Grapefruit: A Book of Instructions and Drawings by Yoko Ono

Since 1968, Yokophobia has prevented people from perceiving reality correctly. Yokophobia was brought on largely because John Lennon was "supposed" to marry a white woman, oh, and, another thing, because the Beatles broke up. Since she has been blamed for this, shattering the delusion that a rock band should last forever (look at the Rolling Stones now for goodness sake!), people have been unusually mean-spirited in their assessment of her work. I can understand why people shy away from her more avant-garde musical output, often consisting of ear-shattering screams (I am one of those sickos that just happens to love it!). But "Grapefruit," one of the most widely distributed pieces of Fluxus-connected/inspired "performance art," is simply irresistible. (Remember, Yoko had a career as an avant-garde artist before she met John Lennon--they met at one of her art exhibits in 1967.) It is serious, excruciatingly humorous and regularly induces smiles--all while simultaneously encouraging its readers to think abstractly, artistically, creatively and irreverently. "Grapefruit" is a breath of fresh sky-blue air from the woman who once asked (on the b-side of John Lennon's "Instant Karma") "Who Has Seen the Wind?""Grapefruit" is filled, for the most part, with short, koan-like "pieces" such as "Wall Piece for Orchestra." Yoko directs the piece as follows: "Hit a wall with your head." In "Overtone Piece," Yoko writes, "Make music only with overtones." In the painting pieces section, she instructs her reader, in "Painting for the Wind," to "Make a hole. / Leave it in the wind." In the "events" section, probably the closest here to her performance art, she evokes a giggly pun on "peace" (or maybe "pee") in "Pea Piece," writing, "Carry a bag of peas. / Leave a pea wherever you go." If you find this type of humor and "artistic direction" a waste of time, which many undoubtedly will, then avoid this like the plague. But if you, like me, find this darkly humorous, refreshingly perverse and instructive as to how to live life seriously without taking it too seriously, then "Grapefruit" should find a place on your bookshelf, or, better yet, on your nightstand.

Over time there have been several editions of this book, the most prized the one issued in a small limited edition (under 500, I believe), to the popular 1970 hardback/softcover issued after Yoko met John, and now this version (updated) when the Yes Yoko Ono tour started. I hope that most readers keep in mind that Grapefruit was written MANY years before Yoko met John. It shows her wild fluxus conceptual art for the masses. During the early years, what was Fluxus? There are many other books on this ... but it was a very influential movement in today's art (and music) world. Yoko did much more after Grapefruit (and before). The Yes Yoko Ono book details her entire career up to 2000. But Grapefruit shows you the early Yoko, (including new material in this edition). Still somewhat innocent, and yet, very wise in the the ways of the world. Yoko calls entries in Grapefruit both "pieces" and "instructions" to create a "painting in your mind." If you can understand this, then forget what you may or may not think about her albums (read my other reviews!). This book is a many-century classic right up their with the I Ching. t.w.o.

I bought this book in England in 1970 when it was released with the charming cover of a grapefruit atop a female posterior.I loved the book and kept it rather than follow Yoko's instructions to burn it afterward.Yesterday I read it again. It is funny how one's perceptions change over thirty years for better or for worse.My conclusion is that this book is a Master Piece.Sorry Yoko!Please experience this book. SERIOUSLY!

Follow Yoko's instructions, and free yourself from your common-sensed, conventional, routined way of thinking! Yoko will guide you how to break out of your shell and have fun! You can read this book as poetry, or you can use these hints to trigger your creative mind, or you can use it as a self-help book. For example, whenever there are days when you're bored or stressed out, you can declare yourself, "Today is gonna be a Yoko Ono day", and you can pick a page out of this book, and just do it. Reading these unusual instructions is one way to enjoy this book, but actually DOING them is what makes it even more liberating! If you're a wanna-be artist, this is a must read, because it shows you how a TRUE ARTIST thinks. I think this is how Yoko's art ideas originated. She's turned some of these ideas into her performing arts later on, such as the famous nail thing. I'm surprised that some folks down there have written negative reviews about this book, because I think it's a charming little book that everyone will enjoy. I guess such folks were expecting something along the line with the Beatles' taste or something. Or maybe they didn't "get it", such as taking some of her humor seriously and being bothered by it---which is exactly her point, because true art is about challenging the conventional. You should know that Yoko's creativity has always been completely individual from the Beatles, sometimes way over ordinary people's heads. In short, she's a GENIUS!

We are lucky indeed that this book is back in print. I chanced upon an early printing at a used book store years back, and have enjoyed it ever since. Grapefruit is full of Ono's conceptual "paintings", which take the form of instructional poems...they are sometimes insightful, sometimes thought-provoking, sometimes wickedly funny and poignant at the same time ("Hide and Go Seek Piece: Hide until everyone forgets about you. Hide until everyone dies.") Throughout the poems she displays brilliant imagination and a unique appreciation of life. This book is truly original...as you can see from the reviews below, it's not for everybody...but I think anyone with an open mind and a passion for creativity will love it.