Tina Andrews

Awop Bop Aloo Mop by Tina Andrews (I listened to the audiobook narrated by Sean Crisden) takes us into both the career and the life of Little Richard.

I remember growing up and hearing his music, both literally and reflected or covered by rock and roll artists, and just being completely swept up in the energy. His persona was so big that it was far too easy to forget that under all of that was a human being. Andrews brings a lot of the internal struggles as well as his career ups and downs together into a story that will send readers to their preferred music source to listen to his music as well as make them lament many of the things that impeded his happiness and sense of self-worth.

What I really appreciated in the book was Andrews' ability to take me into the depths of his personal battles while also allowing me to walk down memory lane with his music and influence on other musicians. I was familiar with a lot of the career information, those who praised and adored him, but I was sorely lacking in even beginning to understand the person. I now feel like I have a better understanding of both Little Richard and of the culture(s) that surrounded him.

I was initially conflicted about the audio version. I generally prefer books written by women to be narrated by a woman. That said, Crisden did a great job and quickly put my concerns to rest.

I would recommend this to anyone who remembers Little Richard's music and persona and would like to know more about the person, as well as those readers who like reading about music's icons. And, of course, those of you in my age bracket for whom this will be nostalgic as well.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (mais)