Open Book : the life and death of Amy Winehouse

by Andy Morris

Amy Winehouse's bright star burned out on July 23 2011. Amy lived a rock-star lifestyle to the max, replacing an addiction to drugs with a battle against alcohol. When she died, aged 27, she joined a long list of musicians whose lives had been tragically cut short at the same age - the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain and Jim Morrison. She burst onto the scene with her debut album, "Frank," in 2003. But it was her follow-up, "Back To Black," in 2006 that won her millions of fans right around the world as she won five Grammy Awards for the album. Her chart success, though, would always be measured against a personal life full of trauma. She wrote "Back To Black" about Blake Fielder-Civil, who she married in 2007. But they spent little time together as a married couple as Blake was sent to prison. Theirs was a stormy romance, and despite divorcing they would remain in love with each other until she died. There were always plenty of other men in Amy's life, though. In the end she died alone in her bed. A bodyguard kept her protected from the outside world, but nobody could protect her from herself...

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Mental Illness, Biography Memoir, Music

Paperback

First published July 29, 2011

About the author

Born in the UK, author Andy Morris is a world traveler who currently resides in San Francisco,California. A journalist for over twenty years, he is the author of "Open Book:The Life and Death of Amy Winehouse" which he co-authored with his partner and wife Christina Westover, author of "Precipice and "Poisoning Sylvie."

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did she have to go soon? Amy Winehouse left us too early. I yearn for more of her music. She was such a special and dynamic person and I am glad Andy Morris decided to capture that in this new book celebrating her life and mourning her unexpected death. With 18 Chapters jam packed with no holds barred information on Amy, this is one tale of a musicians life that is hard to put down. The introduction by Christina Westover, the vintage Amy Winehouse pictures and riveting details into the final moments of her life are all inclusions that really add to work. My favorite parts of the book were probably the discography simply due to the wealth of information provided and the ending, especially all the cool facts about dying at the age of 27. The author Andy Morris really does an amazing job of drawing us into the life of real rock star with his writing and research. If you are even slightly interested into learning what it is like to be a struggling musical savant then this is a worthwhile read. We all have demons and fears and it is just so sad Amy Winehouse succumbed to hers so early. This book is a wonderful look and reminder into how fragile life truly can be.

[Julie Rylie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book i won through a goodreads competition :D *very happy about it*

Despite some editing mistakes and the very short paragraphs it was quite amuzing to read about Amy Winehouse.

It never occurred to me that a self destructive/ depressive person could actually be aware of her qualities and potential, which is kinda stupid and unexpected coming from me, because i fit perfectly in the category.

I think that if Amy had to die, it had to be at 27... now she became immortal. It is such a great loss musically wise, it's actually quite rare that someone that is so talented and unique can have such great acceptance of the major (usually tasteless) public.

[Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Goodreads First Reads for sending me this book! Thank you to the author for the signed copy!

This is a captivating read about a young and tragic life, full of promise and talent.

The writing was sharp, focused, with great sense of understanding. This book would appeal to anyone who wants to learn more about Amy Winehouse - or anyone looking for a deep, provoking read.

[Samiha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads- thank you!


This was a short but informative read which outlined the main events of Amy's life. The book was a good balance between pictures, facts and personal stories which added a rounded perspective of Amy's life.
For me the book's downfall is that it lacked depth and it was more of an overview than a full account of her life, focusing on more of the pivotal/scandalous events.

Nevertheless, anyone looking to read about Amy should have a look at this!

[Brisa]

Amy Winehouse was a fantastic singer, and I don't believe many people realized how much of a gift she really had, and how she could manipulate her voice with such raw, sensual soul. She passed away on my 27th birthday, so her death will always be memorable to me, but the music will continue to be influential. I'm looking forward to reading this work!

[Jacinta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Truly, woefully written, poorly (hastily? not at all?) edited, honestly, I'm embarrassed I've read it. Amy Winehouse was an amazing artist, a pure talent, a gift to history, a perfectionist. What a disappointing tribute to her, her legacy, and her legions of fans (myself included) who will be forever starved of her presence.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed this book. Not bias at all. I read the whole thing in one evening, so its a quick read, but informative.

I have always been curious about Amy Whinehouse and it is such a shame that her life had to end so soon. Poor thing - she just needed love.

Read it - its a good book.

[Giulio · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is really great to read this book, it gets you deeply into the story of this incredible voice, you'll be really missed Amy. RIP

[Dee]

I won this book as a Goodreads First Read.

[Sian Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short but interesting insight into Amy Winehouse, her life and her death. Some of the spelling and grammar is poor but it kept me captivated for two hours.

[Jena Frederick · Rating 3 out of 5]

good! the book her father wrote was the best one I've read over her though!

[Robert Glab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like a lot of biopics it adulates instead of analyses. However, it was an easy read and informative