Rating: 
Summary: Unbelievable genealogy of Mr. Zappa
Review: I spent 20 years of my life in Sicily and I know Sicilian genealogy and nobody in the 20th century had a genealogy like Zappa's (including Zappa). Early in the book he claims his father was of Greek-Arab background but Sicilian by birth. What the hell does that mean? When exactly did Zap's dad's ancestors come from Greece to Sicily? 2500 years ago maybe? Yes 2500 years ago. That's the time the Greeks were colonizing Sicily 750-500BC. And exactly how were Zap's ancestors arabic? What Arab land did they hail from. Syria? Saudia Arabia? Jordan? And when? 1000 years ago or more? By the AD 1000's the Normans had the Muslims of Sicily under Christian control and over the next couple of centuries the Islamic folks were nearly completely expelled frpom the island. Or maybe Zap's father is referring to the Carthaginian occupation of the island (also in the BC era!). And there's more. According to Zappa his ancestors on his mom's side go back to France! Yeah like any French folks would really want to move to that poor starving Sicilian island (or even Naples). He elaborates very little on all this and it looks to me like these are nothing more than totally unsubstantiated family legends containing not a kernel of truth. It appears Zappa's dad was well-educated and knew Sicilian history and in an effort to distance himself from the mafia, in the eyes of Americans around him, created these fanastic stories that he was of recent Greek-Arab origin. And to make the family seem classy claimed his wife was of French origin. Old Mr. Zappa probably feeling that claiming himself to be all three was too farfetched. On another note, I remind you all this book was written by someone else alongside Zappa and the words in it may not be the musician's all the time. Some parts of this book look rather fictional indeed.
Rating: 
Summary: An energetic experience
Review: The only biography on Zappa, authorized by himself, is a truly great book to read. It is crammed with knife-sharp and humorous personal thoughts and comments on various areas. For instance there are quite funny comparisons on the music "industry" of the era belonging to composers of traditional classical music as well as the music industry people living now encounter. Also, Frank Zappa describes his beliefs in different questions, such as religion and governmental policies. He wanted to make it clear that he acccepted that other people may have different opinions than him, but also that he did not accept that people impose their beliefs on others.
Read it, if you want to!!
Rating:
Summary: BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!!
Review: Great Book by a great man. Easy read...funny..insightful. Best Rock & Roll book ever written. Read about his music, friends, family, and his political wars. If you've never heard Zappa buy these CDs: Sheik Yerboti, Joes Garage Acts 1 & 2, Mothers of Invention Live at the Fillmore East 1972, Apostrophe, and Strickly for Commercial for you little guys
Rating:
Summary: A real easy read, with limitless interest
Review: If you are a Zappa fan or not, you must read this book. It is only 14 dollars list price, and If you can't buy it, go to a library and read it. If you read with an open mind, [or even if you don't] it will change the way you look at certain things. A real gateway to logical living. For the music fan, there is PLENTY to keep you busy with, FZ had one of the most unique musical styles of the 20th Century and is viciously underrated. Listen to his less popular stuff and you will know what I mean. For the non music fans (is there such a things?) FZ and MR. Occhiogrosso put toghther a simple logical text that is a must read.
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Summary: Should Be Mandatory Reading For College 101
Review: If you're a Zappa fan, you need this book. If you're not...you still do. This book is a real mind opener.
Rating:
Summary: Know your Zappa!
Review: Working at a library has almost no perks. I shelve the travel section so there isn't much stimulation in the way of brain waves(then again, my job is pretty tedious to begin with). However, one day while wondering through a friend's section I found a gem. I found The Real Frank Zappa Book. When their were breaks in my work, I would grab this book and read it feverously. Even with my increasing respect and love for Zappa's work, I still found this a great book. It packs a sharp wit, biting comentary, and overal, is just a good quick read. The book covers Zappa's origin, his early musical influences, the tough times of M.O.I.(Mothers of Invention), insight as to his musical creation process, and even a indepth look into his battle with the well-known PMRC. The great thing is even with all this retrospect, the man never loses his sense of humor. Sometimes slapstick, sometimes satire, always truthful. Anyone interested in the man that was Zappa, I highly recommend this book. Those who are interested in becoming a musician, I also recomend this book(his musical insight is very inspiring). In fact, I recomend this book to all. Its just a shame he died before his time. Zappa was a true inovator of music. There will never be another Frank Zappa.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read for FZ Fans - but We are Not Groupies!
Review: Frank's recollection of the sixties and his early career will have you laughing out loud. His British problems will have you longing for the next chapter and his political views will make you believe (if already don't know) that FZ was a genius and one of the great thinkers of the 20th century. I wish he had lived long enough to run for political office, because I'm sure he would have. He would have made a great leader. So don't ponder the significance of short-person behavior in pedal-depressed panchromatic resonance and other highly ambient domains, just get the book and enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: SHOULD BE READ IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!
Review: Music appreciation, anecdotes, history...and more! Very funny; Zappa is one of the smartest all-around entertainers ever!
Rating:
Summary: The best book you never read in your life...
Review: This book should be required reading for everyone. You don't even have to be a Zappa fan to enjoy this! The book isn't just a simple autobiography. Frank also gives plenty of his philosophy on politics and religion. This is without a doubt the most entertaining book I have ever read. Reading this book made me love Frank even more!
Rating: 
Summary: A fantastic book!
Review: A real pleasure to pick up and read. Frank's comments will make you laugh non stop most of the time and will really change the way you look at people who play the Bass the the Viola. A great book if you're looking to see inside the mind of a normal guy with a high iq that makes very strange music :)
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