12/01/16: Crystal Zevon (ed.) – I’ll Sleep When I'm Dead: The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon (2007)

A fascinating oral history told in subtly interwoven recollections by Warren Zevon's friends, girlfriends, family and professional associates. He emerges as a deeply troubled character – at various points an alcoholic, wife-beater and womaniser. These issues are further complicated by his severe OCD and superstition. It's not a pretty picture that emerges, but before his death Zevon had apparently given his blessing that this full, unvarnished story of his life should be told.

If there's a criticism, it's that there's not enough detail about the music. You hear of his records being made, but because this story is told by others there is very little about the writing of the songs or how it felt to play them. The book does, however, include snippets from Zevon's own diaries – sometimes extremely personal, as when relaying intimate details of his affairs with various girlfriends (the addiction that replaced his addiction to alcohol). If you are prepared for the harrowing reality, this is a must-read book. It might not make you like this complex and brilliant man, but it will help you to understand him a little better.