Book Club

[cody2]

I have never been an Elton John fan. Just not my cup of tea. But I love reading biographies. I have met some very interesting people by reading their stories. I found him to be hilariously funny and brutally honest. I really enjoyed the book. The last chapter of the book went deeply into the making of his film Rocketman so I thought I should give that a try too. Really didn't enjoy the movie. I didn't know it was a musical and I really don't like his music although I can certainly respect his talent. All in all, some of the most interesting biographies I have read have been about people that I really had no interest in. An example, Cassius Clay. Hate boxing and thought he was obnoxious in his behavior when young. This was before he became Mohammed Ali. After reading where and how he came about I grew to have a great deal of respect for him. And look who he became. I would never have come to know either of these men if I hadn't taken the time to hear their stories.

[Venezia]

Yes, I read it and also saw the film, enjoyed them both.  But I've always been a fan of Elton John.

However, I also believe in reading the memoirs of various people to see how they view their lives; not the social media side of things.

Recently read Steven A. Smith's book ("Straight Shooter") and have a great deal of respect for him.  I am not a sports fan; never have been, but I heard him on a couple of talk shows and thought he was completely different from his sports reporter persona.  An intelligent, articulate man.

I'm about to read Paris Hilton's new memoir; again her chance to tell her own story, instead of what people have been lead to believe about her.

I can't imagine being in the public eye, knowing that things said about you couldn't be further from the truth and having to live with that.  People can be very judgmental, even when gossip and "reports" don't have a single grain of truth.

[QVCkitty1]

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@cody2 wrote:
I have never been an Elton John fan. Just not my cup of tea. But I love reading biographies. I have met some very interesting people by reading their stories. I found him to be hilariously funny and brutally honest. I really enjoyed the book. The last chapter of the book went deeply into the making of his film Rocketman so I thought I should give that a try too. Really didn't enjoy the movie. I didn't know it was a musical and I really don't like his music although I can certainly respect his talent. All in all, some of the most interesting biographies I have read have been about people that I really had no interest in. An example, Cassius Clay. Hate boxing and thought he was obnoxious in his behavior when young. This was before he became Mohammed Ali. After reading where and how he came about I grew to have a great deal of respect for him. And look who he became. I would never have come to know either of these men if I hadn't taken the time to hear their stories.

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@cody2 , Thanks for you insightful post. I've never been a fan of biographies, but maybe I'll give them more of a try. This I why I like this board , great reviews and ideas. 📚📏

[cindyNC]

@cody2  Thanks - I'll give this one a try!

[Sooner]

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@cody2 wrote:
I have never been an Elton John fan. Just not my cup of tea. But I love reading biographies. I have met some very interesting people by reading their stories. I found him to be hilariously funny and brutally honest. I really enjoyed the book. The last chapter of the book went deeply into the making of his film Rocketman so I thought I should give that a try too. Really didn't enjoy the movie. I didn't know it was a musical and I really don't like his music although I can certainly respect his talent. All in all, some of the most interesting biographies I have read have been about people that I really had no interest in. An example, Cassius Clay. Hate boxing and thought he was obnoxious in his behavior when young. This was before he became Mohammed Ali. After reading where and how he came about I grew to have a great deal of respect for him. And look who he became. I would never have come to know either of these men if I hadn't taken the time to hear their stories.

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@cody2 My dad and I were great Ali fans from the beginning.  And I got the chance to sit and visit with him when I was in college--and he was as nice and interesting as I had always thought he would be.  I cherish that meeting!  

I am like you and read bios whether I'm a fan or not -- especially of the Presidents and First Ladies.  

[moonandthestars]

@cody2  I really never read biographies, but based on this review I am interested in elton john's now!  I'm a big fan.  Also I've admired M. Ali.  Who knows, maybe I'll read that too at some point.

@Venezia About Paris Hilton, I think what sets her apart from the others is that I think that she is a public relations creation - her own creation really.  Just like the Kardashians.  I feel like she and the kardashians have told their own story. The story they wanted us to see.  Maybe she wants to revise that story now to reflect the other, more private, behind the scene's persona?  Can you imagine a "kim kardashian" biography called The real me?  I wouldn't be interested but that's just me

[nascarfan]

No. Not even remotely interested in this book.

[Venezia]

@moonandthestars - I just got the book.  If I remember, after I finish it, I'll come back and let you know what I think.

I don't really see a comparison between her and the Kardashians though, but that's just my opinion.  I think perhaps the trauma she went through, when she was younger, likely affected how she appeared to the outside world.  Often it's a defense mechanism.

I think (like most of us) she's matured as she got older.  It will be interesting (to me at least) to see what the book is like.

[meallen616]

@cody2,

 I like  Elton John, so, I will read his story! Thanks,

[cody2]

@Sooner WOW, what a great memory to treasure about Ali. And like yourself, books on or by past President's and their wives have been some of my favorites.