Setting aside music and the Beatles, I think this is worth reading just as an amazing post World War II history book of British and USA culture. But I do care about music and I "kinda like the Beatles" so this was a super enjoyable read for me. It is also long, with many stories - origin stories. The now legendary, iconic Beatles - were regular people at one time? Yes. In English society they and their world were considered the low folks. This book rewinds and turns legends back into regular people that at once have you not only rooting for them but wondering to yourself how can they ever remotely become what you know in your mind that they will . .
Then there's the gradual against all odds building excitement and finally when they as a group just clearly reach the tipping point . . mayhem. Not kidding. The world went nuts. They seemed to be just the "outlet" the world was craving . .
Then over the next 5 years - drama, more drama and music throughout all of it. Finally - relief that they break up in the end.
To fully enjoy this book I had to take music breaks to listen to the songs as they come. Rock n roll roots. Everly Brothers harmonies turned into next level rockers. Then all of the experimentation. Reading this book is like consecutive podcasts of "Song Exploder" - breaking down how songs were made from the writers perspective. I think what's most cool are the collaborative songs. Despite the solo directions and break-up, they were collaborating up until the end. My favorite (at the moment) but kind of obscure Beatles song is called "You know my name look up the number" that starts off with Lennon, then comes McCartney . . then - well please give it a listen - it's the 4:20 version.
If you're like me and you have always had the "Disneyfied" version of the Beatles, and you're not into tabloid drama, this book will likely startle. Matter of fact sex and drugs, to accompany the rock n roll does affect the squeaky clean image that, in fact was never true.
Anyway I thought this would be the best Beatles book to read (if you're only reading one) - and maybe it is. The ending is kind of sad and abrupt, but I think that's the way it really was. I do think they all made some really great music after the breakup. And none of them were the type to go back. As Lennon says here "you can't be that hungry twice."
Random post Beatles things I think are awesome: 1) The "Get Back" movie 2) SNL Chris Farley interviewing Paul McCartney 3) Paul McCartney Carpool Karaoke with James Corden 4) Paul and Ringo still doing live shows in 2025 5) Just about every album George Harrison put out (minus the sitar music) 6) John Lennon's last songs - Watching the Wheels, Nobody Told Me and Just Like Starting Over.
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About the author
All-encompassing A-Z Beatles Biography
This book is THICK, but the read is QUICK. I’m a singer-songwriter who’s always been haunted by the fact that my knowledge of The Beatles was very slim. I knew the singles that everyone knows, but outside of that I was clueless. I bought this book and slapped on some headphones (to listen to their full discography while reading). It was such an informative, fun & exciting journey flipping furiously from page to page! The beginning may start off slow for some, (it goes into vivid detail on their childhood/family tree) but it all adds to the story + depth as you get deeper into the book. Within a month I finished the book & felt a bit sad because in some way I felt like I’d went on this fairy tale rollercoaster with the Liverpool lads. I highly suggest you purchase & be prepared to learn about these legends in a very deep way that will leave you so glad you took the dive into this mountain of a book. Promise.
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Top reviews from other countries
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- Wieslawa OstrowskaReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 29, 2025
Amazing
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase - Kindle CustomerReviewed in Australia on February 3, 2024
Highly recommend, thoroughly researched account of the Beatles as a group from start to end
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MILENA BATISTONIReviewed in Italy on November 19, 2024
Completo e interessante
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase -
Hang Ta KongReviewed in France on June 7, 2007
Excellent livre (pour les anglophones)
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
