A short critique of Elton John’s autobiography, Me

Hey hey hey!
Look who’s back with Book-of-the-Month, kids!
Except, this selection is not for kids. (Nor are any of the books I review, really.)
Anyway, this one is definitely worth your time. Pick it up. Jump right in.
Enjoy, my dear.
. . .
Me by Elton John (2019)
My beautiful best friend, who lives nearly two-hours away, sent me this hardback in the mail. With it, a hand-written letter saying, “I tore through this book in just a few days and thought of you so many times as I read it. In a time where we’re all stuck inside, good books are even more important and I love being able to share one with you.”
Heart thoroughly warmed, I used her note as my bookmark, and settled in for the ride.
. . .
I’ve always loved Elton. I was a 90s kid who owned The Lion King soundtrack on cassette tape. I played it over and over and over. And, I might add, the songs I enjoyed most were those performed by Elton himself.
Dude. Circle of Life. Chills.
Anyway, while I’ve always been a fan, there is quite a lot I never knew about him.
The man. The myth. The piano-playing legend.
His autobiography tells the tale of his life with such thoughtfulness, humility, and love.
It reads like the confession of a man who has nothing to prove–or maybe–something indefinable to prove only to himself. It reads with a reflective wisdom I think can only come with time.
It’s honest. It’s juicy. It’s healing.
And, maybe it’s surprising I never knew he was a coke addict. (But to be fair, he’s been sober for most of my life.) But he owns his struggles and shortcomings with a graciousness I find refreshing.
Favorite passage?
(Don’t worry, girl. I didn’t dog-ear your book.) (But I um, did spill a little chocolate ice cream on it. Love you!)
How about this one:
But I’ve never had writer’s block, I’ve never sat down with one of Bernie’s lyrics and nothing has come out. I don’t know why. I can’t explain it and I don’t want to explain it. Actually, I love that I can’t explain it. It’s the spontaneity of it that’s beautiful (John).
And with that, I’ll leave you to go enjoy your favorite Elton track, Dear Reader.
You know you have one.
. . .

SnapDragon is a writer, artist, and unapologetic purchaser of buttermilk ranch.
Follow her Two-Bit Musings and more on Snippets of SnapDragon.
what a wonderful review.
We just finished watching Rocketman – a great story, but I was not aware of how bad his substance abuse was. I’m glad he was able to get it under control.
This book sounds like it could fill in a lot fo the gaps in the movie.
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Yeah, I haven’t watched it yet, but heard it’s good. Maybe it’ll be my weekend movie! Thanks, Jim. 🕊
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I thought the guy who played Elton was fabulous…
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I like that part about him not having to prove anything or maybe only to himself. Like you said, sounds like a thoughtful, wise read. The spilling food on books reminds me a lot of myself 😄 .
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Haha. Reading and snacking are my two favorite pastimes. 🙈
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😄 same!
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Being a flawed artist always makes them more interesting, correct? It’s nice you respect the music of my baby boom generation of previously idealistic dreamers.
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I wholeheartedly agree that our flaws give us flavor. And I am absolutely, 100% a classic rock girl at heart. 🕊
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