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Summary: Not Just For Beatles Fanatics
Review: A great, fun, well written book. You do not have to be a crazed Beatles fan to enjoy this one. I purchased this for a loved one who grew up listening to the Beatles, and we spent hours sitting on the couch, reminiscing about Beatles songs and reading aloud the stories behind them. The stories were so fun, that I ended up buying another copy and giving it to another friend (who also spent hours happily reading the tales). I would recommend tracking down your old records (or new CDs), curling up on your couch and listen to the music while you read this book. It's a great way to spend an afternoon.
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Summary: The truth about Beatlesongs
Review: Beware, this is not a high-brow re-evaluation such as Revolution In The Head. Instead, Steve Turner has written an entertaining, humorous and well-informed lowdown on all self-penned Beatle songs. The narrative is of the sort you might find a kindly hippie-uncle giving his wet-behind-the-ears nephew when asked, "so who were those Beatle guys?' We get to hear plenty from Paul who's clear memory of how and why the songs were written sometimes clashes with what John or George had to say. These two are sometimes quite dismissive about the songs whereas Paul seems far more even about it all.
Light is thrown on the old chestnuts; Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, Helter Skelter, Lucy etc. Charles Manson's ravings are included. Boy, he could see apocalypse on a blank page.
The book mirrors the way the guys honed their songwriting skills and matured from the lightweight fun of the early songs into depth and genuine insight from Rubber Soul on.
In conclusion, Mr Taylor has joined the pantheon of great Beatles chroniclers, Hunter Davies, Philip Norman and Ian MacDonald and produced an utterly glorious 'let me take you back...'
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Summary: THIS BOOK IS VERY GEAR!!!
Review: First of all, when I saw this book in the bookstore, I thought, "Cool! A book all about how the songs were written!" And, being a songwriter myself, I just knew I HAD to have it! I haven't even read the whole thing yet, and I already know it's the definitive book on the work of the Beatles' songs! Things in the book, like the people who inspired the songs, are cool to find out. It's great to know that ordinary people can inspire extraordinary vision! This is definately a fun book to read! I know I'll keep opening it up from time to time! I hope you like it as much as I did! BTW, feel free to e-mail me and chat about the Beatles! My ICQ # is 2564071.
Rating:
Summary: buy it
Review: have you ever wondered how the beatles got the inspiration for their greatest works .steve turner has written a book that tells you . among other things he actually finds the little girl (now grown up ) who was the inspiration for julian lennon's painting that in turn gave cause for his dad to compose "lucy in the sky with diamonds"
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Summary: Without a Doubt My Favorite Beatles Book!!...
Review: I have read most of the books on the Beatles and this one is my favorite. It has great photos, is easy to read, and tells the story of the Beatles through each of their songs. I especially liked the update with "Free As a Bird" and "Real Love," from the Anthology. This is a great gift for any real Beatle fan. There is more packed into this 224 page book than you could ever imagine. This book is a true joy!!!... You got to get this one!!!
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Summary: Excellent Guide to the Best
Review: I just got this book (on sale) and wasn't quite sure what to make of it at first. After reading for a little while, I found that I had wasted an hour-and-a-half just skimming through some of my favorite songs. It's excellent, well written and illustrated and pure Beatles.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: I learned a lot of things from A Hard Day's Write. It was really interesting, and can be used as a reading or reference book. I frequently use it to look up songs as I am listening to them. There were so many facts that I had no idea of that were clearly explained in this. Even if you only like the Beatles a little bit, this is a great book to have!
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Summary: Bananas
Review: I love bananas and geese. This book didn't really feature either, so I was forced to hit it with a 9000 ton hock of ham for six hours. Then I took a quick break and resumed hitting it for about another eighteen hours. I must say it was a highly enjoyable book to hit with a 9000 ton ham hock and would strongly recommend it to other irrationally violent escaped mental patients banana banana so in summation I would have to goose say that next time I do up my fly in a hurry I'll make sure my banana banana isn't hanging geese out, or I'll be in for more sliced ham goose banana. Thank you kindly, The Walrus
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Summary: Learn To Really Listen To The Song
Review: I received this book as a Christmas gift three years ago and am still referring to it constantly. As a die-hard Beatles fan, I not only want to enjoy the music, but I also want to know why the songs were written - who, what, where was the inspiration? Real music fans know that lyrics are the key to an artist's soul. In this book you'll find out what really happens at the end of "Norwegian Wood", who Doctor Robert really was, and where the term Helter Skelter came from. You won't be able to put this down!
Rating: 
Summary: What a shame...
Review: I was extremely disappointed with this book. I couldn't even believe how biased towards Paul McCartney it was! On many of John Lennon's songs, there is either no more than a paragraph written about it, or it says how Paul was really the "innovator" but "John got the credit for the innovation". It was completely ridiculous. I agree with the reviewer who said this book was another attempt of Paul McCartney's to re-write Beatles history, what with the author trying to portray John as a lesser talent via snide little remarks scattered throughout the book.
Even if this book was completely neutral, I would have disliked it, because it doesn't always cite the inspirations for the songs, or explain the influences for writing them. It mainly explains what the song is about, which is a waste considering all you would have to do is read the lyrics of the song.
To fans who are interested in the real history of The Beatles' songs, hit the Internet. Of course a lot of the information is only speculation, but that's better than what you'll get from this book.
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