duparker 's review for:

4.0

I was aware of Elvis Costello and knew his popular music from the radio etc. I knew he was quirky and stylistic. What I wasn't aware of was how entertaining he is, nor how great a writer he is. I liked his blunt clear style. His way of being real and fun, and his ability to tell a tale.

For the book, it is great that he didn't tell a straight tale. This is more memoir than autobiography and that works so much better, than a strict "I was born on this day, in this way." The seemingly random quality of the stories work well in setting up Elvis as a unique individual and a caring and musically significant person.