Two Books

I finished the new bio of John Lennon-"The Life"-by Philip Norman and "Soul Picnic" on the life of Laura Nyro. Two very different musicians. Both books were rigorously researched and lovingly written. Lennon became easier to like in his later years, though always talented. Nyro's path took her to less writing and recording and more focus on being a single mother. Both died way too young: Lennon at the hands of a crazed fan, Nyro from ovarian cancer. It makes me wonder what Nyro would have done in her later years, when her son would have been older and less demanding of her time. She really was doing some great work prior to her death and, from everyone quoted in the book, was a lovely and gentle soul. Lennon was going in a more gentle and less manic direction than some of the work he did right after the Beatles split up.  I recommend both books, if you are interested in musicians, music or pop culture.