Elliot Tiber (1935–2016)

Not for the prudish or homophobic.

But so long as you don't belong to either of those two groups, this book appeals.

Many of the anecdotes beg disbelief and, of course, since most of the players are deceased, there's no real fact checking to be done but Tiber's story is an aspect of Woodstock that hasn't been previously explored.

How and why The Woodstock Music & Art Festival ended up 50 miles from Woodstock is yet another piece in the improbable, nay, impossible event that took place show more nonetheless.

As a baby boomer who was 7 years old at the time, my knowledge of Woodstock was woefully lacking and Tiber's book is an intriguing, if at times appalling, introduction. show less

After having recently watched the film 'Taking Woodstock', which I loved, I was very excited to find this novel, which is, in effect the prequel to that film. I love the writing style, and the story of Elliot, coming of age and leaving home, his hate/love relationship with his mother, and the tales of his journey into life, love and the workforce, will leave you wanting more.

Palm Trees on the Hudson: A True Story of the Mob, Judy Garland, & Interior Decorating is written by Elliot Tiber, author of the bestselling Taking Woodstock.
This biography chronicles Tiber's life until around the age of 35. It glimpses at his childhood with his cold mother and passive father, his "run for freedom" to Greenwich Village, and his struggle to become a success as an interior decorator.

Tiber seems like such a fascinating person, and in this memoir I couldn't help but feel for him show more as he talked about his mother, or as he searched for someone to love. But I also amazed by him, from his time in Greenwich Village to his meeting with his icon, Judy Garland. He came across as an incredibly likable person through the pages, and I, the reader, held a permanent seat in his corner rooting him on the further in the book I read.

He has a way with words which made the book a quick read and it in no way "dragged on" or made reading it feel like a chore. It was enjoyable through and through even though a lot of the content wasn't all "sunshine and rainbows".

Anyone who read and enjoyed Tiber's Taking Woodstock should give this, the prequel, a try. You will not be disappointed show less

honest, hilarious memoir of a Brooklynite's adventures in Manhattan and upstate NY.