Well, it’s been a while. In fact, I haven’t posted here since I did my round up of favorite movie of 2022! I guess it has been a busy year. That is evidenced by the fact that I only read 24 new books last year. However I did get stuck on a new genre. I have become temporarily addicted to the rock ‘n roll memoir of female artists. Last year I read eight books in this genre (and one more by a male artist), covering such artists as Carly Simon, Tracey Thorn, Holly Knight, and Liz Phair. You will see many of these books included in my lists of favorites of the year (I mean, with this genre making up 33% or my reading last year, they’re going to have to show up, right?)
I’m not going to try to do better this year, as it’s February already and I’m only halfway through my second title (both of which have been in that afore-mentioned genre) but I’ll do my best. In the mean time, here are my numbers 15 and 14 favorite books I read in 2023.
#15 – Boys in the Trees: a Memoir, by Carly Simon (2015)
Carly Simon’s life is certainly one filled with fodder for a good memoir. And those familiar with the lyrics to her huge song catalog can probably read between the lines to understand the full, emotional life she has led. From her uniquely interesting childhood, through her difficult coming-of-age and emergence into a incredibly popular performing artist and a celebrity marriage, there’s a lot to focus on. The book is largely divided into two sections, her childhood and coming-of-age, which was focused on family and her emerging sexuality, and her marriage to James Taylor. Family and relationships are certainly the focus of Simon’s writing, with her career as a singer/songwriter an important backdrop.
Simon is a good writer, capturing moments to devastating or glorious effect. She focuses in on small examples of a larger life and peels back layers to expose the flawed humans beneath. Personally I am somewhat perplexed in many of these memoirs I have recently read how major the theme of being with a man was so important to build a fulfilling life. While her fascinating career is ever-present, it seems to be almost a background element to the story she wanted to tell. I would have liked a bit more of that career.
#14 – Chapter and Verse: New Order, Joy Division and Me, by Bernard Sumner (2015)
Here’s my one rock ‘n roll memoir by a male artist. Bernard Sumner tells the story of his life from his childhood in the town of Salford, near Manchester England, through his time with Joy Division and then New Order. I particularly enjoyed the passages about his love of music and creating the sound for New Order… less so the extensive chronicling of their hedonistic lifestyle. He does respond to the horrible things said about him by former bandmate Peter Hook, but more in a reporting way, rather than an attack back.
Sumner has a conversational writing style that makes for easy reading, but he tends to repeat himself, which can get a little tiresome now and then. Overall, a fun read, and illuminating for a casual fan of the music who didn’t know much about his life.