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4.41 AVERAGE
4.41 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
It is rare that I give 5 stars but in this case, I'm giving it 5 stars not only for the story but also because it is an outstanding audio book. Down, dirty, gritty, and certainly there are no holds on his life's story. I will confess to a few times feeling that I really did not need to hear one more recounting of a cocaine binge but he always managed to weave in a sense of deep introspection as to the why ... or lack of why for the behavior. I think that is the redeeming feature of this book, Elton John's ability to look back on the motivations for his decisions.
As for the audio features, the narrator Taron Egerton, is a close fit to Elton's voice. Egerton was expressive; he brought Elton alive so that one felt as if it was Elton actually recounting events. When listening to the epilogue, which is spoken by Elton, it quickly becomes apparent that Egerton was by far the more professional and talented speaker. Elton does have clarity and yet, he reads on a more monotone, very fast, and with minimal inflection.
Overall, this is a great biography. Much better than Santana's.
As for the audio features, the narrator Taron Egerton, is a close fit to Elton's voice. Egerton was expressive; he brought Elton alive so that one felt as if it was Elton actually recounting events. When listening to the epilogue, which is spoken by Elton, it quickly becomes apparent that Egerton was by far the more professional and talented speaker. Elton does have clarity and yet, he reads on a more monotone, very fast, and with minimal inflection.
Overall, this is a great biography. Much better than Santana's.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was deeply entertaining because of Elton’s sarcastic voice. He has a very funny humor throughout the book— no matter what happened to him. It did feel at times a bit like reading a gossip column, which were my least favorite bits. Plus, it kind of dragged in the middle. Other than that, it was a very interesting look at music, entertainers, and rock n roll, from the point of view of someone who lived through it all with the most bizarre experiences. I’ll never forget that picture of Lady Gaga baking cupcakes for Elton’s kids.
I’d never read a celebrity memoir but it felt like a good place to start. Now excuse me while I rewatch Rocketman for the hundredth time.
I’d never read a celebrity memoir but it felt like a good place to start. Now excuse me while I rewatch Rocketman for the hundredth time.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
This is such a wonderful biography. I chose to listen to the audiobook, which Taron Egerton narrated after playing Elton John in the biopic "Rocketman". Taron did a wonderful job with the narration, and every voice and accent he put on were vibrant and funny!
While hard to listen to, this book was a fascinating insight to Elton John's life. From his rocky start to his sudden fame, down to the dirty details of his addictions and failed relationships. I really came away from this book marveling at all the life he's lived. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good celebrity memoir!
While hard to listen to, this book was a fascinating insight to Elton John's life. From his rocky start to his sudden fame, down to the dirty details of his addictions and failed relationships. I really came away from this book marveling at all the life he's lived. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good celebrity memoir!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cancer, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Alcohol
This book deals heavily with Elton John's drug use, addictions (drugs, sex, and eating disorders). It also features discussion about the death of friends and the AIDs crisis in the 80s.
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Elton’s life is one of a kind and he’s brutally honest about his past and present. He’s a talented narrator and he wrote a biography that feels like a journey to self discovery.
I absolutely loved this, it had everything I could of possibly wanted, laughter and tears and all of the Elton John flare and drama needed to perfectly sum up his life so far.
I very rarely rate books 5 stars, but in this case I just had to. Elton's memoir is an honest, shocking, and hilarious rollercoaster. I love his personality and unique sense of humor and I have a great respect for his talent. Elton John is a true musical genius but he is also a human being who owns the good, the bad, and the ugly of his life. I read the audiobook, which he co-reads with Taron Egerton (who played him in Rocketman) and I really enjoyed Egerton's reading.