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thewrittenword's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
A well-written and objective look at one of the great and influential figures in Rock and Popular Music, "Break on Through: The Life and Death of Jim Morrison" chronicles the life of the enigmatic singer and poet whose distinct look and groundbreaking performances not to mention lifestyle broke boundaries and ushered in a new outlook in performance and living that has influenced and inspired countless bands and individuals since. Starting with Morrison's military background and onto his vagabond lifestyle in Los Angeles to fame and fortune with The Doors and his tragic end in Paris, author James Riordan takes an in depth look at the man's life and art. Touching on his difficult upbringing and artistic influences Riordan discusses how these shaped and molded Morrisons life and art. His detailed examination of The Doors' recordings are quite a surprise and delight as they're music reviews in all but name. Riordan doesn't flinch with Morrison's well known dark side and he narrates Morrison's bouts with drugs and alcohol including his seminal confrontations with the law in his personal life and with The Doors the latter innovating the confrontational style of performance which has been a trademark of Rock shows since. His turbulent relationships are also discussed and his difficult yet illuminating interactions with his family, women, bandmates , friends and fans reveal a complicated Jekyll and Hyde character who left a profound impact on those he met.
If there's a flaw to the book it's the author's attempt to get into his subject's mind and try to grasp what may have been going on in Morrison's troubled state. Of course, such a take is automatically speculative.
Perhaps the definitive biography on the self-styled "Lizard King", "Break on Through..." may well be the most objective and well-rounded book on a man who sought to change and transform people and performance through his artistry and life, driving himself to the edge of existence to attain enlightenment and sharing it with the world. This is a story of tragedy and great music and a unique individual who, in his words, “I see myself as a huge fiery comet, a shooting star. Everyone stops, points up and gasps "Oh look at that!" Then- whoosh, and I'm gone...and they'll never see anything like it ever again... and they won't be able to forget me- ever.”
If there's a flaw to the book it's the author's attempt to get into his subject's mind and try to grasp what may have been going on in Morrison's troubled state. Of course, such a take is automatically speculative.
Perhaps the definitive biography on the self-styled "Lizard King", "Break on Through..." may well be the most objective and well-rounded book on a man who sought to change and transform people and performance through his artistry and life, driving himself to the edge of existence to attain enlightenment and sharing it with the world. This is a story of tragedy and great music and a unique individual who, in his words, “I see myself as a huge fiery comet, a shooting star. Everyone stops, points up and gasps "Oh look at that!" Then- whoosh, and I'm gone...and they'll never see anything like it ever again... and they won't be able to forget me- ever.”
goatsbookgarden's review against another edition
4.0
As a lifelong Doors fan, I was anxious to get my hands on this book. Though it took me a long time to read, thanks to life, I found myself saddened when I finished. For me, it was as if Jim Morrison had died all over again. A beautiful insight to the man, this book gave me the opportunity to feel as though I knew him personally.
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