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Sava

Very highly rated

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 December 2016

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I haven't read all of this yet but must leave a review - This is an amazing book & very hard to put down.

I was recommended to read this & listen to E & Eels by a huge fan but listened to E albums and first couple of Eels albums before I did as i am ashamed to know I didn't no hardly anything about Mark Everett before (may god shun me for my previous ignorance & bless the soul that introduced me to the workings of Mark)

This is written as if Mark is speaking directly to you in a conversation. Upfront and humbling he offers such an insight into his life - to which he has had his fair share of downs but amazing ups

A must for any E or Eels Fan as it gives you a whole new insight as to when songs were written in his life and when you listen to then you feel the emotional connection even more - I can now say I am a big fan! I can also recommend even if you are not a fan as it's so well written you don't need to know them

A fantastic read even if you are not, just a amazing book, now a personal favourite

RogerMK

Hate autobiographies normally; LOVED this!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 May 2014

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I've only ever read one other autobiography - one of Barack Obama's! I shy away from them on the basis that I expect they'll reflect an overblown sense of self-worth and celebrity but that's the very last criticism that could be levelled at Everett's work (if not Obama's!). As a massive fan of E and his band Eels, I thought I knew something of the tragedy that has often engulfed him but it was just the tip of an iceberg. The raw courage with which he has clearly faced the many tragedies, struggles and disappointments in his life is matched by the raw honesty of the telling of his story. Is it any wonder that he is probably the greatest writer of autobiographical and social commentary songs since Lennon?!

Lumpster

Beautiful, tragic, poignant, triumphant

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 March 2008

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E's bad luck in life is well documented and this book takes a look though his life thus far, specifically focusing on all of the events that have made him perhaps the greatest singer/songwriter of his generation. The book is an amazing piece of writing, tackling some very dark moments in an objective and positive way that stays well clear of the 'depressing' tag. What's more, it's a really easy read - I stormed through it in 2 days and just wanted it to go on and on. You definitely don't need to be a fan of the Eels to appreciate this but if you are, it is the perfect window into the world of a genius who has been through so much but has come of it all fighting and blessed with humour and a very honest sense of perspective. I can't recommend this book enough - enjoy!

Lodestone

The son of the father of the son...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 June 2010

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Interesting family story by E aka Mark Oliver Everett - leader of the cult band The Eels. He tells the story of his tragic family history and of his rather strange relationship with his family. His father died of a heart attack, his sister by suicide and his mother from cancer. Not to mention his cousin and her husband being killed in 9/11.
Wonder if E will win the lottery, as it seems he has had his share of bad luck?
Mark's father, Hugh, was a brilliant mind who proposed the many worlds (aparallel universes) theory.
It is amazing that Mark retains a sense of humour along with his prference for his own company. Brilliantly told story in a very readable format. Well worth a read. Thank you E! Love your music too!!

Chatterbox

Inspiring, honest and incredibly moving

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 March 2010

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Having been introduced to Eels by a good friend, I didn't think much at first but as I listened to their first album a few more times, it started to grow on me and I was delighted to find that E wrote a book about himself and having finished reading it, I am even more delighted that he did!

This is an absolutely honest, unpretentious, deeply moving and sincere story of one man's life that is as sad and inspiring as it is simple and wise at the same time.

I would recommend this to anyone whether they are an Eels fan or not and I am confident that after reading this book, most people would absolutely fall in love with the man and will also learn to count small blessings and take each day as it comes.

Y o Y

For E's a jolly good fellow

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 March 2008

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Had I not been a fan of Mark Oliver Everett I probably would not have read this book. He has an ability in his lyrics so cut past pedantic over-elaboration to get to the heart of issues with great clarity using simple language. This book is similarly filled with pithy descriptions of horrible feelings out of which his unending optimism is revealed. Peculiar as it may seem (and perhaps a little disturbing) I found the final third of the book the least gripping. In this phase he seems have developed a more informed constructive view of the world and his place in it. Understandably he seems more versed in pain and distress. His descriptions are moving and poignant without being mawkish or masochistic.

On a macro level he describes beautifully the effects of absent parents (physically or emotionally) on the development of children. They are too young to lead themselves and get mucked up if their leaders (parents) are too afraid, disinterested, distracted or whatever, to take this responsibility.

This is a treat showing an honest human and constructive person struggling with his (over)sensitivity and insecurity. I genuinely believe that this book should be considered for the English Curriculum in secondary (High) schools as a joint language and Personal Development text. Well done E, the world IS a better place thanks to this book!

Anony - mouse

Superb!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 August 2012

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This is truly a superb book and one of the best autobiographies I've ever read. However, I am not just saying that as I am a longstanding fan of the Eels as I agree with an earlier review who said that you do not need to be a fan to appreciate this book.
But Mr E's brilliant writing leaves you experiencing a roller coaster of emotions as he describes the events which have occurred throughout his interesting and eventful life. Also, if you do happen to be a fan the book helps you to understand where the ideas came from for the Eels' equally superb music.

Jack Roberts

A beautiful insight into a beautiful mind

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 November 2017

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A beautiful insight into a beautiful mind. I hadn't really listened to much Eels prior to reading this, but the liberal insertion of lyrics into the text of this book and the context for where they came from really made me appreciate their music more, and now I am an avid fan.

Top reviews from other countries

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John el Rojo

CUANDO TUS CANCIONES LAS ESCRIBES TÚ MISMO

Reviewed in Spain on 5 June 2019

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El autor, cantante y letrista de Eels. Un buen libro para entender sus discos, su persona y curiosamente, un poquito mejor la vida.
Es como cuando te concentras en oír cada instrumento en una melodía y consigues descomponerla y comprender mejor el trabajo artístico. Insisto, UN BUEN LIBRO.

Rocker

Ein Lesevergnügen

Reviewed in Germany on 10 February 2009

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der besonderen Art stellt dieses Buch dar. Vor kurzem habe ich mich erst an die englische Originalfassung getraut und bin sofort süchtig geworden. Die Art und Weise, wie Mark Oliver Everett sein Leben beschreibt, ist im höchsten Maße unterhaltsam. Der Autor trägt sein eigenes Schicksal in dieser Autobiographie mit so trockenem Humor vor, dass selbst die schrecklichsten Dinge dem Leser nicht so schrecklich vorkommen, wie sie vermutlich waren und auch die peinlichsten Ausraster seiner Teenagerjahre werden mit einer deftigen Prise Selbstironie gewürzt, dass dem Leser das Lachen auch schon mal im Halse stecken bleiben kann. Die Erlebnisse des Mr. "E" werden dabei aber auch ohne jeglichen Pathos in einem einfach unbeschreiblich unnachahmlichen Schreibstil erzählt. Dem Autor ist viel Übles in seinem Leben widerfahren, aber er war auch selber kein Kind von Traurigkeit, wie man in den ersten Kapiteln über Kindheit und Schulzeit erfahren kann. Dabei bedient sich der Autor einer so einnehmend bildhaften Sprache, dass man sich tatsächlich vorkommen kann, als wäre man bei den beschriebenen Ereignissen mit anwesend. Ein fantastisches Buch, nicht nur für Fans der Musik von Mark Oliver Everett und seinen "EELS". Dabei erscheint fast unglaublich, dass der Autor - wie er selbst anführt - erst von einem langjährigen Freund sehr lange dazu gedrängt werden musste, sein Leben in Buchform zu Papier zu bringen. Das Ergebnis dieses Drängens lässt mich zum einen bisweilen daran zweifeln und zum zweiten schwanken, wem man letztendlich mehr dankbar sein sollte: dem "Drängler" für seine Hartnäckigkeit oder dem Verfasser dieses Werkes für die Umsetzung. Wer vor dem Original in englischer Sprache zurückschreckt, der kann sich ab Ende März 2009 mit der deutschsprachigen Übersetzung behelfen, in der Hoffnung, dass die Übersetzung den spröden Charme des Originals auch transportieren kann. Ich werde es mir wahrscheinlich nicht nehmen lassen, in die deutsche Übersetzung zumindest mal reinzuschauen. Und sei es, um mir nur den Vergleich zu ermöglichen.

Dan

Excelente

Reviewed in Mexico on 13 June 2019

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Es un libro excelente detallando las tragicas experiencias de vida de uno de mis artistas favoritos, definitivamente es indispensable el leerlo para cualquier fan de Eels.
El libro llego en tiempo y forma, todo perfecto.

Eagleheimer

Eines der besten Bücher, das ich je gelesen habe

Reviewed in Germany on 25 June 2011

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Ich lese ja ständig irgendwelche Musiker-Biographien, aber die war schon besonders gut, und auch für einen non-native speaker sehr leserlich. Bei all den anderen haben immer irgendwelche neunmalklugen Journalisten mitgemischt, die ständig Wörter benutzen, die wahrscheinlich nicht einmal Tony Blair kennt, aber die kann man echt lesen.
Es ist alles dabei, Action, Gaudi, Remmidemmi, Chaos, Psychokrisen, Wahnsinn, tätliche Angriffe von Schizophrenen und Schulrektoren, Alk + Drogen, saulustige Anekdoten und z.T. auch rührende Momente. Man erfährt alles über E's Familie und sein Leben, vieles über seine Platten und Lieder, er bringt es echt sympathisch rüber und ohne große Selbstbeweiräucherung und Angeberei wie viele andere. Und er weiß, welche Geschichten lustig sind und welche nicht. Also das Buch ist der absolute Burner.

Diego

Sincero, semplice, profondo, stimolante

Reviewed in Italy on 6 September 2018

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La discografia di Mark Everett parla da sola, ma per un ascoltatore affezionato questa autobiografia è forse il modo migliore di passare a una compresione quasi totale della musica, della visione e delle emozioni dell’artista.

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