Autobiography

By: Morrissey

Narrated by: David Morrissey

Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

"Practically every paragraph has a line or two that demands to be read aloud to the mirror, tattooed on foreheads, carved on tombstones."
—Rolling Stone

"Morrissey is a pop star of unusual writing talent."
—The New York Times

Autobiography covers Morrissey's life from his birth until the present day.

©2011 Whores in Retirement (P)2013 Penguin Audio

An Autobiography only Morrissey could write.

Would you consider the audio edition of Autobiography to be better than the print version?

Yes. When the reader is engaging it adds to the experience as opposed to slogging through just to digest the story.

What did you like best about this story?

The way he tells his story. And it is his story and not necessarily the story of The Smiths. While I would have enjoyed more details about the creation of his music I know that there are plenty of books that deal with just that. This is his life though and he tells it in a way that only he can. Very literate and literary.

What does David Morrissey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He does a wonderful job with this material. He doesn't seem to interpret what he thinks the story should be or how it should be told, but he adds an elegance that makes the material shine.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did laugh, actually. A few times. A big smile when I'd hear a certain turn of phrase.

Any additional comments?

This is not a history of The Smiths and while some of the stories from his childhood are things that will likely lead me to Google some items it was a pleasure to listen to.

Riveting, Horrific and Inspiring

There were so many moments when I struggled to understand colloquial English from the slums of Manchester but the stories were so intriguing that I will likely listen to this book many times. I was not a fan of Morrissey or his music, but now I'm interested in finding out if I am a believer.

It left me wanting more.

As smooth as silk. A written masterpiece.

The most beautiful book I've listened to, complimented by excellence from the voice reading it to us. i am enlightened and yet crave for more.

My criticisms are minor. He is especially hard on overweight people, yet he is no hypocrite. He seeks and appreciates his idea of perfection and isn't above pointing out where even he falls short. He is briefly political, yet he doesn't dwell long on politics and we really just better understand his perspective.

After this work, I am as much a fan as I was when his music reached out to southe my soul long ago. Some call his work dark, yet it was like a candle in the darkness to my once lost soul...

We hate it when our friends become successful

I was curious to hear his side of events so I was eager check out this book having recently finished Marrs 'Set the boy Free'. I have to admit It was almost aggravating me hear him repeatedly refer to Johnny Marr in the way that he would, although not knowing either individual personally who am I to complain. I was curious about the review that said to skip the legal proceedings and I can see why one may want to do that, still I found it to be enlightning. It has definitely made me wonder how many of the hateful things attributed to Morrissey were actually misrepresentations by the press though I am pretty sure he is still no saint.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who has ever held an affinity to Morrissey.

fantastic job

I had a hard time reading this book because of Morrisseys writing style. Thankfully this audio book was very entertaining.

Long-winded gripe session

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would like to hear more about the creation of The Smith's music and the stories that inspired them to write some of their songs.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Don't know.

Have you listened to any of David Morrissey’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. He is very good.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No.

Any additional comments?

I love The Smith's and Morrissey's music and never knew a great deal about the band. I was hoping this would be an informative peek behind the scenes, but disappointingly, it drags on and on against all those who wronged Morrissey. The book is very artistically written, especially the beginning about his childhood. We all know Morrissey to be opinionated and I can allow him his fair share of gripes, but the greater part of the book dwells in negativity. Morrissey was an instrumental player during a great period for music, however, he seems very pessimistic about all that happened to him. Rightfully so? Maybe. I would just like to hear more about the music and songs and less about his legal woes or his rants against those who eat meat.

Prose aka Viva Hate

You can see him saying every phrase and every word. A bit much about the court case...but still great insight.

Brilliantly represents aurally what Mozz wrote .

Layered and detailed. I can't wait to listen again . Without delusions of grandeur, Mozz opens up all the more and reminds us why he is so damn important to us fans and musicians. It also gave me a boost of self confidence during a tough week.

I've listened 4 times already

I can't believe I forgot to rate this incredible book. While disappointed that Morrissey didn't read it the narrator was very close to how I think Moz would've read. Amazing narration & material. While some felt there was too much about the court case I felt I needed a bit more. Regardless, even if you're not a fan of his music you still will be impressed by his writing throughout the entire book. However, I suggest the audiobook because it helps to bring even more of Morrissey to life.

Successfully Captures the Morrissey Persona

Any audio book that runs 77 CHAPTERS deserves a complete review. If you were a Morrissey/Smiths follower in the 80’s you know that this auto-b is spot on. Ok, it’s a biased opinion, but I’m not sure an anti-Moz fan would actually torture themselves by listening to a 70+ chapter book. For the most part, Moz discusses the highs, lows, and real lows of his life. Maybe he is a bit obtuse when it comes to sympathizing with those around him. But anyone who possesses this kind of talent deserves to be a bit “different” yes? Definitely worth a listen.