November 5, 2007
This hip and comprehensive rock biography captures the spirit and talent that made the Fab Four an international sensation. Spitz, who wrote The Beatles: The Biography
(2005) for the adult market (from which some material in this volume is adapted), begins with the story of how a friend introduced two aspiring musicians, John Lennon and Paul McCartney. “ 'I think you two will get along,’ said to John, perhaps the understatement of all time.” A chatty but thorough narrative chronicles each member’s family life, the group’s various incarnations (the Quarry Men, the Silver Beetles), their big break with a gig in Hamburg, Germany, and the storied road that followed, through their breakup in 1970. The book does not avoid the group’s darker moments—drug use, the death of manager Brian Epstein and other controversies—although the positive notes linger. In one memorable episode, the group is awestruck when they first meet Elvis, who remarked, “If you guys are just gonna sit there and stare at me, I’m goin’ to bed.” Spitz examines how the Beatles fit into the larger rock revolution taking place, but focuses on the indelible mark their music, style and celebrity made on pop culture. A crisp, modern design and superb b&w photography support the narrative, which should easily enthrall a new generation of fans. Ages 8-12.
December 1, 2007
Gr 5-8-Spitz provides a young people's version of his adult book, "The Beatles" (Little, Brown, 2005). The story has been told many, many times before, but the strength of this rendition is the superlative storytelling. The history of the band is so well documented that one feels quite certain that events played out just as Spitz describes them. The narrative is balanced, showing the Beatles both as musicians and as individuals, with their girlfriends, wives, and hangers-on. The author provides insight into the genesis of some of the best-known tunes, such as "Yesterday," and gives a good sense of what life was like in the studio. The quality of Spitz's writing is evident, particularly in an endnote summing up the impact of the Beatles in a way that is surprisingly poetic and even moving. While this is clearly a selective look at the highlights of the Beatles' career, it is the perfect introduction for young readers who want to understand the musical legacy. There are plenty of black-and-white photos throughout, some full or double page, that serve to maintain visual interest. Unfortunately, the sidebars occasionally repeat from the body of the text and are not always informative or necessary. Also, there are no source notes. Spitz's adult biography was meticulously documented, and there's no excuse for not upholding that same standard here. Despite the minor problems, this volume is still a worthy addition even if you have plenty of other books on the band."Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ"
Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
November 1, 2007
Bob Spitzs well-received adult book The Beatles (2005) came in at justunder 1,000 pages. This YA offering is 700 pages shorter, butit is still packedwith all the fun and fabulousness that were the Beatles. The book begins at the church festival where John and Paul met as teens, and ends with Pauls formal declaration to leave the group. In between, the narrative moves swiftly, but with an eye for the telling anecdoteand detail. Clearly, many of the quotes have been taken from books by others, so it is particularly unsettling that there are no source notes. Even many series books offer sources fordirect quotes. Another puzzle: several sidebars repeat almost word for word information in the adjoining text. Aside from thesetechnical flaws, the book is quite goodcomprehensive, sensitive to its subjects, and told with aflow that carries readers along. Many smartly chosen black-and-white photographs help re-create the times. A discography and an extended bibliography lead readers further into Beatlemania.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)
January 1, 2008
Spitz uses material from his adult biography to dramatically tell the story of the Fab Four, from the day in 1957 when John met Paul to superstardom to the official breakup of the band. Intimate black-and-white photos, quotes (uncited), sidebars, and trivia contribute to a lively portrait of what the Beatles, at their inception, really were--teenagers. A discography is included. Bib., ind.
(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)