John Lennon

VOYA - Marlyn K. Roberts

This is a very uneven biography of John Lennon. It is quite difficult to determine the intended audience. Its subject and matter-of-fact style suggests that it is aimed at the junior/senior high student. Yet at times the tone becomes stilted and somewhat condescending, to an extent that even a middle-school audience might find unpalatable. The author also seems to have a problem remaining objective, slipping occasionally into the minds of Lennon and various other people in his life, somehow managing to know what they might have been thinking or feeling in a given situation. The "Selected Discography" at the back of the book is also confusing: why would "The White Album" be omitted? There is no explanation for titles that were or were not selected. Thoroughly and in detail, the book covers the period from Lennon's birth to the release of the Beatles' "Anthology" album and television series in 1996. However, the average student will probably have trouble with the author's style. The best part of this book is the chronology which covers the significant personal and professional points in Lennon's life from his birth to his death. Students writing reports about Lennon might want to concentrate on this and ignore the rest of the book. Index. Photos. Source Notes. Further Reading. Chronology. VOYA Codes: 2Q 2P M J (Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q, For the YA with a special interest in the subject, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8 and Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9).

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Renewed interest in the Beatles gives impetus to this volume on the legendary founder of one of this century's most popular music groups. Wright carefully delves into the complexities of Lennon's background and his development as a songwriter and as a political activist. It would be difficult to write a biography of this man without going into the history of the Beatles, so this title actually has double value. Lennon's eccentricities and keen talent come through in this thorough biography. Sharp, black-and-white photos are scattered throughout. The importance of the subject makes this competently written and organized book an excellent addition to complement Bruce Glassman's Lennon & McCartney (Blackbirch, 1995).-Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ