Things the Grandchildren Should Know by Mark Oliver Everett
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Book Reviews of Things the Grandchildren Should Know
Book Review: Intense.
Summary: 5 Stars
Mark Oliver Everett is the talented leader of the band The Eels, and I have been a massive fan ever since 2005, with the discovery of "Electro-Shock Blues". Years later, after having discovered all their amazing albums, I decided to buy and read this book.
I read it in about 2 or 3 readings, which should let you know about how rivetting the book is. It's an autobiography, it's well-written, direct, simple yet profound, and it's a pure treasure.
You won't believe the life Everett had and has: from his father corresponding with Einstein to the plane crash near his house, to being attacked by a psycho with a kitchen knife to losing his entire family to heart-attack, suicide, and cancer, to his cousin dying on 9/11, and much more.
The book is at once hilarious, heart-wrenching, and uplifting. It is an inspiring volume written by one of the best artists to have walked the earth; and even though Everett is rather modest, we know his true worth, and it's a big damn lot. I know people won't agree with me, but I think Everett is better than Bob Dylan. Yeah, I know. I like Dylan too, but I far prefer Everett's music.
The book is a pleasure to read, in spite of the really hard things it contains, but if you're an admirer of Everett, you already faced much hardship in his music, and some of them you will already be familiar with, such as the suicide of his sister, his mother's cancer, and other not too pleasant events.
Extremely highly recommended. In fact, even if you know nothing at all about Everett, you'd still adore this book.
Book Review: Thank you, E.
Summary: 5 Stars
Although I have always loved E's music, I wasn't sure I would like his writing. I guess I initially bought his book because I was curious about the man behind the music and figured I'd read a bit each day. Instead, I sat down for a moment and didn't get up for four hours. E writes so naturally and intimately, I felt like he had just stopped by my house to share a story and a beer on the front porch. It sounds kind of silly, but I never really realized that so many of E's lyrics resonate deeply because he has written about feelings that come from similarly deep experiences. I guess each person who loves his music will enjoy reading his book for different reasons, but for me, I really value how he took the time to write about how he has learned to sit with what he can't control in life and let the experiences teach him how to live. Life is good..... not in the t-shirt logo life is good kind of way, but like god damn right it's a beautiful day. Focus on that. Thanks,E. Your time writing has already made a difference to someone else.Book Review: worth reading
Summary: 5 Stars
the downside: it's a fast read. I finished it in a night. what else? well, unless he tells us more we're never going to know anything else about Liz, or his mom or even much about his dad, and that's a loss. oh yes, his mom's death (sorry if that's a spoiler) is tough to read, and can really get in your head.
the upside: it's a gift; open, honest, real and important because it's open, honest and real. You don't usually get to see the inside of a heart quite this clearly, without also seeing a good amount of blood. But Everett cleans up his own mess and simply stands there and holds out his heart, warm and beating. He lets you look at it and feel it and hold it.
(And this is all metaphorical and sounds disgusting, but) it was lovely.
Book Review: Amazing
Summary: 5 Stars
Read this book. Listen to the Eels. Just go ahead and do it. Your life will be better because of it. There's wisdom here, and in E's songs. Sadness, joy, tragedy, depression, life, death, and the discovery of multiple universes. It doesn't get any more fascinating than this. Those who know of Mark Oliver Everett only through his work as a rock singer and leader of the Eels will not be surprised at his facility with prose writing and storytelling. But anyone will be amazed at the life that Everett has lived, and the gifts of insight and compassion that he shares with us. So yes, to repeat: read this book, listen to the Eels, and be thankful that Mark Oliver Everett has decided to share his life and art with us.Book Review: First book I have ever read cover to cover.
Summary: 5 Stars
I've always attempted to a read book, but most end up the same way around chapter 3 or 4 and forgotten. Even in high school I always skimped at reading the required books. Generally I just read lots of news articles and short stories as most books have trouble keeping my attention, and give up as soon as I am bored with a section. But with 'things the grandchildren should know' kept my attention so much that I am excited to say the first book I ever read cover to cover I did in two days time. Now I have motivation to give this book reading thing another chance thanks to Mark's wonderful story.