The Long Hard Road Out of Hell by Marilyn Manson, Neil Strauss
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Book Reviews of The Long Hard Road Out of Hell
Book Review: Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was a fascinating and definitely worthwhile look into the eyes of America's monster, Mr. Brian Warner. It took me only a day to read, because I could not put it down, and I am in the course of reading it a 3rd time now. Brian, or as you most know him by, Marilyn Manson, had one messed up childhood, and it really makes you see exactly why he puts a lot of his messages in music. He even explains a lot of personal things about his album AntiChrist Superstar that most people never knew, and for me, that makes the album all the better and in depth. Its packed with dozens of photos and even some drawings by Manson himself, and it has 14 full color pages of Manson pictures in the middle if you just cant get enough of him. Some highlights of the book are Manson getting kidnapped by Trent Reznor of NIN, Manson's `rules' about drugs, cheating, and homosexuality, pages of affidavits regarding the horrible things that supposedly happened at his concerts (but of course didn't)stories and poems Manson sent into a magazine to be published, and an explination of that whispering noise at the beginning of the song `tourniquet.' The only problem I had with this book is it didn't seem personal enough. It was based more factually than it was emotionally for Manson, which is something I wasn't hoping for, seeing as how we all know he always has something intelligent or artistic to say about the world. But little does he go into his theories or his views throughout the book. And i wish he would have written this book later, so he could have talked about the things that happened after he wrote this, such as his album Mechanical Animals or Holy Wood.But still, its fantastic.
Book Review: The only problem is... I hope he is telling the truth
Summary: 5 Stars
It sure feels like its true and that I really know manson, but it is clearly not that simple. I would have aggressively forked over the cash for this book just for the pictures, alone, and because of the fact that he wrote it. Not even counting the wonderous poems and quotes from those that influenced him, or happened to fit nicely into the book and the fact that this insightful man (against all odds, some people don't usually view rock god/glam-trash idols such as MM as insightful) has written a book that is actually an intelligent look at growing up. This autobiography brings out the creepiest aspects of childhood, conveying the terror and fascination that young Brian felt when looking through his grandfather's pornography, getting his first French kiss, and being taunted by the girls he wanted to "date." Manson has the benefit of having grown up as an outcast and loser and then having become a star without forgetting what he went through, which is rare. This gives him an incredibly broad perspective, which he brings to bear on his ordinary life in order to convey the more potent and frightening moments that shaped him into the pale-skinned weirdo that the Christians love to hate. Best of all, Manson is full of honesty, and portrays himself as occasionally stupid, self-centered, overly-sensitive, ignoble, and, most importantly, highly fallible and human. It's a long way from the auto-hagiographies that other stars have written, and it's easily one of the best reads in celebrity bio. This book is a really good example that popular culture is everywhere including the silly-people filled suburbs and smaller bedroom communities.Book Review: Fascinating Look at the birth of Marilyn Manson
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was extremely fascinating. It really brings to life the transformation of Brian Warner to Marilyn Manson. It shows events in his childhood that helped to shape him into the person he is. With first person memories, he describes his childhood and the impact music played on his ambitions and goals.
The book goes on to talk about the formation of his band and how the members met, discussing problems with band members and how the band had lofty goals that seemed unreachable. Later, opening for Nine Inch Nails, he became friends with Trent Rezner and later came to know Anton LaVey, both of whom had great influence on his life. Manson talks about how his rise to Superstar status changed his view on drugs, sex, other life aspects. He explains how he took on the the name Marilyn Manson permanently, stating that at a certain moment he realized Brian Warner was dying and Marilyn Manson was being born.
Throughout the book there are moments where Manson remembers where he was when he came up with ideas for some of his songs including his version of "Sweet Dreams" and "The Beautiful People". The book also covers some of his own philosophies about love, homosexuality, and life.
The book is beautifully constructed with photos and artwork which help with the understanding of what he is discussing. The book goes into great detail, allowing the reader to really understand why Marilyn Manson is the way he is. A fantastic read that, I believe, fans and non-fans would enjoy.
Book Review: Great, interesting book
Summary: 5 Stars
Annotation: "The Long Hard Road Out of Hell" is Manson's life as told from the person who would know it best, him. He tells the story of his life starting from the time him and his brother would sneak in his grandfather's basement. Then onto him being in a private Christian school. He tells about how he tries unsuccessfully to get himself kicked out of school, to starting his band, getting signed, and meeting Trent Reznor. Also it reveals the struggles of getting Antichrist Superstar recorded.
Evaluation: The book starts out with the chapter "When I Was a Worm"; the other two chapters are called "Deformography" and "How I Got My Wings". This shows a progression throughout the book from him being a naïve, mischievous kid to him changing and coming about to find out who he was, and confronting the struggles, which he faced. Shows a lot of insight into a man, who often tends to be misinterpreted. This book shows another part of him and shares with his readers some of his deepest thoughts.
I thought this was a great book for Manson fans or not. It is very entertaining; there never is a dull part. It is hard to imagine another biography that could be as interesting as this one was. This book has everything from some very humorous that you wouldn't be able to stop yourself from laughing out loud, to some wild, sickening parts. Manson shares some of his philosophies and also disproves some rumors surrounding him. This is a book I would recommend to anyone, even those who don't like to read.
Book Review: Marilyn Manson scares me
Summary: 5 Stars
Well, not so much him as his image. Throughout the entire book I found myself covering many of the pictures and even avoiding viewing the cover.
That said, the book is incredible. Despite, for some odd reason, my innate--almost unconscious, and especially irrational--fear of his image, I found myself especially intrigued by many of his 'uncommon' experiences. He is an incredible, thoughtful writer, and though I had only casual interest in (or even knowledge of) him before, it was very cool to get a peek into his mind and thought process (and to gain an especial appreciation for his musical works with this knowledge). I often found myself agreeing, and perhaps even looking at things in a new way.
He lays his views out well, and sticks it to his (often hypocritical and just plain *wrong*) critics with justifiably pissed-off grace. And even through all the 'shocking' events throughout his long career he casually divulges and explains, there is a sense of true underlying morality. And though this is non-fiction, I did get a sort of sense of a 'happy ending'. Not in the cliche, sappy way of course, but as the book wraps up, after his self-reflection has examined and rehashed all the effed-up events of his earlier days, it seems as though there's a sort of change-for-the-better. An enlightenment that implies he's grown into a more mature person, and he's ultimately better than many of the things that he's been a part of.