Even When it Was Bad...It Was Good

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Summary: How to live a life.
Review: First some full disclosure; I know June Shelley, which is probably a good thing, because otherwise this autobiography of hers would be unbelievable. Like a real life (and female) Zelig or Forrest Gump, she seems to have been everywhere worth being and done everything worth doing. June is one of those rare people who has really led a life of fearless adventure while the rest of us have sat around talking about the adventurous lives we would like to lead. Historical context is key as well, because she started leading this life in the early 1950's when it was far harder for anyone, especially a woman, to live outside the norms of society.

Her story would be remarkable enough just for her early days as a 'starlet' in Hollywood, where she occasionally bumped into the likes of a young James Dean, among others, to her first marriage to the now-legendary Ramblin' Jack Elliot (the guy who taught Bob Dylan everything he knows) with whom she later busked her way across Europe. But this was all just the start, the preamble. Striking out on her own, she later lived and worked in Israel, traveled across Asia, and for a few years in the seventies even found herself living in France and working for the Rolling Stones while they were creating the legendary "Exile on Main Street" album. And even at that point, you're still just about halfway through the book. Adventures in Africa with Don King and Mohammed Ali still lay ahead. I have barely scratched the surface here.

The book itself is straight forward in style, much like the lady herself. It is honest and unsentimental (in a good way), and while maybe it could have benefited with just a little more personal introspection, I think most autobiographies are too introspective, so this is probably a good thing. There are also plenty of pictures, which again helps to remind the reader that this book is NOT a work of fiction, but the story of one woman's amazing and well-lived life. I think this book should be standard reading for young women, so that they can learn about a trailblazer who didn't even know she was blazing a trail, and really it should be read by anyone who needs to be reminded of the incredible possibilities life holds for those willing and brave enough to accept the challenge.

Rating:
Summary: Even When It Was Bad It Was Good
Review: June Shelley's autobiography (volume 1) is sometimes gritty, often magical but unremittingly honest. She is a pioneer who approached life as a free spirit, years before the liberating 60's. Living on her wits and seemingly roaming the world, she met, knew or loved a fascinating cavalcade of people. The way she has lived her life is inspirational to all of us who live our lives bound by the parameters of safety and routine. Her book is a testament not to the Latin exhortation, carpe diem, but to the more apposite, carpe vita.