Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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 Amazing to see unpublished photos of Lennon after all these years.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.

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.

I was a member of a rock band during the time of the Beatles and have remained a fan ever since. This photo biography dips into the edgier side of Lennon and reveals parts of his life not particularly well known. A great read, and the photos are terrific.

Having never really been a fanatic about the Beatles, I found this book to be one that I could not put down. It kept me going until I finished it. She reveals things that I never knew and I discovered what a wild bunch those guys were.The pictures are captivating and beautiful. Amazing story!

I went for this book at first because of the photos -- riviting. It was really comprehensive in having photos of him, and also of the times he lived in, espeically the sixties. Once I started reading the book i just coulnd't put it down. I had no idea he was so smart and driven (both by rock and roll and by his own demons) and also so strangely vulnerable at the same time. Great read. I highly recommend it.

I was lucky enough to help make this beautiful book happen. (I was the editor.) Everyone who saw this book through the various stages of its development were constantly riveted--by the storytelling, the photos, the design, the revelations (I didn't know John's mom was killed when he was 17! I didn't know that Ringo was actually considered to be a great drummer! I didn't know Brian Epstein died so young! I didn't know John loved Alice in Wonderland!) This is the perfect book for both kids AND adults because it's more like reading someone's personal photo album and memory book than reading an old-fashioned biography. For every photo, there's a story, for every story, there's a photo. The author used hundreds of quotes from John's interviews, giving the book HIS voice and not her own. We found some great photos of John as a little boy, and it's so much fun to see someone who you only knew as a Beatle splashing around on a school trip at the age of nine. You can see exactly who John was even then! And the book design is just captivating. Also, if you are looking for a book that takes you on a seamless journey from the very beginning to the very end, this is the book for you. Many people didn't realize that the famous photos with Yoko taken by Annie Leibovitz were taken the day John was killed. (Think naked John laying next to Yoko) Each chapter begins in John's own words, and all of the many influences in his life, from the goon show, to Little Richard and Chuck Berry, to Paul, and Aunt Mimi, and Yoko, and everyone--they are all here. So enjoy!

John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth is a spectacular look at the rock legend's life in photographs. Many of these photos are ones we've seen previously, but some are first time published. These haunting pictures are all shown in black and white, much as Lennon wanted his life to be lived. Accompanying the photos is a truthful account of the facts of his life, told in accessible, vivid language. Overall, the book does not tell the rabid Beatles' fan anything new, but it is well done nonetheless, and a terrific introduction to the legend for those unfamiliar with Lennon.

One word of warning: Partridge often quotes Lennon and others precisely, which means that harsh language is used infrequently. She also depicts most all of the major facets of Lennon's life: drug use, extramarital affairs, violent temper. As the name of the book implies, anything less would be unthinkable when writing about a man so staunch in his search for the truth. Nothing is inappropriate, but it is graphic at times. I wouldn't have it any other way. Recommended.

This is it. A biography of Lennon that captures the spirit of the man. Partridge is a wonderful writer, and the book moves like a page-turner while never sacrificing depth and insight. She doesn't shy away from Lennon's complications, and that's what gives this biography such resonance. It is for everyone who's interested in Lennon, music, art, and how an artist thinks and works-- and how that complicates his relationship with others, and with the world.

A thoughtful, well written biography that accurately and carefully weaves the story of John Lennon's life. This book explores not only the events that shaped a life but the complexity of character - how both the man and his times combined to result in a creative genius.

Beautiful clean prose complemented by stunning photographs. A wonderful book in every way.