John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards)) (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 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
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From Booklist

*Starred Review* Gr. 9-12. John Lennon's Aunt Mimi disapproved of his guitar hobby because "you could never make a living at it." Such anecdotes surface with delightful regularity in Partridge's biography of the influential mid-twentieth-century musician. As in This Land Was Made for You and Me: The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie (2003), her mission is to uncover the person behind the image. Partridge's unflinching reports on the outlet from public attention that Lennon sought in a debauched lifestyle, in which "booze, pills, and joints were consumed in astonishing amounts," may cause some readers to think that the sensational aspects of Lennon's life have been overemphasized. But many YAs will find the nonjudgmental tone refreshing, and those drawn by the rock-music theme will admire Partridge's sensitive analysis of the Beatles' creative output. Dynamic design distinguishes the book inside and out, from the eye-catching size and shape that cleverly mimics an old vinyl album cover to the abundant archival photos within. A discography and an immense bibliography set readers on the right paths. Despite source notes limited to quotes, this has the markings of a YA biography staple--as hard-hitting as Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan's Andy Warhol: Prince of Pop (2004), and equally compelling in its perspective on the Swinging Sixties. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Viking Juvenile (October 6, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670059544
• ISBN-13: 978-0670059546
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #177,876 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #15 in	Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( L ) > Lennon, John

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping photo-bio of Lennon, October 9, 2005

By	Beatles Fan (SF Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews

I grew up with the Beatles and they were an important part of my life. Partridge's emotionally revealing bio of John and the Beatles grips you and floods you with a multitude of feelings. I was thrilled to see the drop-dead gorgeous photos. Amazing to see unpublished photos of Lennon after all these years. Several pictures, including Annie's photo of John right before his death, are alone worth the price of the book. A must-have book for Imagining.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Lennon biography I've read, November 14, 2005

By	W. C. Ratcliff (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The author has woven together the many threads of John Lennon's life into an emotional, compelling book. Unlike other Lennon biographies, "All I want is the Truth" took me through the triumphant highs and devastating blows of John's life, almost as if I were living it myself. Drawing on her background in photographic biography, Partridge infuses this book with a collection of images that poignantly support the text and give a great sense of the times.

The title fits well, as "All I Want is the Truth" successfully untangles the creative, playful, passionate genius of John Lennon from his self-destructive, often tortured mind. This book has given me a newfound understanding of John and his music, and I highly recommend it to any of his fans, young or old.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Truthful Narrative About John Lennon, December 10, 2005

By	R. DelParto "Rose2" (Virginia Beach, VA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Elizabeth Partridge examines the life of John Lennon as a fan as well as writer. Her book, ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH, caters to those curious about the man, musician, and peace activist. The book is perfect for readers who know nothing about the former Beatle and later as a solo artist. The format of the book is ideal for school libraries with its textbook-like quality. Partridge interweaves historical events both with her narrative and the photographs she includes in the book that occurred during John Lennon's lifespan, which provides an historical backdrop to the life of the former Beatle.

Partridge provides a chronological overview of John Lennon's life from his birth, childhood, life as a Beatle, his activism, house husband, and solo career. Each chapter is beautifully organized with Partridge's basic narrative. The secondary and primary sources she uses are compiled in a reader friendly format at the end of the book, which is very helpful for anyone who wants to do further research about the man.

ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH is a very intimate collage of stories about who John Lennon was. The photographs, which are mostly in black and white are simply moving, and have been rarely seen before, especially the photographs during his childhood. The photographs will enhance the memory of John Lennon for those who have followed his career and life, and will further hold that memory near and dear to their heart. However, for readers who are now just discovering this man, there will be an understanding of why John Lennon affected so many lives.

I commend Elizabeth Partridge for an excellent book that provides the truth and preserves the memory of John Lennon. ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH is a highly recommended book for everyone.