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40th out of 381 books
—
570 voters
Buried Alive: The Biography of Janis Joplin
Electrifying, highly acclaimed, and intensely personal, this new and updated version of Myra Friedman's classic biography of Janis Joplin teems with dramatic insights into Joplin's genius and into the chaotic times that catapulted her to fame as the legendary queen of rock. It is a stunning panorama of the turbulent decade when Joplin's was the rallying voice of a generati...more
Paperback, 400 pages
Published
September 15th 1992
by Three Rivers Press
(first published 1973)
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Read for my Women's Lit class at Alma. Meant to be a study of the biographer's emphasis of certain aspects of a pioneering woman’s life; but as a junior English major who was not very well read at all, I seriously couldn’t think of anyone. I remember hearing “Bobbie McGee” playing at a party or on the radio and thought, “Hey, there’s my assignment. That’ll work, and I’ll get to read about Janis.” And it is actually quite true – despite the fact that admittedly I was looking for something easy an...more
As an insider-outsider in Janis Joplin's terribly short life and career,Myra Friedman brings a bracing mix of skepticism and affection to the world of rock and roll, circa late Sixties. She offers a convincing portrait of a woman trying to find herself as an artist while battling a host of private demons. Joplin comes across as a stormy, endlessly needy and demanding personality, wounded by early rejection and all too willing to play into the hot mama stereotype presented to her by the sexist cu...more
Oddly (since I read this book) I was never really a Joplin fan. I liked some of her music...found humor in the use of her "Lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz" in a Mercedes Benz commercial, was conscious of her as an artist, was aware of her as one of the 4 who died '69 through '71 (Brian Jones, Jim Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Joplin). I wasn't however one who really cared for the majority of her music, or the style of music she represented. I was however touched by the tragedy and waste of/in...more
Myra Friedman had mountains of knowledge, both personal and professional, about Janis Joplin, and did a good job illuminating a sad, crazy, charismatic life. I just wish she had shown more than told about Janis' personal experiences both on and off stage. A little more interaction both sexual and personal, with her friends, colleagues, lovers and fans would have added tremendously to my understanding of this touching, talented woman.
Being of that age I loved the fervor and excitement she brought...more
Being of that age I loved the fervor and excitement she brought...more
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Written by a woman who knew Janis well, Buried Alive is a harrowing account of the short career. Though brilliant, Joplin was a profoundly unhappy person. She, nevertheless, left an unmatched legacy. Friedman introduces music lovers to the woman who was tender, vivacious and, at the same time, self-destrictive. A moving and honest portrait.
I picked this up today for $3 at a fine used bookstore just outside Daytona.
The copy is pb - as issued - in near fine condition.
From back cover: ". . . written by the woman she [Janis] hoped would record it."
The copy is pb - as issued - in near fine condition.
From back cover: ". . . written by the woman she [Janis] hoped would record it."
A somewhat sad look at the tragic life of Janis Joplin. Excellent insight into what made her tick, and the craziness that surrounded her life.
a painfully beautiful story of janis joplin. totally worth reading if you love her music and want to know more about the musician.
Perhaps I loved it so much because I first read it at 14, when janis joplin had completely turned my music world upside down.
Read it after seeing "The Rose." I just wanted to know more.
"Then we went out and shot some pool for love and kisses."
What a loss to the world, and what a talent.
a VERY unbiased account of her life.
Great story and detailed description of Janis Joplin's life and misery. Truly showed her emotions and the despair and loneliness she felt.
My main goddess :) Love ya,babe.
Totally riveting to me
It was a very interesting read. Myra may have known Janis better than anyone so it is fitting that she should write Janis' biography. It wasn't the most well-written book, but Myra did a great job capturing the real Janis Joplin. I wished she would have expressed more of her feelings about Janis' death at the end. I wanted to know more about what happened after her death as well. I thought it ended very abruptly. Great, interesting read though.
Buried Alive is a moving and disturbing account of Janis Joplin's life. Written by her publicist, who knew Janis well, this book definitely shines a spotlight on Janis' erratic behavior and personality.
I was somewhat disappointed that the author glossed over Woodstock and Janis' participation there. However, it was well written and filled with personal observations and experiences with Janis as she traveled to stardom.
I was somewhat disappointed that the author glossed over Woodstock and Janis' participation there. However, it was well written and filled with personal observations and experiences with Janis as she traveled to stardom.
This was a well written account of Janis Joplin's life written by someone who knew her.
It contained interesting information. The author did not glorify her. She told the good, the bad, and the ugly.
I found it to be a bit wordy at times. I did have moments when I couldn't put it down, but I also felt like it took forever to get to the point.
It contained interesting information. The author did not glorify her. She told the good, the bad, and the ugly.
I found it to be a bit wordy at times. I did have moments when I couldn't put it down, but I also felt like it took forever to get to the point.
The amazon reviews of this book are very disdainful, but the reviews here seem a bit more positive. Hmm. Well, I'll give it a go...
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I'd say this is the most evocative biography of Janis Joplin I've read. But it's also the most negative. So... I'm torn.
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I'd say this is the most evocative biography of Janis Joplin I've read. But it's also the most negative. So... I'm torn.
I'm reading this book now for my Janis Joplin research. Does anyone know how this compares to the Alice Echols book, and the personal details that Love, Janis, relates? This book was written a couple years after her death, and there are lots of interviews with friends and family in here.
Dec 12, 2011
stars
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Janis Joplin Fans, 1960s Diehards
Recommended to stars by:
Mosinee High School Library
I started this but never really was grabbed in. At the time, I barely knew who Janis Joplin was, and I quickly realized I didn't have the patience to read a whole book about her. I understand her importance and impact, but I have never been a major fan.
I was really looking forward to reading this one, but some of it was very confusing and it didnt bring me to the ending quite the way I thought it would. Over all though, it was a pretty good book about Janice Joplin.
A great account of this musician's life and unfortunate demise with a peek into the music culture at the time. Read out of curious interest not because I'm a big fan, if you like music, worth a read.
This book is a bible for each and every Janis Joplin fans! Myra Friedman lets you know everything there is to know about this fantastic musician. Very up close and personal!
Writing is a little overly dramatic but book is interesting look at Janis Joplin from someone who knew her.
Jan 12, 2008
Kelly
marked it as to-read
My mom gave this to me for Christmas a few years back but I haven't had the chance to read it yet.
Extremely well written and researched. Tragic too.
Eh, it was ok.
Jun 18, 2013
Ivan
marked it as to-read
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