Rating: 
Summary: File under 'fiction'
Review: I give this 'biography' a star partly because it's well-written and dramatic fictional piece....Nah.. I take that back. There is no option to give this NO stars, otherwise I would have.I quite admire Cross's ability to recall, in order, the actions taken by Kurt on the morning of his suicide. It's captivating. If you're not paying too much attention, you don't realise that, in order for Cross to be able to describe what Kurt did and what he felt at the time, he would have to have been there, not only watching, but talking to Kurt at the time. There are more examples of this that I could describe, but there's no point in me doing that: all you have to do is pick up a copy in a bookstore and read for yourself. It happens the whole way through. *sigh* It's such a terrible shame that this has been lapped up by so many people as 'the definitive' Kurt Cobain biography. Clearly, it is not. It's semi-truthful, and it completely relies on Cross's story-telling combined with questionable 'research' (most of which consists of interviews done with Courtney Love, a 'woman' renowned for saying the things that suit her and are most advantageous to her at the time). I reviewed this once before, and I don't think it got posted possibly because it came across as a rant from a person who strongly believed that Kurt had been murdered. I'm not saying that even if I think it. I just really wish that this had been done properly, that it had been based on more factual evidence, and that it didn't read like a psychological examination of Kurt Cobain. I can see it now. 0 of (however many) found this review helpful. I completely understand. If I read something like this review, I'd also be thinking "What's wrong with this person? Surely, the book cannot be that bad". It's not that it's bad; Cross is obviously a great writer and a talented story-teller. As far as research-skills go, I wouldn't be surprised if this book relied on emails from Ms. Love every now and again. Now come on. This is a biography. The man is dead, cannot hold up his hand and object to romantic little truths-stretched about what happened in his life and what he felt at the time. As a fiction, 5 stars. As a biography, none. If you want to read a cute little book about a rock star who takes loads of drugs and is an absolute parasite on his poor old wife before doing himself in, pick this up. If you want to know Kurt Cobain, look elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: The Real Kurdt
Review: This book was meticulously researched and carefully written. It's one of those amazing truth-is-stranger-than-fiction stories that reveals much of the gritty truth behind the Cobain-created myth of his life. Many of the details of his often times tortured existence are shocking. Yet his life makes much more sense after you learn these details. The Cobain men's family genetics for suicide that haunted Kurt, his awkward coming-of-age sexually, and his lack of a stable home as a child are all described well. His story is very typical in many ways and extraordinary at the same time. Typical in that the experiences of his life are similar to those of many other children of his generation. Extraordinary for the courage and commitment in his artistic vision and the events leading up to his untimely demise. Perhaps it's this mix of averageness and brilliance that captured an entire generation's attention. Identifying with him through his music and life as being just another alienated kid while at the same time demonstrating amazing talent. His story will surely be told for many years to come, and of the 5 books I've read on Cobain/Nirvana this is the best telling of it to date. Come As You Are is also worth reading. The non-suicide conspiracy theories become more and more ridiculous the more you learn about his life. If you read one book on Cobain this is it.
Rating: 
Summary: Not the real deal
Review: I wrote a review of this book a couple years ago, and re-reading it now i find i was way too kind. This book is very misleading,
especially i think to impressionable, young, newer Nirvana fans.
There is a lot of fiction and assuming in this book, a lot of wrongheaded opinions and insight. No one knows how and even if Kurt killed himself. For CC to have an elaborate "version" at the end of this book is just ridiculous. This is Cobain how someone wants us to see him. But not entirely how he really was. Also, why does the author refer to bassist Novoselic as "Krist" through the entire book, when he was "Chris" up until about 1993 when he changed it? This shows sloppy research and ignorance of the group. And the near slanderous assertion that Kurt had infected track marks and sores on his arms, are untrue.
there are photos of him shortsleeved from march of 94 and his arms are clear and normal. Also, i HIGHLY doubt Kurt would share a needle with someone he did not know. He was too aware for this, and too afraid,i would assume , of dying from a disease (since he always talked about blowing his head off). He had no reasons to share. Anyway, this book is entertaining, but take it with a grain of salt, not as fact. This aint the truth teenagers, its one mans version of it. Collect the facts for yourself and do your own research into this great Star, Band, and Man.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: Ive read many books on the life of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana. I have to say that this is one of the best. I couldnt put it down.
However with that said. I refer any future readers/buyers to the post below from Brieann OÇonner (Kurts half sister) Even if it isnt the real Brieann i still think that she has a fair point. People should allow Kurt to rest in peace. Insetead of writing books and making profit off them. Im repulsed by Courtney Love releasing his journals, and the Seattle Police Department for releasing things like incident reports, snapshots and for not re-opening this case and giving Kurt the justice he deserves.
So a final word to Kurts family and loved ones. Keep going strong, take back the Cobain estate and hand anything about Nirvana over to Dave and Krist. Sincerely
An Australian Nirvana Fan.
Rating:
Summary: Very Good
Review: Kurt Cobain was one of the most mysterious muscians to ever hit the Top 40. The way her looked, acted, talked, thought and wrote freaked outt he people who knew him, but somehow managed to capture the minds of the people who didn't. This book tells you about his life from the day he was born up until his mysterious suicide at 27. It shows you his ups and downs, his love and hate for fame, obsession with death and the addiction to drugs that ultimately killed him.
Rating:
Summary: The Ultimate Biography of Rock's Falling Star
Review: Heavier Than Heaven is the only biography of Kurt Cobain I actually was able to finish. Cross wrote a biography that took more research and intimate access to the Cobain estate than ever achieved before. Even more incredible, he didn't idolize Kurt; he didn't throw all the blame on him, or on Courtney. He helped to patch together Cobain's life for thw world without making it more than it was. Simply put, he "untangles the soul of a man" as one critic said. What amazed me most is that this book read like a novel, not a biography. Throughout the whole book, I was on the edge of my seat, praying Kurt could make it through to then end, even though I knew very well how the story would unfold. Near the end, I could not put it down, no matter how hacneyed that saying may be. I had tears in my eyes half the time, and in some parts it was so intense that I had to stop reading to calm myself and get my emotions under control again.
My advise is that you do not waste your time or money or library cards on any other Cobain biography. Heavier Than Heaven is the definitive Kurt Cobain biography, and I would recommend it to anyone, whether they like Kurt Cobain or not. This is a great story, not just a timeline of a celebrity's life.
Rating: 
Summary: A Terrific Read
Review: If you are a fan of Nirvana, then you need to read this book. It shows Kurt Cobain for what he was: a flawed, contradictory soul who wrote some of the most anthemic and passionate songs of all time. Featuring interviews with his bandmates, friends, family and Courtney Love, Charles R. Corss paints an interesting picture of Cobain that most people don't know, that he wanted to be a rock star, but it wasn't what he though it was, that he fabricated parts of his past to be more mysterious, but also of his sad, too short life. This is the best biography of Kurt out, written by a man who obviously loved Nirvana, and if you love Nirvana also, then you need to get this book and read it. An excellent, sad read.
Rating:
Summary: Obviously leaves questions unanswered but still captivating
Review: I truly believe the notion that some people's lives serve as a warning to others. The tragic tale of this amazing artist would, if anything, have to be the strongest case as to why you need to stick around - no matter what.
Obviously any Nirvana fan is going to be interested to find out about Kurts childhood etc but the interesting part starts when Kurt, a classic self doubter, forms a band which he, despite all his apathy, had great expectations for. His approach to the band and music industry, particularly in the early 'Bleach' days is far more business-like and circumpsect than one would expect (didn't we all used to have that romantic idea that Geffen ripped them straight out of a dingy Seattle club into the spotlight).
Most of the revelations in this book add to the intrigue of the guy rather than detract from it, so I think Nirvana and Kurt fans will be pleased in that regard. However there are some aspects to him which are far pettier than you would ever have thought; the worst being his assertion that he had decided to become a junkie. His hero William Burroughs, a life long addict, would have shaken his head in disbelief at that one.
As expected Courtney is glorified in return for the valuable documents and info she provides about her late husband. Even still she somehow comes across in this book as a kniving fraud, though certainly not the sole reason for his downfall.
I particularly enjoyed reading the letters Kurt wrote to friends and press as well as his journal entries, demostrating he had a very quirky but sharp sense of humour.
Another 'if only' tale and a very, very interesting one at that.
Rating:
Summary: Better being dead than married to Courtney
Review: Petty words from the wife. Like reading Monica's book about Bill. There is some truth, but it is so overwhelmed by the sleezy manipulation of Courtney it becomes worthless to read. Other books are far more informative about Kurt. This is trash.
Rating:
Summary: Good Information but supports Courtney Love
Review: In my opinion, this book has good biographical information but has wrong information concerning Kurt's death. Cross talks about Kurt based on information from Courtney Love, a contradictory liar and [woman]. ... Eldon Hoke was offered [money]to kill Kurt Cobain by Courtney Love. There are many inconsistencies and contradictions in the whole case.
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