Module #7 Biography

Title: John Lennon : All I Want is the Truth

Citation:

Partridge, E. (2005). John Lennon: All I want is the truth. New York, NY: Viking.

Summary:

A chronological, photobiography of John Lennon’s life before, during and after Beatlemania. Includes photos of Lennon with family and friends throughout his life and details his struggles to overcome his insecurities despite becoming a world recognized music star.

 

Review(s):

Gr 9 Up-Partridge cuts through the mythology and misinformation surrounding the life of the legendary singer/songwriter and goes a long way toward revealing the complexities of his personality. She relies heavily on Lennon's own writings and the wealth of interviews he granted during his lifetime. What emerges is an unflinchingly honest portrait of a troubled, angry, and highly creative individual who was captivated by rock 'n' roll and often used it as a means of expressing his unhappiness and confusion. Partridge skillfully captures the amazing speed at which the Beatles were swept into astonishing popularity that led to an unrelenting schedule of touring, songwriting, and recording that slowed down only when touring became both too grueling and too dangerous. She doesn't shy away from the sordid details of the band's mercurial rise to fame and fortune but her nonjudgmental commentary focuses first and foremost on the music. Lennon's life after the dissolution of the Beatles is explored in depth, as are Yoko Ono's influence and the worldwide impact of his death. With an abundance of gorgeous black-and-white photos, some of them full-page or even spreads, this handsome book will be eagerly received by both Beatles fans, who are legion, and their elders, who will enjoy reliving the glory days of the Fab Four and exploring the inner workings of a creative talent.-Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Review Source:

Gustin, G. (Oct 2005). John Lennon: All I want is the truth (Book Review). School Library Journal, 51(10), 192-194.

 

 Impressions:

First off let me say that I am a big Beatles and John Lennon fan.  This book was very enlightening for me. I like how Partridge presented Lennon’s life chronologically because it helped me understand the progression off his rise to fame. I was also fascinated by the information revealed about the Nixon administration’s efforts to deport him for political reasons.  I appreciated that the author used primary sources material and personal interviews and did not make up information that was readily available. I must say that I came away thinking that although John Lennon was an incredibly gifted musician he was also a very self-indulgent, troubled man.

Suggested Use(s):

This book could be used for a history of rock and roll course, for a resource for a biography on Lennon or in a history course studying US politics in the 1970s.

Additional Information:

Awards: BCCB Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award

A Michael L. Printz honor book

Photographer: Elizabeth Partridge

Interest Level: YA and Up

Reading Level: 7.6

Lexile Measure: 1010