Homeward Bound

The Life of Paul Simon

By: Peter Ames Carlin

Narrated by: Adam Grupper

A revelatory account of the life of beloved American music icon Paul Simon by best-selling rock biographer Peter Ames Carlin.

To have been alive during the last 60 years is to have lived with the music of Paul Simon. The boy from Queens scored his first hit record in 1957, just months after Elvis Presley ignited the rock era. As the songwriting half of Simon & Garfunkel, his work helped define the youth movement of the '60s. On his own in the '70s, Simon made radio-dominating hits. He kicked off the '80s by reuniting with Garfunkel to perform for half a million New Yorkers in Central Park. Five years later Simon's album Graceland sold millions and spurred an international political controversy. And it doesn't stop there.

The grandchild of Jewish immigrants from Hungary, the nearly 75-year-old singer-songwriter has not only sold more than 100 million records, won 15 Grammy Awards, and been installed into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame twice, but he has also animated the meaning - and flexibility - of personal and cultural identity in a rapidly shrinking world.

Simon has also lived one of the most vibrant lives of modern times, making for an audiobook replete with tales of Carrie Fisher, Leonard Bernstein, Bob Dylan, Woody Allen, Shelley Duvall, Nelson Mandela, the Grateful Dead, drugs, depression, marriage, divorce, and more. A life story with the scope and power of an epic novel, Carlin's Homeward Bound is the first major biography of one of the most influential popular artists in American history.

©2016 Peter Ames Carlin (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

Outstanding work about outstanding work.

Loved this Paul Simon bio. Such wonderful detail, and very in depth. Especially enjoyed the examination of Simons' personal life and how they shaped his body of work.

Great read!

Now I Know

Although an admirer of Simon's work for decades, I knew very little about him away from the microphone. Carlin's book is excellent and seems to be well researched. As a biography, it seems as good as most. It's not a gooey love story written by an adoring fan, but an open and honest portrayal of a man who of necessity is rarely open and honest. Catkin speaks music well when describing songs. As a music biography, it is better than most. Grupper's narration is superb. The only disappointment is no mention of Simon's appearance on The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash.

A seemingly very balanced take on Paul Simon

I love biographies, but of course they are not without their flaws. Most writers seem afraid to be critical of their subject, and a lot of the facts are cherry picked. This is clearly more of an issue with autobiographies, and I was pleased to discover this biography was not endorsed or supported by Simon’s camp. This biography (especially when the author includes his own encounter with Simon) came across as very balanced. It is undeniable that Simon possesses extraordinary, nearly other worldly levels of talent, but he is also prickly, and at times so arrogant, it’s off putting. That’s ok by me. I prefer a more realistic feeling story, especially when it’s about someone’s life. A great deal of time and care was put into detailing Simon’s childhood, which included a lot of negative, damaging experiences. It is clear where his resentment, bitterness and deep insecurities come from, and while it doesn’t excuse his unsavory behaviors, it does explain them. Many of us are a product of being raised by parents who may be well intentioned but unequipped, especially when it comes to emotional intelligence. It was just not really a priority for the earlier generations, and it really emotionally stunted a lot of people. It’s crazy how even a life of incredible achievement, fame, money, recognition cannot undo the damage of our childhood.

Author early not a fan of Paul Simon which spoils

Clearly the author is not a fan of Paul Simon, which is not helped by the readers ironic tone. One ends up with the feeling that this was not the best way to get to know the man behind the art.

Interesting and Engaging

As a musician and Simon and Garfunkel fan, I enjoyed this intimate, behind the scenes history. Paul is sometimes portrayed in a positive light. Other times, his flaws show. However, I thought the author did a good job of offering an even-handed and illuminating biography. The narration is great.

Mixed feelings

While I don't regret listening to it, I did not find the story to be so engaging that I could not stop listening. It's okay. Middle of the road.

Good Read for Any Paul Simon Fan

I learned a lot about Paul Simon in this book. I have enjoyed listening to his music for almost 40 years. The one thing about the book that troubled me was the author's ambivalence to his subject. In some places he seems even-handed and in other places it seems he has an agenda. It's a good biography but the author's bias keeps it from being a great book.

Warts and Flaws of Simon but Talent Shines Through

I listened to the whole book, which hasn't happened with most audiobooks.

Informative, with details I hadn't come across before.

Engaging and almost always interesting.

If you love Paul Simon, you won't be disappointed

This is a complete biography of Simon's artistic work. At times triumphant, at others heartbreaking. The author doesn't shy away from Simon's weaknesses, either. This book will be greatly appreciated by his fans.

Resplendent narrative read by natural voice.

Having gone into this book, thinking that I know everything there is to know about Paul Simon, I am so, so glad that I got this. Especially given the recent announcement of his retirement, this book brings home new meaning to the lyrics and poetry that make his music so beautifully enchanting. If only for the biographical background, this book is worth its weight in gold.
But the benefits of this book do not stop there. No! The story that it weaves details the life of a human - not a God. A human with flaws, powers, weaknesses and strengths. All of which provide new meaning to all of the endeavors taken on by Mr. Simon throughout his decades-long musical career. I had always assumed that in writing these songs he was receiving some cathartic benefit. "Was it the same relief that I got when hearing these songs for the very first time?", I always wondered. But now I know.
I know of the struggles, both mental and worldly, that inspired the creation of some of his most iconic songs. My eyes have been opened to new music, unknown by me, written by Mr. Simon, but performed and published under one of the numerous aliases he chose to use on his way to becoming his musical self.
I'm so very grateful to have seen his last tour, and now also for this perfectly titled book, "Homeward Bound".