Rating: 
Summary: The Alternative Guide to Life
Review: At the risk of causing offence by comparing this tome to the other "Good Book", I would like to make it clear how good this book is at offering advice on life. Everything from solving societies ills in a practical manner to raising kids in a loving and open environment. One of the books other strengths is its humour; even the non-Zappa nuts who have borrowed this book from me have enjoyed the relaxed and enjoyable writing style. I have read this book so many times now that it is falling apart, and needs to be replaced. It is always the first in the suitcase, come holiday time! One of the most amusing topics in the book is Frank's less than successful inventions. One of which was the idea of somehow digitising music and sending it down the telephone line. So, not only did he invent the gatefold sleeve and the concept album, he also conceived MP3.com over 10 years before it happened! A truly remarkable man whos presence is greatly missed. The other one book that everone should own.
Rating:
Summary: Burnt Weenie Sandwich
Review: Frank Zappa's autobiography, written to "set the record straight." Just a great book. I don't read books, and I read this twice. Although the last few chapters get a bit political, this book belongs in every Zappa fan's library.
Rating:
Summary: Not an autobiography, but quite fun
Review: We get some of everything with this one. It gives us a feel for his personality and speaking style. Italics, underlining, and boldface are used liberally; I could hear his voice as I read. It gives us a nice collection of anecdotes from various stages of Zappa's career, from his high school years up through the orchestral work with the LSO - even a couple of tales from the 1988 'Best Band You Never Heard'. If you like these, you will wish there were more, though. It gives us what has to be the best general description of a composer's work ever ('wiggling air molecules, changing over time'). That chapter alone is worth the cost of the book, if you are at all interested in music or art. We also get the political Zappa, some lyrics, the Zappa home life, and even a bit of What Frank Eats (whatever the kids don't, apparently). The only thing we don't get (and this is why I wish he'd lived another 30 years) is some detailed analysis of his compositions. We get a couple of places where he is discussing musical theory and practice from a technical perspective (chord progressions that cannot occur in doowop, or why jazz drummers are not normally appropriate in a Zappa band), there is no music printed in the book to help the interested reader follow along. Certainly I can't fault the book for this, but, man, it would have been nice if he'd written one like that. If you are a student of music, a budding composer, artist, or just think Frank freaks folks out, this is for you.
Rating:
Summary: I'VE FOUND HIM !
Review: Though I've been a casual but appreciative listener of Zappa for a long time, over the last year I've finally REALIZED the genius. And with the voracious reading of this book, I've discovered that he is my mentor... I'm talking T H E mentor. In the realm of "cutting to the chase", Mr. Zappa was King Machete!
Rating:
Summary: Zappa was a genius
Review: I read this book years ago. Can't wait to read it again. It was hilariously enlightening. I wish he had indeed run for president of the United States. He had my vote! What an interesting election year that would've been! I'm grateful I had the opportunity to see him in concert, a small private setting, on his last tour before he died. It was the best concert I've ever been to. As always, full of pleasant surprizes. The man was a master of music and humor. I still miss him. He was impressive, to say the least. A truly enjoyable book. Whether you're a fan of Zappa or not. Read and enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: the best book out there
Review: THE BOOK IS SO GOOD & I THINK EVERYONE WILL LOVE IT LIKE ME.
Rating:
Summary: very enlightening
Review: i had to read "the real frank zappa book" for school, but it certainly wasnt an inconvience. i grew up on frank zappa, having a father as a zappa nut. so i had an inkling of an idea as to what he was all about. a great look into zappa's life, although my dad tells me there is some controversy as to what is true, even in an autobiography. i suppose it's hard to find a credible source on such a wild guy, eh? but anyhow...an extremely good book. quite a jolly laugh, too...
Rating: 
Summary: Frank Zappa was a blowhard
Review: The only difference between the "wisdom" and "humor" that Frank Zappa and "Red" Auerbach put out is that Auerbach knows that his routine IS a routine. Frank Zappa just knew what he knew. Whoopee!
Rating:
Summary: Just like his music- one of a kind!
Review: This book has it all! It's a bio, it contains dirty rock tour stories, it contains Zappa's own views on a variety of topics, including, but not limited to, family values, guitar playing, drugs, American society, religion, politics and whatnot. For the reader familiar with Zappa's lyrics, you'll feel right at home. It's written in the same manner as his songs, in a personal style so his own that you hear his voice saying the words as you read them. I love it. I've read it five times already and will read it many more. Invaluable.
Rating:
Summary: funny historical political
Review: The Real Frank Zappa Book is great. It captures the humor found in his music, explains some of the concepts that keep popping up, provides a neat look at rock history, and has some scathing commentary about the reality behind the PMRC and rock censorship. Even if you don't listen to his music, read Zappa's book!
| 
