Reviews

Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick

mastablein's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

5.0

Best biography of Elvis I ever read

jthree's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This is probably one of the most detailed and well-researched biographies I’ve ever read, and that is honestly probably why it ended up being a three star read for me. Elvis’ ascent to fame involved a lot of the same thing happening over and over again on an exponential scale, and the middle third of this book in particular dragged as a result. Still very interesting as a description of the time as well as of Elvis’ life himself, although he is a curiously absent figure for much of the narrative - the many, many interviews with characters from his life make them feel alive in a way he himself does not:

kfrench1008's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

One of the best bios I've ever read. Guralnick sets up Elvis' life and times brilliantly.

whitneyborup's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

The story of Elvis might be THE American story.

shoulder_pads's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative inspiring relaxing medium-paced

4.0

tkateridge's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny informative inspiring slow-paced

4.5

Great book for Elvis fans. Touches into many aspects of his life.

cwalter01's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Great biography.  Would like to read the next one as well

aspinsterlibrarian's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Hmm, en oikeen tiedä mitä mieltä olin tästä. Olen ehkä enemmän omaelämäkertojen ystävä, mutta nyt ei sattuneesta syystä semmoista ole tarjolla. Tästä jäi enimmäkseen aika "kliininen" kuva. Päivänmääriä, faktoja, ihmisiä. Käännöskin jossain määrin tökki. Mutta olihan tämä silti Elvis-noviisille ihan mielenkiintoista luettavaa. Täytynee myös lukea kirjan jatko-osa, vaikka se tulee varmasti olemaan aika synkkää tavaraa. 

kungfool's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Fascinating story of the young Presley as a sweet, simple teenager who, whirlwind like, transforms into a pop culture phenomenon. Amazing details of life in Memphis, on the "hillbilly" music circuit, and 1950's television and Hollywood.

vldewitt's review against another edition

Go to review page

Did not finish. Wasn't very compelling.