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Things the Grandchildren Should Know (Unabridged)
 
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Things the Grandchildren Should Know (Unabridged) [Audio Download]

by Mark Oliver Everett (Author), The Chet (Narrator)
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
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Product details

  • Audio Download
  • Listening Length: 5 hours and 8 minutes
  • Program Type: Audiobook
  • Version: Unabridged
  • Publisher: Hachette Audio UK
  • Audible Release Date: 28 May 2009
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B002SQ8NEY
  • Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)

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Product Description

Mark Oliver Everett, aka "E", is the front man of American rock band 'Eels'. This, his first book, is read by 'The Chet' (Jeffrey Lyster), sometime band-member of Eels, following his live performances of excerpts during the world tour of "An Evening with Eels".

Mark Oliver Everett's upbringing was 'ridiculous, sometimes tragic and always unsteady'. His father - a quantum mechanic who worked for the Pentagon - was a genius who had corresponded with Einstein aged 13. He rarely spoke, and following his own miserable childhood had eccentric ideas of how children should be brought up. Mark - and his older sister Liz were raised in a house with no rules, with parents who had 'a kind of seventies swinging marriage'.

Lacking any real sense of authority, E had to raise himself, not always with the greatest success. His love of music helped pull him through, and by his early 20s he was on the brink of stardom with his first album - Beautiful Freak. But then tragedy struck - having already lost his father to a heart attack, his sister and mother both died in short succession - Liz from an overdose, and his mother from cancer.

It was the kind of brutal loss that could destroy someone, but somehow E survived, and channelled his experiences into his music. In THINGS THE GRANDCHILDREN SHOULD KNOW he tells his story - one that is surprisingly full of hope, humour and wry wisdom.

©2008 Mark Oliver Everett; (P)2008 Blackstone Audio

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Customer Reviews

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
A Kid's Review
Format:Hardcover
I don't agree with reviewers who say you need to be an Eels fan to enjoy this book. I barely knew Eels at all, and I came to the book because of my interest in quantum physics and Mark Everett's father (see, for example, In Search of Schrodinger's Cat). I found it to be a terrific read full of insights about growing up in America. And THEN I bought a couple of Eels albums, which are also great.
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34 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Incredible 25 Jan 2008
Format:Hardcover
Probably the most beautiful story I have ever read. As an Eels fan I've been fascinated by E for a long time, and his intriguing lyrics have left me with a lot of unanswered questions. This book answers them all. None of his lyrics are a mystery any longer and you can relate them to his own life experiences, which only serves to help you relate them to your own.

It's a miracle that this man remains so upbeat despite so much personal tragedy, and in fact is stronger because of it. It's a long time since I've read a book so quickly, with so much concentration. I've read autobiographies by many of my favourite music/comedy artists, but none of them come close to touching this. I consider myself unfortunate that I am not a close personal friend of Mark Oliver Everett.

I was not previously aware of the controversy surrounding "Daisies of the Galaxy" but I am so glad I know about it now! Pure insanity and makes for great stories.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
It's a story of one man, who doesn't quite fit in. He doesn't fit in because of his take on life which has been aided by his family's strange place in their community.
This is an honest account of growing up feeling different, having natural talents which don't really materialise until he's in his late teens. When he does realise that music is a road by which he wishes to travel, he struggles with balancing his creativity with the fact that death seems to be around the corner.
Clearly sensitive, Mark E writes with a flawless passion where he tries to clearly assess quite horrific incidents through a natural distance - and this throws up his emotional and intellectual dilemma.
He is an outsider who writes some quite amazing music. In the context of his music it's great to have this personal account of his life rather than read interviews or record reviews. It brings even more to his records.
Good autobiographies bring images into your minds eye about the writer - this is a very evocative account of "E's" life and well done to him for writing it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Really Good Read!
Highly interesting autobiography about his life and how he got into music. Would very much recommend, one of the best autobiographies i have read!
Published 2 days ago by RobertSlater93
You've got to read this book!
This is one of the most beautiful, inspiring book I have ever read - and you do not have to be an Eels fan. Read more
Published 29 days ago by pomme
inspiring, beautiful read from an inspiring, beautiful musician!
I recently went to an Eels gig at the 02 in Leeds. I had heard a bit of their music before, but wasn't a major fan. The gig was awesome. Read more
Published 9 months ago by katy20
Nothing short of brilliant
If you're an Eels fan, this is essential reading. If you're not, it's a terrific sketch of a fascinating life and will read as well as many an autobiography. Read more
Published 10 months ago by A reviewer
Amazing, like new!
Besides being an awesome book, which I totally recommend (I got so into it that I read it in about a week or less). The product was in perfect shape, way better than I expected. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Gabriel
Brilliant, genius in his own right
I agree, this book has made a big difference to me. I too feel less of a person not knowing E personally! What an extraordinary guy. Read it, who ever you are. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Cross Cat
What a life !
I'm a big Eels' fan and have managed to acquire the majority of his back catalogue (only missing 3 now !).

What can I say ? The man's a musical genius ! Read more
Published 16 months ago by messiahontrial
Awesomness has 246 pages.
Sweet, funny and sad book at some stage, without useless cheesy feelings and fully optimistic. Easy to read, written "in your face", it makes you wanna listen to more Eels and... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Christophe Juszczakiewicz
Food for the Soul
There is something about this book, other reviewers say it makes you laugh and cry at the same time, very true, it is almost a recognition of certain traits that many of us have. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Travers
Funny, Tragic, Moving
This is NOT your typical rock biography... The story of Mark Everitt is unique, compelling and unputdownable. It makes you laugh and cry at the same time. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Ian R. West
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