Considering this book is a biography, this review is going to be pretty short so that I can keep it spoiler free for you all, however I wanted to emphasise how utterly wonderful Me is. 5 STARS!
I didn’t know much about Elton John before I read this book, but by the end of it, I knew of his worst and best times and that’s what makes it so wonderful. This book I would describe as raw. It’s honest, forthcoming, but hasn’t had the Hollywood sparkle and shine sprinkled all over it. It’s just Elton’s voice telling you his story, from birth until last year when it was published.
A book that really has to be read to be believed, because if I sat here now telling you some of the outrageous things within, you may not believe me. Elton John managed to get himself into some proper mischief, and also always managed to get himself out of it as well. The book, whilst being real and honest is all funny. By the end of it, I was wishing Elton was my best friend because I imagine his company is something utterly wonderful to be in.
The vast range of people’s lives you glimpse into because of the book is outstanding as well – I’m not sure I believe there’s anyone who has ever met so many of the people who’s names everyone knows. Elton John knew the likes of Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, John Lennon, Princess Diana and the rest of the British Royal Family. His little tales of them all are wonderful, sometimes hard to believe, and usually heartfelt and funny too.
The other thing about this biography is that it’s actually written really well. It flows nicely from year to year – Elton John had so much going on that there was stuff to tell from every one! The pace doesn’t drag at any points in the books and it’s segmented into three sections with picture pages which also gives good landmarks to aim to read up to. With just over 300 pages, it’s actually relatively short – even though it covers such a vast selection of things – which made it easy to read as well. Once I got into the thick of it, I didn’t want to put it down.
Even though the book has what I am presuming is the typical Elton charm, it also tells the tough truth of alcohol and drug addiction, the horrors and fights of AIDS and HIV, the struggles gay people faced living from the 40’s onwards, and also deals with the tragedy of loss of life for many that was sadly way too soon before their time. So whilst this book comes with trigger warnings, I highly recommend it to everyone to read.
For anyone who is a fan of Elton John’s music, you also get an exclusive glimpse into his musical career. He talks a lot about the songs he made, how he made them, and the musical process. It’s all quite marvellous, and just made me want to sit binge-listening to all his songs – which is quite hard as he has SOO MANY!
This is the kind of book that makes you feel like getting up and dancing, and enjoy being alive so go off and do just that!
As always, if you have read or are going to read this book let me know your thoughts in the comments or over on my instagram!
Evmb Creatives 