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Life
Life | Keith Richards
As lead guitarist of the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards created the riffs, the lyrics, and the songs that roused the world. A true and towering original, he has always walked his own path, spoken his mind, and done things his own way. Now at last Richards pauses to tell his story in the most anticipated autobiography in decades. And what a story! Listening obsessively to Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records in a coldwater flat with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones, building a sound and a band out of music they loved. Finding fame and success as a bad-boy band, only to find themselves challenged by authorities everywhere. Dropping his guitar's sixth string to create a new sound that allowed him to create immortal riffs like those in "Honky Tonk Woman" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash." Falling in love with Anita Pallenberg, Brian Jones's girlfriend. Arrested and imprisoned for drug possession. Tax exile in France and recording Exile on Main Street. Ever-increasing fame, isolation, and addiction making life an ever faster frenzy. Through it all, Richards remained devoted to the music of the band, until even that was challenged by Mick Jagger's attempt at a solo career, leading to a decade of conflicts and ultimately the biggest reunion tour in history. In a voice that is uniquely and unmistakably him--part growl, part laugh--Keith Richards brings us the truest rock-and-roll life of our times, unfettered and fearless and true. Richards' rich voice introduces the audiobook edition of LIFE and leads us into Johnny Depp's performance, while fellow artist Joe Hurley bridges the long road traveled before Richards closes with the final chapter of this incredible 23-hour production, which includes a bonus PDF of photos.
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review
Robotswithpersonality
Life | Keith Richards
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Pickpick

The story of a singular life but also music history, British history, cultural history, drug history.
Pros: Respect for, sharing and collaboration with musicians.
Cons: Casual misogyny, and yet love for women, less about sex than affection, mother issues? (She didn't seem overly affectionate.) Not certain how great a husband or father he's been, and the language occasionally reveals his membership in an earlier generation. 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? Full acknowledgement of calamity, when it originates with Keith, when it doesn't, addiction and friction with Mick.
Very much get the sense of an honest recounting because of the 'warts and all' vibes, as much as there are regrets and justifications mixed in.
7d
Robotswithpersonality 3/? It's disheartening to hear institutions failing a young Richards, school and then law enforcement, but these days, it feels more mainstream left than 60s anti-establishment to recognize that formal school structures are the bare bones in education that can always be improved and expanded upon, and law enforcement is in need of abolition as much as overhaul. 7d
Robotswithpersonality 4/? Likewise, you hope that rehabilitation and recuperation rather than targeted surveillance and search is the plan for those experiencing addiction.
Richards does occasionally toss out a 'don't recommend, don't try this at home' but he also gets pretty detailed about various drug shenanigans, more casual than contrite. Glad to hear he's off it now.
7d
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Robotswithpersonality 5/? Never fun to listen to a band go through a schism, but you're left with an image of Richards' checked-out heroin time being productive but mellow leaving Mick with greater control, and an ego that a sobered Richards didn't want to play second fiddle to. It's a subjective retelling, but the delivery and subsequent recounting of some patching up lends credence to the idea. (edited) 7d
Robotswithpersonality 6/? I've more interest in the history of Richards and the band than the present, admittedly, so I'm willing to let this version of events stand. I can't say I'm a huge Richards groupie, but I think there's a distinct value in the memoirs of elderly cultural figures, dare I say celebrities, because the life span is such that they were involved in the creation of pop culture that was part of the zeitgeist by the time I was culturally aware. 7d
Robotswithpersonality 7/? Fascinating to see that time come to life.

The audiobook was an interesting experience, because there are long chunks of solid deadpan reading by Johnny Depp, then a very lively, lengthy section of what appear to be the most rollicking years by Joe Hurley, more Depp and an end cap from Richards himself, where he wraps up with more recent events.
7d
Robotswithpersonality 8/8 Gets a bit muddled because Keith is happy to quote friends for scenes where he doesn't remember as well, might want an eye witness or outsider perspective, and while Hurley puts on voices to distinguish, Depp doesn't. Who knew the more famous actor would be the drier narrator. Guess audiobooks really are a different medium in terms of performance.

⚠️animal death, domestic abuse,
7d
13 likes7 comments
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Robotswithpersonality
Life | Keith Richards

It was very like a drug...I could kick smack. I couldn't kick music.

6 likes1 stack add
blurb
rockpools
Life | Keith Richards
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Being a bear of very little brain at the moment, I‘ve gone for a book that‘s in the house, reported to be a really good read, and I‘m not invested enough in to be horribly disappointed if they all turn out to be despicable characters!

Plus a matching song, (The Stones - It‘s Only Rock‘n‘Roll) which had a truly horrible single cover.

#titlesAndTunes #SexDrugsAndRockAndRoll

rockpools The book also happens to contain one of my all time favourite rock‘n‘roll index entries. And what do you mean you don‘t have a favourite index entry?! 1y
squirrelbrain Now we need to know what the index entry is! 😁 1y
rockpools @squirrelbrain Saving that til I actually read the book! Also debating whether now would be a good time to read Daisy Jones instead. What do you reckon. Would I hate it?! 1y
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Cinfhen Ohhhh, share!!! And I LOVE the choice💗 1y
Cinfhen Daisy J is another great book for the prompt!! I heard the audio for Daisy is AMAZING 1y
squirrelbrain I liked Daisy Jones, but read it years ago…. I think at the first ever Gladstone‘s! This one was *much* better and I loved it on audio, if you can get it. It would also fit the prompt. I think you loved it too, Cindy? @Cinfhen 1y
Cinfhen Ohhhhh, that‘s a fabulous suggestion @squirrelbrain 1y
rockpools @Cinfhen @squirrelbrain Post two books I intend to read, stack 4 I might read instead! Standard 😁. Thanks guys - I don‘t remember seeing Mary Jane but it sounds fab! 1y
38 likes8 comments
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DieAReader
Life | Keith Richards
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Pickpick

#JoyousJanuary #WeekendReading #BookNookBuddies2022

Very informative & pleasantly enjoyable!

Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 3y
fredamans This book had me looking at Mick in a different light. Great memoir! 3y
DieAReader @fredamans Absolutely wonderful memoir! Now when I think Mick, I 💭think DIVA & Primadonna 😂🙄 3y
32 likes4 comments
review
Woozy-Shooz
Life | Keith Richards
Pickpick

Great recipe for Shepherds Pie within. “Don‘t be touching my Shepherds Pie,” Keith growls between gigs. Says that despite Mick‘s huge hands ;-) he‘s got a tiny “todger.” Keith is one of a kind...Thank God.

DivineDiana I have this in my #TBR pile! Love The Stones! ❤️ 3y
8 likes1 comment
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BookishRedhead
Life | Keith Richards
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Pickpick

Keith freaking Richards, what a legend!
Not only does he have a way with lyrics but storytelling as well.
He seems like such a genuine and good guy

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belacat
Life | Keith Richards
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Keith Richards has had one heck of a life. He is a survivor. Who is to say he should retire? He's doing what he loves. We should all be so lucky.

This picture was posted on his Instagram account on 2/5/2021. Keep on rockin', Keith!

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Thndrstd
Life | Keith Richards
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My life summarized in one sticker 😂

TheNeverendingTBR Absolutely! ✅ 4y
35 likes1 comment
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TheEllieMo
Life | Keith Richards
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Tex2Flo
Life | Keith Richards
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“This is the life. Believe it or not I haven‘t forgotten any of it.”
#nonfictionnovember
I struggle with getting in an adult -sized share of nonfiction, so am alternating every other book this month.
Big life, big book, big challenge for me.

KarenUK Good luck with that chunkster! 😳 5y
Tex2Flo @KarenUK Don‘t I know it! Had to be sure I wasn‘t traveling so I didn‘t have to lug that weight around! Weird to have him eying me through that cover, though. 5y
20 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Tex2Flo
Life | Keith Richards
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1. Chex Mix sweet and salty
2. No, just can't find the time for them as I don't drive much
3. Turkey available EVERYWHERE! And, reading the tagged book.
4. Proudly, none
5. Teal, aqua
#friyayintro
@howjessreads

Lreads I love Chex Muddie Buddies! 5y
20 likes1 comment
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DivineDiana
Life | Keith Richards
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Went to the Library to pick up my reserve. Lo and behold, a “buy one get one free”coupon for the Library Book Store was being offered for Library Week! How could I refuse? #libraryweek

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Christinak
Life | Keith Richards
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Cinfhen What a story, I bet!! 6y
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Librarybelle
Life | Keith Richards
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Keith Richards‘ autobiography was surprising/unsurprising in its content and in its readability. I was fascinated and hooked - one of the favorite books I read the year it came out. Plus, he‘s a huge lover of libraries, so he‘ll always have a soft spot with me! #LustForLife #MarchIntoThe70s

JanuarieTimewalker13 I liked it too. I listened to audiobook, which I love to do with memoirs. 6y
Lizpixie I call him & Iggy Pop the cockroaches of the music industry, you can‘t kill em with a brick!🦗 6y
Librarybelle @JanuarieTimewalker13 Did Keith Richards read for the audio? Just curious - either way, it would be an interesting listen! 6y
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JanuarieTimewalker13 Yes, portions of it!! 6y
91 likes3 stack adds6 comments
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Adam86uk
Life | Keith Richards
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Keith Richards is 75 today. Here's to his next 75 years.

Bklover Wow. That makes me feel OLD. 👵🏻 6y
Adam86uk @Bklover To be fair, I'm 32 and Keith Richards makes me feel old 😂 6y
13 likes2 comments
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GripLitGrl
Life | Keith Richards
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Tashreads
Life | Keith Richards
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#NewHogwartsAdventure #stone

The Rolling Stones and stoned 😜

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 👍🏻🖤 6y
vkois88 😂😂😂 6y
72 likes2 comments
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2BR02B
Life | Keith Richards
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#kindledeal heads up! I don't consider myself a Stones fan, so I wouldn't normally go for this memoir. However, the fact that in a recent interview with The Strand bookstore, Michiko Kakutani ranked it #5 out of the top seven best books she has ever reviewed, has more than piqued my interest.

sisilia I‘d purchase this for exactly the same reason 😅 6y
Thndrstd I love that book 6y
JanuarieTimewalker13 I really enjoyed the audiobook of this one. He‘s something else! Voracious reader👌🏽 6y
44 likes1 stack add3 comments
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GripLitGrl
Life | Keith Richards
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britt_brooke
Life | Keith Richards
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My FIL is in town from Colorado so there‘s not much reading going on, but we‘ve been talking books a lot. He‘s a big reader, too. He recommended the tagged book so on the #TBR it goes! Anyone read it?

#booksandbrews #readharder #cheers

RadicalReader @britt_brooke love when in laws can be readers and provide hours of entertainment and scavenger hunts for sensational books 7y
TheRiehlDeal To my TBR it goes! Sounds interesting! 7y
BibliOphelia It‘s on my TBR! 7y
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britt_brooke @RadicalReader It‘s definitely an added bonus! 7y
britt_brooke @TheRiehlDeal Doesn‘t it? 🙌🏻 (edited) 7y
AmberWB @britt_brooke read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. Keith Richards is very entertaining 😊. I would definitely recommend. (edited) 7y
britt_brooke @AmberWB Good to hear - thanks! 7y
OrangeMooseReads And now I have The Presidents of the United States song in my head lol 😆 7y
TiredLibrarian "Keef" is a riot, and also surprisingly thoughtful. He's also a big public library supporter, and has a great personal library (you can Google pics). Definitely recommend! ??? 7y
SleepyDragon I gave it to my Dad when it came out. There's an amazing photo of him in his impressive home library. 7y
gossamerchild I listened to it. And though I'm not a Stones fan, I thought it was fascinating. 7y
britt_brooke @gossamerchild Audio is a great idea - thanks! 7y
rather_be_reading omg peach ale! 😍🍑🍑 7y
158 likes17 comments
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GoneFishing
Life | Keith Richards

Why would you want to be anything else if you're Mick Jagger?

39 likes1 stack add
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GoneFishing
Life | Keith Richards

Image is like a long shadow. Even when the sun goes down, you can see it. I think some of it is that there is so much pressure to be that person that you become it, maybe, to a certain point you can bear. It's impossible not to end up being a parody of what you thought you were.

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GoneFishing
Life | Keith Richards

Great songs write themselves. You're just being led by the nose, or the ears. The skill is not to interfere with it too much. Ignore intelligence, ignore everything; just follow it where it takes you.

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GoneFishing
Life | Keith Richards

Mick's album was called She's the Boss, which said it all. I've never listened to the entire thing all the way through. Who has? It's like Mein Kampf. Everybody had a copy, but nobody listened to it.

Suet624 😂😂😂 7y
33 likes1 comment
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GoneFishing
Life | Keith Richards

Why do you do that to yourself? I don‘t know. I still don‘t know. Your skin crawling, your guts churning, you can‘t stop your limbs from jerking and moving about, and you‘re throwing up and shitting at the same time, and shit‘s coming out your nose and your eyes, and the first time that happens for real, that‘s when a reasonable man says, “I‘m hooked.” But even that doesn‘t stop a reasonable man from going back on it.

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GoneFishing
Life | Keith Richards

I can‘t imagine what other people think cold turkey is like. It is fucking awful. On the scale of things, it‘s better than having your leg blown off in the trenches...better than starving to death. But you don‘t want to go there. The whole body turns itself inside out and rejects itself for 3 days. You know in 3 days it‘s going to calm down. It‘s going to be the longest 3 days in your life, and you wonder why you‘re doing this to yourself...

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GoneFishing
Life | Keith Richards

The big rules of knife fighting are (a) do not try it at home, and (b) the whole point is never, ever use the blade. It is there to distract your opponent. While he stares at the gleaming steel, you kick his balls to kingdom come--he's all yours. Just a tip!

Suet624 Smart idea. 7y
28 likes1 comment
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GoneFishing
Life | Keith Richards

[John] Belushi was an extreme experience even by my standards.

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GoneFishing
Life | Keith Richards

And then I think we realized, like any young guys, that blues are not learned in a monastery. You've got to go out there and get your heart broke and then come back and then you can sing the blues.

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GoneFishing
Life | Keith Richards

I take the view that God, in his infinite wisdom, didn't bother to spring for two joints - heaven and hell. They're the same place, but heaven is when you get everything you want and you meet Mummy and Daddy and your best friends and you all have a hug and a kiss and play your harps. Hell is the same place...but they all pass by and don't see you. There's no recognition. You're waving, "It's me, your father," but you're invisible...That's hell.

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GoneFishing
Life | Keith Richards

What is it that makes you want to write songs? ...you want to stretch yourself into other people‘s hearts. You want to plant yourself there...It becomes almost an obsession to touch other people. To write a song that is remembered and taken to heart is a connection, a touching of bases... A stab to the heart. Sometimes I think songwriting is about tightening the heartstrings as much as possible without bringing on a heart attack.

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GoneFishing
Life | Keith Richards

There's something beautifully friendly and elevating about a bunch of guys playing music together. This wonderful little world that is unassailable. It's really teamwork, one guy supporting the others, and it's all for one purpose, and there's no flies in the ointment, for a while. And nobody conducting, it's all up to you. It's really jazz__that's the big secret. Rock and roll ain't nothing but jazz with a hard backbeat.

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TheKidUpstairs
Life | Keith Richards
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julesG I like the way you're thinking 7y
75 likes1 comment
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SleepyDragon
Life | Keith Richards
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1. One to four times a month, always on Saturday. Usually more for my 10 yr old. It's a small one, but has a decent children's section.
2 NYPL and/or Keith Richards' private library
3. None currently, but I often do request books from other branches.
4. Probably around 11 or 12.

#trivialthursday (a day late) @GarthRanzz

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AmberWB
Life | Keith Richards
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1. I read Keith Richards‘ bio, Life, when it first came out and LOVED it. That man has lived.
2. Eddie Vedder & Pearl Jam ❤️❤️
3. I obviously love every Pearl Jam experience I have. However, Bruce Springsteen, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Garth Brooks are concert experiences that blew my mind.
4. No idea- there are so many. But Indifference by Pearl Jam is way up there.
#manicmonday
@JoScho

JoScho RHCP ❤️🙌🏼 7y
21 likes1 comment
review
DarcysMom
Life | Keith Richards
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Pickpick
Christinak What a great review! 7y
RohitSawant Fantastic review! 👏🏼 7y
DarcysMom @Christinak @rohit-sawant Thank you! 😁 7y
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DivineDiana Great review! Does Keith narrate the audio? 7y
DarcysMom @DivineDiana He narrates some of it. The rest is Johnny Depp and Joe Hurley. 7y
DivineDiana Sounds like a great audio! 7y
DarcysMom @DivineDiana It really was. 😁 7y
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DarcysMom
Life | Keith Richards
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Bostonmomx2 You‘re so good with your walks. 7y
DarcysMom @Bostonmomx2 Thank you! 😁 7y
68 likes2 comments
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DarcysMom
Life | Keith Richards
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Tomorrow I will surpass 300 miles so far this year!
#audiowalk
#800in2018
#marchingfor90
#overdrive

Texreader Wow!!!! Congratulations! Keep up the good work!! 7y
DarcysMom @Texreader Thank you! ❤❤❤ 7y
RachelAmphlett You had me at Keith Richards 😍🎸 If you‘d like some Audible codes for your walk, I have some going spare for my detective series - you‘re most welcome to have them x 7y
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DarcysMom @RachelAmphlett That is very generous of you - I would love it! ❤ 7y
Reggie Congratulations!!! 7y
Heideschrampf I love trying to identify something in your walk-routes. To me, this one is a bucket with a lid. Maybe a honey pot 🍯 ? (edited) 7y
Mollyanna Congrats! That is wonderful! 7y
AmyG Wow! 7y
DarcysMom @Heideschrampf I love it! 😁 7y
Laura317 Good for you! 7y
melbeautyandbooks Way to go! 7y
RachelAmphlett @DarcysMom Wonderful - feel free to email me at info@rachelamphlett.com and I‘ll sort it out for you x 7y
DarcysMom @RachelAmphlett I just emailed you. ❤❤ 7y
DivineDiana Fantastic! What app do you use for your stats? 7y
DarcysMom @DivineDiana I use Map My Walk. 7y
DivineDiana Thank you! Those are some amazing stats! 7y
82 likes17 comments
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DarcysMom
Life | Keith Richards
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DarcysMom
Life | Keith Richards
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tammysue 👏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 7y
63 likes1 comment
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DarcysMom
Life | Keith Richards
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DarcysMom
Life | Keith Richards
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DarcysMom
Life | Keith Richards
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Julsmarshall I loved this audiobook! 7y
62 likes1 comment
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DarcysMom
Life | Keith Richards
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AmyG This was a wonderful audiobook. 7y
DarcysMom @AmyG I am really enjoying it. 7y
63 likes2 comments
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DarcysMom
Life | Keith Richards
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Christinak
Life | Keith Richards
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#marchinbooks #autobiography I loved this memoir. I listened to the audiobook (highly recommend) When I saw the prompt of (auto)biography I immediately thought of the story he tells of the impala #auto that were in when they were pulled over in Arkansas.

DarcysMom I just borrowed the audiobook. Thanks for the recommendation. 7y
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review
JanuarieTimewalker13
Life | Keith Richards
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Pickpick

Never expected to love this book, but I did. An interesting ride, love his honesty and sense of humor. I don't have much experience in music, and I was never a Stones fan, yet they've been around my whole life. Quite an education.

Abailliekaras I thought this was surprisingly good too! 7y
JanuarieTimewalker13 @Abailliekaras Yes!! I'm so happy I gave it a try. He cracked me up... 7y
46 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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JanuarieTimewalker13
Life | Keith Richards
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Slow beginning, but then it gets interesting. I'm really not a big Stones fan, but I have to say I'm enjoying Keith's antics, philosophies and honesty. He's a reader, and this book is well written. It's a jolly good romp, thus far.

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BookBelle84
Life | Keith Richards
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goodbyefrancie I loved the Keith Richards book and Go Set a Watchman. 7y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks The Nightingale ❤️❤️❤️ 7y
41 likes1 stack add2 comments