Legends of Rock & Roll - The Monkees: An unauthorized fan tribute

I really enjoyed reading this book, but then I've enjoyed reading all of his books. My memories of the Monkees go back to my childhood and it was nice to learn more of a group that gave me a lot of good memories. As with all his books, the author looks at each member of the band and how the band developed. It's packed full of interesting content some of which surprised me. This book is easy to read and I highly recommend it.

This is a very well researched book with a lot of interesting facts that I never knew about. For one thing, I never knew they made so many albums. You can tell that James enjoys the subject and writes with a passion. A very enjoyable read, but sometimes quite sad.

Another book about nostalgic times from James Hoag. I am of the certain age that appreciates being reminded of the early years of pop music, though as James points out later generations also discovered the qualities of the early years.Perhaps because I was in England, I did not know much of what is revealed in this book. To me, the Monkees was just a slapstick TV show, light entertainment. I think I understood that they did not play, at least at the start, but that was the extent of my knowledge. Therefore, I was fully informed and entertained to read this book.Now, there are one or two issues with editing. I was particularly amused by James reference to "flamingo guitar" (although an error, "Flamenco" is actually a Spanish word for flamingo, so this isn't totally silly). However, the book is written in a conversational manner which makes it easy reading, and just as if James, as a Monkee expert, was chatting to you one evening. So in my view the issues, though undesirable, are easily acceptable.This is a light read, and I found out a lot that I had not previously known. I was amused and enthralled, so if you have the slightest interest in nostalgia, I recommend this book.

I received the book and read it in about ten minutes. It’s very light on info, and what little there is....is very vague. The author claims to be a fan. He seems to like some of their songs. As far as writing about the 4 monkees I’m surprised he remembered their names. (He thinks Davy Jones might have liked horses, but he doesn’t know for sure) lol

I was not a fan of this particular band when they first came on the music scene. I didn't particularly like their style of music either, but then I didn't like "The Beatles" when they first came out. But after reading this book, I found out how this band came to be. I found out how they were discovered. You won't believe how this was done. The book started out a bit textbook like for me in the beginning but once past the beginning chapters the author takes you on how the band members handled each other and supported each other. I read this book in one setting and it enraptured me so much that there is hope in any type of endeavor that musicians want to have.