Bon Iver: Good Winter

by Mark Beaumont

This book tells the story of Bon Iver's main man Justin Vernon via exclusive and extensive original interviews with those around him throughout his rise from his failed Wisonsin bands to the illness and isolation that forged his breakthrough album For Emma, Forever Ago.  Examines his subsequent critical and commercial success as the latest US alternative icon.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music, Biography

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 16, 2013

About the author

A contributor to such titles as The Times, Shortlist, The Guardian and Uncut, Beaumont's writings have predominantly appeared in the NME where he has written numerous reviews and interviews since 1995 and has also functioned as the magazine's letters and singles page editor. Considered by NME editor Conor McNicholas one of the title's "star" writers, Beaumont has frequently been assigned the task of reviewing latest releases and gigs from high-profile artists Arctic Monkeys, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Coldplay and Muse.

Reviews

[Austin Sill · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most enjoyable reads of all time, for me. I was a huge fan of Justin Vernon before reading this, now I really consider him a true inspiration. I feel like I connect with this guy on so many levels, and I consider his work a blessing in my life. Awe-some read about one man's creative, emotional, and spiritual journey.

[Mark McKenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes you look at the man and the songs in a completely different light. If you're interested in the Bon Iver project, read this book. Also pat yourself on the back for liking such incredible music.

[Kristiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book because Bon Iver is one of my top favourite bands and I advise to be quite familiar with their songs befor starting to read, because it just gives a much more personal experience. My conclusion is that apparently not only does his (Justin Vernon) music speaks to me, it is also his personality, according to this book the lead musician of BI is the kind of person I would really get along with. The writting itself won't probably fulfill the expecations for everyone, but the story really fascinated me, becuse his experiences is something that I had been dreaming to experience when it comes to isolating yourself from everyone and everything and fiding some very deep thoughts and relevations within yourself, the only reason I give this a 5 star, really.

[Shelley Cooper-White · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s basically the world’s longest, most disjointed, waffly article from a music magazine on a slow news day. So. Many. Adjectives. Needs a hard edit and maybe to have actually spoken to real people, rather than just collating every interview snippet Justin Vernon has ever produced; it’s about 90% quotation marks. Fanboy fawning at its worst.

[Jonny Klar · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favorite artists of all time, Justin Vernon’s story is one of emotions and letting yourself feel and expressing that in whatever way you want regardless of what people thing. I appreciate the effort the author puts into analyzing each song, but at some points the analysis is really dense and monotonous.

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a book for hardcore Bon Iver (or Justin Vernon) fans. Although I enjoyed the overall story and the short 'analyses' of the first two Bon Iver records, I skipped the song analyses of all of Justin's previous bands, simply because I'm not familiar with his early work (some of it has never been released) and thus had no cadre. Funnily, this book made me appreciate Bon Iver's '22, A Million' record more, since I understand a little bit more of Justin's background.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

They misspell Sean Carey's name a few times, calling him Sean "Corey", but other than that it's an interesting look at Justin Vernon and Bon Iver. I'm a huge fan and probably a little biased, but oh well

[evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

cried at a book over and over because when i listen to his music i share everything in common with religious people.... idk how it's possible for something to get to someone so much! also understood every weird 2000s music reference so this was great for my ego

[Oryx · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure what I expected.

3.1

[luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

would have been a 5 star if it didn’t contain the LONGEST descriptions of the bands songs. otherwise a very well written book, and it made me love Justin Vernon even more

[Kaeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it may be entitled Bon Iver, this biography by Mark Beaumont, published in 2013, is more of a life story of lead and creator Justin DeYarmond Edison Vernon. Published by Omnibus Press, a company known for its music-related releases, it’s clear Beaumont did a great amount of in depth research for the content of this book. At 42 years, Beaumont is a music journalist that has published biographies of Jay-Z and The Killers, as well as been featured in publications such as the Times, The Guardian, Classic Rock, and many more. While there are countless amounts of reviews on the band, Beaumont took it to the next level by writing and publishing the first ever full-length biography of Bon Iver/Justin Vernon.
When Vernon’s first album with Bon Iver entitled For Emma, Forever Ago was released, his popularity took a turn for the best with hit song Skinny Love. Since the release, he has collaborated with such names as Kanye West and Aaron Dessner, as well as won two Grammys, and played at Red Rocks Amphitheater. But his story did not begin under the stage lights, but instead in a small town located five miles south-east of Eau Claire, Wisconsin called Otter Creek. Here is where he grew up, though most of his greatest memories resided in a small cabin in the woods (a place to greatly influence his later works). Justin’s love for music was acquired early on with a constant musical influence by his parents who listened mainly to jazz and classic blues. Whilst attending University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire, Justin experimented with bands Mount Vernon and DeYarmond Edison. Later on in 2007 is when he founded Bon Iver-a decision that would undoubtedly set off his popularity across the “indie” music scene.
Normally I have trouble reading nonfiction/biographies but considering Justin is my all time favorite artist, I figured I would give this book a try, and it did not disappoint. With immense detail, this piece is truly fascinating to say the least. However, while informative and engaging, some points seemed to drag on quite a bit, leaving me uninterested and impatient. But considering that occurred only on a few occasions whilst reading, I can easily say that this was truly a captivating read. Throughout the duration of the book, Mark Beaumont goes into great detail of Justin’s life from the Mount Vernon to the Bon Iver days, leaving the reader with a vast knowledge of the subject at hand.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book although I feel like the author got very hung up describing his take on every single song Justin Vernon wrote during his entire career. It felt a bit like he was trying to increase word count. Though halfway through, I was more drawn into the story and began to enjoy relishing in the details and speculating about the meaning of verses along with the author. Apparently, it was more pleasing to wax poetic about songs I've actually heard. What I want more now... is Justin Vernon to re-start Bon Iver. Please come back!

[De Ongeletterde · Rating 2 out of 5]

Net toen ik het wou opgeven (het is een nogal "taai" boek), kwam een hoofdstuk waarin ik toch veel nieuwe dingen te weten kwam. Ik zou het boek niet meteen aanraden, maar het was wel fijn meer te weten te komen over Bon Iver, de andere muzikale projecten van Justin Vernon en de platen die hij maakte.

[Morgan Shearer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very dense read, regardless of how short the book actually is in page count. I felt I was reading a senior thesis project with all of the quotes from other articles, and not a lot of elaboration in between. I don’t feel like I learned anything new in this, but it was still about Bon Iver so I can’t give it a bottom tier review.

[Davina Giove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of all over the place :( i often had to read passages again because I wasn't sure what the author was talking about or in what era I was