First off, please note that I received a free advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest feedback. I was so excited to get this opportunity and when I got my copy, I couldn’t put it down. Over the past few years, many of my favorite artists have released their autobiographies. It is so enjoyable to read the stories behind the “idols” I had as discovered along my rock and roll journey. I’ve also been thrilled to see the release of autobiographies of those connected to those that inspired me throughout my life and Shep Gordon’s “They Call Me Supermensch” is certainly one of those.
The most important thing I look for when reading these autobiographies is that the author must not only be able to tell the story that the fans already know but to do it in a way that is unique to the author’s personality and Shep Gordon certainly does this. The way he relates his story is genuine and sincere. When I began reading the book, it was as if he and I were sitting down having a wonderful conversation about his life. I enjoyed the magnificent stories, the anecdotes and the reoccurring theme of various lessons on life. I hadn’t read too far into the book when I ran across the statement, ‘create history, don’t wait for it to happen.’ At that point I knew there would be many gems to follow and was not disappointed.
I also need the author to relate something new to stories I am familiar with and again, Shep Gordon manages to do so. Whether it was his initial meeting with the Alice Cooper Group or the Dalai Lama, he was able to bring, not only a different perspective to the event, he was able to share some new information and in most cases an after-story to go with it.
When reading autobiographies, I am also looking for inspiration. I love the stories of celebrities that made it, lost it and regained it. Whether it is through religion, self-preservation or a 12-step program, whenever the person has overcome personal tragedy it is an inspiration and Shep shared a few of these. I know it can be difficult to share such stories with the public as they are so personal, but in doing so, Shep offers an inspiration or a different way of looking at the situations.
As to the content of the book, Shep manages to cover the stories that anyone who even remotely knows who he is can appreciate. But if you are looking for 300 pages of Shep and Alice Cooper, you will not find it here. There is enough of Alice and their dealings together but you soon discover that Shep Gordon is more than Alice Cooper’s manager. You will get the pre-Cooper stories, which are essential in building the character of Shep Gordon, you will get his entry into band management and then you will get to be entertained as he takes you on the journey of his life into areas that it is safe to say most people don’t know. His experiences with Raquel, Groucho, Vergé and the many other great chefs are wonderfully shared and again so insightful. I’ve shared the chef’s stories with several cooking friends and of course they “never knew.” To me, this speaks to the second point above. Bringing something new to the masses. When I got to the Salvador Dali part, I was so inspired that I went to the Dali museum’s website and purchased the 3-D crystal of Alice. Again, to me, that is what a good author will do. I've also purchased another 3 copies to share with friends.
Buy the book. You will not be disappointed. As you read through these pages, I hope you will find the stories as interesting and inspirational as I did.
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Reviews with images
Shep Gordon: The Four "I's"
Shep Gordon is the Four I’s: Intelligent, Irreverent, Intuitive and Irresistible.I don’t know Shep Gordon personally but have been hearing about him for years through mutual friends and they all seem toshare widely divergent stories with the same exact post script: ‘Shep is just such a great guy.’ I say this because while I received a free advanced copy of the book asking for my feedback, I've never met him but strangely, I feel like I should.After seeing the film, “Supermensch”a few years ago, I added him to the ’top 10 people I’d like to have coffee with list’—which includes the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and Vaclav Havel. And after three chapters of this book, Gordon got bumped to the ‘top 5’—and not just because Mandela and Havel are dead but because like all of the above, Gordon has lived life 'full on' with contrast, contradiction and introspection. But that’s not all that surprising for someone who has brushed up against the veil for a few moments and grasped that who we truly are is that which cannot be seen. And that probably why celebrity seems to carry a different meaning for this star cluttered philanthropic mensch.Without embarrassment or self consciousness, Gordon invites, coaxes and goads us into a front row seat and offers us a cocktailof excess, celebrity and insanity shaken and stirred with insight and revelation. With humor, precision and compassion--extended to even the remotest of strangers--Gordon seems to find the energy (and the inclination) to reflect back love and humanity to everyone in his path.And for a guy who has embraced the moniker ‘Supermensch’, there is humility and grace in his recollections--which are surprising and profound.After reading the book I sense my friends weren’t exaggerating--and every woman over a certain age (I suspect) will be adding him to their ‘top ten’ list.So yeah, it appears that Shep Gordon really is a great guy and fortunately, sometimes great guys finish first. At least it seemslike Gordon has.Molly Secours[...]
Top reviews from other countries
Grammac89
Excellent read! Highly recommended!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2019JDA
Funny. Inspiring. Quirky. Honest...Great Read.
Reviewed in Canada on January 24, 2018Richard Taylor
Fun + Inspiration
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 20, 2016