Pearl: The Obsessions and Passions of Janis Joplin: A Biography

This well-written book is very descriptive! From Port Arthur, Texas, to San Francisco's Haight / Ashbury, scenes of tragedy & revelry are given a jolt of life. Author really sought out the witnesses who are still around (and not too wasted) to tell the tales. Great book for fans of San Francisco, rock music, and of course Janis.Plenty of sleaze, drugs, and sex, but author nicely presents the tender-hearted girl that was Janis Joplin.

I recently had to order my second copy of this one because I had worn it out. My only issue is that it seemed more downbeat. Yet, considering how her life ended maybe it was more realistic. If you buy any Janis bio's this in the one, also Scars of Sweet Paradise is very worthy.

She lived, she sang, she died- the unbias and unforgettable true tale of the life and loves of Janis Joplin. A flowing read and a great time. You may even win a concert ticket or two when you listen to the radio, but sadly not hers, of course. If you are out there looking for some entertainment-read it. If you love the music and looking for some insight into the songs...pick it up. If you're on the verge of or in the middle of your mid-life crisis...perfect. Heck- even if you are one of those want-to-be hippies out there. Read this book. You'll like. SOme of you will walk away with new thoughts to think and new songs to sing. Enjoy.

The first book on this wonderful artist I've read and by far the best written. The author not only had captured the spirit of Janis but also has made a larger than life figure seem more human. And given us a glimpse into what was not only a tortured soul but what was also a wounded and beautiful one.

For those interested in Janis' life and work, this is the definitive volume. Unlike several other books which are either pop biographies or attempts to grind the author's particular axe, this book studies the spirit of the times and Janis'contemporaries to paint a wholly accessible picture of this artist.