The darker side of the Grateful Dead. Having already read Billy's book (the adolescent side of the Dead) and Phi's book (the philosophical side of the Dead), Parish's book really pours a darker light on things Although both Bill and Phil talked about the drugs and Jerry's addiction, Steve told it in a much more tragic light and how the band fought to keep things together while Jerry self destructed. I'm an huge fan and no fool. We the fans all knew Jerry had problems but there is only so much you can really see from the front rows that is only visible from the stage. The book made me feel sad more often than not. Despite this dark cloud over the band it still is amazing to think all they accomplished, but sad to think how much more they could have done if someone just stepped forward and grabbed Jerry, shook him hard and made him see what he was doing to himself. Yes there is the argument that is who Jerry was and you couldn't change him, but the other side of me says but you never even tried. Instead everyone stood by and watched his demise saying 'well that's Jerry and we can't change so we shouldn't try'. Sad. ( )