Take Me Home: An Autobiography

I remember the first time I heard John Denver sing in one of his TV specials when my son was still a baby, now 30 years ago. I was sure he would remain a major star. His obvious singing skill and message with heart were, and remain, a winning combination. Unlike many of his avid fans, somewhere along the line I lost track of what John was doing as the years went by. I was shocked at his early death, but unaware at the time at the enormity of his contributions on so many fronts. Recently I came across several songs of his I had never heard before. I was enthralled, touched and saddened that so much of his work had escaped my notice for so long. The songs seemed so haunting. My immersion in the scope of topics, and what the songs revealed about their originator, brought me to a mild state of shock. I found myself embarrassed and guilty not to have taken the full measure of fruits of his extraordinary efforts seriously before. Needing more information about the man, to flesh out true intent of many of his works and learn more about his dreams, I found only 1 autobiography in the entire Washington, DC library system. Subsequently I found there were only 7 in the Montgomery County, MD, system. I was sad and disappointed to find so little has been written about him.... His autobiography reveals the huge amount of courage John brought to many of his efforts, and in revealing the less flattering facts and deeds of his own life. In many ways the words in the book are a fuller extension of what he has already given voice to in his songs. How is an artist made? Many strong feelings and experiences of childhood and adolescence can give rise to the need for artistic self expression, especially when other outlets are difficult. Beginning with his boyhood and family relationships, John talks about the feelings and events that lead to his own use of the guitar and songwriting as a means to self expression, finding friends and relationships, and making the contributions he was so driven to make. John discusses the development of his musical career, while trying to balance marriage and the many issues with which all adults must cope. He describes the fabric of his many victories, losses and frailties in both his personal and professional life without shrinking from unflattering facts. We are given a rare view into how an artist translates the complexity of his thoughts and feelings into a communication to which others can relate. Often the most poignant moments in John's life led to his strongest and most striking compositions. It is rare that anyone relates such a brutally honest examination of his life and his dreams as in this book. I now have a much deeper understanding and appreciation for John Denver the man, his music and the environmental causes to which he gave so much time, effort and financial support. It seems to me he may well have sacrificed a great deal to be able to give so much to the rest of us. In the end, it remains up to us that remain

This is a great book. I read it and used it as one of my cited resouces in a 9 page report on the singer. Denver writes honestly of his life. Sadly he died as most of us know on October 12, 1997. There are somepeople who think or thought he was a god. This is simply not true and this book shows you the real man. The man who did far more than his part through out his life. The best way we could remember this special normal everyday man, is to teach people who to respect the environment. Even though he has yet to get any respect in newspapers we shouldn't fight the useless fight to get him more respect. Even though I admit that he does deserve a whole lot more credit and respect. We need to follow his example and stand up to protect the environment and to stop world hunger. We miss you dear friend. We were lucky to have you as a teacher and role model. Rest in Peace.

From 1978 on I was a fan of John Denver, not because he was hip, not because he was dazzling, but because he was genuine, honest, and straight-forward. What I loved about his music and what I loved about his live performances is it was not a show. It came from the heart. This autobiography is just like his performances, it hides nothing. It is difficult to name autobiographies that paint an ugly picture of their author. I think people misunderstand how this book was written as much for John as it was for us. There is a lesson to be learned here about what works and doesn't work in living life. I am thankful to John for sharing with me what doesn't work. I learned from reading this book. I played his songs when I came to chapters that the songs coincided with. For such beauty to be created in the midst of a normal, flawed, human life, "it amazes me!"Think about your life story, all the stuff you did you are proud of, and all the stuff you did you are ashamed of. If you could imagine allowing everyone in to read about it all, then maybe you can begin to appreciate what it took to write this book. Remember he published this before his death.If you loved the man, you should read this book to know the false front he put on, and the dark face he now reveals.God bless you, John.

I thought that this was a great book. I read it in a very short amount of time. I think that everyone who not only loved John's music, but also loved what he stood for will like this book. I know he was not a perfect man of course he made mistakes in his marriage and in life. The reason I read this book was that I had to write a report about a conflict in someone's life and I choose John Denver. GREAT BOOK 5 STARS!

This book is a must-read for those who hunger to learn about the human side of a man who, in the 1970s, captured millions of hearts through soaring music that celebrated life, love, and nature. The story shines a revealing light on John Denver. It's most interesting that he's holding the flashlight himself. What he paints is a picture of an honest and earnest, sometimes sad, man who loved music, life, his children, the earth, and his fellow man. He doesn't whitewash problems he experienced, but the reader also learns of the great environmental and humanitarian works that went largely unnoticed during his lifetime. When you close the cover on the last page, you feel as though you know the man. Now, that's what makes a good autobiography!