It has been quiet around this site, as my reading has been sporadic. However, thanks to a lovely Valentine's Day gift (a Barnes & Noble nook) I have been able to bring books with me on the go and read just about anywhere. This was the second book I read on my eReader.
First off I should say that I am not a huge Black Sabbath fan. I read this book, purely for it's storytelling value. I love memoirs, and any autobiography about a musician earns a spot on my reading list regardless of the genre. I should also add that I do not know any of the music by Black Sabbath with the exception of Iron Man and that is only because of the comic book character of the same name.
I have, however, watched the reality show The Osbournes and found it to be pretty interesting. Until I no longer had cable.
I Am Ozzy starts off with a quote by Ozzy's father about him either becoming something special or going to prison. His father was right on both accounts. From there the reader is brought through a tale that begins with the life of a young boy growing up in the town of Aston to the early days of a fledgling band that later became known as Black Sabbath to the solo career of Ozzy. Ozzy holds nothing back as he notates not only his accomplishments, but his failures. From his battle with alcohol and drug abuse to the beginning of Ozzfest. Almost nothing is off limits here, and it is all told through that same Ozzy voice heard in interviews and the MTV show The Osbournes Albeit a more sober voice.
While reading this book there were moments of disbelief and moments where I wanted to cry. Reading his take on his wife's cancer diagnosis was heart-wrenching even though I knew she would win the battle for her life. More than anything there were moment's where I wanted to laugh as Ozzy's take on even serious matters had a humorous spin.
All in all, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I still will not be rushing out to buy an Ozzy album or tickets to Ozzfest anytime soon. However, my preference in music in no way hampered my ability to see that Ozzy lived an interesting and inspiring life in that he overcame many trials (including forced societal roles and economic restraints that usually keeps many people in lower classes down) to succeed in fulfilling his dream of being able to eke out a living as a musician...and then some.
Oh, and he bit the head off a bat.
Sometimes I wonder if author's would ever read my book reviews. I need not wonder in this case as Ozzy re-iterates many times that he does not read reviews.
I would give this book 4.5 out of 5 Coca-Cola bottles.
Happy Reading!
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