemonium and devastation it unrelentingly released on such an unsuspecting population. This is an amazing read, and definitely worth five stars.
I went into this book thinking I would learn something new about Mr. Mercury and in some cases I did. Maybe one or two things. But most of this book was about Aids and the history of it. I purchase this book to read about Queen and Freddie Mercury not the history of aids. Freddie was more than what he died of. The book should have be called the history of aids and how Freddie Mercury's life affected it.
Over all the book was informative when it comes to aids but when it came to Freddie Mercury not so much.
Over all the book was informative when it comes to aids but when it came to Freddie Mercury not so much.
Freddie Mercury was one of a kind. In my opinion, one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever to walk the earth. Somebody to Love is a detailed, respectful and well written account of his life and death. However it is more than that. A thoroughly well researched history of one of the most feared epidemics in recent times - AIDS. A fascinating read, delving into the very roots of the disease (and the attitudes and politics surrounding it) that killed one of the World’s best loved rock stars.
