The Most Expensive Book I've Ever Bought

A few weeks ago I finished Girls Like Us by Sheila Weller. It's a combined biography of Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon and talks about their lives and how they characterized a generation. It's part People magazine, part history book—and I loved the balance between the two. Weller does a great job weaving story and journalistic fact into a compelling and informative read.

So why was it so expensive? Well, it's a big fat book, so it cost $17. Then every stinking chapter they're talking about this or that amazing album, so I spent like $40 on iTunes augmenting my collection (including some James Taylor, since he was involved with Joni and Carly). Then I showed the book to my mom and she got really excited, so I bought it for her for her birthday. It adds up, but it was worth it.

I know more about recent cultural historical events than I ever did before. (I say historical not because the events are old, but because they had a great impact. No, Mom, of course you're not old.) I have one of the best playlists I've ever made, and I appreciate the personal significance behind many of the songs in a way that goes deeper than just their lyrics.

Joni, Carole, and Carly lived interesting, inspiring, flawed, tragic, fun- and struggle-filled lives. Weller portrays them honestly but with respect and reverence.

My new 70's-heavy playlist combined with my recent Mary Tyler Moore watching spree makes me think I may have been born at the wrong time.