Being Frank: My Time With Frank Zappa
During Frank Zappa's lengthy, provocative career, surprisingly few books were written about him. Since his death, however, a small torrent of material has appeared. Guitarist-songwriter Lennon's personal memoir offers what might be called the private side of Zappa. Curiously revealing yet prim (e.g., she vends plenty of sex but no explicit, hydraulic descriptions; she uses blanks instead of some names), Lennon describes (all in the first four chapters) playing guitar with Zappa, being seduced by him, and sharing accommodations with him on the200 Motelstour. Her revelation that Zappa was not the dedicated family man he was sometimes cracked up to be is hardly surprising; rather, what surprises is that it took this long for a tell-all, between-the-sheets bio of him to appear. What surprises somewhat more is that Lennon also provides genuine insight into the composition, crafting, and execution of Zappa's intricate music.Mike Tribby