In the past year, I have read quite a few biographies and autobiographies of rock artists from the 60s and 70s. The last one I read before this was Twenty Thousand Roads about Gram Parsons, and that one left me very haunted. Before that I had read Marianne Faithful's autobiography. I could not help but feel that so many talented artists were ridiculously reckless with their talents and, more importantly, their lives. I swore that I was going to take a break from reading about my generation's heroes because I was quickly becoming disillusioned. But I had this book on Clapton and, since I had already read Patti Boyd's account of their relationship, I figured I would read it and close the book on tempestuous rock stars.

This book? I am very pleased to say that I was pleasantly surprised to find I have gained a new respect for Mr. Clapton. I have always respected his talent, but now I have a respect for the man. It starts out the usual way - drugs and other crazy self-indulgent behavior. But this man got help, and he stumbled and got more help. He lost a child. Even in his grief he didn't succumb to his old ways. In fact, through soulsearching and hard work, he became more determined to fight his demons and stay sober. And even more impressive, he sought to help others who were fighting the same battle.

I am glad that I decided to read this book. At last, an autobiography of a musical genius who didn't self-destruct.

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The book for me was slow in the beginning, and did not pick up until the end. If you are a Clapton fan, there are a lot of details regarding his career, and his romantic trysts. The book also covers his bumpy road as an alcoholic and drug abuser to a person who has been sober over 20 years now. His story gives insight as to the differences his life took when he decided not to allow alcohol to take over his life, and instead to allow his faith to keep him sober.

Each chapter begins with a picture of whatever era or person Eric depicts in that chapter. There is a chapter that discusses the tragic death of his son Conor, and how Eric dealt with that without any substances.

I came away after reading the book, respecting Eric Clapton for who he is now, and the talent and drive that kept him going throughout the many stages of his life.

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I could not get into this book. I am a big Clapton fan, but this could not hold my interest.

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Maybe Clapton should have used a ghost-writer... This was not a compelling read, and lord knows it should've been! Between friendships with iconic musicians, multiple sexual liasons, alcoholism, heroin addiction--it should've been fascinating. But it was ho-hum at best. I liked him a lot better before I read this.

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Very interesting book without going into alot of detail about his road to fame.

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This is a very complete picture of Clapton's life. Starting with his childhood, he tells his story with painful hard lessons he learned and amazing honesty of self inflicted problems he slowly managed to conquer. It is a sad book, but a wonderful journey of a life to finally find a path of happiness. It left me amazed that he is alive and inspired at his realizations of the important things in life. I found it fascinating reading.

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This is a great history of rock and roll in Europe and then across the pond.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is an account of his life and his addiction and how he has struggled with it and why. I knew pretty much nothing about Eric Clapton before I read it other than I enjoy a few of his songs. I found it to be interesting, however at times it talked about a bunch of people I have never heard of before and kept dropping names. There were times when I was frustrated with reading it and his addiction, but otherwise it was very compelling.

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