Mark Shipper

Subtitled “a spurious history of the Beatles,” this book is a lark that retells the entire Beatles’ story inserting horrible puns and even worse running gags. Generally, the jokes weren’t that funny, but in a fun kind of way this novel captures the Beatles’ story better than any of the serious history books do. The best parts are when the members of the group are just sitting around ragging on one another - like good friends do - but referring to the types of things that make it in show more the gossip rags. Despite it’s silliness, the novel actually gives an interesting perspective on the loneliness of fame and the loss creativity that comes with success. show less

Sublimely hilarious parody of the Beatles' rise and dissipation that had the unfortunate timing of getting published months before Lennon's assassination. But if (a) you're serious about the Beatles, (b) you've never read it, and (c) you can find a copy, READ IT IMMEDIATELY. You'll laugh until, well, Eleanor Rigby comes home. Or something.

This is a terrific book - a hilarious "semi-fiction" of the Beatles' story. I read it years ago and loved it; back then, I knew all the real history, so I knew which bits were fake. But I've forgotten so much by now that I probably wouldn't get most of the jokes anymore. So, I'm going to send this one to my friend G, who happens to be a Beatlemaniac.