Earlier works in biography, music and humor.
Books
Paul McCartney: A Life
October 12, 2012 By
(Simon & Schuster, 2009) A deeply researched biography focusing on McCartney’s work and experiences as a musician, writer and global icon from his earliest days with the Quarrymen in Liverpool through his career with the Beatles, Wings and his ongoing work as a solo artist, performer and, let’s face it, an intriguingly flawed demigod.
Reviews:
A.V. Club
The Globe and Mail
Jacksonville.com
Catch a Wave: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption
October 11, 2012 By
(Rodale, 2006) Also written with its subject’s cooperation, a biography of the brilliant songwriter / producer / musician / performer. Along with Wilson’s music and gothic story, analyzes Wilson and the Beach Boys’ impact as modern arbiters of American archetypes, with particular focus on Wilson’s long-unfinished masterwork Smile, whose unexpected rebirth occurred in the midst of Carlin’s work on the book.
Reviews:
New York Times
Popmatters.com
Boston Globe
Beyond the Limits
October 9, 2012 By
(Little, Brown, 1993) Written with mountaineer Stacy Allison, the first American woman to summit Mt. Everest, this autobiography describes her mountaineering achievements in the context of her escape from an abusive marriage.
Brave New Bride
October 8, 2012 By
(Warner, 1992) A magazine parody. Brides, marriage and attending commercial pyrotechnics mocked in early ‘90s form. Seems naive now, but everything does after two decades of hard road. Plus also check out those youthful pictures of the author and his now-much-older friends. Copies hard to come by. Lost youths even more so.
