Elton John, or his birth name Marshall Mathers.

His story is a roller coaster of family drama, meteoric celebrity, hit songs, overdoses, concerts, and parties with the most famous people in the world.

Music aside, it's basically the story of Mr. Rogers.

Today's book is

Me by Sir Elton John. And this is the book pile. I'm Kellynneerskin. I'm a comic, a father,

and I've taught all my kids' piano lessons since they were little, but after reading this book,

I learned that I should have been angry at their piano playing this whole time so that they could be successful.

And I'm David Vance.

I think of this book as a sequel to last week's book, The Namesake, because it would have been real hard for Elton to become a fabulous icon with his old name, Reginald Kenneth Dwight.

Somehow every name is the name of a nerd.

All right, if you want to give us an early Valentine's present, please leave us a rating and a review.

All right, quick reminder, my Kickstarter is halfway done. You can see the link in the episode description. The campaign's going well. We've done now 40,000 in sales. It is a graphic novel escape room. Great to play with kids. Great to play by yourself. It has comedy. It has adventure. Go and check it out. And we really appreciate everyone who's already bought. You're welcome. All right. So I chose this book for today because I read this book because I saw Elton John in concert and afterwards went down a rabbit hole, which sounds like an Elton John album.

I couldn't put this audio book down.

His childhood in teenage years are sad and compelling, essentially a prodigy musician who grows up in a very broken home, followed by essentially an immediate rise to celebrity.

It is early 20s.

I loved hearing the stories behind so many of the songs that I love and of his songwriting process.

It is so incredible.

It almost seems impossible.

I can't wait to discuss it here.

It inspired me. It entertained me. And it broke my

heart, even though he has a song where he specifically says not to do that last one.

But what did you think, Dave? I really enjoyed this book. He's kind of an anti-politician,

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