[.ca] I, Me, Mine (ISBN 0811859002)

How a songwriter's autobiography should be.:
This book doesn't spend too much time on trivial gossip, or that other Beatle junk with the obsession on Jelly Babies and cutsie matching suits. This is real. George only goes into his life in 60 pages, which tells of his growth as a spiritual human being. His feelings on the whole Beatlemania stuff, and what is really important. The emphasis are on his songs that he wrote from "Don't Bother Me" up until 1980, when this book came out. I remember being a teenager going to the library and reading this book several times over. I am always facinated with what inspires a person with a particular song, and with many of these songs, it can be as simple as waiting for a friend to show up to your home, or warning another friend about his ruining his teeth with candy, or it can be something greater than our selves and be about a relationship with God. One thing I remember (and I might be wrong) is that the layout of the original book is different from this one. I seem to remember there being pictures throughout the book, and this new edition, they are all at the front, with the captions at the back. I like the addition of the new preface by his widow.

George at a Glance:
With George's passing in 2001, I was under the impression that his memoirs would be revamped. Unfortunately this is not the case. I Me Mine is still the standard bearing book about the "Quiet Beatle". Although the "Quiet Beatle" remains quiet even in his memoirs. The introduction written by his wife Oliva is a nice touch to this book. George's last touch to this book was made while John Lennon was still alive. In the book, George gives us a glance into his upper-middle class childhood as well as his early days as a musician. The reader also sees a very concise version of the development of the Beatles. Then, the book seems to leap into the break up of the band. George does spend a significant portion of his memoirs of his life with the Beatles discussing his religious development. The 77 pages of memoirs are concluded with George discussing his hobbies such as gardening and racing. The remainder of the book is photographs and explanations the songs he wrote for the Beatles and his solo work pre-1980's. The song explanations are interesting for people who are true George Harrison fans. In regard to the photographs, some of the captions are a reflection of George's great sense of humor. While I think this is a beautiful book with great artwork that gives a great deal of insight into who George Harrison was, I can only hope a quality, thorough biography of George Harrison will be written.

Buy George!:
Admittedly, it's more archival stuff than a straightforward autobiography, BUT, there is such talent, intelligence, heart and humour in these pages that George comes virtually to life. A terrific companion to your George Harrison CD collection!

I Want to Tell You:
As an inveterate Beatles' fan, it comes as no surprise that I would heartily endorse this book. Long dubbed the Quiet Beatle and other similar cliches, George Harrison does indeed offer his voice and reflections in this work. Always a private man, George's wordings here can be described as almost cryptic. This work provides readers with a "glimpse" of George growing up; the former Beatle describes his working class roots in Liverpool, his musical muse and later, his work as a gifted composer, guitarist and lyricist. Indeed, George Harrison has expanded musical horizons; in 1965 he became enamored of the sitar and included it on several songs on "Rubber Soul" and later collections. His lifelong quest for spiritual knowledge and core belief system are explored; indeed, it is in his own words he explains that he does not follow an "organized" or "traditional" religion, but rather bases his spiritual feelings around his internal beliefs. I like the input the artist's wife Olivia offered; her words are a welcome and added treat to this work. Indeed, it is Olivia's contribution that make the reissue of this work even better and more effective in touching readers.

Beautiful But Ultimately Frustrating.:
I was lucky to find an old copy of this in the library about five years ago. With respect to a few changes, this new edition is the same book, though. The different cover is a great improvement, and Olivia Harrison's introduction is fabulous. I Me Mine is long on class & presentation. Unfortunately, it's also a little short on autobiography. George's wit and surreal humor shines through (such as the sitar being called a cheese sandwich in the picture captions), but I felt frustrated that I didn't know much more about the man and his motivations than I did before. It's no secret that George was obsessed with Krishna. Being an agnostic, I would like to know as to how & why his belief became so strong. In interviews, George had intimated that with chanting the Krishna mantra a person could "see God, play with Him...." I think George was a great songwriter and an interesting guy and I mean no disrespect, but couldn't it have just been the drugs? It would have definitely been interesting to read George's descriptions of events like this. Another regret is that George doesn't describe his relationships with the other Beatles more. I've read that he was frequently irritated by Paul and apparently had a complex friendship with John. Maybe there was a concern that such an approach would be gossipy, but I would like to know why Lennon/McCartney balked at such great songs as All Things Must Pass, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Not Guilty, etc., etc. George's perspective on this would have been most welcome. Along with these quibbles, there is much more to admire. George's dry wit is manifest on every page, and the handwritten lyrics are a great bonus. Derek Taylor's comments are also very witty and insightful. This is a definite must-have for admirers of the Dark Horse. I hope Olivia Harrison eventually writes an autobiography; it would be the perfect companion to I Me Mine.