Quickest Book I ever Read!
|
In a nutshell, this book was fantastic and I felt i could really relate to many of the scenarios and features in this book. I read it in 5 days..really did want to read it all the time!
I like to think that perhaps it came from a similar school to High Fidelity and if you liked that, you will love this!
|
|
Pointless
|
Just as it is never really made clear what it is that Pete's mum wants to get out of this exercise (for herself or for her son) so the book has that same aimless ambling quality.
The writing is engaging enough but I spent most of the time wondering why our 'Virgil' was making the choices he made.
Generally likable but pointless.
|
|
|
A MEMOIR FOR ALL MUSIC LOVERS
|
Although I never have been (nor ever will be) a teenage boy, I loved this book. Cox's tale can make you laugh out loud as he tries to impart wisdom to a surly, mono-syllabic teenager, while evoking memories of what it was like when every aspect of your life was influenced by what bands you listened to.
It doesn't matter what your musical tastes are, this book contains many Universal Truths:
1. If you don't follow the rules of second hand record shop etiquette, you will be ostracized as quickly as an Amish Elder with a nipple ring
2. Anyone who tells you they had a wild and glamourous time hanging out with rock stars at an after show party is probably lying
3. If you busk in tights, you'd better be carrying a broad sword
4. Unless you're a masochist, have the patience of a saint or a complete thug, managing a band is not a good idea
5. You may go in search Syd, but you never really want to find him
6. At some point while looking back on the musical passions of your younger self, you will definitely have a "what was I thinking?" moment
just to name a few.
The author is hugely knowledgeable and passionate about Britain's musical history and genuinely cares about his young student, which makes this a charming and thoroughly enjoyable book.
Read it yourself - you might learn something.
|
|
|
very disappointing...
|
The supposed yawning chasm of a generation gap simply doesn't exist between the average 14 year old and the average 27 year old. It just doesn't ring true, the author getting wistfully nostalgic about Dinosaur Jr, Nirvana and all things 1992. As previously mentioned the author does seem prematurely old. And what sort of person goes to Cambridge to try and actually find Syd? What for? I'm sure he'd be thrilled to exchange pleasantries with a nauseating adolescent and his only marginally less annoying mentor...
Numerous mis-spelt band names also indicate a lack of knowledge on the part of the author and/or the absence of proof-reading.
Overall, very disappointing. Buy Lost In Music, High Fidelity, etc instead.
|
|
|
Pure rock and roll...
|
|
I have to disagree with the review already published. This is a fascinating book, full of amusing anecdotes, rock and roll stories, and some very eccentric characters. "Educating Pete" is a thrilling read and is a must for any aging rocker. I myself am a premature aging rocker, aging only 15. However, the aspects of rock covered here provide a very entertaining read. From the folk antics of Circulus, to the search for Syd Barrett, this book is a thoroughly entertaining read. Recommended to any aging rocker, premature aging rocker, or just any rocker.
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada