Emily P. (mizparker) reviewed on 1/25/2009 + 87 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

I read this on the heels of "Tommyland" and anthony Kiedis is about a thousand times brighter and more soulful than Tommy Lee (which may or may not be saying a lot.) This book affects you on an almost visceral level. It's hard to put down, but so dense and packed with emotion that you have to put it down periodically in order to absorb it. It helps to be a Chili Peppers fan, but one certainly wouldn't have to be in order to find Kiedis relatable and inspiring. It made me feel spiritually connected to him; like he was a kindred spirit. Sounds hokey, I know, but it was the first book I'd read about drug addiction that was written as such - it was such a juxtaposition between reading the innermost thoughts of a Kiedis that you love and want to be around, and reading about all of the selfish, terrible things that his addiction was responsible for. Makes it hard to completely hate junkies. Make no mistake though - don't read this expecting for a tell-all of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is strictly about Anthony Kiedis being a fiend and finding a way to overcome that. The band stuff is incidental to his addiction story. A great read.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details