Encounters With Bob Dylan: If You See Him, Say Hello

by Tracy Johnson (editor)

Fifty first-person accounts of fans who have had a close encounter (usually face-to-face) with Bob Dylan, one our most enigmatic and reclusive public figures and the 20th Century's most influential songwriter. The contributors come from around the world, and some even have recognizable names, such as mandolinist David Grisman, journalist Nat Hentoff, the late Hall-of-Fame pitcher Jim "Catfish" Hunter, rapper Kurtis Blow, and noted groupie/author Pamela Des Barres. Collectively, their stories provide compelling, sometimes amusing, insight into Dylan and his long and complicated relationship with his legion of devoted admirers. The book also includes 24 photographs, many of them previously unpublished images of Dylan.

Genres: Nonfiction

173 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[James Lundy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let's face it: Bob can be a jerk to his fans. But then again, it's got to be hell being accosted by obsessive fans everywhere you go. If you've read some of the Dylan biographies out there you have an idea of Dylan's life and work. This book gives you a glimpse into what it's like to be a Dylan fan. Some of the accounts are more engaging than others and some don't even involve meeting Dylan at all. I wish they'd left those out... Anyway, this is interesting but very brief. You can read the whole thing in a day and I think there are just as many stories out there (for free) on the internet at the many Dylan sites.

[Anita Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprising little book. It tells of many quirky, likable people and, in the final analysis adds to a picture of Dylan that is in no way pre-fab.

[Jessika Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay...so I am SO INCREDIBLY JEALOUS of the people who shared their stories in this book...especially those who actually got to meet Bobby :) I really enjoyed this book and I'll probably read it time and time again. I'd recommend this to any Dylan fan!

[Tracy Johnson]

well, seein' as how it's my book i think it's pretty alright :)