Old Friends (by Joe Morella and Patricia Barey) covers the dual biographies of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.  While it may not be a definitive or all-inclusive look at their careers, it is still a good, entertaining starting point for listeners who know little about the duo, outside of their hits and albums.  There are a few factual errors scattered throughout, but the continuity of their parallel career paths helps the reader understand how the duo formed, how they worked together, what forced them apart, and despite the outcome, how they still remain old friends even today.  The timeline reaches back to their early childhood, up through Paul Simon’s “Rhythm of the Saints” solo release, along with their reunion concert in Central Park.  Old Friends is a good read, and I’m giving it 3-1/2 out of 5 stars.   Click here to view this book at Amazon.

The Grand Illusion: Love, Lies, and My Life with Styx is an autobiography written by Styx’s founding bassist Chuck Panozzo (with Michele Skettino).  If you are looking for a book that goes into minute detail about Styx, this is not the book you’re after.  Instead, this book is the heartfelt story of Chuck Panozzo’s life, starting back in childhood where he knew he was “different” from the other boys.  His tenure with Styx was definitely a highlight of his life and career, but it’s his struggle after the original band’s run that forms the most interesting part of the story.  His twin brother John’s battle with alcoholism (which he lost), his own battle with his sexual identity, and other outside factors are all part of the story.  By the end of the book, Chuck has finally decided to “come out” as an openly gay man, no longer hiding his true self as he had earlier in life.  If you are worried about any explicit details, you need not worry–he speaks more about relationships than anything else.  Chuck’s story is, more than anything, inspiring: living proof that you can overcome any obstacle in your way if you are true to yourself.  This book, while short, is a great read, and I’m giving it 4-1/2 out of 5 stars!  Click here to view this book at Amazon.