Helpful Score: 5
I was excited to read Steven's book, as I think he is a good person from what I've seen on American Idol. Unfortunately he is not very good at writing. He jumps around a lot in the book (it had me spinning at times). He writes like he speaks and thinks and he is all over the place. It also contains "unnecessary explicit details" about his numerous sexual encounters with women. I am no prude, so I know if this was offensive to me it will definitely be offensive to a lot of other people. Squeeky clean American Idol it is not! He writes a lot about his sexual conquests, drugs, lots of people I've never heard of and rock and roll. Too many details in the middle (dates and names) that the story line got lost in the process. It also contains unnecessary foul language. Not for kids!! I think he had an interesting life and the details about his upbringing were intriguing. I did enjoy the beginning about his early childhood. I also enjoyed the photos and and inside jacket design. However, I wish someone with better writing skills had written it for him or provided him with better guidance. I wish I could give this a better review for you. In summary, I was so disappointed that I returned the book. Thumbs down!!
Jeannie H. (ilovebooksanddogs) -
Helpful Score: 1
Wow!! Unsure if I can do justice to this book in my review. I was so eager to buy this that I made a special trip to town the day it came out just to buy it, then when I did start reading it, well it threw me for a loop and I kind of started dragging on reading it. This is because, for me, Steven (don't call him Steve!!) is such an unusual and out of the ordinary author, wow, the way he writes is just so different than anything I've ever read, well it was a tough read for me the first half of the book. Then it just fell into place for me and I couldn't get enough. This is not your usual "rock n roll, drug fueled memoir", this is the life of Steven Tyler and let me tell you, he leaves no stone unturned. I found it to be brutally honest and unpredictably sweet in it's honesty. He is a true star and one that I highly admire, even more so since his stint on American Idol. I always thought he was one HOT man, but now after reading this I realize there are many, many levels to this man, more than I ever imagined. Needless to say, I am surprised and amazed!! I do believe this is one of those books (just like some movies that you need to watch more than once to get it) that probably should be read more than once to catch all that is in it. A highly enjoyable read and one I highly recommend, especially if you are a fan and Hey, even if you aren't, you just may be after reading this
I enjoyed this book! It felt as though Steven was sitting next to you and telling it to you in person. It reads as he speaks-- from one thought to another with twists and turns and strange phrases!
It was very thorough beginning at birth all the way to getting on AIdol.
Lots of drug & sex talk --but then what did I expect? :>)
It was very thorough beginning at birth all the way to getting on AIdol.
Lots of drug & sex talk --but then what did I expect? :>)
I have been delighted with this book. I especially liked the explanation of the creative process. This is something that many struggle to articulate, and Mr. Tyler has provided a description that resonates with my own experience and understanding. Not only does he make music--he deeply understands music and composition. I think that Mr. Tyler is a genuine creative artist, complete with sensitivity to so much that surrounds him. Yes, he shares his faults, but I don't see him blaming others as much as trying to offer his side of the story.
Just as the other reviews have stated, this book reads just like the ADHD Mr. Steven Tyler speaks, very disjointed. However, I liked to hear the noise in his head - in my own head by reading this book. It was a little peek into his famous rock star - Screamin' Demon -life. I found it interesting at times and at others a mess that I was just trying really hard to follow. He does talk a lot about the sex drugs and rock and roll - that is his life. I did not find it very explicit though like some of the readers who claim not to be "prudes". The sexual detail was frequent but minor - still not a kid's book - but I don't think it was ever intended to be. The things that I disliked the most was the finger pointing, the lashing back at band members and ex-lovers and the lack of OWNING up to his own issues. He talks the talk of owning his problems but does not walk the walk. Yes, he seems sober now but there is a lot of blame being tossed around where it should not be tossed. Overall, it's a fun look into his life if you are a big fan, but not worth the time it takes to finish the reading.
What do you expect from a rocker? Sex, drugs and rock & roll. This book needed less sex and drugs and much more rock & roll.
Donna C. (darkcoffeeclouds) -
Terrible. So I knew they were crazy, did a lot of drugs and assumed a lot of crazy sex but I didn't not expect that to be pretty much the whole book. I did enjoy the first few chapters about his childhood. I looked up the people and songs he mentioned and listened to some of them online. Then, he starts talking about doing drugs and doings sex and fighting with his band mates and he sounded like a whiny child. He truly only thinks about himself and justifies his actions while at the same time acknowledging he was wrong and sorry. This book was a rambling mess and unfortunately there are things you can't unknow.
