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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Candid Clapton. Some spoilers below.By MovieLoverThis autobiography by Eric Clapton kept my interest was hard to put down. He was verycandid RE his thoughts actions. Music lovers would appreciate this book.Eric Clapton revealed he learned his parents were actually his grandparents; who dotedon him. He never met his birth father and he was not raised by his unwed mother who livedelsewhere. He hated the "bastard" label these secrets contributed to his distrust of others;especially women.He admired blues artists; Muddy Waters; Howlin Wolf; B.B. King; Robert Johnson wanted toplay like them. Later in his career; he was able to collaborate with some of these heroes. Heconsidered Muddy Waters a "father figure."Clapton; in his early career came off as smug pompous; because he thought he was moreartistically "pure" than bandmates such as The Yardbirds Cream. Clapton;by his own admission;had difficulty expressing his emotions was a "people pleaser." Once he obtained something hesought; IE affection of Patti Boyd Harrison; he seemed to experience a let down then move ontoa new challenge.He abused many substances- alcohol; pot; cocaine; heroin; etc result- ing in ulcers; seizures;near death. He was arrested for drunkenness a verbal altercation; while on a plane in Tulsa.And was released from the county jail when he showed police who he was by playing his guitar.He was in rehab twice; the first time he was unable to bring his guitar.When be became clean sober he questioned who was he? Just a musician? Who were hisfriends? What would he do with his leisure time other than drink drug? How did his sobrietyaffect existing relationships? How did his sobriety affect guitar-playing? He shared he maturedafter 20 years of sobriety. He started Crossroads- Antigua to help other addicts. Clapton andassociates auctioned off personal guitars to raise funds for Crossroads Treatment Centre.The most poignant sections were recounting his grief after the accidental death of his young sonConor. And hope in establishing a relationship with his 6 yr old daughter Ruth who was raised byher mother. The only complaint I had was he called some fans "loonies." He eventually understoodthe stigma of addiction; why couldnt he acknowledge the stigma of mental illness?0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I was so disappointed by this bookBy darbyI was so disappointed by this book. I have always thought that Clapton was a man with soul but through his writings I find a narcissistic drug addict. The book is boring; mostly chronicling his drug use and all the famous people that he has worked with or been influenced (in his music) by. Most of it literally read like he had made a list. He skims briefly over the pain he has caused others (especially the women) all his life and blames most of that on his addictions. This is probably true. He did get sober about 20 years ago and later met a 22 year old girl who seems to have been a big influence in turning him into a nicer human being. They have 4 children together and the love seems to be there. Perhaps Clapton has trouble revealing his positive side in relationships but he has no trouble praising his music. I like to think that is true but I came out of this book pretty much disliking the man but still loving his music.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Not bad for a first effortBy DebThe book starts slow and clearly needed editing. Too bad nobody edited it.About a third of the way into the boom; the writing improves and Claptons story is engaging. I enjoyed reading his approach to playing the guitar and the stories behind the songs and albums.Towards the end; Clapton spends endless pages thanking everyone. Its nice hes grateful but the gratitude is boring.Its a worthwhile read and Im glad I took the time to read it.