Snippets of SnapDragon

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.