Rating: Summary: A Fascinating Glimpse Behind The Public Image Review: I read this book over three days, but only because I didn't want to see it end! It's a "can't put it down" book for fans, definately a MUST READ for those who love, or even just like, Marilyn Manson. The first half of the book shows us his childhood and adolescence, and all the funny, humiliating things that happened to him. Everything from his hilarious attempts to find girlfriends, to dealing bad skin, to funny pictures of him decked out in full "rocker" regalia. He's not shy about admitting what a loser he was. The second half of the book deals with his move to Florida, the forming of the band, and the ensuing difficulties, success, and MORE difficulties as they became famous. This is NOT a fact-finding mission, however. This is Manson's version of the way thing's happened. He slags on a lot people, doesn't give credit where clearly credit is due, doesn't talk about stuff that we, as fans, wish he would..It's not the PERFECT Manson book in that regard. BUT it IS the perfect Manson book in that you get plenty of great, great stories--Stories that you will not soon forget! You get a full picture of the person, not just the image. Be prepared to think of him as a flawed individual if you're one of those fans who have him on a pedastal--This book exposes him as person with an ego, problems, and quirks, just like the rest of us. BUY THIS TODAY!
Rating: Summary: Not a Fan of the Band, but a Fan of This Book Review: The best thing about this book is that with very minimal knowledge of who the band, Marilyn Manson is, you can appreciate and fully enjoy the book.Manson gives a very candid look into his life, starting from his childhood and continuing to his music career. This includes disturbing stories from his grandfather's basement, his awkward teen years and his response to all the rumors circulating the goings-on at his concerts. This is a very fast and enjoyable, yet disturbing read. One may not think this book is true because of how outlandish some of the stories may seem. But when Manson presents them, showing his weaknesses and describing very embarassing moments, this shows his truthfulness. It is shocking, but that is to be expected, coming out of Marilyn Manson. I enjoyed the book and have read it several times. Be prepared to encounter some gross scenes and schocking tales, but also be prepared to read an excellent autobiography by a very talented writer. You may not be a fan of his band or music, but after reading this book, you'll see a whole different side to Manson, a more human than freak show side.
Rating: Summary: Masterpiece Review: This book was a fascinating and definitely worthwhile look into the eyes of America's monster, Mr. Brian Warner. It took me only a day to read, because I could not put it down, and I am in the course of reading it a 3rd time now. Brian, or as you most know him by, Marilyn Manson, had one messed up childhood, and it really makes you see exactly why he puts a lot of his messages in music. He even explains a lot of personal things about his album AntiChrist Superstar that most people never knew, and for me, that makes the album all the better and in depth. Its packed with dozens of photos and even some drawings by Manson himself, and it has 14 full color pages of Manson pictures in the middle if you just cant get enough of him. Some highlights of the book are Manson getting kidnapped by Trent Reznor of NIN, Manson's 'rules' about drugs, cheating, and homosexuality, pages of affidavits regarding the horrible things that supposedly happened at his concerts (but of course didn't)stories and poems Manson sent into a magazine to be published, and an explination of that whispering noise at the beginning of the song 'tourniquet.' The only problem I had with this book is it didn't seem personal enough. It was based more factually than it was emotionally for Manson, which is something I wasn't hoping for, seeing as how we all know he always has something intelligent or artistic to say about the world. But little does he go into his theories or his views throughout the book. And i wish he would have written this book later, so he could have talked about the things that happened after he wrote this, such as his album Mechanical Animals or Holy Wood. But still, its fantastic.
Rating: Summary: Sweet Readings are made of this... Review: Mr.Manson's auto-bio was excellent. I must say that wether you like him or hate him, this book is an great choice. It keeps you reading, not releasing the book from your sight, for about the first half of the book. His childhood years keep you watching...reading...But you really hafta be a big fan of the band to keep interested in the rest, telling of the band's history and tours/shows throughout the years. Of course, if you hate him, you may still be interested in hearing about the tacky riots and pickets that took place outside of his shows, where dry-mouthed christians carried around signs and marched, yelling, in a circle. The book was overall genious. I especially took to heart the chapter about Mr.Manson's true religion that cleared up some nastly lil rumors and the chapter that revealed some of his own writings, including stories and poetry from the earlier days. I highly reccomend this book to anyone that has heard of Mr.Marilyn Manson and company. It's! ! a great source of facts and fun.
Rating: Summary: An Amazing Book, this is one a page turner Review: When I first heard about this book, I have to admit, I was intrigued to know what a man like Mr. Manson would write, let alone whether or not he could actually get it published (there are some really sick accounts in here y'all). I first read "The Long Hard Road Out of Hell" in the Spring of '98, and I could not put it down! For those who may not know, Marilyn Manson (formerly known as Brian Warner) was born and raised in Canton, Ohio, and attended a very strict Christian school, where the teachers used to play metal records and suggest subliminal messages. The kids were told that if they listened to rock music they would go to hell. Of course, our hero would buy the records and sell copies of them at school to his classmates, getting suspended from school, and ridiculed by the other kids for being different... This book conveys that message very well, (Be Yourself, don't let anyone tell you how to live your life) it shows how even a mega rock star can have a normal upbringing, and it gives great examples of what not to do. In summation, read this book if you are a fan of the Reverend's, or you are just looking for a great read. Just a warning: This book is not for the faint of heart!
Rating: Summary: This man knows his Hell Review: You wouldn't think a middle aged Southern conservative housewife like me would be caught dead reading something like this. The cover alone should scare me away. And the first word of the first chapter is one I wasn't allowed to say as a child. But with that first word Manson reveals immediately what his entire book portrays - Hell. The story mates his life with Dante's Inferno; even the chapters are structured as the divisions and circles of Dante's hell. This was a stroke of genius and makes for a fascinating read. Manson's life parallels Dante's journey through hell, and, like in the Inferno, it begins with pain and steadily becomes much worse. In the Inferno however, the protagonist with whom we identify is Dante, who is not one of the punished. We must guess at the psychic torment of the damned through Dante's conversations with them. Manson takes us on the same journey but as one of the condemned. He takes us inside his head to see firsthand the progressive blackening and relentless decay of his soul. But that is only one of the many levels on which this book operates. It is also the story of a man's struggle to come to terms with his own nature when that nature is something the world perceives as evil and he suspects they may be right. He has amazing self awareness, and the rare ability to articulate his inner battles in powerful, captivating ways. The book is riveting, for he is laying bare his soul for all to see, and he knows it is ugly. But by the end of the book, after he has sunk to the dark bottom of the pit, there is a glimmer of hope. He gains the sense that there may be some beauty hidden under all the self-loathing and screw ups that are his existence. Like Dante, Manson finally confronts Satan himself, and discovers the exit from hell. But if you are not up to all this psychological and metaphysical stuff, you can just enjoy the book on its surface. Wicked, outrageous, and at times hilarious, it is fast paced and full of action, but not for the prudish or squeamish. Be prepared for something that is probably worse than triple X and is quite disturbing. I have never heard Marilyn Manson's music and I'm not real sure I want to, as "heavy metal" just isn't my thing, but I stumbled upon this book quite by accident and must say it is one of the most entertaining reads I've ever had. I highly recommend it for anyone who has an interest in infernal literature, typically written by the righteous, as this is an equally compelling point of view from the debased sinner. The violence and shock rivals John Bunyan, but from the opposite side!
Rating: Summary: Fun and easy to read autobiography. Review: I've always respected Marilyn Manson for numerous reasons that may not make much sense to list here. I think this book of course is a better resource for personal information on him because it's straight from the horse's mouth. I do however believe some of it's details are likely fabricated and likely in place to support the emotional curves that create a personality that is so popularity withheld as skewed. Mr. Manson can not after all appear wholly normal he'd lose his fan base. Manson is one of the few real rock n' roll acts to gain popularity out of recent times. This is simply because his behavior and lyrics push so many buttons with the general public. I am one of those people that believes if rock n' roll is done "right" it really is the devil's music. I'd have to say Manson is a bit of a rock n' roll traditionalist more than he is some religious deconstructor. This is a fun read, especially for younger readers that can relate to many of the problems Warner experienced in adolescence. While most parents don't want Manson as a role model and as such will try to keep this book far from their children I think this is a bit unfair. Manson has always seemed the type that would encourage people to act in their own manner and not like himself. He's far from a role model and I think attempts to keep himself intentially so.
Rating: Summary: Well, it was pretty damn good i think, but thats me. Review: well i'm going to have to say that after reading this book i have a new found respect for Mr. Manson. i have always been a fan of his work ever since his first album, but now i feel as if theres a stronger connection between his work and myself. The book was wonderful i believe. True it was a bit short and had a tad bit of a slow start. But its life.. its going to start off slow, and its going to be short since hes so young. The book was a compleat page turner.. I finished it in no time at all. Completely entranced and wanting for more. Weather or not your a fan of Mr. Manson's music is irrelevant, you should read this book. it gives a new insight as in to who he is, who he was, and "the long hard road out of hell" that has made him one of the most influential and all around rocking musicians of this decade. You'll follow him from the waist of small town life in florida to his Anti-christ Superstar tour around the world. Filled with humor and drama this book offers a good mix of what a biography should have. As a bonus through out the book You'll see some of Mr Manson's early poems and short stories. theres a tour journal from the Anti-Christ tour and he clears up some of the more famous rooms that helped get him to the top. Well written with some fair to beautiful photograph laced within its darkend pages. Id say this is a must read for any Manson fan and if you despise him its a good read so you can hate him all the more, and if your curios read it as well (take note to the above mentioned plus points) So go, rush to the stores, buy multiple copes of the book. They make excellent stocking stuffers for the kiddies and wonderful reading material for anyone with an intellect and a slight need for the dark. Now, if your a Manson hater. go buy even more coppies of the book than a lover! they make nice burning material and make funny color smoke for the kids to! available in blue black red and green. Now i've said my piece and i'm going to be on my way now. Sorry for taking up so much space i get a grade at school for this :-) So please.. forgive me.. You'll understand. the more words the more of a grade. Am i wasting space, no, i'm done now. Thank you for your time. I love you. I love you all *picking up roses and blowing kisses* Oh, and get this book.. i loved it :-) If you feel the need to ask any questions feel free to email me and ill answer them as i see fit, and if you just feel ike saying hello.. well, gosh, that would be so gee golly nice. thank you all and goodnight*exit music ala movie style*
Rating: Summary: ShiezZzA Review: Man, you know i started reading this book at my friends house and only read through one chapter. When i got home i automatically ordered this book. I wasn't really a fan of the band but Manson as a person, that dudes great, and disgustingly intelligent.Deffinitely worth getting, it's just his life up to a certain point
Rating: Summary: vile, true, dirty.....I LOVE IT!!!!! Review: This is an absolute wonderful book. It's one of those books your can't put down, just wonderful. You do not (as many people dont know) need to be a Manson fan to read this or even to enjoy it. It tells you some of his most private details of his life, and in such great wording. The reason why people would not [like] this book, is because they are judgemental, people look at Manson and assume hes a stupid rocker, they judge him by his image, which is wrong. He is one of the few artists that actually have something to say, and isnt afraid to say it. But back to the book: words cant describe how awesome it is, it tells the story of his chilhood, his fight against [certain] people, how he overcame it and his triumphs. And it comes with some very cool color photos. So i highly encourage ANYONE to buy this book, its art.
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