This autobiography by Peter Wolf, former lead singer of the J. Geils Band, was a neat surprise to find while browsing NetGalley. I am a huge fan of his work, but he rarely gives interviews and is a rather elusive figure. He was not the type of person I thought would ever write an autobiography.

Peter actually wrote this autobiography himself. He occasionally bounced ideas off an artist friend and legendary writer Peter Guralnick, but these are clearly his words.

The first few chapter are about Peter's childhood, but after that, he really does not shine much light about himself. However, this appeared to be his intention. Each chapter is about his interactions with a different famous person or group - and it's not a case of name-dropping. He frequented Greenwich Village as a youth and frequently saw and spoke with an unknown musician named Bob Dylan. He somehow struck up a friendship with notable misanthrope Van Morrison. Wolf is incredibly literate and hung in communities with musicians, artists, eccentrics, and men/women about town. There are chapters about varied writers such as Tennessee Williams and Robert Lowell.
Given that he's well read, Wolf's prose in the biography is phenomenal. He uses luminous adjectives yet aims for brevity, rather than showing off his vocabulary.

There is little about the J. Geils Band, his song-writing process, or typical rock-and-roll behavior.

It's a rather unique autobiography, as he's just as likely to quote something from a 19th century foreign playwright, artist, or somewhat obscure blues musician (at least the latter of the three I'm well versed in).
While I can't say I know Peter a lot better than before, it was nifty to learn about so many famous people - and a reminder that behind the stage, that they are indeed human beings.

I am deducting a star because the stories of exquisite dinner parties, drinking fine wine and expensive cheese with the literary and wealthy hoi polloi, and highbrow conversations with intellectual snobs get to be repetitive.

I still loved the book. It's as close as I'll likely get to knowing Peter Wolf, one of my favorite musicians. He and I also like similar old blues musicians and other obscure, but influential musicians and producers, so it was cool to learn about them as regular people behind the genius.

If you're expecting a typical rock and roll autobiography with stories of backstage debauchery, the musical process, and grievances - you will likely be disappointed. 

If you're a Peter Wolf fan or my review for this rather unique form of autobiography is of interest - by all means buy this book when it is released.

I would like to thank Little, Brown, and Company for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.