Tell a Tale: Life

You already know that historical fiction is one of my favourite genres,

but so are biographies!

"Even now, to open a guitar case, when it's an old wooden guitar,

 I could crawl in and close the lid.”
― Keith Richards, Life

Summary (from Goodreads):
As lead guitarist of the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards created the riffs, the lyrics, and the songs that roused the world. A true and towering original, he has always walked his own path, spoken his mind, and done things his own way.

Now at last Richards pauses to tell his story in the most anticipated autobiography in decades. And what a story! Listening obsessively to Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records in a coldwater flat with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones, building a sound and a band out of music they loved. Finding fame and success as a bad-boy band, only to find themselves challenged by authorities everywhere. Dropping his guitar's sixth string to create a new sound that allowed him to create immortal riffs like those in "Honky Tonk Woman" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash." Falling in love with Anita Pallenberg, Brian Jones's girlfriend. Arrested and imprisoned for drug possession. Tax exile in France and recording Exile on Main Street. Ever-increasing fame, isolation, and addiction making life an ever faster frenzy. Through it all, Richards remained devoted to the music of the band, until even that was challenged by Mick Jagger's attempt at a solo career, leading to a decade of conflicts and ultimately the biggest reunion tour in history.

In a voice that is uniquely and unmistakably him--part growl, part laugh--Keith Richards brings us the truest rock-and-roll life of our times, unfettered and fearless and true. Richards' rich voice introduces the audiobook edition of LIFE and leads us into Johnny Depp's performance, while fellow artist Joe Hurley bridges the long road traveled before Richards closes with the final chapter of this incredible 23-hour production, which includes a bonus PDF of photos.

Review:
I'm not even a Rolling Stones fan (sacrilege, I know), but I loved this book. I picked it up on CD because I had a really long car trip and this had a lot of cd's. I didn't want it to end though. Keith Richards is such a character and he's lived a life that myths are made out of.

The sudden change in narrator's can throw you at first, but overall it's read well. It's very stream of conciousness but is fairly chronological so it's easy to follow, for the most part.

I learned so much and have much more respect for the muscianship of the Rolling Stones after having read where them came from, how they paid their dues, and where their original inspiration came from.

The men in the band are like brothers and they've seen it all. Keeping in mind, this is just one man's point of view, I think it presents incredible insight into a time and a lifestyle that is heavily romanticized.

I enjoyed the whole book but really became fascinated by how honest Richards was about his relationship with Mick Jaggar. We all know it hasn't always been roses and honey but it's interesting to hear how they put their differences aside for the music...from time to time.

The one thing you will know for sure when you're finished reading this book.... Keith Richards is one of a kind~

I'm really glad I listened to it instead of trying to read this massive tome.  Having it 'performed' in Keith's unmistakable (but understandable) drawl only added flavour to the whole thing.  This may not be a book for everyone, but if you're interested in music or the hippie lifestyle of the 60's-70's then I think you'll find this hard to put down.

He might be a little scary looking now,
but he was a real hottie back in the day~

Are you a Rolling Stones fan?  Do you have a favourite song that you think epitomizes who they are?  If you read Life, let the rest of us know what you thought.  I haven't seen one bad review of this book yet!