Chronicles: Volume One (Chronicles) ASIN: 0743244583 Binding: Paperback List price: $14.00 USD Amazon price: $10.92 USD

Bob Dylan, a songwriter often labeled as the greatest Lyricist of the 20th century, has been broadcasts as a wandering icon for a generation of junkies. In his Autobiography Chronicles Volume 1, he explains how different his real life was from the one portrayed by the mass media. He tells of his disdain for the press and their misrepresentation of him as a spokesman for the hippie generation. He tells in his autobiography that during his most successful years he was entirely pre occupied with his family and hid from his fame. Even his description of himself seems directionless. However, his story offers a few invaluable virtues that make him great.

Though Dylan’s lasting contribution will undoubtedly be his soulful and somewhat abstract lyrics, the inspiration that a reader can glean from Chronicles is his independent spirit. Every word of his autobiography says that he is his own man. He carries himself without regard to anyone’s approval. He is living for himself and his family and everyone else can take a hike.

During parts of my listen I found myself walking more independently with a new level of confidence and inner strength. Though Dylan might sicken with the thought of using his life as an example for the “collegiate,�? this is a story containing some valuable insight into how an unambitious traveler tapped into his true self. Dylan tells as if he knew that his break would come. Its as if he felt that it were his destiny and he had a sense of it from the beginning. He saw his dream, he felt a connection to the music he played, and he expressed his genius liberally.

Dylan rambles often throughout his narrative. Some of his story bored me. His life in many ways seemed anti-climatic. Maybe that was the point. His life was directionless and free in the same way that he sang about it. He cuts out big chunks of his life, which seems to be the most interesting part of his music career. He is somehow disappointingly dull in comparison to the public perception (which painted him as epic).

Despite the character flaws, boring ramblings, and scattered storyline, Dylan’s Chronicles provides value for readers who feel that they have a life mission and they hear it calling them. Its an interesting read/listen but lacks a lot of the virtues that I look to imitate from some of history’s more philanthropic heroes.