Henry Alford's 'I Dream of Joni' and Paul Lisicky's 'Song So Wild and Blue' offer unique perspectives on Joni Mitchell, diverging from conventional biography. Alford's book presents 53 snapshots that capture the essence of Mitchell through anecdotes and interviews. It cleverly intertwines her life philosophy and storytelling, showcasing her as a cultural icon while reflecting the authors' personal fascinations with her art. Both books highlight Mitchell's enduring significance, transforming her music into a canvas for broader discussions on artistry and identity, rather than solely chronicling her life.
"With a title as pun-perfect as I Dream of Joni, you almost can't blame Alford, the puckish longtime New Yorker writer and humorist, for writing an entire book to justify it."
"Instead, Mitchell mostly serves as a mirror and a muse, a blond godhead on which to pin the authors' respective forms and fascinations."
"The Joni portrayed here in droll, chatty interludes, some as short as a page or two, is composed of the usual canonical parts: Saskatchewan rebel, lady of the Canyon, pop-culture eminence covered in glory."
"Alford spoke to Mitchell's prom date, the woman who makes her dulcimers and a recent mayor of her hometown, the Canadian prairie city Saskatoon."
Collection
[
|
...
]