Book Insights?

[Johnny O]

Still waiting to read One Train Later and the God of Thunder's book (I know, I know, I am a slacker). Assuming there are no plot spoilers in the books (we all know how the boys turned out), I was interested in a Nutter's point of view.

What revelations or interesting nuggets did you learn from Andy and Stew's books that struck you? Curious to see what the peeps took away from them. Cheers!

[Howstupidmrbates]

Well, here were my thoughts on the boys' books...My Amazon reviews:

Strange Things Happen 10/23/09
This review is from: Strange Things Happen: A Life with The Police, Polo, and Pygmies (Hardcover)
As a member of Stewart Copeland's online community, I am familiar with most of the text from this book. More than a few passages originated as posts from The Man himself. Still, there was enough unheard info here, at least to me, to warrant adding this to my library. Actually, I'm such a fan of The Police that it would have been added to my library either way! The posts from the road during that band's historic reunion tour are entertaining. Stewart's film making adventures in the far corners of the earth are hilarious. Most insightful to me were the chapters in which Stewart tries to explain his role in the band and his goal to please Sting, and how frustrated he felt when he could not do that. How many years Stewart must have waited to say those things. Having met the man in person, I can say that his charm translates to page very well. I was a bit surprised that Stewart largely ignored the death of his brother Ian, but I suppose the pain of that loss is still too fresh in the Copeland family. I finished this book in about two days. I tore through it. A great read!

One Train Later 10/18/06
This review is from: One Train Later: A Memoir (Hardcover)
Out of all The Police guys, Andy had the most wicked sense of humor. He saw, and still sees, things a tad differently than the rest of us. Having chatted with him a few times in person, I can say he is a most interesting man. I had no idea he wrote so well. I was a bit surprised when I heard this book was coming out. Andy, despite his mischief in The Police, always seemed the most private of the three. I also learned a few things I didn't know. And,to me,that's incredible. I have listened to his music since I was a teenager. Part of his appeal as a guitarist is his love for his instrument, of course. But Andy is also one of those rare performers that thinks more of "the song." He's not a flashy-solo kinda guy. The song is more important than any one member's part in it. A highly enjoyable read to be sure.

Broken Music 10/24/06
This review is from: Broken Music (Paperback)
It's interesting that Sting chose to end this book just as The Police were taking off. Probably because the Police Saga could take several volumes to tell the whole story. I was a bit concerned about reading this book when I first heard of its release. Sting being a major influence and all, I didn't want to break the fourth wall as it were by learning too much about him. Strange I know. I also wasn't sure if I could identify with growing up the English way. American kids grow up quite differently, and I was afraid I would be bored to death with tales of beans on toast and other English eccentricities I wouldn't have a clue about. Having said that, I tore through this memoir quite quickly. I was fascinated by the staid English method of parenting - not all that different from American parents. Not to appear too self-indulgent, I saw alot of myself in this novel. I am no rock star to be sure, but I shared alot of the same thoughts as Mr. Sumner, and still do to this day. Perhaps that is why I have always identified with him. This book has a wonderful flow to it. The musical experiences, his various jobs, his strained family life and turbulent relationships all weave a delicate tapestry that tells the story of a man on a journey. It's just the beginning...

[moonstone]

Hi Johnny O

There's a comment on the back cover of Andy's book which says

'Summers leaves no stone unturned, even at the risk of casting himself in a less than flattering light. Truly great.'

This is so true. He's so honest about his own character flaws and behaviour that you just can't help but love the bloke even when he's being a complete arse. There are parts of the book that, if it were written by someone else, I would have questioned whether it was true and maybe thought less of him because of what I was reading.

It's this almost painful honesty combined with the dry sense of humour about this mad situation that he found himself in that makes this book such a great read.

I particularly liked the line

I look up into the mirror and think, get a grip, you wanker..... It's only fucking pop music.

Give it a read Johnny O. I bet you'll read it more than once.

[ltwoman]

Get on it, Johnny O. Time's a wasting and life's too short. Believe me, you will not be dissappointed. LOVE THEM!

[smudge]

I doubt you'll read anything that is 'new' to you in either, but I enjoyed both books. Mr Summer's book was the more satisfying of the two on first reading: I put that down to more insight into worlds I know nothing about (I've not driven around Bali with Belushi in a hired jeep under the influence of local mushroomy hallucinogens....) Mr Copeland's book is vignettes. Loud, funny vignettes that may have affected the no-claims bonus on the heir to the British throne's car insurance. In short, an entirely different beast from 'One Train Later'.

I'm a literary snob. Loved both.