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Things the Grandchildren Should Know
 
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Things the Grandchildren Should Know (Hardcover)

by Mark Oliver Everett (Author)
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)

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Product details

  • Hardcover: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Little, Brown (10 Jan 2008)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0316027871
  • ISBN-13: 978-0316027878
  • Product Dimensions: 22 x 13.2 x 2.4 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 85,904 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

Product Description

How does one young man survive the deaths of his entire family and manage to make something worthwhile of his life? In Things The Grandchildren Should Know Mark Oliver Everett tells the story of what it's like to grow up the insecure son of a genius in a wacky Virginia Ice Storm-like family. Left to run wild with his sister, his father off in some parallel universe of his own invention, Everett's upbringing was 'ridiculous, sometimes tragic and always unsteady'. But somehow he manages to not only survive his crazy upbringing and ensuing tragedies; he makes something of his life, striking out on a journey to find himself by channelling his experiences into his, eventually, critically acclaimed music with the Eels. But it's not an easy path. Told with surprising candour, Things The Grandchildren Should Know is an inspiring and remarkable story, full of hope, humour and wry wisdom.


About the Author

Mark Oliver Everett, lead singer with Eels, is one of the finest singer songwriters of his generation. This is his first book.

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Customer Reviews

32 Reviews
5 star:
 (29)
4 star:
 (3)
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Average Customer Review
4.9 out of 5 stars (32 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible, 25 Jan 2008
By D. Thompson (Galway, Ireland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
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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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and uplifting account of one man's life...also good insight into rock n' roll, 7 Feb 2008
By Marie Hughes "yorkreject" (hornbaek) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
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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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great even without the music, 17 Sep 2008
A Kid's Review
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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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Goddamn right it's a beautiful life
I'm not a big fan of Eels but I remember loving "Novocaine for the Soul" when I heard it in '97 and I've occasionally dipped into their music every now and then. Read more
Published 11 days ago by Wiggles

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a Typical Rock Autobiography
This books is easy to read and the events of Mark Everett's life are exposed in a good if somewhat sad way. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Archie

5.0 out of 5 stars Those Grandkids would not believe this!
I do like the Eels music and I suppose I sensed there was something a little bit different and interesting about Mr Everett. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Rob Zeppelin

5.0 out of 5 stars Things the Grandchildren Should Know
This is a fascinating book whether you are an Eels fan or not. Frank,humorous and extremely touching Everett writes from the heart making this book one of the most interesting... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ms. J. A. Berry

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr E's beautiful book
Perhaps technically not the best written of books - but nevertheless a fascinating read through the mixed up life of the Eels frontman. Read more
Published 3 months ago by A. Tomlinson

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr E is Magnificent
A fine book. Written in a straightforward manner, his story provides an effective link to his music and lyrics. Touching, amusing and uplifting. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mr. M. J. Johnson

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully written about an interesting life
This book is a must for any Eels fan. Provides a real insight iinto the man behind the music and an understanding of the large change in style between Daisys of the Galaxy and... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Ms. R. E. Crerar

4.0 out of 5 stars Madness, music and crazy girls
A musician like Mark Oliver Everett -- aka "E" of the Eels -- could only be expected to write a rock biography like no other. Read more
Published 9 months ago by E. A Solinas

5.0 out of 5 stars Literary Music
This book is written as if it were lyrics to a song. Every word is perfect. One chapter epitomises this:

"I'm sitting in a salad factory somewhere in Germany and a... Read more
Published 11 months ago by M. Rainbow

5.0 out of 5 stars A book everyone should read
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. Read more
Published 13 months ago by D. Carvill

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