Grateful Dead: What a Long, Strange Trip it's Been

"There's nothing like a Grateful Dead concert."

Children's Literature

This is a well researched, nonfiction account of one the most famous bands to come out of the United States. Divided into eight chapters, the book covers the band's formation, thirty-year history, member biographies, and the historical context in which "The Dead" became such a phenomenon. Particularly well-handled is the explanation of the large role drugs played in the band members' lives. (One died of a drug overdose.) Quotes such as Jerry Garcia's "How well we play together was always more important than the money," liven up the text. "Deadheads," (fans of the band who attended many of their concerts) are also quoted: "You couldn't categorize their music. They started out playing folk and bluegrass music, later switched to their version of psychedelic and rock, and switched back to bluegrass and folk," one Deadhead says. Photos in a variety of sizes and colors add visual support. For reference at the end of the book, there are time lines for when the group's albums were released, dates of major concert tours, a glossary, and additional reading resources. This book offers a fascinating picture of a piece of American social and cultural history, in addition to informing the reader about a band whose music lives on. Reviewer: Miriam Chernick