Since Then
How I Survived Everything and Lived to Tell About It
David Crosby; Carl Gottlieb
BOOK REVIEW

In the dizzying world of rock 'n' roll, where excess and creativity dance dangerously close to the edge of oblivion, Since Then: How I Survived Everything and Lived to Tell About It emerges as a visceral, gut-wrenching testimony. Authored by the legendary David Crosby alongside Carl Gottlieb, this memoir is not just a chronicle of a storied life; it is an explosion of raw emotion, revealing how triumph and tragedy intermingle in the chaos of survival.
From the very first page, Crosby's voice resonates with the haunting weight of experience. He candidly narrates his rise as a musical titan, entwined with the iconic 1960s and 1970s counterculture, yet never shying away from confronting the shadows that lurk behind the spotlight. This book is not solely an adulation of past glory but rather a sobering reflection on addiction, personal demons, and the relentless pursuit of redemption. You're drawn into the depths of his struggles with substance abuse and the unshakeable ghost of fame, each chapter pulling you closer into the turbulent waters he navigated. 🎸
Crosby's life is marked by a cavalcade of highs and lows-his collaborations with The Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, moments that shimmer like stars in a pitch-black sky of tumult. Yet, it is within the darker passages that the true impact of his narrative unravels. Each brush with death, each near-miss with the abyss, is recounted with an honesty that carves a path straight to your heart. It's impossible not to feel the weight of his words, the ache of vulnerability he so bravely exhibits.
The collaboration with Carl Gottlieb is masterful, adding layers of storytelling that amplify Crosby's reflections. Together, they weave a tapestry rich in detail, from the wild escapades of Woodstock to the sobering recovery journeys. The interplay between reminiscence and reflection is nothing short of poetic, forcing you to grapple with the realities of fame and the wrecking ball it can unleash on one's psyche.
Readers have voiced their admiration for the authenticity that permeates this work. "Crosby lays it all bare," says one reviewer, capturing the essence of what draws you in-the unfiltered candor. Others have critiqued its unvarnished nature, suggesting that some moments feel brutally raw, almost overwhelming. Yet this is precisely what makes the memoir resonate. It exemplifies the truth: survival is messy. ✨️
Crosby's narrative places him not just as a witness to cultural history but as a key player in it. His story unfolds against the backdrop of societal upheaval, echoing the tumult of the times-be it the Civil Rights Movement or the dawn of the anti-war protests. It compels introspection on how these historical tides shaped the music that defined generations. As Crosby recounts these moments, he offers a not-so-gentle reminder of the legacies that intertwine with our individual stories.
Crosby challenges you to confront your own demons alongside him. You might find yourself questioning your definitions of success and failure, realizing that the very essence of life often lies in the scars we bear. This memoir is not merely about survival; it is about living authentically despite the tumult.
By the time you reach the final chapters, you may find yourself overwhelmed with gratitude for the lessons imparted and the realization of the power of music as a healing force. Since Then is more than a memoir; it is a call to arms, urging you to embrace every fragment of your existence, to rise above the wreckage, and to shout your story into the void. Will you heed that call?
📖 Since Then: How I Survived Everything and Lived to Tell About It
✍ by David Crosby; Carl Gottlieb
🧾 336 pages
2007
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