Things The Grandchildren Should Know: Mark Oliver Everett

I don't really know what took me so long to get round to reading this because Eels the band and I have been together for a very long time. He writes songs that make you sit up and listen. He writes with such honesty and wit you always want to listen some more. That's exactly how this book is written. A once troubled fellow with a yearning heart telling his story of the unusual journey from East America to West, from strife to where he is today. His battles with the harsh realities of everyday life take you through tragic episodes, comical relief and astonishing situations. Truly astonishing situations.As you are reading a review you must want to know if it's recommended for you or a gift for someone ?! Well, ..did you see "Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives" and were intrigued? Then you definitely need to read this too. Are you looking for some rock biography? It's better than one I've ever read and I've certainly wasted some valuable time reading more of those than necessary. It is one of the best biographies I've ever read come to think of it. Do you not care much for E's songs but you heard the book is good? I can't imagine just enjoying this and then not wanting to hear more of Eels music than "that Novocaine one".Amazon delivered it to me in the afternoon and I had read it by bedtime. I'll buy the next book from Mark Everett on the day it is released. Whatever the subject matter! Can't wait. I did, however hear him say on a radio interview recently that he didn't enjoy writing a book so much so I hope he gets over that soon. He also said that at a book signing he had a worrying number of grandmas buying this book, possibly misled by the title. If you are such grandma, his concerns are probably valid but I would definitely recommend it for the dark teenager in your life. It's an outsider's love story written with humour and candour. Who wouldn't want to read that?!

Being a big fan of Mr E and all things Eels related have actually had this book a while now but re-read it the other night and felt compelled to submit my humble opinion. In truth other reviews here probably sum it up better than I can but to reiterate this is definitely NOT your typical "rock-star" "poor me" style autobiography, and it is part of E's considerable charm that he himself would probably cringe to think of himself in such a way. If you are already an Eels fan then this is VITAL as it gives a superb insight into the man, his (extraordinary) life and the inspiration behind the music-if you are not a fan then as others have said before me you will still find this a fascinating read. The content is already discussed in other reviews, the unconventional upbringing, deaths of close family and friends, and generally "so weird you just couldn't make it up" events in this amazing man's life-but it is far from a depressing read-indeed it is uplifting simply because E writes in a factual style and doesn't at any time ask the reader to feel sorry for him-if you want self-pity then look elsewhere. If you are prone to the odd "downer" (and let's be honest who isn't during these "rock hard times")I think you will emerge at the end of this book feeling that you have a kindred spirit out there-someone who really has been there and worn the t-shirt and just keeps getting back up for more.A recent article by the great man himself attests to his slightly pessimistic (though understandable) view that he has to get as much music out there as possible as the family track record suggests he might not be here much longer to share his magic.Like every other Eels fan I hope that Mr Everett's fears are unfounded-in case I didn't make it clear this is a magnificent book and I strongly recommend you buy it whether you are a dedicated fan, a casual observer or have never even heard of the man-if it introduces you to his music then your money will be well spent.Oh and any guy who does a Christmas song and introduces the middle solo with "Baby Jesus-born to rock" is worth treasuring in my book....

This is a true story based on the life of Mark 'E' Everett, the man behind alt rock band Eels and is an absolutely beautiful read. The book follows his life from early childhood up to the present day, giving real insight into his personal life and the stories behind his albums, which invariably intertwine.This isn't your run-of-the-mill rock star biography about a troubled teen that pours out his anger and frustrations through his music and then finds fame. Instead, it's a dark, frank, humorous, sad, yet ultimately positive story about how difficult life and the music industry can be and how E has had to deal with both. His sincere honesty and genuine descriptions of the tragedies he has been confronted with during his life, and how he's dealt with them, really provoke an emotional reaction that I've not experienced from reading other books.It's difficult to express quite how tragic E's life has been, yet he manages to adopt a positive point of view that yes, it's been tough, but you know what, this means I'm really living my life and these trials are sent to make me stronger. The book really makes you think about how lucky you are and also about how to deal with and look at the positives of even the worst experiences.Eels fans will no doubt love 'Things the Grandchildren Should Know'; however I wasn't a huge Eels fan before reading this book and don't be put off if you're not familiar with his music. It really doesn't matter; however during or after reading the book, it's difficult not to listen to some of the songs that he talks about. My appreciation for Eels and E as a person have increased quite considerably since reading the book and now I'm a huge convert.

Would absolutely recommend this to anyone and a must read for any fans of E.Listening to these songs thousands of times over the last 17 years and hearing his back story on some of them are astounding.Electroshock Blues has been like a friend to me since the first time I heard it in the early 2000’s and has helped me countless times. Blinking Lights is just phenomenal...I love the part about the writing of Railroad Man and now understand the song titles Blinking Lights (For Me) and Blinking Lights (For You)The life he has lived has had such dramatic downs yet he remains as optimistic as possible and attempts to focus on the ups instead. It’s always easier said than done but it’s the only way to live. No one is Superman and can feel like that all the time without faking it but E acknowledges this and that makes it even better.Started reading it last night at 12AM and had to force myself to put it down so I could sleep (at 3AM haha!) Woke up and immediately started to continue; just finished it. I don’t think I have done that with a book EVER (sad to say but it’s true. that will be changing now; time to “pull up my bootstraps” and do it)Hopefully there will be another book down the line because this was such a good read. Only downside is that it wasn’t 700 pages because I could have kept reading his story for days.

A unique, tragic and unhappy story of a family and a man. What strikes you is the ironic reading that the author provides. His uncommon intelligence made him positively react and produce art works that can inspire other human beings.

Es un libro excelente detallando las tragicas experiencias de vida de uno de mis artistas favoritos, definitivamente es indispensable el leerlo para cualquier fan de Eels.El libro llego en tiempo y forma, todo perfecto.

Things the Grandchildren Should Know. Cela fait longtemps que je le cherchais. J'ai donc décidé de l'acheter et c'est mon livre préféré !Facile à lire, drôle et triste à la fois. j'ai pu rire, mais j'ai aussi pleuré à plusieurs reprises.Je suis un très grand fan de Mark Oliver Everett, donc mon avis est peut-être un peu subjectif. Mais franchement, allez-y.à lire absolument en version originale. Sinon toutes les blagues et références n'auraient aucun sens.Et écoutez la musique de son groupe : EELS

You should read this if you want to learn a valuable lesson of life and if you are a fan of the EELS. It's full of music, love, humour, lessons about life and death and contagious optimism . It also contains beautiful acoustic versions of the most famous songs. Very nice reading voice of the Chet , the genius guitarrist of the EELS.Deberías leerlo si quieres aprender una valiosa lección de vida y si eres un fan de los EELS. esté lleno de música, amor, humor, lecciones sobre la vida y la muerte y optimismo contagioso. También incluye hermosa versiones acústicas de las canciones más famosas. La voz del Chet, el genial guitarrista de los EELS es muy agradable