Customer Reviews

Tom Jones: From the Valleys to Vegas: The Biography

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

 

 

If people ever ask for an example of a skin-deep bio, show them TOM JONES, FROM THE VALLEYS TO VEGAS! This rags-to-riches story ranks right down there as an exercise in padding and repetition. The man with the window-rattling lungs certainly deserves a top-notch biography but this ain't it, folks!

Thomas Jones Woodward has undoubtedly had an interesting life, journeying from a Welsh mining town to headliner status in Vegas to a knighthood. Along the way, he's obviously had fame, fortune and, as endlessly emphasized in Gwen Russell's book, thousands of one-night stands. He's been married to the same woman for 53 years and, as endlessly emphasized in Gwen Russell's book, his wife has become very, very, very reclusive. After being bludgeoned over the head for about the 12th time on these points; I get it, Ms. Russell, I get it. Womanizer. Recluse. Enough already.

So, while Russell supplies basic details on Jones' life and career, they're overshadowed by the shameless padding that runs throughout the book. If Russell would've cut out the repetitive stuff, her 254-page book would probably come in at about 200 pages...maybe.

A much better TJ biography was done by Lucy Ellis back in 2001. As regards TOM JONES, FROM THE VALLEYS TO VEGAS: don't bother!

This book ranks among the worst books I have ever read. I bought it to give to a friend as she is a Tom Jones fan, but I thought I should preview it before giving it, and I ended up reading it. It is a very simple read, indeed, at probably a third grade reading level. It could have been condensed to about five pages if not for the incessant repetitions of the same comments over and over and over and over again. There were also some blatant typographical errors that a careful editing process would have easily caught. Beyond those two criticisms, it was also extremely light on content. There was really nothing to it! A waste of money, paper and time. I would be embarrassed to give this as a gift.

Great book! Of course anything about Tom would have to be good. A very honest telling of Tom's journey through life. All of his fans would love it!

It was really a great story about Tom Jones.

If you are a fan, I advise the time to read this book.

I still wanna know whtat it's like to have 15,000 women scream at the mention of my name. What it's like to look down at the first row during the finale. I guess I'll keep on guessin', after reading...okay, gotta be honest, skimming this work.

For serious fans there's some new stuff (i.e. actual mention of his '70s-'80s chart decline) and the old stuff is covered with obvious adoration, though (evidently) marginal writing talent. The text reads like a press release throughout, or a liner note booklet to a four-CD set.

Still wanna know (in addition to the unintentionally sexist first paragraph I wrote) was there a *conscious* decision to shift to Country music after the Pop hits dried up? Or was TJ just following the lead of his idol, Jerry Lee, who "came back" on the tried and true rural route?

Some really cool pix for the transfixed.

I thought the book was fantastic. The best biography i ever read. I give this book a perfect 10 and over. The pictures of Tom and even his family were a plus. I hope he makes another book so i can get that one as well. I really enjoy him and his music. I love u Sir Tom Jones.