18 replies to this topic

[Sunday Trucker]

Just got myself a copy!!!

YAY!!!!

Great pictures so far and well written, I´m in the first few pages but couldn´t help browsing foward pages, I´ve read John and Jim´s first encounter already...He was the only one who said how shy Jim was those days. Very interesting.

Wonderful book John!  

[screamofthebutterfly]

Hey Daniel!  Riders is a very good book.  It's one of my favorites.  When I read it, I finished it in about a day.  I just couldn't put it down!

[Sunday Trucker]

Hey Daniel!  Riders is a very good book.  It's one of my favorites.  When I read it, I finished it in about a day.  I just couldn't put it down!

Its fullfiling years of expectations! And I want to make comments for John AND maybe make a comic out of some of the stories!  

[screamofthebutterfly]

That would be great to make comics of it.  Can't wait to see what you do with it.

[Annie]

It is a great book -- straightforward, sensitive, well written.  John is open with his feelings.  I couldn't put it down when it first came out, and have picked it up several times since.... Thanks, John!


Annie

[Remi Beauregard]

I just finish the book. ( Great buy the way ) I just want to make sure, the last set of pictures are upside down in my book. It is normal or it's an error of printing ?


-Rémi

[PTLWP]

Always, always been one of my favorites, full of emotion and raw feelings.

[breakonthru]

I just finished the book over the holidays and thought it was wonderful - I especially liked the technique of writing "letters" to Jim (in italics) to illustrate the ongoing mental conversation he was having and probably still is having with Jim.  I respect that John has enough honesty and courage to question his relationship to Jim, was he enabling Jim's behavior, why, etc, because lots of people even in their memoirs sugarcoat a lot of things.  The guilt issue, the grief, it's all there.  I hope writing the book was cathartic and cleared out some demons.   Let's never forget the trauma all these guys went through, and it takes a big man to say certain things and deal with certain problems.  I hope to read more of John's writings, whether it's  another updated memoir, novel, or whatever thoughts may be roaming through his creative mind.   Thanks for opening your life to us.

[knowidea]

I too found the letter technique was especially powerful because it read much like a journal entry - intensely personal.  As a reader, it really draws you into the questions and struggles.

[fool monkey]

I recently read "Riders on the Storm", i found it quite an enjoyable read, i learnt some stuff that i have kinda forgotten.. but oh well   . i dont usualy read so it must be good!

[Ana]

I just finished the book over the holidays and thought it was wonderful - I especially liked the technique of writing "letters" to Jim (in italics) to illustrate the ongoing mental conversation he was having and probably still is having with Jim.  I respect that John has enough honesty and courage to question his relationship to Jim, was he enabling Jim's behavior, why, etc, because lots of people even in their memoirs sugarcoat a lot of things.  The guilt issue, the grief, it's all there.  I hope writing the book was cathartic and cleared out some demons.   Let's never forget the trauma all these guys went through, and it takes a big man to say certain things and deal with certain problems.  I hope to read more of John's writings, whether it's  another updated memoir, novel, or whatever thoughts may be roaming through his creative mind.   Thanks for opening your life to us.

I have no doubts that this is the only book on Jim Morrison and The Doors that is worth buying - for all the reasons mentioned above and many others. Maybe one doesn't have to forget, just heal. Because our past is also our present.
I am trying to find a copy myself, I would prefer to buy the english version.
Sunday Trucker, you're brazilian, right?
Did you get this book in english or in portuguese?

[thchainsaw]

Hi!

I'm new on this board...

Riders On The Storm was one of the first books i ever read. I've been a huge fan of The Doors ever since i was a little kid. I loved the book...

...and come to think of it, i think i'm gonna read again. It's been about 10 years...

[Mary-Beth]

Definitely a great book...well written.....love the way it read like a journal.....I read John's book....almost 2 years ago, it got me through my Mom's bout with lung cancer, she passed on June 5th, 2004. So even though it was a extremely difficult time in my life...I was fortunate to be able to take brief vacations through John's book that helped make it bearable to come back into this reality and help my Mom.....So I look fondly to John's book for the wonderful way he told "his" story of his time with Jim Morrison and the Doors and for helping me personally through a very difficult time in my life.
I recommend that "everybody" read "Riders On The Storm" it is an excellent read!
Peace,
M-B

[gotothelight]

Definitely a great book...well written.....love the way it read like a journal.....I read John's book....almost 2 years ago, it got me through my Mom's bout with lung cancer, she passed on June 5th, 2004. So even though it was a extremely difficult time in my life...I was fortunate to be able to take brief vacations through John's book that helped make it bearable to come back into this reality and help my Mom.....So I look fondly to John's book for the wonderful way he told "his" story of his time with Jim Morrison and the Doors and for helping me personally through a very difficult time in my life.
I recommend that "everybody" read "Riders On The Storm" it is an excellent read!
Peace,
M-B

I agree that "Riders on the Storm" is an excellent read. I think a real honest assessment of things as they were. I remember John writing that someone once asked him if Jim Morrison was a genius or an asshole, and he replied "he was both". One of the most honest statements in any Doors book I've ever read (and I've read almost all of them with the exception of "Wild Child".. which I have no intention of reading).

On a personal note, I'm sorry for the loss of your mother Mary-Beth. I lost my dad in January 2005, exactly one week after losing a very good friend, so I know what you went through. Tiime has started healing for me.. and I hope it's doing the same for you.

Thanks.

[Mary-Beth]

I agree that "Riders on the Storm" is an excellent read. I think a real honest assessment of things as they were. I remember John writing that someone once asked him if Jim Morrison was a genius or an asshole, and he replied "he was both". One of the most honest statements in any Doors book I've ever read (and I've read almost all of them with the exception of "Wild Child".. which I have no intention of reading).

On a personal note, I'm sorry for the loss of your mother Mary-Beth. I lost my dad in January 2005, exactly one week after losing a very good friend, so I know what you went through. Tiime has started healing for me.. and I hope it's doing the same for you.

Thanks.

Thenk-you..."gotothelight" for your kind words and please accept my condolences on the passing of your Dad......these are very difficult times in life...and anything that helps one through is long remembered for that little bit of brighteness that help us to accept and move on......I am happy to hear that the healing has begun for you....I am on that road too.....and "The Doors" and Jim's words, and John's Book, has definitely helped.
Peace,
M-B

[gotothelight]

Thanks Mary-Beth.

It's quite a good feeling when someone's words (whether written, spoken, or sung) can make a difference, isn't it?

If you haven't also listened to John's book on tape, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to it. You won't be disappointed. The voice inflections, emotions, humor, drumming.. and even singing (!)... is well worth it.

Thanks.

[Mary-Beth]

Thanks Mary-Beth.

It's quite a good feeling when someone's words (whether written, spoken, or sung) can make a difference, isn't it?

If you haven't also listened to John's book on tape, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to it. You won't be disappointed. The voice inflections, emotions, humor, drumming.. and even singing (!)... is well worth it.

Thanks.

You are welcome gotothelight...and yes it is a very special positive felling when someone's words make a difference in your life...definitely.....and I am vry grateful when this occurs.
I haven't listened to John's book on tape as a matter of fact I must admit that i didn't even know that it was out on tape...........but now that i am aware I will definiately get a copy......hope they have it on CD though....don't have any tape players except an old walkman Thank-you so much for the info......I appreciate it and your kind comments.
Take Care and Peace,
M-B

[rotaryperception]

On The Doors Collection DVD Live At The Hollywood Bowl there is a film segment of John reading his book at a one man play at the drum kit with a headset mic on .  "Jim falls off the stage"
Is this the book on tape? Was more of it filmed? It was only a few minutes.

[gotothelight]

On The Doors Collection DVD Live At The Hollywood Bowl there is a film segment of John reading his book at a one man play at the drum kit with a headset mic on .  "Jim falls off the stage"
Is this the book on tape? Was more of it filmed? It was only a few minutes.

The book on tape is John reading "Riders on the Storm" (in it's entirety), complete with sound effects, drumming, and even singing! I recommend it very highly. Nothing like "hearing" the book in John's own voice.

The film segment on The Doors DVD is not available in it's entirety, although if I recall, John did say something (in the "talk to John" forum) about perhaps one day getting it funded to release it the way he'd like it released. I, for one, would _love_ it..and I hope someday he does make it available for all of us.

Thanks.