4. John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth

Partridge, Elizabeth. John Lennon: all I want is the truth: a biography. New York: Penguin Group, 2005. Print.

ANNOTATION: “There is something wrong with me because I seem to see things other people don’t see. Am I crazy, or am I a genius?” By the time John Lennon was fifteen, his world had already been turned upside down; rock n’ roll became his salvation, but in his quest to find his own artistic voice, his music became an anthem to a new and changing world.

JUSTIFICATION FOR NOMINATION: John Lennon: all I want is the truth is a profound and realistic portrayal of the life of musical legend John Lennon. Biographer Elizabeth Partridge writes in a clear narrative voice, willingly exposing Lennon’s genius as well as his faults; in a causal yet familiar style, she skillfully makes John’s story accessible, one that many teenagers can relate to. Although short, Lennon’s life is full of many universal themes; power, freedom, rebellion, love, perseverance, deception, pain, jealousy, insecurity and redemption were all aspects of John’s various relationships with his friends, family, lovers and fellow band members. The book devotes many pages to the struggle of growing up and finding ones place in the world, a necessary part of young adult literature.

Although filled with facts, John Lennon is far from dry and boring; the drama it illuminates is incredibly real and tangible. Partridge’s use of pictures makes this book a perfect candidate for music, history or socially-conscious students, and brings to life the story of a man far removed (yet well known) from many contemporary teens. Although filled with photographs, the story is well-balanced with thoughtful narrative. Partridge writes with clarity and focus, and with respect and fairness, illustrates Lennon with little bias.

John Lennon provides young adults an opportunity to explore a broad range of experiences and challenges of difference, education, family, citizenship, political dissonance, fame and fortune. A quality and intriguing read, John Lennon is a highly recommended for both teens and adults.


GENRE: Biography/Nonfiction/Coming of Age