MARK OLIVER EVERETT - THINGS THE GRANDCHILDREN SHOULD KNOW (2007)

Blurb......

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.

A speculative charity shop purchase after reading the blurb on the back.

I was/still am unfamiliar with The Eels and there music, even after a scouting mission on You Tube to try and familiarise myself with some of their music.

Nope - just don't recognise any of the tracks.

I think I was drawn to the book, more from a curious rubber-necking perspective. How does someone cope with the loss of their entire family and still find the resolve to get up out of bed each day and carry on?

Everett deserves admiration for his strength of character and total lack of self-pity. Probably for his music too, but I can't comment on that.

Hopefully the next few years will deal him a kinder hand.

4 from 5

As stated above a cheapo purchase from a local charity shop.

Show More

Show Less

Show More

Show Less