Chronicles: Volume One

by Bob Dylan
Chronicles: Volume One cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Technical:
  • ID: 669
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
The Mindful Word · 2023-03-28
vivid 4.20

The book is described as a powerful and vivid experience, especially when listened to as an audiobook narrated by Sean Penn. It is considered a good read that brings Dylan's memories to life.

The reviewer found Chronicles: Volume One to be a powerful and vivid experience, particularly when listened to as an audiobook narrated by Sean Penn. They note that listening to Penn's narration adds a new dimension to the book, making it more engaging and immersive. The reviewer appreciates how the book brings Dylan's memories to life, offering a rich and vivid portrayal of his experiences. They highlight the book's ability to captivate the reader, making it a memorable and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    It's really a good book.

    Listening to Penn is a much more vivid experience for me.

    Chronicles brings powerful memories to life.

The Guardian · Mike Marqusee · 2004-10-15
refreshing 4.00

The autobiography is praised for its honesty and heartfelt reflections, offering a genuine look into Dylan's life and thoughts. It is seen as a refreshing departure from typical celebrity memoirs.

Mike Marqusee is relieved to find that Chronicles: Volume One is not just another celebrity memoir. He appreciates the honesty and heartfelt reflections that Dylan shares, which provide a genuine look into the artist's life and thoughts. The reviewer finds the book to be a refreshing and sincere account, which stands out for its authenticity. Marqusee highlights how Dylan's personal and unfiltered voice shines through, making it a compelling read for fans and newcomers alike.

Quick quotes

    Mike Marqusee is relieved to find that the first volume of Bob Dylan's autobiography, Chronicles, is honest and heartfelt.

    It is a refreshing and sincere account.

    Dylan's personal and unfiltered voice shines through.

The New York Times · 2004-10-05
insightful 4.50

The book captures Dylan's creativity with urgency and vividness, offering a deeply personal re-experiencing of his early songwriting days. It provides a unique insight into his artistic evolution.

The reviewer is struck by the book's ability to recapture the raw energy and creativity of Dylan's early days. They appreciate the urgency and vividness with which Dylan recounts his experiences, making it feel like a deeply personal journey. The book is seen as a window into the mind of a musical genius, offering a unique perspective on his influences and the development of his art. The reviewer is particularly impressed by how Dylan demystifies his own legend, providing a more intimate and relatable portrait of the artist.

Quick quotes

    This book recaptures its author's first stirrings of creativity with amazing urgency.

    Mr. Dylan is fully present in re-experiencing the dawn of his songwriting.

    It provides a unique insight into his artistic evolution.

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