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John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs
John Lennon and Paul McCartney knew each other for twenty-three years, from 1957 to 1980. This book is the myth-shattering biography of a relationship that changed the cultural history of the world.
The Beatles shook the world to its core in the 1960鈥檚 and, to this day, remain an active ingredient in our cultural bloodstream, as new generations fall in love with their songs and their story. At the heart of this phenomenon lies the dynamic between John and Paul. Few other musical partnerships have been rooted in such a deep, intense and complicated personal relationship.
John and Paul鈥檚 relationship was defined by its complexity: compulsive, tender and tempestuous; full of longing, riven by jealousy. Like the band, their relationship was always in motion, never in equilibrium for long. John and Paul traces its twists and turns and reveals how these shifts manifested themselves in the music. Yoko Ono remarked on the resemblance of their friendship to a romantic relationship and suggested that at some point that鈥檚 what John wanted it to be. The two of them shared a private language, rooted in the stories, comedy and songs they both loved as teenagers, and later, in the lyrics of Beatles songs.
In John and Paul, acclaimed writer on human psychology and creativity Ian Leslie traces the shared journey of these men before, during and after The Beatles, offering us both a new look at two of the greatest icons in music history, and rich insights into the nature of creativity, collaboration, and human intimacy.
The Beatles shook the world to its core in the 1960鈥檚 and, to this day, remain an active ingredient in our cultural bloodstream, as new generations fall in love with their songs and their story. At the heart of this phenomenon lies the dynamic between John and Paul. Few other musical partnerships have been rooted in such a deep, intense and complicated personal relationship.
John and Paul鈥檚 relationship was defined by its complexity: compulsive, tender and tempestuous; full of longing, riven by jealousy. Like the band, their relationship was always in motion, never in equilibrium for long. John and Paul traces its twists and turns and reveals how these shifts manifested themselves in the music. Yoko Ono remarked on the resemblance of their friendship to a romantic relationship and suggested that at some point that鈥檚 what John wanted it to be. The two of them shared a private language, rooted in the stories, comedy and songs they both loved as teenagers, and later, in the lyrics of Beatles songs.
In John and Paul, acclaimed writer on human psychology and creativity Ian Leslie traces the shared journey of these men before, during and after The Beatles, offering us both a new look at two of the greatest icons in music history, and rich insights into the nature of creativity, collaboration, and human intimacy.
424 pages, Hardcover
First published March 27, 2025
113 people are currently reading
11.4k people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 10, 2025
I am an ardent Beatles fan dating back to the sixties and own a king's ransom of Beatles books spanning the decades, so was pleasantly surprised to find that good and relevant ones are still being written- a contented feeling as I closed this book. Honestly, I was a bit cynical about the premise of this book, the provocative whisper that John and Paul loved each other...but in what way? The implication was: possibly in ALL ways. While this was a biography about The Beatles, it focused primarily on the core relationship of its main composers: John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Throughout the biography as it explored each of The Beatles albums and singles, there were deep dives into how songs were written (which parts John and Paul contributed) and the author's interpretations of their meanings. At times I get weary of psychoanalyzation, where people wax poetic about what these songs mean. However, as the book neared its end I found myself gleaning new insights on certain song lyrics in a profound way. The book ended with the aftermath of John Lennon's assassination, how Paul learned of it, and the evolution of his grief over the decades since. This was a quality book that offered new kernels of Beatles lore and will be very much enjoyed by Beatles fans.
Thank you to the publisher Celadon Books for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
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March 19, 2025I鈥檓 just wondering if in 10 years or so someone will write a book like this about larry stylinson
January 28, 2025
Ian Leslie's John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs is a terrific book. I say that as a major Beatles fan, though not, as I've confessed before, a fanatic. I may have collected and listened to everything Paul McCartney has ever officially released, but I haven't done the same with John Lennon (much less George Harrison or Ringo Starr), and that's a failure on my part. Particularly when it comes to John, I need to correct that someday.
Why? Because as I think Leslie demonstrates very well in this book, constructing any history of the Lennon & McCartney musical partnership--both before and after the Beatles--which doesn't put their complicated, deeply loving, often deeply resentful, and always deeply confusing relationship at the center almost certainly misses something crucial. That's not to say Leslie does something here that has never been done before; any remotely attentive take on the lives of these two individuals--or at least their lives between 1957 and 1980, and the art they made during those years, both together and apart and with others--can't help but notice how much John and Paul, no matter what else is going on or who else is there, are looking at and to one another, seeking approval from the other, trying to one-up one another, listening to and trusting in each other. I took that away as perhaps the defining revelation of Peter Jackson's wonderful reconstruction of the Let It Be sessions, The Beatles: Get Back, and I know I'm not alone in thinking that way.
But Leslie provides the supporting evidence of the abiding artistic importance of all of John and Paul's looking, listening, seeking, competing, and trusting. Some of the songs he builds chapters around are, admittedly, a bit of stretch; he tells the story of these two artists chronologically, and finding the right song from the particular stretch of their lives he is chronicling (sometimes just a few weeks, sometimes several months) to match what he wants to say about respective artistic and personal as well as their relationship's evolution(s) doesn't always work. But there were so many times when the product of the Lennon & McCartney songwriting partnership reflected exactly what appears to have been going on in their hearts and heads that, more often than not, the songs Leslie chooses for each chapter work very well, sometimes perfectly. (I'll never think about "If I Fell" or "In My Life" or Lennon's "God" the same way again--and it's not a coincidence that these were all John songs: while Leslie's admiration for Paul is endless, he makes a strong case that the brilliant and damaged John was always the force that did more to captivate or infuriate or drive forward Paul as an artist, and the Beatles as a band, than was the case for any other single member.)
Anyway, this is a first-rate work of both popular biography and musical criticism; I have to set it alongside Rob Sheffield's Dreaming the Beatles as the best book I've ever read about that band, despite its limitations (he puts an official apology at the end of the book, expressing regret that, because of his thesis--as defensible and correct as I think it is--George Harrison and Ringo Starr get pushed aside). Check it out, if you're any kind of fan of the 1960s at all; you're learn something from it, and maybe be inspired by it too.
Why? Because as I think Leslie demonstrates very well in this book, constructing any history of the Lennon & McCartney musical partnership--both before and after the Beatles--which doesn't put their complicated, deeply loving, often deeply resentful, and always deeply confusing relationship at the center almost certainly misses something crucial. That's not to say Leslie does something here that has never been done before; any remotely attentive take on the lives of these two individuals--or at least their lives between 1957 and 1980, and the art they made during those years, both together and apart and with others--can't help but notice how much John and Paul, no matter what else is going on or who else is there, are looking at and to one another, seeking approval from the other, trying to one-up one another, listening to and trusting in each other. I took that away as perhaps the defining revelation of Peter Jackson's wonderful reconstruction of the Let It Be sessions, The Beatles: Get Back, and I know I'm not alone in thinking that way.
But Leslie provides the supporting evidence of the abiding artistic importance of all of John and Paul's looking, listening, seeking, competing, and trusting. Some of the songs he builds chapters around are, admittedly, a bit of stretch; he tells the story of these two artists chronologically, and finding the right song from the particular stretch of their lives he is chronicling (sometimes just a few weeks, sometimes several months) to match what he wants to say about respective artistic and personal as well as their relationship's evolution(s) doesn't always work. But there were so many times when the product of the Lennon & McCartney songwriting partnership reflected exactly what appears to have been going on in their hearts and heads that, more often than not, the songs Leslie chooses for each chapter work very well, sometimes perfectly. (I'll never think about "If I Fell" or "In My Life" or Lennon's "God" the same way again--and it's not a coincidence that these were all John songs: while Leslie's admiration for Paul is endless, he makes a strong case that the brilliant and damaged John was always the force that did more to captivate or infuriate or drive forward Paul as an artist, and the Beatles as a band, than was the case for any other single member.)
Anyway, this is a first-rate work of both popular biography and musical criticism; I have to set it alongside Rob Sheffield's Dreaming the Beatles as the best book I've ever read about that band, despite its limitations (he puts an official apology at the end of the book, expressing regret that, because of his thesis--as defensible and correct as I think it is--George Harrison and Ringo Starr get pushed aside). Check it out, if you're any kind of fan of the 1960s at all; you're learn something from it, and maybe be inspired by it too.
January 3, 2025
If you love the Beatles, this is a must read
March 22, 2025
ohn & Paul: A Love Story in Songs is a biography of John Lennon and Paul McCartney and how their collaborative efforts produced the various iconic songs that we know and love today.
The book outlines how each of the top songs were thought out and made real by John and Paul. Both men had an uncanny connection when it came to music and song writing. They were like the Yin and Yang of music composition. With John the Yin and Paul the Yang.
There were a lot of musical phrases and terms. And being a novice in music composition, I found the terms to be too techinical for my abilities. But, what I found helpful in my understanding was listening to the songs that were mentioned. It made it easier to get more insight on the composition of the songs and the terminology being used. And listening to the songs enhanced the overall experience of the book.
John & Paul is the perfect book for diehard Beatles fans who also have a greater understanding of the music world. Four solid stars.
I received a DRC from Celadon Books through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
The book outlines how each of the top songs were thought out and made real by John and Paul. Both men had an uncanny connection when it came to music and song writing. They were like the Yin and Yang of music composition. With John the Yin and Paul the Yang.
There were a lot of musical phrases and terms. And being a novice in music composition, I found the terms to be too techinical for my abilities. But, what I found helpful in my understanding was listening to the songs that were mentioned. It made it easier to get more insight on the composition of the songs and the terminology being used. And listening to the songs enhanced the overall experience of the book.
John & Paul is the perfect book for diehard Beatles fans who also have a greater understanding of the music world. Four solid stars.
I received a DRC from Celadon Books through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 5, 2025
Like so many other readers, my teenage years were touched, formed, affected, and filled by The Beatles and their music. Surprisingly, I have never read any other comprehensive histories of the group or its individuals, and Ian Leslie gives us a plethora of sources he used so that will be of help in the future. I won't be fact-checking Leslie's many footnotes so I can only say that the story he weaves is intriguing and very emotional. In fact, "John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs" is a mixture of psychology, emotion, and musicology and the combination is enlightening and enjoyable. There were, of course, things about John's and Paul's lives - separately and together - that I knew little about. As a teenager, I'm sure I was less than aware of the volume of drug and alcohol use/abuse. The extent of their codependency certainly wasn't something I thought about. "John & Paul" often left me crying because the anecdotes were so heart wrenchingly sad. After each reading session I found myself listening to one or two of the songs that the chapters are named for. It gave me some closure for the many wounds this book opened up. Regardless of some of the disturbing things that are revealed here (and probably in many of Leslie's sources), The Beatles and their songs will always remain, for me, tremendously important. I have recommended this book for my library to purchase once it is published. Amusingly, when I submitted the title - John & Paul - the librarian asked if it was about Popes!!
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December 4, 2024Okay, another book about the personal relationship between two of my favourite musical artists?? I haven't read a Beatles biography since George Harrison: the reluctant Beatle so yeah to say I'm hyped is an understatement!
April 2, 2025
I enjoyed this read about John & Paul. They happen to be up there with Rodgers and Hammerstein to me. The thing that puts them at the top, for me, is the way they wrote their songs and then often blended their voices into one. This book is kind of pro Paul in some of the stories, and while Paul is my favorite, that is hard for me because John started this fire. I enjoyed the text, but I feel that the author hasn鈥檛 see the Let it Be movie. While Get Back is superb, Let it Be shows how things were imploding on the band and is a large piece of the puzzle for me. I like how this book showed that the boys were growing up, and wives and family were becoming important, that is another factor for the end. Then the author said something I thought was perfect and something that I have thought of for years鈥︹€he song The End, it showcases everyone for a few seconds, a finale. Four solos to make one ending鈥︹€n ending for something that is simply magical.
This book is for the Beatles fan that might want to know more about the music, or the fan that loved that all the pieces were in the right place, at the right time and perfection was made. Well done, Ian Leslie.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me get my hands on this one.
This book is for the Beatles fan that might want to know more about the music, or the fan that loved that all the pieces were in the right place, at the right time and perfection was made. Well done, Ian Leslie.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me get my hands on this one.
February 26, 2025
I read an advance copy of this book thanks to NetGalley.
I was born too late to be a Beatles fan in the moment, but I wasn't too far behind. Their music played all around me as I grew up in the '70s, part of the fabric of my childhood. I learned about them in bits and pieces, became fascinated with their obvious musical arc from good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll to whacked-out psychedelic tunes and back again, before disbanding forever.
Despite the density of this book, it's hard to believe that they made the entire journey from twanging guitars and rockabilly-style wailing to sitars and sound collages in such a short amount of time. Perhaps that is the most important theme of this book, the lack of randomness in their story, the obvious steps that they took from song to song to build their catalogue. Every piece mattered. Every song moved them perceptibly forward.
The book does progress chronologically through song titles as emblematic of the Beatles timeline, but settles firmly into the story of the relationship between John and Paul. The author immerses us in their characters - their fears, their worries, the tragic events that drove them together and ultimately apart - and carries us from day one to the horrific end. John and Paul spoke together through song, sometimes jointly as the doubly-voiced first-person narrator of a tale, and then spoke to each other through songs, taking vicious shots at each other in the post-break-up years. John claimed that all brothers fight, and he had no closer brother than Paul. Sadly, their reconciliation never fully actualized before John was murdered. The author weaves in all of the lives surrounding theirs - George, Ringo, Yoko, Linda, etc. - and explains their impacts on the John and Paul story.
He works deeply in the lyrics, vocalizations and the music, helping us to understand true meanings behind the Lennon-McCartney songs, even why specific individual notes can tell us things we need to know. We come to see the subtle nuances that made John and Paul great, and the individual styles that eventually set them on different paths. Lennon was rock 'n' roll. Paul would have been happy on a piano in an echoing music hall. Together as they were for so long, with thousands of hours on stage in Hamburg and Liverpool, they perfected their craft.
Like the author, I, too, saw Paul sing with "John" in concert a few years ago, at Fenway Park. Paul was overcome with emotion as John's image played on the screen behind him (Paul turned to face it) and they sang together, as were so many of us that day, believing, if momentarily, that we were seeing the Beatles finally reunited for one night, one song only. This book makes me appreciate that moment that much more. It reminds us of what the world had, what the world lost, and not what may never happen again, but what has been preserved for all time. The Beatles will live on, and the remarkable story of John and Paul will be shared for generations to come.
I was born too late to be a Beatles fan in the moment, but I wasn't too far behind. Their music played all around me as I grew up in the '70s, part of the fabric of my childhood. I learned about them in bits and pieces, became fascinated with their obvious musical arc from good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll to whacked-out psychedelic tunes and back again, before disbanding forever.
Despite the density of this book, it's hard to believe that they made the entire journey from twanging guitars and rockabilly-style wailing to sitars and sound collages in such a short amount of time. Perhaps that is the most important theme of this book, the lack of randomness in their story, the obvious steps that they took from song to song to build their catalogue. Every piece mattered. Every song moved them perceptibly forward.
The book does progress chronologically through song titles as emblematic of the Beatles timeline, but settles firmly into the story of the relationship between John and Paul. The author immerses us in their characters - their fears, their worries, the tragic events that drove them together and ultimately apart - and carries us from day one to the horrific end. John and Paul spoke together through song, sometimes jointly as the doubly-voiced first-person narrator of a tale, and then spoke to each other through songs, taking vicious shots at each other in the post-break-up years. John claimed that all brothers fight, and he had no closer brother than Paul. Sadly, their reconciliation never fully actualized before John was murdered. The author weaves in all of the lives surrounding theirs - George, Ringo, Yoko, Linda, etc. - and explains their impacts on the John and Paul story.
He works deeply in the lyrics, vocalizations and the music, helping us to understand true meanings behind the Lennon-McCartney songs, even why specific individual notes can tell us things we need to know. We come to see the subtle nuances that made John and Paul great, and the individual styles that eventually set them on different paths. Lennon was rock 'n' roll. Paul would have been happy on a piano in an echoing music hall. Together as they were for so long, with thousands of hours on stage in Hamburg and Liverpool, they perfected their craft.
Like the author, I, too, saw Paul sing with "John" in concert a few years ago, at Fenway Park. Paul was overcome with emotion as John's image played on the screen behind him (Paul turned to face it) and they sang together, as were so many of us that day, believing, if momentarily, that we were seeing the Beatles finally reunited for one night, one song only. This book makes me appreciate that moment that much more. It reminds us of what the world had, what the world lost, and not what may never happen again, but what has been preserved for all time. The Beatles will live on, and the remarkable story of John and Paul will be shared for generations to come.
April 7, 2025
I have been a Beatles fan for many years, so I was very excited to read this book. In the prologue, the author compares the friendship of John Lennon and Paul McCartney to a romance - intense, passionate, and tempestuous. The last chapter does a wonderful job of wrapping up this theme and explaining it very well.
I've read several books about The Beatles over the years, but this one has a unique take. Each chapter title is one of John and Paul's songs that in some way fits what was going on in their lives at the time. I have loved their music since I was a child, and I'm enjoying the backstory behind the songs and John and Paul's friendship that I didn't know before.
Some of the author's interpretations about certain events are different from anything I had heard before, but it's clear he's done a lot of research. The book is very engaging and fun to read, and I highly recommend the book to fans of The Beatles.
I received an advance copy of this book for review consideration from Celadon Books. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
I've read several books about The Beatles over the years, but this one has a unique take. Each chapter title is one of John and Paul's songs that in some way fits what was going on in their lives at the time. I have loved their music since I was a child, and I'm enjoying the backstory behind the songs and John and Paul's friendship that I didn't know before.
Some of the author's interpretations about certain events are different from anything I had heard before, but it's clear he's done a lot of research. The book is very engaging and fun to read, and I highly recommend the book to fans of The Beatles.
I received an advance copy of this book for review consideration from Celadon Books. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
March 29, 2025
Being a Beatlemaniac since 1964 I have read numerous books on them but this one by Ian Leslie offers an extremely well researched study of the friendship and musical partnership between John and Paul, both damaged by the loss of their mothers when they were teenagers. These young men were in their early 20's when writing such poetic masterpieces as Here, There and Everywhere, Eleanor Rigby and In My Life. We will never see lyrical magic like this again. John and Paul brought out the best in each other and when their relationship was deteriorating for many reasons I believe both Yoko and Linda tore them even further apart. Despite all the bitterness and rage, John and Paul loved and trusted each other and they never got the closure they needed which makes their story deeply sad despite all the joy their musical gifts brought to the world. A must read for Beatle fans. Thanks to Celadon Books/Macmillan for this poignant ARC.
March 23, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Beatles fans, gather 鈥檙ound because you will want to add this book to your fan collection! Analyzing John Lennon and Paul McCartney鈥檚 relationship through a deep dive into the songs they wrote at the time is not the usual book about the Fab Four. Showing the ultimate bromance as John and Paul wrote some of the most memorable songs of the last half of the 20th century is a genius way to look at their relationship and how it impacted their lives and the lives of others.
I enjoyed the deep dive into how certain songs were created, and the analyzing of the push-pull of the Lennon & McCartney relationship. They truly behaved like brothers from another mother. They leaned on each other and at times, pushed the other one away. The actual songs take second stage as the John/Paul relationship is dissected, which actually makes the songs meanings all that more poignant.
This is a book for music fans young and old alike. It鈥檚 definitely one of the better books on the Beatles that I鈥檝e read. Highly recommend!
Beatles fans, gather 鈥檙ound because you will want to add this book to your fan collection! Analyzing John Lennon and Paul McCartney鈥檚 relationship through a deep dive into the songs they wrote at the time is not the usual book about the Fab Four. Showing the ultimate bromance as John and Paul wrote some of the most memorable songs of the last half of the 20th century is a genius way to look at their relationship and how it impacted their lives and the lives of others.
I enjoyed the deep dive into how certain songs were created, and the analyzing of the push-pull of the Lennon & McCartney relationship. They truly behaved like brothers from another mother. They leaned on each other and at times, pushed the other one away. The actual songs take second stage as the John/Paul relationship is dissected, which actually makes the songs meanings all that more poignant.
This is a book for music fans young and old alike. It鈥檚 definitely one of the better books on the Beatles that I鈥檝e read. Highly recommend!
March 22, 2025
I think it is safe to say that Lennon and McCartney are the most iconic songwriting duo. Their partnership lasted decades, creating hundreds of songs that still affect pop culture and the music industry today. While the public image is one of great success and unflappable friendship, the relationship between John and Paul is quite complicated. Author Ian Leslie dives into their collaboration, deep understanding of each other, and the tension that arose after so many years together.
The genius of Lennon and McCartney is still being examined today. Their songs' meanings, impact on the world, and legacy inspire artists and listeners today. Ian Leslie's take on this partnership was informative and entertaining. I loved how he used the Beatles's songs and lyrics to outline John and Paul's partnership, along with the meteoric success they experienced from it. Even when the work and their different lives got in between them, their bond with each other was still there. This is a fantastic volume on two men who created the soundtrack for now multiple generations.
The genius of Lennon and McCartney is still being examined today. Their songs' meanings, impact on the world, and legacy inspire artists and listeners today. Ian Leslie's take on this partnership was informative and entertaining. I loved how he used the Beatles's songs and lyrics to outline John and Paul's partnership, along with the meteoric success they experienced from it. Even when the work and their different lives got in between them, their bond with each other was still there. This is a fantastic volume on two men who created the soundtrack for now multiple generations.
March 26, 2025
This was a lot of information to take in, interesting in that there was much of it I was not aware of. Was a good read to look into there relationships and a look at their personal lives with others as well. Thank you 欧宝娱乐 and Celadon books for this ARC book.
March 25, 2025
The Beatles books I鈥檝e been waiting years for.
March 12, 2025
Wow this takes you on quite the journey! Yes it is about the music of the Beatles but more specifically John and Paul. The author included the members own words and tons of research to put this together. It starts out before the Beatles had formed and takes us through the years, growing up, the impact of what was going on in the world at the time and their rise to fame. I thought it was such a clever idea to take a song and focus on its impact for each chapter. Some songs I鈥檝e never heard of which prompted me to actually play the song before I read a chapter, read the chapter and then play the song again and see if I could read deeper into it. This why this book probably took me so long to read, it鈥檚 is a thick one! My Dad was a huge Beatles fan and I felt like this book brought a lot more meaning to their songs that I have grown up listening to my whole life. Maybe it made me feel a little closer to him while reading it which is why I enjoyed learning things I had never heard about the Beatles before. For the huge Beatles fan that may not have been aware of the deeper meaning of some songs or for the newbie who would love to learn more about the Beatles I think this book can accommodate an array of audiences!#goodreadsgiveaway
April 3, 2025
It's hard to remember a time when the Beatles weren't part of our lives. It seems like we went from listening to our big sister's records of Pat Boone and Perry Como to wanting to hold your hand. Author Ian Leslie does an excellent job taking us along on the ride, introducing pivotal characters like Brian Epstein, Derek Taylor, and all things hippy and New age. It's a deep dive into the shadows, not to mention the uneasiness of the spotlight. It was a time that changed us and the world forever.
While I'll admit upfront to not being familiar with many of the musical terms tossed about -- aclion cadence, anyone? -- after a few pages they seemed to just waft right on over my head without demanding I stop to figure out what they actually meant. What can I say? I tend to be one of those who enjoys the music without knowing every little detail in it. That said, I'll certainly never listen to a Beatles tune again the same way. At the same time, we're taken into the psyche of both John and Paul as individuals as well as the singular entity of Lennon-McCartney. Despite the labels rabid fans were eager to attach to them, the four Beatles were complicated individuals. They went through incredible highs and lows together, certainly being prisoners of their own success and images.
I can't even begin to summarize the book. It's lengthy but don't let that daunt you. For the most part, it's an easy read and most of the names you encounter will be familiar. Actually, much of the material was familiar to me although I was delighted to discover John's discovery of a new sport in his latter days. I definitely don't want to give away that story but it was somehow comforting to know he had that in his life before his tragic death. I also came away with even more respect for actress and former McCartney girlfriend Jane Asher for not allowing herself to be pulled into Paul's life to the detriment of her own hopes and dreams. Even better, she's never written a tell-all book, not true of many.
Bottom line, I could go on and on or list countless descriptive words and phrases that popped into my head as I read but will simply wind this up by saying music and Beatles fans will enjoy this read. Those who devour every tiny mention of anything Beatles will definitely find much to ponder within. Will they agree with it all? Surely not, but that's part of the fun, isn't it? The Beatles were something different to everyone. For fans like me, who enjoyed their music and the rush of Beatlemania, it was fun. You don't have to understand the musical references or even agree with Leslie's comments to enjoy hanging out like that proverbial fly-on-the-wall as John and Paul created something magical out of a boyhood meeting. I simply didn't have the time to do so but would strongly recommend you call up the various songs as discussed and listen to them as you read, too. Since this is a book that just begs for a re-read, that's my plan for my next visit. As it is, my thanks to #CeladonBooks for sending me this advance invite for my own trip back to "Yesterday". It was magical.
While I'll admit upfront to not being familiar with many of the musical terms tossed about -- aclion cadence, anyone? -- after a few pages they seemed to just waft right on over my head without demanding I stop to figure out what they actually meant. What can I say? I tend to be one of those who enjoys the music without knowing every little detail in it. That said, I'll certainly never listen to a Beatles tune again the same way. At the same time, we're taken into the psyche of both John and Paul as individuals as well as the singular entity of Lennon-McCartney. Despite the labels rabid fans were eager to attach to them, the four Beatles were complicated individuals. They went through incredible highs and lows together, certainly being prisoners of their own success and images.
I can't even begin to summarize the book. It's lengthy but don't let that daunt you. For the most part, it's an easy read and most of the names you encounter will be familiar. Actually, much of the material was familiar to me although I was delighted to discover John's discovery of a new sport in his latter days. I definitely don't want to give away that story but it was somehow comforting to know he had that in his life before his tragic death. I also came away with even more respect for actress and former McCartney girlfriend Jane Asher for not allowing herself to be pulled into Paul's life to the detriment of her own hopes and dreams. Even better, she's never written a tell-all book, not true of many.
Bottom line, I could go on and on or list countless descriptive words and phrases that popped into my head as I read but will simply wind this up by saying music and Beatles fans will enjoy this read. Those who devour every tiny mention of anything Beatles will definitely find much to ponder within. Will they agree with it all? Surely not, but that's part of the fun, isn't it? The Beatles were something different to everyone. For fans like me, who enjoyed their music and the rush of Beatlemania, it was fun. You don't have to understand the musical references or even agree with Leslie's comments to enjoy hanging out like that proverbial fly-on-the-wall as John and Paul created something magical out of a boyhood meeting. I simply didn't have the time to do so but would strongly recommend you call up the various songs as discussed and listen to them as you read, too. Since this is a book that just begs for a re-read, that's my plan for my next visit. As it is, my thanks to #CeladonBooks for sending me this advance invite for my own trip back to "Yesterday". It was magical.
March 27, 2025
I'm afraid I found this very dull. The core idea sounds as if it will be groundbreaking; in fact a lot of it is just Leslie rehashing other, better, recent Beatles books to the extent that if I were Rob Sheffield I'd be suing him for copyright infringement. He writes passionately about his love for the songs themselves, but doesn't seem to have any kind of core thesis until he inexplicably brings up the idea that John sexually propositioned Paul in India, which was touted in online circles a decade ago before being dismissed as making no sense of subsequent events. Sad Pining Gay John (who is also Vigorously Heterosexual!) strikes again! Leslie repeatedly refuses to settle on any one particular interpretation; we don't ever hear much of what he actually thinks so much as regurgitations of what others have said. He also goes on and on about how their relationship "defies categorisation" but then in the conclusion says categorically that Michel de Montaigne and Etienne de la Boetie were "in love". He's obviously trying to imply an analogy but he's afraid to say it in re: John and Paul. So...what's the point of the book, then? I don't think it's difficult to understand at all. Paul said it himself: "we were all in love with John" and then again, "John's in love with Yoko, and he's not in love with the three of us any more." He had no difficulty with it at all, so I can't think that Leslie has added much to the conversation. Doesn鈥檛 actually do what it says on the tin.
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April 6, 2025erm, are you guys gonna laugh at me if i say i kinda cried at the ending of this book? i鈥檓 not a beatles expert by any means, but as i guess most people, i did grow up with their music and have many formative experiences connected to their songs. i don鈥檛 really have thoughts about this book鈥檚 accuracy, but what really touched me about its framing and writing is that it is ultimately telling a story about one of the most defining bands in music history by thinking about friendship in all it鈥檚 complexities.
it often feels like we do not have the language to talk about friendship in the way that we do about romantic partnerships. we do not take it seriously; frequently, it seems to be written off as a kind of uncomplicated, simple emotion. something that鈥榮 nice to have, but not much more. but friendships can be jealous and competitive, they can be passionate and complicated, they interfere and compete with romantic relationships, they themselves can be intensely romantic, they break our hearts, and, most of all, they can be the defining relationships of our lives. to quote the mountain goats, 鈥減eople say friends don鈥檛 destroy one another / what do they know about friends?鈥� i don鈥榯 know, i was really fascinated. loved it.
it often feels like we do not have the language to talk about friendship in the way that we do about romantic partnerships. we do not take it seriously; frequently, it seems to be written off as a kind of uncomplicated, simple emotion. something that鈥榮 nice to have, but not much more. but friendships can be jealous and competitive, they can be passionate and complicated, they interfere and compete with romantic relationships, they themselves can be intensely romantic, they break our hearts, and, most of all, they can be the defining relationships of our lives. to quote the mountain goats, 鈥減eople say friends don鈥檛 destroy one another / what do they know about friends?鈥� i don鈥榯 know, i was really fascinated. loved it.
March 4, 2025
Celadon Books provided an early galley for review.
One of the very first albums I remember listening to as a child of the late 60's was Meet the Beatles. As far back as I can recall music being in my life, I was a fan. Still am.
Leslie does a wonderful job pulling the reader into the youthful world of John and Paul, taking the time to weave in the details of the tapestry of the history of their relationship. I very much felt like a comfortable fly on the wall as the events unfolded. It is also amazing to see how much unfolded over a relatively short period of time - everything the group went through in less than a single decade together. And just as there is a lot of time spent on the coming together of the group, an equal amount of time is spent on the drawing up to the end and the aftermath. The situation was complex and messy; Leslie puts all the pieces out there for the reader to make their own judgments.
I feel like I came away knowing a lot more about the relationship between John and Paul after reading this book.
One of the very first albums I remember listening to as a child of the late 60's was Meet the Beatles. As far back as I can recall music being in my life, I was a fan. Still am.
Leslie does a wonderful job pulling the reader into the youthful world of John and Paul, taking the time to weave in the details of the tapestry of the history of their relationship. I very much felt like a comfortable fly on the wall as the events unfolded. It is also amazing to see how much unfolded over a relatively short period of time - everything the group went through in less than a single decade together. And just as there is a lot of time spent on the coming together of the group, an equal amount of time is spent on the drawing up to the end and the aftermath. The situation was complex and messy; Leslie puts all the pieces out there for the reader to make their own judgments.
I feel like I came away knowing a lot more about the relationship between John and Paul after reading this book.
March 27, 2025
As a child born during the 1970's I was a little late to be alive during "Beatlemania," but I felt it deeply nonetheless. Thank god my parents played their music relentlessly, because I did still grow up to be a huge Beatles fan. John& Paul: A Love Story in Songs is just that - a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to this dynamic duo that created music that defined a generation and forever changed the face of popular music. At times it is sad and times it is joyous, but that is life. I loved every inch of this biography as it brought me right back to my childhood and offered a glimpse into their lives that we have not yet seen. Leslie has crafted something new for Beatles fans as their lives are, at its core, about the music they created together. Each chapter delves into one of their biggest hits to give not only the background of how the song came into existence, but what was happening in their lives that impacted it. If you love The Beatles, even if you just love music, this is a great read.
March 31, 2025
3.5 stars. I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own,
I鈥檝e read quite a few Beatles books, as well as bios of John and Paul, and while the subject has been studied from almost every angle, Ian Leslie manages to inject some perspective into the subject by focusing on the unique bond between the two, as friends (practically brothers) and songwriting partners, and how the two relationships were inextricably connected. While some of the typical beats are discussed, following the highs and lows of their relationship, I really appreciated some of the insights, especially in terms of how it uses the songs so directly to trace their story. Textually, it does get a little tedious in places, especially given it鈥檚 not all that groundbreaking, and Leslie is relying almost entirely on secondhand info. So while it鈥檚 not the most essential of Beatles books, it鈥檚 definitely worth reading for the diehard fan.
I鈥檝e read quite a few Beatles books, as well as bios of John and Paul, and while the subject has been studied from almost every angle, Ian Leslie manages to inject some perspective into the subject by focusing on the unique bond between the two, as friends (practically brothers) and songwriting partners, and how the two relationships were inextricably connected. While some of the typical beats are discussed, following the highs and lows of their relationship, I really appreciated some of the insights, especially in terms of how it uses the songs so directly to trace their story. Textually, it does get a little tedious in places, especially given it鈥檚 not all that groundbreaking, and Leslie is relying almost entirely on secondhand info. So while it鈥檚 not the most essential of Beatles books, it鈥檚 definitely worth reading for the diehard fan.
April 8, 2025
This is a fascinating book! I鈥檝e been a fan of The Beatles since my dad introduced me to them as a young kid. I was excited to have an opportunity to learn more about John & Paul, though Ringo will always be my favorite!
I really enjoyed the way the story was told. The author broke down a different song for each chapter and used it to discuss what was going on in their lives. This is a complex book, but I found it to be a fun and engaging story. It鈥檚 really to do bad that John Lennon鈥檚 life was cut short! He鈥檚 a particularly fascinatingly complex person!
If you are a Beatles fan, then I highly recommend reading this book! Make sure you have your Spotify open too because it鈥檚 fun to listen to the music as you read!
I really enjoyed the way the story was told. The author broke down a different song for each chapter and used it to discuss what was going on in their lives. This is a complex book, but I found it to be a fun and engaging story. It鈥檚 really to do bad that John Lennon鈥檚 life was cut short! He鈥檚 a particularly fascinatingly complex person!
If you are a Beatles fan, then I highly recommend reading this book! Make sure you have your Spotify open too because it鈥檚 fun to listen to the music as you read!
April 8, 2025
Fascinating look at the relationship between John and Paul, from their origins as schoolboys, deciding to create a band, collaborate and write music together, their personal lives, and ultimately, the breakup of The Beatles.
This book has so much information, facinating back stories and quotes, that the reader really understands this unlikely marriage of two distinctly different songwriters and how their collaboration created some of the most wonderful masterpieces in music that we know.
The publisher has also added a curated playlist on Spotify that coordinates wonderfully with the story.
Thank you @Celadonbooks for the ARC copy of this book.
This book has so much information, facinating back stories and quotes, that the reader really understands this unlikely marriage of two distinctly different songwriters and how their collaboration created some of the most wonderful masterpieces in music that we know.
The publisher has also added a curated playlist on Spotify that coordinates wonderfully with the story.
Thank you @Celadonbooks for the ARC copy of this book.
April 5, 2025
I think it was a good foundational work on the John and Paul relationship. I think it has a lot of value for someone not well versed in their connection and their partnership. It was a very easy read! There were a few little points I was really struck by hard and really appreciated reading. There鈥檚 some really great one liners in there too. There were plenty of points I personally don鈥檛 really agree with or think are more complex than stated. There鈥檚 also even more you can get in to and even more songs that can be analyzed. But overall I found it to be succinct enough to convey the point.
April 7, 2025
Thank you to Celadon Books and NetGalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I am a Beatles fan but this is the first book I鈥檝e read about them. The focus is only on John and Paul. The author chooses songs to go with each period in their relationship and analyzes the lyrics. It鈥檚 interesting but very detailed. This was an interesting point of view on the complicated relationship of two musical geniuses.
January 22, 2025
This is a great new perspective of the writing team of Lennon & McCartney. You will see a brilliant take of their creativity and how the duo loved each other in a way that was expressed in their work.Beatle fans will be happy in the feeling that these two were in sync with each other in ways only they understoood .This is a fresh read about this writing duo that is absolutely delightful to read.
March 3, 2025
An advance copy of John & Paul by Ian Leslie was provided to me by the publisher. It has been a delight to read this book.
As a long-time fan of The Beatles, it began when I pinched my sister鈥檚 copy of Rubber Soul, I really enjoyed this book. It was like visiting with old friends.
Father鈥檚 Day will be here in a few months and this book makes a great gift.
As a long-time fan of The Beatles, it began when I pinched my sister鈥檚 copy of Rubber Soul, I really enjoyed this book. It was like visiting with old friends.
Father鈥檚 Day will be here in a few months and this book makes a great gift.
April 1, 2025
As an avid reader of Beatles books I wasn't a huge fan of this one. Leslie promises to use the Beatles' songs as a way to explore John and Paul's relationship with each other but he doesn't really do that at all. There's nothing in here that a Beatles fan won't already know, and nothing new in Leslie's way of looking at them.
April 3, 2025
It was interesting learning more about The Beatles and the relationship between John and Paul. I like the Beatles but I am not a mega fan so I thought this was just okay. I also found this book a little too long for me. I didn't hate this book but I don't think I was the target audience for this.
Thank you, Celadon books for the ARC of this book it comes out April 8.
Thank you, Celadon books for the ARC of this book it comes out April 8.
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