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DanV
4.0 out of 5 starsGood read. I learned a lot about Chuck Berry's ...
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2015
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Good read. I learned a lot about Chuck Berry's life and times. I thought the bio was a bit sanitized, touching on some of the darker experiences in Mr. Berry's life without going into a lot of detail. But I did get a sense of how hard it was for a talented black musician to succeed in the white-dominated music industry. Finished the book in one sitting, and left wanting more. Still, a good introduction, and recommended.
4.0 out of 5 stars"Five most important things in life,health is first,education or knowledge is second,and wealth is third. I forgot the other two
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2014
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"The puzzling contradiction that is Chuck Berry - the business genius and self-destructive financial felon, the dazzling songwriter and the dispassionate workman, the seductive "youth whisperer" and the defiant, stand-offish recluse-has not been solved..." I really liked this book about the St. Louis Icon for numerous reasons but most importantly for the interesting life Chuck has lead. I was not formerly aware of the multitude of professions he was involved in including studying to become a hairdresser, boxer, working in the construction business, janitor, part-time photographer, assembly worker, and amusement park owner. Apparently this fellow was big time in the 50s thru the 70s considering his song track "Johnny B. Goode" was sent out into space on the Voyager spacecraft, having toured with Buddy Holly & the Everly Brothers as well as having his music covered by the Beach Boys and the Beatles, and even performing for presidents at the White House. Lots of humorous incidents were included such as his passion for buying a Cadillac once a month for a spell, wanting to play only near Indian restaurants for the longest time, and having punched Keith Richards in the face and him replying, "That's one of Chuck's biggest hits, baby." It's really too bad he ran afoul of the law numerous times, but still a most entertaining book that I would recommend for learning about the man's life. RIP 3/18/2017
1.0 out of 5 stars99 should have alerted me to a disappointment. This "paper" edition is sad in every category
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2017
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While you "can't tell a book by it's cove" the price of $6.99 should have alerted me to a disappointment. This "paper" edition is sad in every category. The thin cereal box paper it is printed on is done with a size 4 font. You need a magnifier to read it. Be aware when you see the words "digital print" format, as this product would have been better served if I printed it off my printer at home. It scooped up a few dozen known facts and calls itself a book. Wrong!
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2014
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Who would have thought that he was the start to it all. I really did not know that much about the man and I came away with a respect that he fully earned. An amazing man with a song or an instrument he was the first in a long line of men in the music business. Amazing read!
It felt like this writer only knew OF Chuck Berry, much like me. He may have read the tabloids and music rags about the him and maybe spoke to other groupies. There was no meat in his tale. Definitely a story written from the outside looking in.
1.0 out of 5 starsDo not waste your money on this.........
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 30, 2015
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This book is ridiculous - it is cheap enough, but still a painfully short potted bio of Berry, without a single new insight. In fact it is at best a paraphrase of stuff long widely available - it may even be cut-and-pasted, but I haven't had the patience to check. Just avoid and go for immeasurably better books by Fred Rothwell, John Collis, Bruce Pegg - even Berry himself....all still widely available in Amazon.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 16, 2015
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I was disappointed in this book it seemed to wander all over the place. Lots of misinformation and mistakes. Have been a fan of Chuck's since the fifties and Beeb involved with one of his 60's fan clubs I cannot recommend this book
2.0 out of 5 starsIt's very sad as Chuck Berry is one (if not the) rock ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 16, 2015
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Not well written. It's very sad as Chuck Berry is one (if not the) rock n' roll legend of all time. I am sure there are better books out there. Disappointed..
5.0 out of 5 starsI recommend this book for all rock-n-roll fans
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 24, 2014
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I do not, as a matter of policy, giv a five star rating to most things. Chuck Berry is an exception being so important in his place in music history. So many have picked up a guitar and tried to emulate his stag presence in their bedrooms listening to his music. I recommend this book for all rock-n-roll fans.