This book is a powerhouse of knowledge, I have been in a abusive relationship for 10 years. Thanks to this book, I was able to break free. I was so lost, alone, and contemplating suicide. I thought there was no way out, then I came across this book. I read the book again and again, and I knew I was not alone,it gave me such hope. Alexis thank you so much, I felt your book reached out a hand to me and showed me the way home. He dosen't hurt me anymore, he cannot, NOT ANYMORE!

It is amazing that it has been four years sinceI bought this book while in a brutally abusive relationship. It gave me the courage and strength to end the madness. During a long and painful court trial, it gave me continued hope and support. Out of the pile of books and pamphlets I own on domestic violence, this is the only one I continue read and take notes on. It will forever be on my nightstand to remind me that I have a choice. I sincerly thank Alexis Asher for writing this lifesaving masterpiece.

This book absolutely saved my life. I don't really like the title because it sounds a little corny and very "victimy", but the contents are wonderful. It helps you identify if you are abused and how (any why) to get out. I liked the viewpoint of the book because the author had obviously been down the path and I felt like a loving friend took me by the hand and helped me to take steps that I wasn't ready to take by myself. I bought the book 4 months before I left my husband and now I have been free for 6 weeks. I read it over and over again and gained the courage and strength within me to leave. I have lots of books on abuse, but this book is the Bible for the woman who needs a step by step guide to get out. Hopefully it will be back in print soon!

This was the first jazz biography I have read. Hawes does a great job of portraying the terrible effects of heroin addiction. I knew some jazz musicians were busted for heroin use in his time. But I didn't understand how rampant heroin use was in the industry. This book gives great insight into the life of a wonderfully talented jazz pianist. But more importantly, it gives insight into the tumultuous life of a drug addict. Initially, the piano seems to be Hawes' only love. But then there is the realization that heroin is his real love. It is his only motivation to even play the piano.

I love this book. Remember, back then when you played this music, it wasn't exactly a sweet world for the musicians (Black ones). I'm glad he let everyone know how hard it was out there. Drugs took this Bad Boy out the game and the world passed him by. Musicians like Brother Hawes, will never be acknowledged for their great playing in the U.S.A.

If there was a dumb remark in this book, I didn't see it. Again, think back to the times he was living in. He talked about Jimmy Rushing and the way he thought about things. Jimmy Rushing came out of a different era, yet Some of his thoughts were not far behind. When he described Black people, some were light skninned, some were black... The book is not dated, it's just good.

I enjoyed reading this book very much.

It is first of all Hampton Hawes biography of his life as a jazz musician. It tellls us of his way from being a little boy attending his father's church on Sundays to a highly acclaimed jazz pianist, his downfall because of his heroin addiction, his 10-year jail sentence (which was reduced to six after Hawes had written to John Kennedy!), his way back up on the European market, his love relationship with Jackie, and his new found love after separating from Jackie after almost two decades. The very last sentence of the book speaks about his ex-wife Jackie - and it is very touching and shows that Hawes indeed must have been a nice man.

There is only one really dumb remark in the book that I felt was disgusting. (Find it for yourself... ;-))

Hawes repeatedly talks about Black issues. I personally feel that those statements are very intelligent, and can therefore recommend this book not only to those of you interested in jazz, but also to anyone into Black issues.

Don Asher's memoir is a fascinating story of a life which has covered miles of wearying road trips, decades of performances, and thousands of performers, well-known and obscure. I felt as though I were traveling with him and his musical cohorts as they moved from party to party, club to club. I felt his drive to experience all that he could of black musicians' unique styles, even whether it meant risking life and limb in unsavory parts of town or playing his best for acceptance on those stages where his idols performed. A simply wonderful book which will stay with the reader for its memorable descriptions of decrepit pianos, drunken, yet talented musicians, and a changing musical scene.

I read this book in two days. It is an outstanding slice of life. Don Asher has spent his whole working life as a piano player (50 yrs plus). You'll be entertained by the story: from music lessons at age nine, to playing dives in and around Worcester, Mass. as a teenager, to a tour through small town resorts with a well-lubricated Providence, RI dance band ("Alvie Drake and His Rythm Ducks") in his twenties, and more. An enjoyable, often humorous, self-effacing and believable portrait of life as a professional piano player. As a writer -- Asher has chops!