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swaney's review
1.0
Wasn't digging the blocky quotative narrative and really couldn't get behind the he's so cool / boys will be boys biography of a kid from an elite and "lousy" family that's kicked out of school, kicked (?) out of the military, and then rapes a child:
"During this period, Owsley attended Los Angeles City College. He was also arrested after being caught with a fourteen-year-old girl in a motel room, but was released after being given a lecture by the judge." Pg 30
The more time I spend reading about the 60s counter culture the more pervasively misogynistic and underwhelming it becomes. There are better cultural heroes than this.
"During this period, Owsley attended Los Angeles City College. He was also arrested after being caught with a fourteen-year-old girl in a motel room, but was released after being given a lecture by the judge." Pg 30
The more time I spend reading about the 60s counter culture the more pervasively misogynistic and underwhelming it becomes. There are better cultural heroes than this.
wdantzler's review against another edition
3.0
Fascinating and recommended read for anyone with a passion for the Grateful Dead, the 60s counter culture, or psychedelics. I feel Greenfield captures the magnitude of Bear's larger than life character in both a relatable and digestible way. His life is effectively scoped in the events of the time and history of the band and one walks away with a clearer understanding of his impact on them. Readers enjoy the subject's input throughout the book with hundreds of quotes, unlike other biographies done up until that point (according to the man himself). It is a straightforward, simple read and one that leaves you both inspired by Bear's unbelievable gifts and pining to have met the man during his journey on this earth.
I wish it were true that I was innocent with no evil intent and not ego driven because that’s mastery, which has always been my goal. I admire the master because if you master something, you don’t even think about it anymore. It becomes as simple and natural as breathing or riding a bicycle. Thats the way it is with me. Whether it's sculpture or sound mixing or anything else, I don’t think about it. I just turn a few knobs and everything automatically does what its supposed to do.
-Bear, 1/13/2007
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