Customer Reviews

What Would Keith Richards Do?: Daily Affirmations from a Rock and Roll Survivor

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not only is the most comprehensive book of Keith quotes and his wit and wisdom, it's also funny. The Keith information is pretty comprehensive-- it's a novel concept of how to tell the Keith Richards story outside of a traditional biography. Plus- you have this format of a making-fun-of-self help books that actually has a lot of pretty good self-help advice. Living life the Keith Richards way, while a humorous concept, actually makes a lot of sense, because so much of what he has to say is surprisingly smart and wise-- and you get it why he survived this long. Especially liked the Keith timeline that put forth the full biography of Keith in a way not seen before. There's some not-often seen facts about his childhood (his first gig as a teen where he got stranded at a bus stop over night, his early job demonstrating refrigerators), the run-down of his fight with "Brenda" Jagger, and the timeline of his arrests, car-crashes, and Ron Wood-related disasters. A lot of these quotes will be familiar to the rock n roll fan, and some of them will be surprising and new. And- you get Keith's mum's recipe for Shepherd's Pie. An original concept, fun, and recommended-- especially for a Stones fan.

I love how this book pokes fun at self help books, but at the same time is the best self help book you'll ever need. It's funny, witty, and thought provoking. All the wisdom you ever need can come from Keith Richards. I have this book out on the kitchen table and read a few pages or a few lines every day. It offers me just the right amount of wisdom and advice when I need it. It is well written and full of facts, too. It is a must for any Stones fan, but even those who are remotely familiar with Keith and the Stones would appreciate it, too. Get this book, you'll love it!

Wow this girl did her research. If you're a die hard Keith Richards or Stones fan pick this up! Fun and interesting read...It's essentially a Keith Richards Bible :)

This is a very loyal book to a very controversial figure and his personal philosophy: Keithism. The lifestyle of Keith Richards is self-destructive but at the same time powerfully preservative. This superb insight sheds light onto the dark depths of the human being, and how even in the muck and slime of humanity, beautiful things may shine. Just as the great Nazi philosopher Heidegger said that we must be held out into nothingness to comprehend our own meaning, Keith Richards says, "At our best, we master the art of going just over the edge of the abyss, then pulling back.". By the way, Richards once lived in a secret Gestapo hideaway. Mrs. West riffs with a vivid verve on a remarkable man and his unique personal philosophy. After all, the man who outlived his heroin addiction, outrageous lifestyle, and trepanned brain surgery might have a thing or two to say about that muddled thing we called life.

On concept alone, this one gets high marks. The writing is great-- and the author goes into all sort of creative avenues in bringing the story and philosophy of Keith Richards to life. It's not meant to be a super-serious book, but fun and informative, and on that level it delivers. Good gift for mothers day, fathers day, and graduates! Very unique book. Haven't seen one like this before.

Jessica West illuminates with a thoughtful, picaresque, thorough and thoroughly entertaining light the many aphorisms and applications of the "heroin-addled guitar player from the projects" who ended up as a "twenty-first century philosopher and urban street guru." One of my favorite sections is "Keith and Nietzsche" where the author finds the wisdom of celebrated philosophers mirrored in quotes from Keith -- "Life is not a problem to be solved but a reality to be experienced" (Kierkegaard) and "I like the expanding vision of life, of what goes on. I find it a fascinating story -- a great book." (Keith) -- Yes, a great book indeed!

A brilliant concept, very well written, astute and funny "self help" book - an ingenious way of telling Keith's story and philosophy through quotes, humor and smarts. Unique, extraordinarily entertaining, full of surprises - take it from Keith, follow his lead cause if he can survive... You so don't have to be a Rolling Stoner to relish and delight in this wonderful ride. Cheers to you Ms. West! Now excuse me while I get another helping of wisdom from a second visit. Did someone say? "need a gift" ... uh...for everyone you know!

That would be the easy answer, but there's way more to it than that. So much more that it comes almost as a surprise. Keith Richards is one of the funniest, wisest, most enlightening characters, not only of the contemporary pop culture arena, but of wit and wisdom's bigger stage. Yes, sure enough, there's some great satire here, especially in the idea of the Daily Affirmations, but living life the Keith Richards way-- I mean, through his philosophy-- not necessarily his "behavior" (even HE says "Don't try this at home!!" when referring to some stuff he does)-- is surprisingly, very sound-- and very often, warm and fuzzy! Good collection to a library of satire books, wit and wisdom, and, Keith Richards biography (almost everything you need to know about him is here).

Well done! Combo humor book, Keith bible, self-help, quotations book, reference, and music bio. Add it to your Wit and Wisdom books, alongside Abe Lincoln and Winston Churchill. There's that many quotes in it. For those who didn't know how wise and cool Keith is, this is the chance to find out. Good for fathers day! Good for graduates! I've already found myself letting some Keefisms run through my head when needed: There's always the future...Trouble..it's all showbiz... Now all I need is a skull ring. Looooovvve.

Well, it won't really change your life, but it will give you some laughs and some nice insights. What a great idea, and it is well executed to boot.