Goodreads Blurb:
Christened Reginald Dwight, he was a shy boy with Buddy Holly glasses who grew up in the London suburb of Pinner and dreamed of becoming a pop star. By the age of twenty-three, he was performing his first gig in America, facing an astonished audience in his bright yellow dungarees, a star-spangled T-shirt and boots with wings. Elton John had arrived and the music world would never be the same again.
In Me Elton also writes powerfully about getting clean and changing his life, about finding love with David Furnish and becoming a father. In a voice that is warm, humble and open, this is Elton on his music and his relationships, his passions and his mistakes. This is a story that will stay with you, by a living legend.
My Thoughts:
In all honesty, I don’t read enough autobiographies. Not that one has to read any at all if it isn’t your thing. However, I do find them interesting, and even entertaining, depending on the person the book is about that is. This was one such occasion. Elton John wasn’t really on my radar as a musician until a couple of years ago now, but his music has become something I listen to quite regularly now. So when I saw he had an autobiography coming out I was instantly interested, especially after watching the bio-pic about him – Rocketman.
I ended up both reading the physical copy I have as well as listening to the audiobook. I’d switch between the two rather than read and listen at the same time, so I would like to go back and listen to the whole book at some point too. The audiobook was narrated both by Elton John himself, as well as Taron Egerton, the actor who portrayed him in the film and I think their narration really enhanced my experience with this book. It was so interesting learning more about his life and his thoughts on his own music and music writing process.
This autobiography was highly entertaining while simultaneously being honest, and heartfelt. I found myself chuckling at some things while feeling emotional the next moment. It never felt dry or stodgy to get through, especially as I am a predominant fiction reader and sometimes find it difficult to stick with any non-fiction.
For any Elton John fans, or for anyone who is just curious for more of an insight into such a vibrant human, this is the autobiography for you. I highly recommend the audiobook for this too, if that is something you enjoy.
Writing(s) by Anna 