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scheu's review
5.0
I can't vouch one way or the other for the accuracy of this book. Although I've listened to the Beatles for over 20 years (they were the first band I liked) I never knew the details of their lives and their fame. As a result I have no problem with giving the book five stars. Spitz made the gods human for me and I appreciate it. I never knew what a prick Paul was, for instance, or that George garnered so little respect from the two main stars of the show.
Is it better to burn out quickly or linger for 40+ years?
The former, I say.
Is it better to burn out quickly or linger for 40+ years?
The former, I say.
cdbarker's review
5.0
Tremendous
I suppose the old adage about not learning too much about your heroes is for the best, but in seeing how the Fab Four came together then split apart is a fascinating journey.
I suppose the old adage about not learning too much about your heroes is for the best, but in seeing how the Fab Four came together then split apart is a fascinating journey.
martewin's review
4.0
I listened to audiobook, and when I was several hours in, I realised that the audiobook was an abridged version so my rating is all based on the audiobook (I saw the book is 900+ pages long so I'm sure there was a lot missing from it). Also kudos to Alfred Molina, the actor who read the book because it made it even more enjoyable.
whatthedeuce's review
4.0
Anyone looking for an exhaustive and unflinching account of the Beatles' journey from the seaside town of liverpool to worldwide acclaim need look no further than this book. Beginning with John Lennon's turbulent childhood and ending with the band's dissolution in 1969, Bob Spitz chronicles seemingly every slight move each Beatle made before joining the band and, of course, every move made in the spotlight after the Beatles exploded onto the music scene in 1963. If you're a diehard fan with plenty of time on your hands, I heartily recommend this lengthy (856 pages!) but fascinating biography.
aaronreadabook's review against another edition
5.0
This is a big fat 900-page biography but I actually wanted more when it was over. Brilliantly written portrait of a fascinating band. It's amazing to think that they were only recording music for 7 years given the impact they made, and all the beautiful songs they created together. John, Paul, George, and Ringo are great characters to read about, but so many other people they encountered are too.
jennyloe's review
3.5
Unbalanced at times and some inaccuracies. Also the author’s opinions of John, Paul, and Yoko are evident (and they’re not positive; also - spoiler: Yoko is the villain who broke up the band, by Spitz’s framing).
annebennett1957's review against another edition
4.0
Fairly extremely abridged in the audio format. I was looking for all the nitty-gritty and got stuff I already knew, by in large. Yet the writing was good and the summary of The Beatles career was thorough. I am still obsessed with the Fab Four, though and will probably look around for some more materials to feed my obsession.
eroston's review
I'm not sure what to do with myself now that I've witnessed the Beatles break up for the 300th time. I have to stop reading these things.