shauny_32's review against another edition
3.0
I've always appreciated the work of Philip Glass so it was about time I got to know the man better. Turns out he can be quite obnoxious.
There are moments where I cringed at his massive ego and pretentious attitude. He describes his divorce in one paragraph in the entire book mumbling something about pursuing someone else who leaves him anyway.
But thats ok because he has some great stories to tell regarding his adventures throughout India and Nepal and name drops some impressive artists that he has associated himself with. And to be fair, near the end of the book he makes a moving tribute to someone special to him.
He lived in the same neighbourhood in paris for a while as Samuel Beckett and mentions his works. This is someone I have clearly neglected as I have started readinmg one of his works for the first time and have instantly fell in love with it.
So basically, this book is a mixed bag. If you can tolerate some of the self-rightous, ego-thrusting moments, there are many great moments, that are great as a method of reference regarding travel, literature and other artists.
There are moments where I cringed at his massive ego and pretentious attitude. He describes his divorce in one paragraph in the entire book mumbling something about pursuing someone else who leaves him anyway.
But thats ok because he has some great stories to tell regarding his adventures throughout India and Nepal and name drops some impressive artists that he has associated himself with. And to be fair, near the end of the book he makes a moving tribute to someone special to him.
He lived in the same neighbourhood in paris for a while as Samuel Beckett and mentions his works. This is someone I have clearly neglected as I have started readinmg one of his works for the first time and have instantly fell in love with it.
So basically, this book is a mixed bag. If you can tolerate some of the self-rightous, ego-thrusting moments, there are many great moments, that are great as a method of reference regarding travel, literature and other artists.
bkish's review against another edition
4.0
This is an excellent autobiography/memoir by Philip Glass. He has had an extraordinary life is very well connected to creative people. He has composed a lot of music especially operatic and to accompany films. His life also has been very interesting and adventurous
Personally I do not like the man and I cannot explain the rationale from reading his book of his life. I think there is a strong disconnect with him. He is completely his own person doing what he wants when he wants and how and that has been very successful for him. As he said I dont care what people think. He doesnt and that is a gift and a blessing for him not so for others.
I am not familiar with his music and I just reserved from our San francisco public library a cd of his music.
I do recommend reading this book.
Judy
Personally I do not like the man and I cannot explain the rationale from reading his book of his life. I think there is a strong disconnect with him. He is completely his own person doing what he wants when he wants and how and that has been very successful for him. As he said I dont care what people think. He doesnt and that is a gift and a blessing for him not so for others.
I am not familiar with his music and I just reserved from our San francisco public library a cd of his music.
I do recommend reading this book.
Judy
mnemognose's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
alperezq's review
4.0
I usually read memoirs when someone's life is extraordinary or particularly intriguing, I made an exception for this book simply because of how much I love Philip Glass' music and i just wanted to know more about him.
Indeed, in terms of his life story, Glass' is a somewhat simple one, is just the story of someone who loves music and art. The writing is very economic, but surprisingly not boring, and he does manage to be engaging as a writer despite it not being a particularly exciting book.
Two main aspects fo the book are particularly captivating, 1) Glass' description of art life in NY in the 60's makes it sound really cool (while also a bit pretentious and with a bit too much name dropping) and 2) the descriptions of his process as a musician, how he discovers his style, and overall his music philosophy are generally beautiful, despite being technical at points.
It's a good book if you're really into Philip Glass but not a book that would have any appeal for a casual reader.
Music for this book
The Essential - Philip Glass
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Music was no longer a metaphor for the real world somewhere out there. It was becoming the opposite. The 'out there' stuff was the metaphor and the real part was, and is to this day, the music. Night trains can make those things happen. The sounds of daily life were entering me almost unnoticed."
"If you don't know what to do, there's actually a chance of doing something new."
"...music and science have been my great loves. I see scientists as visionaries, as poets."
"If you go to New York City to study music, you'll end up like your uncle Henry, spending your life traveling from city to city and living in hotels."
"He runs after me and we do it again, him pushing and running, me with my feet looking for the ground, and sometime touching the pedals."
Indeed, in terms of his life story, Glass' is a somewhat simple one, is just the story of someone who loves music and art. The writing is very economic, but surprisingly not boring, and he does manage to be engaging as a writer despite it not being a particularly exciting book.
Two main aspects fo the book are particularly captivating, 1) Glass' description of art life in NY in the 60's makes it sound really cool (while also a bit pretentious and with a bit too much name dropping) and 2) the descriptions of his process as a musician, how he discovers his style, and overall his music philosophy are generally beautiful, despite being technical at points.
It's a good book if you're really into Philip Glass but not a book that would have any appeal for a casual reader.
Music for this book
The Essential - Philip Glass
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Music was no longer a metaphor for the real world somewhere out there. It was becoming the opposite. The 'out there' stuff was the metaphor and the real part was, and is to this day, the music. Night trains can make those things happen. The sounds of daily life were entering me almost unnoticed."
"If you don't know what to do, there's actually a chance of doing something new."
"...music and science have been my great loves. I see scientists as visionaries, as poets."
"If you go to New York City to study music, you'll end up like your uncle Henry, spending your life traveling from city to city and living in hotels."
"He runs after me and we do it again, him pushing and running, me with my feet looking for the ground, and sometime touching the pedals."
whitneyborup's review
3.0
I know everyone is just trying their best, but I don’t know if I’ll ever get over my annoyance with white Buddhist celebrities.
clarikatie's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely incredible read. If you're a musician or an aspiring musician, especially if you're a composer, or even if you're none of those things, read this if you want to be inspired and liberated of your notions about fame, art, and life as an artist. Colorful, inspiring, and completely engaging.
m4ryk4te's review against another edition
I love Philip Glass. I really truly do. And it is interesting to hear about his upbringing and his life, but ultimately this book was so dry. My king is incredible at writing music. But books? Ehhhhhhh...
Might give this another try as an audiobook though.
Might give this another try as an audiobook though.