Jim Morrison (They Died Too Young)

Gr 7-9-Appealing directly to the insatiable curiosity of teens about celebrities who die before their time, these brief biographies focus primarily on career-related events. Early music influences, formation of bands, extent of national and global recognition, and the effects of drugs and alcohol are extensively covered. Marked by fact-filled paragraphs and colorful, compelling language, the writing styles will appeal in spite of occasionally difficult vocabulary. Even aficionados of rock magazines will be interested. Lewis's highly subjective description of Morrison reads, "The Jim Morrison of 1967 looked like a rock `n' roll deity, darkly beautiful, broodingly tragic, Adonis but also Dionysis." The book has well-chosen primary quotes that illustrate Morrison's enormous and creative intelligence. In Jimi Hendrix, career highlights include a 1968 tour and a Woodstock performance. Neither book has a bibliography. The full-color photos help to create well-rounded impressions of the character and contributions of these talented, sometimes troubled young geniuses.-Phyllis Graves, Creekwood Middle School, Kingwood, TX

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