Ray Manzarek (1939–2013)

Yes, it is nice to image Jim Morrison alive and living in the Seychelles islands with a beautiful angel of a wife and two beautiful perfectly behaved kids, and finally being at peace with himself and life. But after the first two chapters, the rest of the book was really superfluous. As Ray (Roy in the novel) flies to Seychelles, he remembers and recounts some of his past experiences with Jim (Jordon in the novel). That is nice, but if I wanted to read about that, then I would just read Manzarek’s book Light My Fire. Then most of the remainder of the novel (the bulk of it) is Jim (Jordon) explaining to Ray (Roy) how he reached his peacefulness. This is really just a lengthy explanation of Buddhism, meditation, and yoga. If I wanted to read about that, then I would have gotten a non-fiction book about it. So I just really don’t get the reason for this novel. The person that owned this book before me had written on the last page of the second chapter: “Should it end here?” I can answer that. Yes. That would have made a sweet little short story.… (meer)

Insider's account of life with the Doors, especially Jim Morrison, as told by the band's keyboardist Ray Manzarek. A rich and lucid account, interspersed with Doors lyrics. Manzarek makes an effort to put the band in context with an abundance of literary and musical references of those who inspired and influenced them. A cut above the usual rock star reminiscence, perhaps because of the unusually high intelligence of the narrator, something he can't help pointing out by mentioning, in passing of course, his unusually high IQ. Manzarek paints a fascinating portrait of Morrison, but his occasional annoyance with drummer John Densmore and his deep dislike of the Oliver Stone film are interesting sidelights. His awe of the doomed and charismatic lead singer remains, despite Morrison's embarrassing and verging on the pathetic displays of self indulgence during the last couple of years of his short life.… (meer)