Rating: 
Summary: Kiss me Gene!
Review: Gene Simmons has done such a wonderful job sharing his life history in a condensed and detailed matter. I learned things that I never new about KISS, and I have been a fan since the late 70's. I have a new respect for Mr. Simmons as a person, a band member, and a hero in my book. He shares the truth about the band, the way it was, and I still have the same respect for all four origional members no matter how terrible their past sounds. Bravo Gene, Rock on!
Rating: 
Summary: The Gene Way of Life!
Review: This is Gene Simmons first book and I guess we can expect more of them as he now is 100% focused on putting out as much media/entertainment product as possible. The book basically highlights Gene's upbringing and then being the leader of KISS-- one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Although the book is not an all out tell-it-all-as-it-was, it focuses more on explaining the Gene Simmons way of life be it on music, sex, work ethics and the greatness of America and its opportunities. He gives great personal insights into his family and personal life including all the famous romances and he of course dishes the dirt on Ace & Peter for turning to the weaknesses of drugs and alcohol. A really nice read with great photos that should attract even the non-kiss fanatics!
Rating:
Summary: Great Bio
Review: I thought this was a great tell all book. Not only is it a bio on Gene Simmons, but a short history of the band. I got a good insight and appreciation of how Gene and Paul more than just a rock band, but a business. I do wish it would have been longer with more deatil. A must for any KISS fan.
Now if I can just get it autographed!
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting read, but could have been better
Review: I enjoyed reading the first part of the book, particularly about Gene's childhood, and the early influences in his life. His repetitive and endless use of the phrase "chasing skirt" becomes old rather quickly. He also rails on Ace and Peter endlessly, which is okay with me, because they probably deserve it--after all, they were not doing what was in the best interest of KISS...but when I read about Gene's Hollywood lifestyle and other side endeavors, I couldn't help but question whether Gene was putting KISS first either, so his bashing of Ace and Peter lost some credibility with me. All in all, it's a decent read, but would have been better if Gene hired someone to polish it up a bit.Ironically, when I finished the book, I had more respect and admiration for Paul than anyone else. I hope he will write his own autobiography someday.
Rating:
Summary: Pure and Simple Simmons
Review: A pretty articulate read. Recommended but nothing very special. He essentially insults Peter Criss and Ace Frehley for several hundred pages.
There's nothing here that most mild KISS fans wouldn't already know.
Rating:
Summary: Could have been much better
Review: The book pales in comparison to gDirt,hby Motley Crue. Nevertheless it is interesting esp. when Simmons describes his early years as an immigrant and his aspirations to become a rock star. However, the story is weighted by fluff not only in content but by book outlay as well. The best kiss books in my opinion are: Kiss and Sell, by the bands one-time business associate and Black Diamond by Dale Sherman. Both books examine the Kiss years with more in-depth. Over-all I found the book a disappointment but than again I had high expectations from the author.
Rating:
Summary: Woah.....Mr. Simmons reveals it all
Review: I've always known the truth about KISS and what they are really about and that they aren't all wonderful superheroes, but this book really revealed more than I could have thought about. I knew Ace was a jerk in real life, but not THAT much of a jerk. The photo of him and...hehe....was too comical...hahaha.......oh boy. Great book, great story, only flaw is Gene makes it look like he's the good guy - when he had his own problems. Come one, Asylum and Animalize? I liked those albums, but honestly, where was he? In Hollywood. Nevertheless I love KISS and will always love KISS, despite their endless problems.
Rating:
Summary: Decent book, but ...
Review: Gene Simmons' autobiography certainly pulls no punches. He is brutally and brazenly honest about his humble Jewish upbringing, constant lust, lack of talent as a bass player, eschewment of marriage and drive to make as much money as possible. I enjoyed many of the anecdotes and photos scattered throughout the book, particularly the details about the beginning and end of Wicked Lester and the birth of Kiss. The writing style is fine, it makes the book an easy, quick read. And while I thoroughly enjoyed the first half, I was very disappointed and at times even angry at Gene's decision to constantly hurl insults at Ace Frehley, Peter Criss, and Vinnie Vincent. He seemingly refuses to pass on an opportunity to slam those who were pivotal in the band's success. The unending insults were as laborious to wade through as they were unnecessary. If they are so awful musically, drugged-out and incompetent, why rehire them for Unplugged? For Psycho Circus? For the Reunion and Farewell tours? As a lifelong fan of the band, I really didn't want to read page after page of Gene turning the gun on his bandmates, and I would have hoped one of the people whom I admire most would have had much more to say in a 250-page book about one of the greatest, most prolific bands ever and his role in it. Two other criticisms - there is very, very little in the book about the music itself. Everything's about the groupies, the stage show, the merchandising, the bickering, living in L.A. and New York, and his time with Cher and Diana Ross. There's virtually nothing about the inspiration for or genesis of their songs. The knock on Kiss has always been the music is simple, lacks substance and is simply not very good. The book only reinforces that. What was going through his mind when he wrote "Deuce"? I have to buy the $175 box set to find out! Lastly, Gene goes on endlessly about all the merchandizing, at one point mentioning the SPIN Magazine covers before the Reunion tour and how it was his idea to print four different versions, one with a picture of each bandmember. He suggest this to Bob Guccione Jr. because "The KISS fans will want to buy all four of them." Geez Gene, thanks for pimping out your fans so you can get some free advertising from a magazine! Create new and interesting music we'd want to buy, not marketing gimmics designed at prying more money out of our pockets!
Rating:
Summary: Great insight into KISS
Review: Don't believe the low ratings...this is a glimpse into the minds behind KISS. These guys knew exactly what they wanted and they did not stop until they got it. I was seven years old in 1975 when I first heard about KISS and they scared me to death. A few years later, I could not get enough of them. They inspired me to pick up the guitar and I have never put it down since. Great book...get it...
Rating:
Summary: KISS RULZ!!!!!
Review: I bought this book when it came out. I like it
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