Rating: 
Summary: 5 Reasons why I didn't like the book:
Review: 1- Hertsgaard has nothing new to say2- He repeats himself 3- the majority of what is in here is the author's opinion 4- Very negative view on John Lennon for some reason 5- He isn't an inside source
Rating: 
Summary: It's been done before, and far better.
Review: Contrary to publisher and author hype, this book doesn't add anything to Beatles literature. It is one of several volumes, including "REVOLUTION IN THE HEAD" and "TELL ME WHY" that run through the Beatles' song titles and give the author's views, opinions, and observations about them. Contrary to the book's claims, it is far from definitive; Mark Lewisohn's "COMPLETE BEATLES CHRONICLE" holds that honor, and there are many other books that exceed this one in their value as Beatles histories and sources. The author managed to gain entrance into the Abbey Road tape vaults (as Lewisohn's guest) and heard some of the group's original tapes (Lewisohn, of course, reviewed them all for his book). Those that he discusses here have been readily available on bootleg records for many years in any case. Nor are the author's observations particularly insightful or original. Reading books like this, even Beatles fans are likely to feel overdosed with individual takes on these recordings. Betty Mitchell
Rating: 
Summary: Great book
Review: Great book. Well-written, insightful, documented. Challenges a few widely-held beliefs. Acute musical critique. Shows strengths of the Beatles. Contains several original findings. I will keep it in my bookshelf.
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Summary: A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY BEATLE-FAN
Review: Hertgaard's book is one of the best beatlebooks I've ever read... and I've read quite a few! (ca. 40). It's secret is in the way he handles with facts and just facts, but not forgetting to review some other musical aspects as well, what makes its reading very very easy, yet not simplistic. Very good, and together with LEWISOHN's Complte Chronicle, the best guide to the Beatles.
Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: Hertsgaard has done his research well, and analyzes the music of the Beatles with imagination and depth. All too often have we seen some Beatle songs dismissed as "good music with intelligible lyrics" (Strawberry Fields comes to mind), and Hertsgaard never does this. His analysis of the music is insightful and not overly technical (a serious flaw of some other well written books). My only complaint (and this may be too strong a word for it) is that occasionally he becomes too involved with his subject and his obvious love of Beatle music emerges (not that this is a bad thing, but it does detract from an objective, critical study). All in all, a very good piece of Beatle literature.
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent, if not always objective review of the Beatles.
Review: Hertsgaard has done his research well, and analyzes the music of the Beatles with imagination and depth. All too often have we seen some Beatle songs dismissed as "good music with intelligible lyrics" (Strawberry Fields comes to mind), and Hertsgaard never does this. His analysis of the music is insightful and not overly technical (a serious flaw of some other well written books). My only complaint (and this may be too strong a word for it) is that occasionally he becomes too involved with his subject and his obvious love of Beatle music emerges (not that this is a bad thing, but it does detract from an objective, critical study). All in all, a very good piece of Beatle literature.
Rating:
Summary: A compelling, insightful and well-written account.
Review: Hertsgaard obtained what ardent Beatle fans dream of. He lets us in on what no Beatle fan can accomplish (besides Lewisohn, who, as an employee, is restrained in nuance) : Verbatim accounts of original recording sessions, coupled with his nuanced and informed interpretations of the ORIGINAL SESSION TAPES of a sadly limited number of recording sessions. Will he be rewarded for this fine work with return visits? I cautiously anticipate a sequel. This is The Beatles portrayed as much like us all, their greatness aside. The author seems to care about the subject and the players without veering into worship or condemnation. This is a wonderful, balanced and informative contribution to the already large body of material dedicated to The Beatles. I love the intimate climate of this work. DON'T PASS THIS ONE BY....
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Summary: Wonderful!
Review: I don't agree with the folks who post here and say that this book offers nothing new. Compared to what? What can possibly be new about a band with as much exposure as the Beatles? Instead, I'll explain it for what it is - this book offers an interpretive view of the Beatles studio works through the author's examination of their studio demos and rehearsals. It pulls from those sessions their thought processes, intentions, desires, personalities, etc. If this is what you're interested in, it's a hit!
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Summary: Analysis brings down this would-be great book
Review: I found "A Day in the Life" quite enjoyable. It went into great detail about the songwriting partnership of John and Paul, the drug use, and the making of the Fab Four's albums. However, I thought the author overanalyzed the Beatles music. For example, at the top of one page he was describing how the music wasn't there to be thought about, it was there for one to listen to. Then, at the bottom of the page, he was describing just about every single line in a song. Over all, an enjoyable book, and I definitely recommend it to any Beatles fan.
Rating:
Summary: Analysis brings down this would-be great book
Review: I found "A Day in the Life" quite enjoyable. It went into great detail about the songwriting partnership of John and Paul, the drug use, and the making of the Fab Four's albums. However, I thought the author overanalyzed the Beatles music. For example, at the top of one page he was describing how the music wasn't there to be thought about, it was there for one to listen to. Then, at the bottom of the page, he was describing just about every single line in a song. Over all, an enjoyable book, and I definitely recommend it to any Beatles fan.
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