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John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth
Award-winning biographer Elizabeth Partridge dives into Lennon’s life from the night he was born in 1940 during a World War II air raid on Liverpool, deftly taking us through his turbulent childhood and his rebellious rock’n’roll teens to his celebrated life writing, recording, and performing music with the Beatles. She sheds light on the years after the Beatles, with Yoko Ono, as he struggled to make sense of his own artistic life—one that had turned from youthful angst to suffocating fame in almost a split second.
Partridge chronicles the emotional highs and paralyzing lows Lennon transformed into brilliant, evocative songs. With striking black-andwhite photographs spanning his entire life, John Lennon: All I Want Is the Truth is the unforgettable story of one of rock’s biggest legends.
Partridge chronicles the emotional highs and paralyzing lows Lennon transformed into brilliant, evocative songs. With striking black-andwhite photographs spanning his entire life, John Lennon: All I Want Is the Truth is the unforgettable story of one of rock’s biggest legends.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 21, 2023
I read this book for my Reading The Printz challenge, where I am reading all of the Michael Printz winners and honor books in chronological order. This book was a honor winner in the 2006 Printz class.
This book made me hate John Lennon.
It is certainly an interesting choice for a Printz honor book. While I did appreciate Partridge's un-sugar coated details, I didn't think it was anything particularly remarkable, writing wise. In fact, there were moments where it felt like facts where included just because the author had found them in her research and thought they were interesting -- not because that fact served the paragraph or chapter in any way. Just, like, random facts kind of sprinkled in for no reason.
Also, this is no fault of the author, but who decided that not using columns in this book was a good idea in such a wide book? Just walls of text with lines that went on far longer than my eyes are used to reading. It was hard to read!
Overall, though, I did learn a lot about John Lennon and I was able to piece together the story of the Beatles, which I had never really formally learned. The Beatles were a staple in my house growing up and my dad gave me one of their albums each year for Christmas in reverse chronological order (favorite albums = Abbey Road and Rubber Soul), so I knew some of their story and that John Lennon had been shot. But I didn't really know their history in any sort of comprehensive way. So, on a personal level, it was nice to fill some of that in with Partridges's rich research.
But yeah, I left realizing that John Lennon was a bad guy and not someone I really want to idolize. Even though he made some positive shifts in the final years of his short life, I didn't buy that his choices weren't still fueled by narcissistic motives. Would I buy this for my library? Absolutely. It would be a great nonfiction book for research OR pleasure reading about Lennon. And I would recommend it to kids. But it certainly has me scratching my head about that award sticker on the front.
This book made me hate John Lennon.
It is certainly an interesting choice for a Printz honor book. While I did appreciate Partridge's un-sugar coated details, I didn't think it was anything particularly remarkable, writing wise. In fact, there were moments where it felt like facts where included just because the author had found them in her research and thought they were interesting -- not because that fact served the paragraph or chapter in any way. Just, like, random facts kind of sprinkled in for no reason.
Also, this is no fault of the author, but who decided that not using columns in this book was a good idea in such a wide book? Just walls of text with lines that went on far longer than my eyes are used to reading. It was hard to read!
Overall, though, I did learn a lot about John Lennon and I was able to piece together the story of the Beatles, which I had never really formally learned. The Beatles were a staple in my house growing up and my dad gave me one of their albums each year for Christmas in reverse chronological order (favorite albums = Abbey Road and Rubber Soul), so I knew some of their story and that John Lennon had been shot. But I didn't really know their history in any sort of comprehensive way. So, on a personal level, it was nice to fill some of that in with Partridges's rich research.
But yeah, I left realizing that John Lennon was a bad guy and not someone I really want to idolize. Even though he made some positive shifts in the final years of his short life, I didn't buy that his choices weren't still fueled by narcissistic motives. Would I buy this for my library? Absolutely. It would be a great nonfiction book for research OR pleasure reading about Lennon. And I would recommend it to kids. But it certainly has me scratching my head about that award sticker on the front.
January 14, 2013
John Lennon: All I Want Is The Truth
Elizabeth Partridge truly wrote a tremendous book in John Lennon: All I Want Is The Truth. This photographic style biography of the famous Beatle and political activist John Lennon is both entertaining and informative. Giving and insight into the legend's life in a way that most will have never seen before.
As is the case with most biographies, perhaps the area of John Lennon's life where you learn the most new information is in his younger years, when he was just a kid running around Liverpool. This book gives the reader outstanding insight into the turmoil that John Lennon had to endure in his childhood. Perhaps the instance where you can feel the raw emotions John went through is when he is five, and has to choose which parent he wants to spend the rest of his life with. "Freddie told John he had to make a choice: Stay with him or go with Julia. John chose Freddie......John was shattered. He suddenly had changed his mind, and ran after his mother, crying." It is passages like these that grip the reader and puts them there with John and his parents.
The purpose I believe of writing this novel was to give people a better idea of who John Lennon was as a person. While many people know who John Lennon was, and his actions, most people have never known why. Most people have never heard what shaped John Lennon into the man he was, what was going on in his mind when he was making music and fighting for the rights of the people. Partridge achieves this through a lot of Ethos and narrative. By adding the powerful emotions that John felt during the various narratives in the book, Partridge connects the reader and those feelings in a way that causes you to fully understand why he felt the way that he did. While her strategy was extremely successful, perhaps if she also used pathos to show how what he was doing was morally wrong along with the ethos of how he felt, Partridge could have captured the conflict in John Lennon even further.
It is clear that Partridge’s argument in this book is that John, while a troubled soul that was far from perfect, was a good man at the core who used his influence as a Beatle to try and change the world for the better. She uses his various charitable acts as evidence to support this claim, such as the Attica Estate and his support of feminism. These claims are for the most part sound, but she does try to make the less than perfect actions of John sound like less than they actually were. John could be nearly evil at sometimes, which Partridge attempts to sweep under the rug by making him sound just troubled. So while the majority of his actions were pure at heart, he definitely had some flaws in personality.
The main target audience of this book, as you might expect, are fans of the Beatles and John Lennon. This is most likely the reason for painting John in such a good light, as Beatles fans have proven they do not take kindly to the tarnishing of their beloved idols’ reputations. So, to keep from being shunned by the very audience she targeted, she had to be a little nicer than i personally believed she would have liked, as it gets away from the true John Lennon, if not by much. It is unfortunate, but hey, at the end of the day she has to make money, Such is life.
This book takes the reader on the emotional roller coaster that John experienced throughout his life. The reader gains new insight into issues like the breakup of the Beatles, John's relationship with Paul, and John and Yoko, as the beloved Beatle moved from Rock and Roll to taking on oppression. Many questioned the reasons John moved to politics, but this book clearly explains why, and what John was feeling in his mind, as well as what he was trying to get others to feel through his songs.
This book is outstanding, and whether you're a die hard Beatles fan, a fan of the hippie movement, or just a casual reader, you cannot go wrong with reading this book. It is aa very interesting book that sheds light on things that even I as a die hard Beatles fan did not know. I personally finished the entire book in a day, which is a compliment that a book rarely receives from me. If you haven't had the chance to read it, you are most certainly missing out.
Elizabeth Partridge truly wrote a tremendous book in John Lennon: All I Want Is The Truth. This photographic style biography of the famous Beatle and political activist John Lennon is both entertaining and informative. Giving and insight into the legend's life in a way that most will have never seen before.
As is the case with most biographies, perhaps the area of John Lennon's life where you learn the most new information is in his younger years, when he was just a kid running around Liverpool. This book gives the reader outstanding insight into the turmoil that John Lennon had to endure in his childhood. Perhaps the instance where you can feel the raw emotions John went through is when he is five, and has to choose which parent he wants to spend the rest of his life with. "Freddie told John he had to make a choice: Stay with him or go with Julia. John chose Freddie......John was shattered. He suddenly had changed his mind, and ran after his mother, crying." It is passages like these that grip the reader and puts them there with John and his parents.
The purpose I believe of writing this novel was to give people a better idea of who John Lennon was as a person. While many people know who John Lennon was, and his actions, most people have never known why. Most people have never heard what shaped John Lennon into the man he was, what was going on in his mind when he was making music and fighting for the rights of the people. Partridge achieves this through a lot of Ethos and narrative. By adding the powerful emotions that John felt during the various narratives in the book, Partridge connects the reader and those feelings in a way that causes you to fully understand why he felt the way that he did. While her strategy was extremely successful, perhaps if she also used pathos to show how what he was doing was morally wrong along with the ethos of how he felt, Partridge could have captured the conflict in John Lennon even further.
It is clear that Partridge’s argument in this book is that John, while a troubled soul that was far from perfect, was a good man at the core who used his influence as a Beatle to try and change the world for the better. She uses his various charitable acts as evidence to support this claim, such as the Attica Estate and his support of feminism. These claims are for the most part sound, but she does try to make the less than perfect actions of John sound like less than they actually were. John could be nearly evil at sometimes, which Partridge attempts to sweep under the rug by making him sound just troubled. So while the majority of his actions were pure at heart, he definitely had some flaws in personality.
The main target audience of this book, as you might expect, are fans of the Beatles and John Lennon. This is most likely the reason for painting John in such a good light, as Beatles fans have proven they do not take kindly to the tarnishing of their beloved idols’ reputations. So, to keep from being shunned by the very audience she targeted, she had to be a little nicer than i personally believed she would have liked, as it gets away from the true John Lennon, if not by much. It is unfortunate, but hey, at the end of the day she has to make money, Such is life.
This book takes the reader on the emotional roller coaster that John experienced throughout his life. The reader gains new insight into issues like the breakup of the Beatles, John's relationship with Paul, and John and Yoko, as the beloved Beatle moved from Rock and Roll to taking on oppression. Many questioned the reasons John moved to politics, but this book clearly explains why, and what John was feeling in his mind, as well as what he was trying to get others to feel through his songs.
This book is outstanding, and whether you're a die hard Beatles fan, a fan of the hippie movement, or just a casual reader, you cannot go wrong with reading this book. It is aa very interesting book that sheds light on things that even I as a die hard Beatles fan did not know. I personally finished the entire book in a day, which is a compliment that a book rarely receives from me. If you haven't had the chance to read it, you are most certainly missing out.
March 2, 2021
This was a well-written biography.
What holds me back from rating it higher is that it is pitched as a photographic book, and the photos aren't great. Many of them are of people far outside of Lennon's life. I feel a biography of an individual should mainly contain photos of that individual and their life. Second to that, there is a lot more text than I expected in this book.. hundreds of pages. That's great, I like reading. But the book's physical form is that of a coffee table picture book.. it's not ideal to read hundreds of pages of text from a book that is large and cumbersome, not easy to take along, nor comfortably held in your hands. And lastly, this is supposedly categorized as YA (although my library's copy was shelved as adult non-fiction) and I don't agree with that categorization. It's an adult book.
As a general observation: The previous biography I read on Lennon basically repeated word-for-word accounts and descriptions that I read in this book. (To be fairly noted - this one was published first.) On the other hand, the beginning facts of his life and relationships with his parents and aunt Mimi are completely contradicting. I wonder how many people are going to repeat the same events about the life of John Lennon, adding their own opinions and spin on things, in order to profit by selling books. I finally read the Beatles Anthology, and feel that book is the fairest telling, as it's told from their words only.. and many of those words contradict the things I've read from others who didn't know The Beatles but have taken liberty to write about them. It's hard to know what to believe in some of these biographies.
What holds me back from rating it higher is that it is pitched as a photographic book, and the photos aren't great. Many of them are of people far outside of Lennon's life. I feel a biography of an individual should mainly contain photos of that individual and their life. Second to that, there is a lot more text than I expected in this book.. hundreds of pages. That's great, I like reading. But the book's physical form is that of a coffee table picture book.. it's not ideal to read hundreds of pages of text from a book that is large and cumbersome, not easy to take along, nor comfortably held in your hands. And lastly, this is supposedly categorized as YA (although my library's copy was shelved as adult non-fiction) and I don't agree with that categorization. It's an adult book.
As a general observation: The previous biography I read on Lennon basically repeated word-for-word accounts and descriptions that I read in this book. (To be fairly noted - this one was published first.) On the other hand, the beginning facts of his life and relationships with his parents and aunt Mimi are completely contradicting. I wonder how many people are going to repeat the same events about the life of John Lennon, adding their own opinions and spin on things, in order to profit by selling books. I finally read the Beatles Anthology, and feel that book is the fairest telling, as it's told from their words only.. and many of those words contradict the things I've read from others who didn't know The Beatles but have taken liberty to write about them. It's hard to know what to believe in some of these biographies.
May 6, 2012
Andrea Talarico
Biography
I wasn’t sure what to expect from a Young-Adult-intended biography of John Lennon. Having, in the past, read some Lennon biographies for adults, I was wondering how they would handle Lennon’s issues: his depression, paranoia, Yoko, etc. I was surprised and impressed how Partridge navigated these choppy waters: she spoke of the problems in a direct manner without harping on them or making the whole biography about them (which, actually, several of the adult biographies do, and it’s a shame). She mentions his problems in the context of his artistic life, which is essential. Really, the two can’t be divided: John’s struggles were interpreted and dealt with through his music. Patridge does an excellent job of providing enough material, photos, and interesting information to keep even the most reluctant reader transfixed. I think this would be a great recommendation for students who love music but not reading, necessarily. So many teens love the Beatles: here’s the book we should be offering them.
Biography
I wasn’t sure what to expect from a Young-Adult-intended biography of John Lennon. Having, in the past, read some Lennon biographies for adults, I was wondering how they would handle Lennon’s issues: his depression, paranoia, Yoko, etc. I was surprised and impressed how Partridge navigated these choppy waters: she spoke of the problems in a direct manner without harping on them or making the whole biography about them (which, actually, several of the adult biographies do, and it’s a shame). She mentions his problems in the context of his artistic life, which is essential. Really, the two can’t be divided: John’s struggles were interpreted and dealt with through his music. Patridge does an excellent job of providing enough material, photos, and interesting information to keep even the most reluctant reader transfixed. I think this would be a great recommendation for students who love music but not reading, necessarily. So many teens love the Beatles: here’s the book we should be offering them.
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April 30, 2022read for an English Project
January 8, 2013
Allison Freeman
APA Citation:
Partridge, E. (2005). John Lennon: All I want is the truth. New York: Viking
Genre: Biography
Format: Print
Selection Process:
Johnson, S. (2008). John Lennon: All I want is the truth Florida Media Quarterly, 33(4), 18-19.
Review:
John Lennon was a fascinating, intelligent and troubled man. Elizabeth Partdridge expertly transports readers to Liverpool, England in 1940 for the birth of a legend and deftly describes the transition through his tumultuous childhood, defiant teenage years, his successful years as a Beatle all the way up to his tragic death through masterful storytelling, black and white photographs, interviews and from the John Lennon himself in his own words. Mrs. Partridge begins his story at his birth in Liverpool, England during an air raid in 1940. In his early years, Lennon dealt with an absentee father, a flighty mother who wanted to be his friend, and a strict aunt and uncle Mimi and George Smith, who were more a parents to him then his own flesh and blood. His mother bought him his first guitar and John was a natural musical genius who spent more time writing, playing and collaborating with his best friend Paul McCartney to bother doing well in school. Eventually, he began to collect other blokes to join him in his band called the Quarrymen. Their name slowly spread throughout Liverpool and eventually they would play to sell out crowds in basements to screaming fans. Once the Quarrymen became The Beatles at their new manger Brian Epstein’s suggestion, they were boomeranged into the national spotlight and Beatlemania began. The Beatles became one of the most popular bands of all time through John Lennon’s lyrical brilliance, his collaboration on songwriting with Paul McCartney and playing long sets in a club in Hamburg, Berlin. John Lennon spent many years with the Beatles but they eventually broke up and he began a solo career, actively involved in activism, and even drugs like LSD for a time. John Lennon was married to and had a son with Cynthia Powell before his controversial relationship with Yoko Ono, which contributed to their divorce. John Lennon and Yoko Ono were married which also contributed to the Beatles breakup because Yoko rarely ever left his side, which annoyed the other Beatles including Paul. In the end, John Lennon lives a lively, exciting and a roller coaster ride of a life that ended tragically when he was shot and killed by Mark David Chapman. Elizabeth Partridge did a fine job of accurately portraying John Lennon, his life, the people that were closest to him and the many events that shaped him. The pictures and especially the parts that were in John Lennon’s own words were some of the most poignant moments in the book. The audience learned a great deal about the members of the Beatles and their interactions, sometimes negative, with the volatile personality of a controversial music savant. John Lennon was an intriguing man and through adept story telling and through the use of interesting and viable primary and secondary sources, the reader learns a great deal about the life and times of John Lennon. Recommend.
APA Citation:
Partridge, E. (2005). John Lennon: All I want is the truth. New York: Viking
Genre: Biography
Format: Print
Selection Process:
Johnson, S. (2008). John Lennon: All I want is the truth Florida Media Quarterly, 33(4), 18-19.
Review:
John Lennon was a fascinating, intelligent and troubled man. Elizabeth Partdridge expertly transports readers to Liverpool, England in 1940 for the birth of a legend and deftly describes the transition through his tumultuous childhood, defiant teenage years, his successful years as a Beatle all the way up to his tragic death through masterful storytelling, black and white photographs, interviews and from the John Lennon himself in his own words. Mrs. Partridge begins his story at his birth in Liverpool, England during an air raid in 1940. In his early years, Lennon dealt with an absentee father, a flighty mother who wanted to be his friend, and a strict aunt and uncle Mimi and George Smith, who were more a parents to him then his own flesh and blood. His mother bought him his first guitar and John was a natural musical genius who spent more time writing, playing and collaborating with his best friend Paul McCartney to bother doing well in school. Eventually, he began to collect other blokes to join him in his band called the Quarrymen. Their name slowly spread throughout Liverpool and eventually they would play to sell out crowds in basements to screaming fans. Once the Quarrymen became The Beatles at their new manger Brian Epstein’s suggestion, they were boomeranged into the national spotlight and Beatlemania began. The Beatles became one of the most popular bands of all time through John Lennon’s lyrical brilliance, his collaboration on songwriting with Paul McCartney and playing long sets in a club in Hamburg, Berlin. John Lennon spent many years with the Beatles but they eventually broke up and he began a solo career, actively involved in activism, and even drugs like LSD for a time. John Lennon was married to and had a son with Cynthia Powell before his controversial relationship with Yoko Ono, which contributed to their divorce. John Lennon and Yoko Ono were married which also contributed to the Beatles breakup because Yoko rarely ever left his side, which annoyed the other Beatles including Paul. In the end, John Lennon lives a lively, exciting and a roller coaster ride of a life that ended tragically when he was shot and killed by Mark David Chapman. Elizabeth Partridge did a fine job of accurately portraying John Lennon, his life, the people that were closest to him and the many events that shaped him. The pictures and especially the parts that were in John Lennon’s own words were some of the most poignant moments in the book. The audience learned a great deal about the members of the Beatles and their interactions, sometimes negative, with the volatile personality of a controversial music savant. John Lennon was an intriguing man and through adept story telling and through the use of interesting and viable primary and secondary sources, the reader learns a great deal about the life and times of John Lennon. Recommend.
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May 7, 2012Jeanine Allen
Picture Book
John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth by Elizabeth Partridge is a photo-biography about the life of John Lennon. The book starts with his birth and life as a child, moves towards the emergence of The Beatles, talks about fame and fortune with the Beatles, continues to his unhappiness with fame, and eventually ends with his shooting death by fan, Mark Chapman. I am surprised this book is considered young adult. There is talk of adult subject matter such as continual drug use and adultery. The photographs in the book span his life and are black and white. I am happy that I was only able to recognize a few of the photos in the book. The rest of the photos were new to me and chronicled his life nicely. It was interesting to read a biography that showed John as a flawed human being. I haven't read many biographies of John Lennon, but I do know that Yoko gets a bad rap. This book showed her in a very loving and equally human light. I wish the photos were in color or a mix of black and white and color. I can see why teens would not be as interested in this book as other photo or photo-biography books because The Beatles are as relevant as they once were. On the other hand, what is cool in music always seem to repeat itself and some kids want to get to know the classics.
Picture Book
John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth by Elizabeth Partridge is a photo-biography about the life of John Lennon. The book starts with his birth and life as a child, moves towards the emergence of The Beatles, talks about fame and fortune with the Beatles, continues to his unhappiness with fame, and eventually ends with his shooting death by fan, Mark Chapman. I am surprised this book is considered young adult. There is talk of adult subject matter such as continual drug use and adultery. The photographs in the book span his life and are black and white. I am happy that I was only able to recognize a few of the photos in the book. The rest of the photos were new to me and chronicled his life nicely. It was interesting to read a biography that showed John as a flawed human being. I haven't read many biographies of John Lennon, but I do know that Yoko gets a bad rap. This book showed her in a very loving and equally human light. I wish the photos were in color or a mix of black and white and color. I can see why teens would not be as interested in this book as other photo or photo-biography books because The Beatles are as relevant as they once were. On the other hand, what is cool in music always seem to repeat itself and some kids want to get to know the classics.
January 11, 2012
When I put a hold on this at my local library, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It was for a book club so I thought I'd give the book a try.
I have an ugly confession - I'm not a very big fan of the Beatles. Not my era? Not my genre? I don't know, I just know that I've never really listened to their music or gotten to know their band members. So, I went in to this book pretty fresh not really knowing much about the story. My only experience was visiting Central Park in New York city where there is a very big tribute labyrinth and rose garden to Lennon. It was a beautiful site in the park, but the person behind didn't mean anything to me.
Although it's not my type of book, I actually thought it was very good. I thought the book did a great job of touching on the whole life but not bogging down in the details too much. It gave just enough of the story, atmosphere, and people to keep me interested without losing me in information overload. The story was fascinating, even to someone that wasn't huge on appreciating his art or craft. And the photos were intriguing and really made it all come together.
I'm glad it was nominated, I would have never read it without this club.
Thanks Carrie! ;)
I have an ugly confession - I'm not a very big fan of the Beatles. Not my era? Not my genre? I don't know, I just know that I've never really listened to their music or gotten to know their band members. So, I went in to this book pretty fresh not really knowing much about the story. My only experience was visiting Central Park in New York city where there is a very big tribute labyrinth and rose garden to Lennon. It was a beautiful site in the park, but the person behind didn't mean anything to me.
Although it's not my type of book, I actually thought it was very good. I thought the book did a great job of touching on the whole life but not bogging down in the details too much. It gave just enough of the story, atmosphere, and people to keep me interested without losing me in information overload. The story was fascinating, even to someone that wasn't huge on appreciating his art or craft. And the photos were intriguing and really made it all come together.
I'm glad it was nominated, I would have never read it without this club.
Thanks Carrie! ;)
March 9, 2010
This book is well-written and fascinating. The story of John Lennon's life is really sad, funny, crazy, and wierd. The writer does a great job of using quotes and stories to show how he was truly feeling through all the turmoil of being a Beatle, but more importantly, of being John Lennon.
I gave it 3 stars for 2 reasons: it's a photo-biography and the photographs weren't the best. I'd give them a B-. And the fact that, honestly, Lennon bugs me. He had a tough childhood and never got over the fact that his mother didn't want to raise him. But it takes him 35 years to realize that he can actually get control of himself. This is when he becomes a househusband and has a large part in raising his 2nd son, Sean. Out of love for Sean, John finally starts to control his temper and stops taking drugs (except for the occasional LSD). It was hard not to be angry at him.
I gave it 3 stars for 2 reasons: it's a photo-biography and the photographs weren't the best. I'd give them a B-. And the fact that, honestly, Lennon bugs me. He had a tough childhood and never got over the fact that his mother didn't want to raise him. But it takes him 35 years to realize that he can actually get control of himself. This is when he becomes a househusband and has a large part in raising his 2nd son, Sean. Out of love for Sean, John finally starts to control his temper and stops taking drugs (except for the occasional LSD). It was hard not to be angry at him.
February 25, 2019
08 June 2005 JOHN LENNON: ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH by Elizabeth Partridge, Penguin/Viking, October 2005, ISBN: 0-670-05954-4
"For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them"
--In My Life
"In an interview with RKO radio network just six hours before his death, John spoke about the opening up that had occurred during the sixties. 'The thing the sixties did,' he said, 'was show us the possibility and responsibility that we all had. It wasn't the answer. It just gave us a glimpse of the possibility.' "
For me, the possibilities began at my cousin Pam's house on one of those Sundays when all the Sicilians (Mom's family) got together "up the Island" for an afternoon and evening of lasagne, cannolis, conversation, and booze. It was the end of 1963, I was eight, and President Kennedy had been murdered just a few weeks earlier.
Eleven year-old Pam told me she had this new record I had to hear. (As I had no older siblings and she was the cousin closest in age to me, she played the big sister role up through college.)
I stood there as Pam turned up the volume and dropped the needle. It was a 45 of I Want to Hold Your Hand b/w I Saw Her Standing There.
One effect of hearing that record was that for the next dozen years, just like Pavlov's dog, I would drop everything when Pam told me to come listen to a new record. Another result is that I would never in a million years have been able to bring up an image of the house that Pam moved out of more than forty years ago, if it weren't for recalling so vividly that pivotal experience from my childhood.
"But now these days are gone and I'm not so self-assured
Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors."
--Help!
But much more significantly, I wouldn't be who I am today if it were not for the influence of John Lennon's words and actions upon my life. Being who he was, his speaking out in opposition to the Vietnam War was the first voice in opposition that really caught my attention and helped lead to my life of activism and obsession with justice.
And, hey, you just have to look at me. Forty years after that Sunday at Pam's, twenty-five years after the dream of ever getting to see The Beatles onstage ended forever, thirty-five years after crying for an hour, at age fifteen, when Mom ordered me (once again) to get a haircut before the Sicilians came over for Thanksgiving dinner, my appearance is still ruled today by the long hair I longed to have after first seeing The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show.
"Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box they
Tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe"
--Across the Universe
Thus, it is not surprising that I have read a good assortment of books about The Beatles.
"Will you ever look at him, sitting there wid his hooter scraping away at that book!"
--Paul's grandfather (Wilfrid Brambell) in A Hard Day's Night
I picked up an advance reading copy of JOHN LENNON: ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH at the beginning of Book Expo last week in New York City. I then stood quite contentedly on interminably long autographing lines all weekend, waiting to get signed books from the likes of Maurice Sendak, Barbara Boxer, Ben Saenz, and Carl Hiaasen. I waited contentedly, oblivious of my surroundings, because I had my face buried in a bloomin' book.
In fact, Elizabeth Partridge has written the definitive book on the life of John Lennon. And I don't just mean just the definitive "book for teens," even though it is absolutely a YA with it's in-depth look at John's adolescence, its multitude of uncensored quotes from the Fab Four, and it's consistently honest look at the sex and drugs (not to mention the rock and roll). Partridge reveals the intimate stories of Lennon and McCartney, the early Beatles, and Yoko without glossing over any of the multitude of warts.
"Ah, people asking questions, lost in confusion
Well I tell them there's no problem, only solutions."
--Watching the Wheels
And then there are the photos.
The evening after returning from New York, Shari and I met with one of our Best Books for Young Adults teen groups in their school library. I walked over to the shelves, located a copy of RESTLESS SPIRIT: THE LIFE AND WORK OF DOROTHEA LANGE, explained Elizabeth Partridge's connection to the famed photographer, and pointed out that Partridge was obviously going to insure that the photos in the biographies she wrote would be both excellent photos and perfectly reproduced photos.
(If I weren't already confident of that, Partridge's publisher teased me a couple of months ago by mailing me a "partial blad showing selected pages" that reveals the oversized dimensions and the gorgeous photos that are literally suitable for framing.)
JOHN LENNON: ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH will henceforth serve as my Exhibit #1 on why YALSA should get to work on creating an informational book award to parallel ALSC's Sibert Medal.
"So long ago
Was it in a dream, was it just a dream?
I know, yes I know
Seemed so very real, it seemed so real to me."
--#9 Dream
When I revealed to those BBYA teens on Monday night who the subject of Partridge's new biography was, they let out a spontaneous cheer. You may think I'm a dreamer, but as I gazed out at those young, enthusiastic faces I could imagine the potential of the sixties, which Lennon was such a pivotal force in creating, carrying forth and coming to fruition through this younger generation.
Within its beautiful package, JOHN LENNON: ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH provides the seeds, the instructions, and the cautionary statements for enacting that change.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
"For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them"
--In My Life
"In an interview with RKO radio network just six hours before his death, John spoke about the opening up that had occurred during the sixties. 'The thing the sixties did,' he said, 'was show us the possibility and responsibility that we all had. It wasn't the answer. It just gave us a glimpse of the possibility.' "
For me, the possibilities began at my cousin Pam's house on one of those Sundays when all the Sicilians (Mom's family) got together "up the Island" for an afternoon and evening of lasagne, cannolis, conversation, and booze. It was the end of 1963, I was eight, and President Kennedy had been murdered just a few weeks earlier.
Eleven year-old Pam told me she had this new record I had to hear. (As I had no older siblings and she was the cousin closest in age to me, she played the big sister role up through college.)
I stood there as Pam turned up the volume and dropped the needle. It was a 45 of I Want to Hold Your Hand b/w I Saw Her Standing There.
One effect of hearing that record was that for the next dozen years, just like Pavlov's dog, I would drop everything when Pam told me to come listen to a new record. Another result is that I would never in a million years have been able to bring up an image of the house that Pam moved out of more than forty years ago, if it weren't for recalling so vividly that pivotal experience from my childhood.
"But now these days are gone and I'm not so self-assured
Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors."
--Help!
But much more significantly, I wouldn't be who I am today if it were not for the influence of John Lennon's words and actions upon my life. Being who he was, his speaking out in opposition to the Vietnam War was the first voice in opposition that really caught my attention and helped lead to my life of activism and obsession with justice.
And, hey, you just have to look at me. Forty years after that Sunday at Pam's, twenty-five years after the dream of ever getting to see The Beatles onstage ended forever, thirty-five years after crying for an hour, at age fifteen, when Mom ordered me (once again) to get a haircut before the Sicilians came over for Thanksgiving dinner, my appearance is still ruled today by the long hair I longed to have after first seeing The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show.
"Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box they
Tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe"
--Across the Universe
Thus, it is not surprising that I have read a good assortment of books about The Beatles.
"Will you ever look at him, sitting there wid his hooter scraping away at that book!"
--Paul's grandfather (Wilfrid Brambell) in A Hard Day's Night
I picked up an advance reading copy of JOHN LENNON: ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH at the beginning of Book Expo last week in New York City. I then stood quite contentedly on interminably long autographing lines all weekend, waiting to get signed books from the likes of Maurice Sendak, Barbara Boxer, Ben Saenz, and Carl Hiaasen. I waited contentedly, oblivious of my surroundings, because I had my face buried in a bloomin' book.
In fact, Elizabeth Partridge has written the definitive book on the life of John Lennon. And I don't just mean just the definitive "book for teens," even though it is absolutely a YA with it's in-depth look at John's adolescence, its multitude of uncensored quotes from the Fab Four, and it's consistently honest look at the sex and drugs (not to mention the rock and roll). Partridge reveals the intimate stories of Lennon and McCartney, the early Beatles, and Yoko without glossing over any of the multitude of warts.
"Ah, people asking questions, lost in confusion
Well I tell them there's no problem, only solutions."
--Watching the Wheels
And then there are the photos.
The evening after returning from New York, Shari and I met with one of our Best Books for Young Adults teen groups in their school library. I walked over to the shelves, located a copy of RESTLESS SPIRIT: THE LIFE AND WORK OF DOROTHEA LANGE, explained Elizabeth Partridge's connection to the famed photographer, and pointed out that Partridge was obviously going to insure that the photos in the biographies she wrote would be both excellent photos and perfectly reproduced photos.
(If I weren't already confident of that, Partridge's publisher teased me a couple of months ago by mailing me a "partial blad showing selected pages" that reveals the oversized dimensions and the gorgeous photos that are literally suitable for framing.)
JOHN LENNON: ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH will henceforth serve as my Exhibit #1 on why YALSA should get to work on creating an informational book award to parallel ALSC's Sibert Medal.
"So long ago
Was it in a dream, was it just a dream?
I know, yes I know
Seemed so very real, it seemed so real to me."
--#9 Dream
When I revealed to those BBYA teens on Monday night who the subject of Partridge's new biography was, they let out a spontaneous cheer. You may think I'm a dreamer, but as I gazed out at those young, enthusiastic faces I could imagine the potential of the sixties, which Lennon was such a pivotal force in creating, carrying forth and coming to fruition through this younger generation.
Within its beautiful package, JOHN LENNON: ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH provides the seeds, the instructions, and the cautionary statements for enacting that change.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
April 20, 2015
John Lennon was a kid with a very hard past. All he wanted in life was to express his feeling through music, but things go bad after a few years in the Beatles when music wasn't the same as it was in the beginning. Music wasn't the same when they made you write not when you wanted to write. So he quit the Beatles and took a break from the celebrity life. After a few years he decided to make his own music with his wife Yoko. John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth is a story about overcoming adversity, strength of character, and identity.
May 24, 2013
I love how Partridge gets to the whole of a person -- there's no shying away from the negative bits of John and his choices. This isn't a "look how amazing he is" kind of biography. This is a "he did amazing things but he was imperfect and flawed, too" biography. GREAT photos, good story, strong source materials in the end.
I just hate the trim size so, so much. It's not easy to hold or read.
I just hate the trim size so, so much. It's not easy to hold or read.
May 25, 2008
What I learned from this book: John Lennon was a real asshole.
September 19, 2018
I read John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth which is the incredible story about the Beatles lead singer, John Lennon. As readers walk down Abbey Road, they’ll read rare stories of John’s early life and uprising to fame; from a simple life growing up in Britain’s lower to middle-class life to becoming one of history’s most influential artist. This book does not skip a single beat, as every detail of John’s life is laid in front of your eyes. Which most would consider being too much information; however, if you’re a fan of the Beatles, like me, this book is the right amount of fan service. I believe John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth greatly incorporated writing with ionic images of Lennon’s career. I praise this book’s for its simplistic style to bring upon historic events in the music industry, and not only that but in the Beatles influence in policies and religion. Of course, this book is perfect for any Beatle and Lennon fan alike; however, the pacing of the story may bore some readers with unnecessary fillers.
Fillers are added to offset the main story with unnecessary information, and not everyone needs know the backstory of every single Beatle member; I certainly didn’t care for the backstory of former Beatles members before the main four established members: John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Yes, it is a great book but the unnecessary fillers made me fall asleep; however, you’re a hardcore Beatles and desperately need this information, then read along with your hearts containment. John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth was made to appease hardcore fans, and I understood that going into the book. It certainly is a great read. If you seek a little Beatle knowledge, then read this book; however, I going to warn you that you’re going to hate the ending.
Overall, this book is not perfect. Nevertheless, “I’ll it be” the perfect book for a Beatle fan, as it contains more information about the Beatles then John Lennon himself; therefore, the title is somewhat misleading but “I’ll it be.” I recommend this book to anybody interested in learning more about John Lennon or the Beatles. John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth underlines everything from Lennon’s birth to his under fortunate death; therefore, read to your heart’s desire. Yearning to learn more, then pick up this book. You won’t be disappointed, I guarantee it.
Fillers are added to offset the main story with unnecessary information, and not everyone needs know the backstory of every single Beatle member; I certainly didn’t care for the backstory of former Beatles members before the main four established members: John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Yes, it is a great book but the unnecessary fillers made me fall asleep; however, you’re a hardcore Beatles and desperately need this information, then read along with your hearts containment. John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth was made to appease hardcore fans, and I understood that going into the book. It certainly is a great read. If you seek a little Beatle knowledge, then read this book; however, I going to warn you that you’re going to hate the ending.
Overall, this book is not perfect. Nevertheless, “I’ll it be” the perfect book for a Beatle fan, as it contains more information about the Beatles then John Lennon himself; therefore, the title is somewhat misleading but “I’ll it be.” I recommend this book to anybody interested in learning more about John Lennon or the Beatles. John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth underlines everything from Lennon’s birth to his under fortunate death; therefore, read to your heart’s desire. Yearning to learn more, then pick up this book. You won’t be disappointed, I guarantee it.
November 6, 2017
A very clear but basic overview of the life of John Lennon and the people surrounding him...and absent from him. Since I read a biography of Elvis at the same time it became clear to me the struggles that musicians and probably all artist endure in their work. And that enjoyment and feeling of accomplishment comes from the journey in their art and not reaching a pinnacle that really never truly exists. A lesson in life for everyone to be sure and very much worth the read for anyone but particularly lovers of music and the human story.
July 24, 2024
Got this at the library with Logan on a whim and just found myself majority of the time in the first 20 pages going Talk about Stuart some more! Cman let’s hear about Mr. Sutcliffe! While it’s a book about John.
Logan getting really surprised that John Lennon was bisexual and then me not ending up being able to help grab Logan’s food in the Wendy’s drive thru cuz I got this big ass book sprawled across my lap. Love it
Logan getting really surprised that John Lennon was bisexual and then me not ending up being able to help grab Logan’s food in the Wendy’s drive thru cuz I got this big ass book sprawled across my lap. Love it
October 3, 2019
Read this over 10 years ago, but never logged it. It still stays with me, and I learned a lot about the most complicated of all the Beatles through this book. The guy who wrote Give Peace a Chance wasn’t a very peaceful person. He was far from perfect and kind of an asshole, but he remains my favorite Beatle, perhaps because of the flaws. Stay gold, Pony Boy. Stay gold...
January 5, 2020
This book is informative and clearly, understandably written, but I didn't find it particularly engaging. Lennon had never been my favorite Beatle, and this didn't really do anything to change my mind. He was influential, talented, and brilliant in ways, but he was also a mess of a human being who did a lot of damage on a personal level.
December 31, 2024
Surprisingly, I learned a few new things about the Beatles
February 11, 2025
Take away: John Lennon was kind of an ass.
February 23, 2025
Great biography of John and the Beatles. I learned a lot about the group and Yoko. I really enjoyed the layout.
October 9, 2011
Originally reviewed on my blog, Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing.
John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth, a Photobiography by Elizabeth Partridge is not a book I would have chosen to read on my own. I read it because I want to read every Printz Honor and Award, and this book won the Honor in 2006.
I've never been interested in the personal lives of celebrities. I just don't care. So, I wasn't expecting to love this book. And I didn't. But, that was probably more because I wasn't particularly fond of the subject matter than because of the writing or presentation of Partridge. The book is presented as a photobiography, which I generally enjoy. But, John Lennon was not really a person to admire, and I find it hard to enjoy reading any biography if I don't much care for the subject.
I really enjoy the music of The Beatles. I grew up listening to their music with my dad, and my favorites are always able to bring a smile to my face or call up a fond memory. And, there is no doubt about the fact that they changed the face and future of music. But, liking their music doesn't mean I'm terribly interested in their personal histories.
And really, John Lennon is not a person who made it easy to like him. I felt like most of the information related about Lennon was negative. He was moody, felt a huge sense of entitlement, just knew he was so misunderstood, and felt that he was above normal standards of conduct, even before they became super famous. It just got worse after. He wasn't terribly loyal, and turned away from the people who loved him most. He's not a person to look up to or aspire to be like. I find that I respect his music, but have very little, if any, respect for who he was.
Maybe that makes me a bad person, or maybe I'm just another one of those who misunderstands, but I don't really care. He wasn't a nice person, and I don't feel like I have to respect that.
I've decided that awards committees really like the photobiography. There are several photobiographies on the Newbery list, both winners and honors, and then this. The book is well written, well researched, and the information was presented well, but I don't know why it would be widely read, unless you are a huge Beatles or Lennon fan, or are like me and trying to read the whole list.
John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth, a Photobiography by Elizabeth Partridge is not a book I would have chosen to read on my own. I read it because I want to read every Printz Honor and Award, and this book won the Honor in 2006.
I've never been interested in the personal lives of celebrities. I just don't care. So, I wasn't expecting to love this book. And I didn't. But, that was probably more because I wasn't particularly fond of the subject matter than because of the writing or presentation of Partridge. The book is presented as a photobiography, which I generally enjoy. But, John Lennon was not really a person to admire, and I find it hard to enjoy reading any biography if I don't much care for the subject.
I really enjoy the music of The Beatles. I grew up listening to their music with my dad, and my favorites are always able to bring a smile to my face or call up a fond memory. And, there is no doubt about the fact that they changed the face and future of music. But, liking their music doesn't mean I'm terribly interested in their personal histories.
And really, John Lennon is not a person who made it easy to like him. I felt like most of the information related about Lennon was negative. He was moody, felt a huge sense of entitlement, just knew he was so misunderstood, and felt that he was above normal standards of conduct, even before they became super famous. It just got worse after. He wasn't terribly loyal, and turned away from the people who loved him most. He's not a person to look up to or aspire to be like. I find that I respect his music, but have very little, if any, respect for who he was.
Maybe that makes me a bad person, or maybe I'm just another one of those who misunderstands, but I don't really care. He wasn't a nice person, and I don't feel like I have to respect that.
I've decided that awards committees really like the photobiography. There are several photobiographies on the Newbery list, both winners and honors, and then this. The book is well written, well researched, and the information was presented well, but I don't know why it would be widely read, unless you are a huge Beatles or Lennon fan, or are like me and trying to read the whole list.
October 2, 2012
In her photographic biography, John Lennon: All I Want Is the Truth, Elizabeth Partridge tells the story of John Lennon’s life from birth to his untimely death, making it accessible to young adult readers. She offers an honest telling of Lennon’s life through his own words, filled with quotes from Lennon’s writings and interviews, along with quotes and stories from those who were significant players in his life. All I ever knew of Lennon was what I learned from the media, the mythic surreal Lennon of the Beatles. Partridge breaks open that image of Lennon and reveals a flawed individual who severely struggled with his own personal demons for most of his life. Admitting he saw things differently from those around him early on, Lennon’s personal struggles began at a young age. Partridge’s story tells of Lennon’s troubled childhood, his early musical career leading up to the Beatles, the Beatles years, his struggle with identity as a musician and a Beatle, the band’s turmoil and eventual breakup, his relationship with Yoko Ono, his life post-Beatle years, and his murder by crazed fan Mark Chapman, concluding with a chapter about the events after his death and the legacy and people he left behind. Partridge smoothly transitions from one event in Lennon’s life to the next, and seamlessly blends in references to political and social events, and their role in shaping the context of Lennon’s life.
The images throughout the book tell so much more than the writing alone, Partridge’s text paired with the photographs allows the reader to look deeper into each image. Many of the photos tell one story on the outside, but after reading and understanding the wall Lennon put up for much of his life, these images become haunting and deeply truth-telling. Partridge did an excellent job of sorting through the great deal of information, true and false, about Lennon’s life, she managed to write a relevant, honest, emotionally deep, saddening story, which still remained celebratory of Lennon as a musician and artist, but told more of the story, about Lennon as a person. This photographic biography will certainly resonate with fans of Lennon and the Beatles; young adults will appreciate Partridge’s engaging and accessible text and find the black and white photographs throughout the book appealing and captivating.
The images throughout the book tell so much more than the writing alone, Partridge’s text paired with the photographs allows the reader to look deeper into each image. Many of the photos tell one story on the outside, but after reading and understanding the wall Lennon put up for much of his life, these images become haunting and deeply truth-telling. Partridge did an excellent job of sorting through the great deal of information, true and false, about Lennon’s life, she managed to write a relevant, honest, emotionally deep, saddening story, which still remained celebratory of Lennon as a musician and artist, but told more of the story, about Lennon as a person. This photographic biography will certainly resonate with fans of Lennon and the Beatles; young adults will appreciate Partridge’s engaging and accessible text and find the black and white photographs throughout the book appealing and captivating.
May 9, 2008
An oversize coffee-table style book which presents a photo essay that attempts to cut away the glamour and mystique that surrounds the “legend” of John Lennon to reveal the man in all his raw talent, earnest beliefs, and deepest insecurities. Partridge’s research covers from Lennon’s birth – an interesting recollection of that night, during a German air raid over Liverpool – to his earliest days forming what would become The Beatles, with rare photos of the band as a quintet, which might surprise some young music fans. However, the real grit of this fascinating work lies in the depth of coverage of Lennon post-Beatles.
Themes tend to evoke an approach that balances between scholarly and inspirational - very easy to deduce that the author is a fan with great admiration. However, the admiration does not come off as blindingly positive - many aspects of Lennon's life are treated with appropriate skepticism and critical analysis, especially the years following his independent work after The Beatles. This portion of the book is more in-depth, and provides a unique addition to Lennon biographies formerly not available to this type of audience. Language is simple and narrative is straightforward, yet some themes and topics (i.e. politics) might make the work better suited for an older high school audience. Definitely a recommended "picture book" for older readers.
Excellently done research, which is provided at the back of the book in the form of discographies, book lists, and interviews. This book would appeal to any level of music fan, whether it is someone who is just learning about Lennon (and The Beatles) for the first time, or has been a life-long fan. Likewise, this book has the power to bring young adults and their parents (or grandparents) together in a cross-generation conversation about a lot of the themes and historical moments mentioned in the text.
Themes tend to evoke an approach that balances between scholarly and inspirational - very easy to deduce that the author is a fan with great admiration. However, the admiration does not come off as blindingly positive - many aspects of Lennon's life are treated with appropriate skepticism and critical analysis, especially the years following his independent work after The Beatles. This portion of the book is more in-depth, and provides a unique addition to Lennon biographies formerly not available to this type of audience. Language is simple and narrative is straightforward, yet some themes and topics (i.e. politics) might make the work better suited for an older high school audience. Definitely a recommended "picture book" for older readers.
Excellently done research, which is provided at the back of the book in the form of discographies, book lists, and interviews. This book would appeal to any level of music fan, whether it is someone who is just learning about Lennon (and The Beatles) for the first time, or has been a life-long fan. Likewise, this book has the power to bring young adults and their parents (or grandparents) together in a cross-generation conversation about a lot of the themes and historical moments mentioned in the text.
October 2, 2013
John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth book review
By Brian Young
John Lennon is one of the greatest song writers of all time. Several million records sold, and a cemented place as the best selling artist of all time, he will likely have a legion of fans, and undoubtedly, TONS of biography's wrote about him. This book, is my favorite biography of him that ive read. Wrote in a almost fiction writing style, it starts off strong with Johns birth in Liverpool, during a German air raid in World War II, before talking briefly about his childhood, then gets directly into the meat of the book when it starts talking about his musical roots. John was playing guitar for barely a year before he forms his first band, The Quarrymen, and from there, its history. Filled with excellent(and rare) black-and-white pictures of John from his youth to his death. They really immerse you in the book cause it lets you know what they looked like and also what they liked cause the pictures are almost all shot by the band members or by professional photographers. I love the writing style of the author, she makes the book different because it is wrote like a fiction novel. When the book gets to a sad part, which there is plenty of due to Johns tragic life, you actually feel bad for him. When Yoko gets into his life, things get a bit confusing. If youre not a fan of the Beatles you wont understand most of it. Yoko is a very Avant-Garde character, who is interesting, yet confusing. You can tell that the author put a lot of work into getting everything almost all completely accurate. I really like this book since I am a Beatles fan, and a musician, so I can look up to John as an idol, thats why I love it. In closing, this book is an amazing tribute to John Lennon, suitable for every fans collection.
By Brian Young
John Lennon is one of the greatest song writers of all time. Several million records sold, and a cemented place as the best selling artist of all time, he will likely have a legion of fans, and undoubtedly, TONS of biography's wrote about him. This book, is my favorite biography of him that ive read. Wrote in a almost fiction writing style, it starts off strong with Johns birth in Liverpool, during a German air raid in World War II, before talking briefly about his childhood, then gets directly into the meat of the book when it starts talking about his musical roots. John was playing guitar for barely a year before he forms his first band, The Quarrymen, and from there, its history. Filled with excellent(and rare) black-and-white pictures of John from his youth to his death. They really immerse you in the book cause it lets you know what they looked like and also what they liked cause the pictures are almost all shot by the band members or by professional photographers. I love the writing style of the author, she makes the book different because it is wrote like a fiction novel. When the book gets to a sad part, which there is plenty of due to Johns tragic life, you actually feel bad for him. When Yoko gets into his life, things get a bit confusing. If youre not a fan of the Beatles you wont understand most of it. Yoko is a very Avant-Garde character, who is interesting, yet confusing. You can tell that the author put a lot of work into getting everything almost all completely accurate. I really like this book since I am a Beatles fan, and a musician, so I can look up to John as an idol, thats why I love it. In closing, this book is an amazing tribute to John Lennon, suitable for every fans collection.
Read
November 22, 2010I chose to read John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth a photographic biography by Elizabeth Partridge, because my mom was a huge Beatles fan, and I have always been intrigued by John Lennon. I was surprised by what I found out about John, after reading this book. He seemed so mellow and peace-loving in his later years, when I knew of him. However, in his younger days, even at Sunday School, he was quite the scrapper, getting into fights, and leading others in mischief. John always saw things differently than others, even claiming to have ‘seen God’ to his mother. He was the ringleader in pranks at high school, and became quite rebellious. He was always creative, even writing into an exercise book of all the weird and off-beat comments and drawings.
Initially, John had no desire to play in a band. But in high school, he began to desire to learn to play the guitar, after starting out on his mom’s banjo. He formed his first band in 1957, comprised of friends. He, then met Paul McCartney, and taught Paul how to sing harmony. He and Paul met George Harrison in 1958, and they began to play a few gigs together. He and Paul began to write songs together, “I Call Your Name” was one of the first. They came up with their name, which was based on Marlon Brando’s film, “The Wild One”. The girls in the gang were called “beetles”, and the ‘a’ in ‘beatles was for the rock and roll beat. They thought this triple meaning was clever.
Their rise to fame came with a price. John did not like living a lie. He and the rest of the band were directed and paraded like puppets. John did not feel true to the music or himself. He had always dabbled in alcohol and experimented with drugs, but now he was really indulging.
Initially, John had no desire to play in a band. But in high school, he began to desire to learn to play the guitar, after starting out on his mom’s banjo. He formed his first band in 1957, comprised of friends. He, then met Paul McCartney, and taught Paul how to sing harmony. He and Paul met George Harrison in 1958, and they began to play a few gigs together. He and Paul began to write songs together, “I Call Your Name” was one of the first. They came up with their name, which was based on Marlon Brando’s film, “The Wild One”. The girls in the gang were called “beetles”, and the ‘a’ in ‘beatles was for the rock and roll beat. They thought this triple meaning was clever.
Their rise to fame came with a price. John did not like living a lie. He and the rest of the band were directed and paraded like puppets. John did not feel true to the music or himself. He had always dabbled in alcohol and experimented with drugs, but now he was really indulging.
July 25, 2011
Printz Honor Book
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Having never been a big fan of the Beatles, I hesitated when my professor recommended this book as part of our young adult literature exploration. As it turned out, it was a fascinating look behind one of the most famous men in music history. Elizabeth Partridge did an amazing job with words and pictures to paint a picture of Lennon's journey.
As it turns out, the peacenik persona that John adopted in his later years was a far cry from his early days as a rebellious, angry, tortured, young man. The fateful meeting of Paul McCartney was described in detail. The marriage of John to his first wife Cynthia, as well as the (non) relationship with his young son Julian were filled with much strife. The details on how the Fab Four all came together, and fell apart are all detailed and illustrated with photographs, with most of the focus on how John's emotional state was a large factor in it all.
There are tons of photographs of the band members in their early days, with their families and with each other. And, of course....the Yoko years.
It was a riveting read, filled with stories and quotes from those who (suposedly) knew him best. I would definately have this in a high school library. There might be some issues from conservatve parents about the details of drug use, but one could argue that the stories illustrate quite nicely the price one pays from escaping ones emotions with drugs and alcohol.
Well done. I will be gifting this book to a relative who is a huge Beatles fan.
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Having never been a big fan of the Beatles, I hesitated when my professor recommended this book as part of our young adult literature exploration. As it turned out, it was a fascinating look behind one of the most famous men in music history. Elizabeth Partridge did an amazing job with words and pictures to paint a picture of Lennon's journey.
As it turns out, the peacenik persona that John adopted in his later years was a far cry from his early days as a rebellious, angry, tortured, young man. The fateful meeting of Paul McCartney was described in detail. The marriage of John to his first wife Cynthia, as well as the (non) relationship with his young son Julian were filled with much strife. The details on how the Fab Four all came together, and fell apart are all detailed and illustrated with photographs, with most of the focus on how John's emotional state was a large factor in it all.
There are tons of photographs of the band members in their early days, with their families and with each other. And, of course....the Yoko years.
It was a riveting read, filled with stories and quotes from those who (suposedly) knew him best. I would definately have this in a high school library. There might be some issues from conservatve parents about the details of drug use, but one could argue that the stories illustrate quite nicely the price one pays from escaping ones emotions with drugs and alcohol.
Well done. I will be gifting this book to a relative who is a huge Beatles fan.
September 8, 2007
Through the first three quarters of the book, I found myself wondering why this photobiography was given a Printz Honor Award. Sure there is a lot of interesting information and wonderful pictures, but the text itself to that point is mostly summary, with only occasional insights into John’s psyche.
Finally, around page 150, right after the Beatles break up, the book redeems itself a good bit. John’s flight from stardom and his ensuing series of identity crises are well chronicled and fascinating. In Chapter 12, “Househusband in Search of Himself,” Partridge captures spot-on the essence of the days before Lennon became a father: “Long ago, his sense of self had become rooted in the John Lennon he saw reflected back in the public eye. He couldn’t help agonizing: Just who was he if he wasn’t playing music, and making headlines in music magazines like Billboard and Rolling Stone?”
Partridge makes good use of quotations from John’s friends, family, and band mates throughout the book. She tells the stories of many songs both from the Beatles career and John’s solo career. The relationship with Yoko is handled realistically and lovingly, at times reverently, in contrast to the tendency of some to denigrate her as a home wrecker and as the reason for the Beatles’ break up.
Finally, around page 150, right after the Beatles break up, the book redeems itself a good bit. John’s flight from stardom and his ensuing series of identity crises are well chronicled and fascinating. In Chapter 12, “Househusband in Search of Himself,” Partridge captures spot-on the essence of the days before Lennon became a father: “Long ago, his sense of self had become rooted in the John Lennon he saw reflected back in the public eye. He couldn’t help agonizing: Just who was he if he wasn’t playing music, and making headlines in music magazines like Billboard and Rolling Stone?”
Partridge makes good use of quotations from John’s friends, family, and band mates throughout the book. She tells the stories of many songs both from the Beatles career and John’s solo career. The relationship with Yoko is handled realistically and lovingly, at times reverently, in contrast to the tendency of some to denigrate her as a home wrecker and as the reason for the Beatles’ break up.
October 13, 2011
The author really tied together the highs no pun intended and the lows of John's life through never before seen pictures,never before released interviews and quotes of John, it was like he put this book together not some author or a obsessive Beatles fan. This was said by the editor "For every photo, there's a story, for every story, there's a photo". Never before seen pictures of John as a little boy with his real mom were great. I think the author Elizabeth Partridge didn't really have theme in mind, I think she wanted to get the most real John Lennon book out there that really told the whole truth behind his life and if you read this book this is the way John would have wanted not only his story to be told but this book also includes Paul,George,and Ringo. Elizabeth did a great job by really putting in great details through John's life, from the first day he was born, through beatle mania and all the way up to his assassination. I loved this book even though I wasn't around for beatle mania, but even in today's generation if you hear a beatles song on the radio who doesn't know the lyrics and in this book you will get to read and see pictures of when the beatles were in the studio recording all there famous albums. I did not dislike anything about this book. I would recommend this book to anyone if you were around for beatle mania or one of the younger beatles fans.
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