colwellallison's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
"Do you write to gain or lose your identity?"
"Possibly to understand it. I don’t think either to lose or gain."
David Bowie: The Last Interview and Other Conversations is a collection of interviews from throughout his life, beginning with the first one he gave in 1964 at age 16, to the last one he gave in 2006.
While this book didn't leave me with any overwhelming feelings, I found it very entertaining and fun. To see his views of himself and the world around him change throughout the interviews is really interesting. No doubt some of his earlier interviews are all-together kooky, but you can see as he ages how much more insightful he became. Its a good summation of the character we know to be David Bowie.
I did especially enjoy the interview with his wife, Iman, as well as the one with Alexander McQueen.
"Possibly to understand it. I don’t think either to lose or gain."
David Bowie: The Last Interview and Other Conversations is a collection of interviews from throughout his life, beginning with the first one he gave in 1964 at age 16, to the last one he gave in 2006.
While this book didn't leave me with any overwhelming feelings, I found it very entertaining and fun. To see his views of himself and the world around him change throughout the interviews is really interesting. No doubt some of his earlier interviews are all-together kooky, but you can see as he ages how much more insightful he became. Its a good summation of the character we know to be David Bowie.
I did especially enjoy the interview with his wife, Iman, as well as the one with Alexander McQueen.
oceanwalk's review
3.0
While this book is NOT a comprehensive take on Bowie's interviews, it does offer a smattering throughout his life. The subjects range from music to movies, fashion to feminism. Many of the interviews selected are two-way conversations between Bowie and another artist. Plus, these seem to be more difficult to find than the average Rolling Stone profile. A quick read for Bowie fans.
theomnivorescientist's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
3.75
Remembering Bowie this January. I can say I have felt more close to him after his death in 2016 than when he was alive. Though aware of his Ziggy, Aladdin Sane persona and his songs for years it was not until I read his reading habits and top 100 books through Brainpickings. You can also find them on his website. There is even a Bowie Book Club with a podcast. I think it's great for modern readers to discover the joy this legend got from being a voracious reader. This collection of interviews from the 60s when Bowie was David Jones (he later changed his name inspired by the 'bowie' knife no less) to the latest interviews is a look into the feverish mind of a man who never stood still. From his Brixton days to discovering his passion for music as a kid, we visit Bowie's lyrical inspiration from Britain's political state, his ideas about putting a song as a visual medium on stage, and his delightful conversations with William Burroughs, Ricky Gervais, and my favourite Alexander McQueen. While reading this I saw several Bowie interview videos. His post-LA-cocaine-age Berlin years were some of his most productive and stimulating. Heroes is a song from that era. A song which was heard from both sides of the Berlin Wall in 1987. Music transcends borders. It always has, it always will. Highly recommend these videos with this book. He was bizarre and beautiful. The book leaves you craving for more conversations.
leighwright's review
4.0
I always enjoy reading interviews with David Bowie - it's nice to read what he actually said rather than just what other people have said about him. A short but sweet read: 4 stars to my first book of 2017. Bowie forever!
aasplund's review
3.0
I'm a HUGE Bowie fan and this is now the 3rd book I've read on him. I didn't have incredibly high expectations, as this was a collection of interviews (a few of which Bowie conducted), but I was pleasantly surprised. There are several stories and connections related that weren't mentioned in other books I've read about him. The best part, though, was getting a feel for who David Bowie was and how he interacted with those around him and with the world in general. The most interesting feeling I caught was that Daivd's eyes were bigger than his stomach - creatively speaking. He was always planning his next several projects and was overflowing with ideas and thoughts and half-written plays. We're definitely missing out on many of his half-planned and half-finished projects.
While those who aren't big Bowie fans probably won't be all that interested in this, I'd recommend this to anyone. Bowie was a creative genius and a very thoughtful man and we could all use a few more of those in our lives.
While those who aren't big Bowie fans probably won't be all that interested in this, I'd recommend this to anyone. Bowie was a creative genius and a very thoughtful man and we could all use a few more of those in our lives.
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