Grapefruit: A Book of Instructions and Drawings by Yoko Ono (Hardcover)

by Yoko Ono (Author), John Lennon (Introduction) "500 Noses are more beautiful than one nose..." (more)
Key Phrases: phantom architect, yoko ono, New York, Dance Report, Jeanette Cochrane Theatre (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Back in print for the first time in nearly thirty years, here is Yoko Ono's whimsical, delightful, subversive, startling book of instructions for art and for life.

"Burn this book after you've read it." -- Yoko

"A dream you dream alone may be a dream, but a dream two people dream together is a reality."

"This is the greatest book I've ever burned." -- John

About the Author
Yoko Ono was born in 1933 in Tokyo, Japan. She was married to John Lennon from 1969 until his death in 1980. Together, the two formed the Plastic Ono Band and spent much of their time on peace and humanitarian efforts. Ono continues her artistic endeavors as a writer, painter, and musician. She lives in New York City.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster; illustrated edition edition (October 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743201108
• ISBN-13: 978-0743201100
• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #110,371 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book by a misunderstood artist, May 5, 2003

By	matthewslaughter "matthewslaughter" (Arlington, VA USA) - See all my reviews

Since 1968, Yokophobia has prevented people from perceiving reality correctly. Yokophobia was brought on largely because John Lennon was "supposed" to marry a white woman, oh, and, another thing, because the Beatles broke up. Since she has been blamed for this, shattering the delusion that a rock band should last forever (look at the Rolling Stones now for goodness sake!), people have been unusually mean-spirited in their assessment of her work. I can understand why people shy away from her more avant-garde musical output, often consisting of ear-shattering screams (I am one of those sickos that just happens to love it!). But "Grapefruit," one of the most widely distributed pieces of Fluxus-connected/inspired "performance art," is simply irresistible. (Remember, Yoko had a career as an avant-garde artist before she met John Lennon--they met at one of her art exhibits in 1967.) It is serious, excruciatingly humorous and regularly induces smiles--all while simultaneously encouraging its readers to think abstractly, artistically, creatively and irreverently. "Grapefruit" is a breath of fresh sky-blue air from the woman who once asked (on the b-side of John Lennon's "Instant Karma") "Who Has Seen the Wind?"

"Grapefruit" is filled, for the most part, with short, koan-like "pieces" such as "Wall Piece for Orchestra." Yoko directs the piece as follows: "Hit a wall with your head." In "Overtone Piece," Yoko writes, "Make music only with overtones." In the painting pieces section, she instructs her reader, in "Painting for the Wind," to "Make a hole. / Leave it in the wind." In the "events" section, probably the closest here to her performance art, she evokes a giggly pun on "peace" (or maybe "pee") in "Pea Piece," writing, "Carry a bag of peas. / Leave a pea wherever you go." If you find this type of humor and "artistic direction" a waste of time, which many undoubtedly will, then avoid this like the plague. But if you, like me, find this darkly humorous, refreshingly perverse and instructive as to how to live life seriously without taking it too seriously, then "Grapefruit" should find a place on your bookshelf, or, better yet, on your nightstand.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Viva Yoko!, October 31, 2000

By	Jonathan Lyness (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We are lucky indeed that this book is back in print. I chanced upon an early printing at a used book store years back, and have enjoyed it ever since. Grapefruit is full of Ono's conceptual "paintings", which take the form of instructional poems...they are sometimes insightful, sometimes thought-provoking, sometimes wickedly funny and poignant at the same time ("Hide and Go Seek Piece: Hide until everyone forgets about you. Hide until everyone dies.") Throughout the poems she displays brilliant imagination and a unique appreciation of life. This book is truly original...as you can see from the reviews below, it's not for everybody...but I think anyone with an open mind and a passion for creativity will love it.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Master Piece, April 19, 2002

By	Gerry O'neill (Morrisville, NC United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I bought this book in England in 1970 when it was released with the charming cover of a grapefruit atop a female posterior.

I loved the book and kept it rather than follow Yoko's instructions to burn it afterward.

Yesterday I read it again. It is funny how one's perceptions change over thirty years for better or for worse.

My conclusion is that this book is a Master Piece.

Sorry Yoko!

Please experience this book. SERIOUSLY!