Expecting a book about John Denver and his interests, I received a dismal collection of unimportant personal recollections, some of which hardly had anything to do with John. The book also contains a dreadful story about its coming into existence: apparently the author sort of received the 'poems' (which are just as bad as the rest of the book) by some kind of miraculous dictation. The author says the purpose of the book is to honour John and to support the causes he was interested in- I think he will hardly be honoured by such a bad piece of work. Readers- if you want to support John, support Windstar, Cousteau etc but do not even think or ordering this book!

I read this book about a year after John's death and it brought me to tears. The book was not what I expected but I enjoyed it just the same! It had a couple of poems that expressed my thoughts after his untimely death. The opening was dull but told of its backgound and comming to be,some of witch was interresting and nessary to explain the book. Its a nice book to add to a John Denver collection.

John's autobiography will be re-issued--this short tribute does fullfill some insights that J.D. did not reveal in his book...he was unduly concerned to "exorcise demons". The PBS feature --his Alaskan ecological foray--& last recorded song.."Yellowstone' will bring new adherents to Denver's belief in conservation..& healing powers of nature- untamed. Support Windstar..keep the eagles flying...

I was recommended to bypass this book as it had very little information in it that those of us who have stayed with John all through his career don't already know - and that is true. However, I was curious so I got it anyway.

This book was not sentimental - it didn't bring tears to me eyes but once, that being at the end when the author states that John was cremated on Oct. 15th. I cried then for the loss of this amazing man. However, the book amused me as I watched a man who clearly started out not being an admirer of Johns, and who seemed to want to keep it that way, had to struggle in places to try and keep himself from falling over the precipice into the pit of John Denver admiration! I must thank Mr. Collis that at least the compliments that he paid to John, for the most part, did not come across as being given begrudgingly.

I would recommend reading this book if you would like to read some background information on John's family and musical comrades that you might not already have known. Some of this background added some depth to an already deep and complex man.

As an avid John Denver "fan," and friend of his work, I believe it's about time someone did a profile on John Denver that delves deeper into the roots of his music and his love for the harmony he created. Along with others here who were cautious of this book, I found Collis' turn of attitude real and genuine. The relationship John Denver had with his family and friends were about love and devotion to all that is good. While this book has some glaring errors, it paints what appears to be a fair look at Denver's life. Collis admits in the beginning that he could not gel with Denver's music and serene portrayal of the world. Yet by the last page, he is obviously at least aware that John Denver made an honest place for himself in the one world we all call home. Anyone who has an appreciation for Denver should check this book out. Nice photos and a REAL effort in telling his story. Collis has written a keeper for JD faithful.

The dust cover is SO misleading (example: there is no reference to 'wife beating' in the actual book.) I was delighted to read Collis' critique of Denver's music; the author appears impressed with many of John's songs, and the explanations as to why are most interesting. Also, John Collis pays honest tribute to John Denver's generous efforts to improve this planet. This book is considerably less critical than John's autobiography 'Take Me Home'; however, there is little new in the way of biographical information. I recommend this book to readers who are eager to learn more about the musical angle of Denver's career.

"Back by popular demand!" reads the blurb. In a manner of speaking, perhaps. Having lost my original copy of this book years ago, I was elated to see it in print again. Upon its arrival, however, I was extremely disappointed to find this edition significantly altered from its earlier counterpart. I've been a performing folk musician for more than half my life now, and I no longer find sheet music necessary. In fact, it was not for the sheet music that I purchased this folio, but for the gorgeous color production stills appearing in the old version. Much to my chagrin, this wonderful material had been omitted from the new collection, the blurb's claim of "great color photos" notwithstanding. Furthermore, those of you who were interested in this book for its musical content should be aware that these are not authentic transcriptions, nor is the entire body of selections from the former collection included. I can recommend the current edition to the John Denver completist only.

I thought this book would reveal how John himself played these songs. Especially I hoped to learn the authentic intros to songs like Country Roads or Poems, Prayers & Promises. What you get is an easy guitar book that anyone can play. The arrangements are mostly just picking standard chords. It's not much more than most players could figure out from words and chords without tabs. Annie's Song has the most authentic arrangement. This book is worthwhile if you are beginning to learn guitar and to read tabs. However, I can hardly call it "authentic" if you want to learn John Denver's style.

Roger has used John Denver's name and lyrics as a means to elevate himself as a writer of books and songs and as a preacher. Please do not be fooled. This book is not what it seems. It can only be regarded as one person's interpretation of the lyrics that John Denver wrote. Do not waste your money.

After I'd bought several John Denver CD's, this book was recommended by Amazon.com - and as the author has said in his review, above, it's not a biography. Don't be fooled! I was expecting some new information and insight into John's life and what I got was a rather slushy synopsis of his obvious philosophy, which would be clear to anyone who'd ever listened to his lyrics. Unless you're content with superficial observations, it isn't worth the $14.95. Sorry, Roger...

Much of this book constitutes reprints of the author's previous articles written about the Broncos earlier superbowl losses. A minority of the book deals with XXXII. Even the portion dealing with the win is inaccurate in spots. For example, the author describes the wrong final play of the game! I mean, how do you screw that up? He also has at least one other important play misdescribed. All in all this clearly appears to be a book thrown together to skim the Denver market. Save your money.

I can't think of a worse book that I have ever read in my life. The author is obviously confused about his topic. His book is based on the one time he actually met John, very early in John's career and the life changing impact that that one meeting had on his life. He never spoke to John again, somehow their paths never crossed. He comments back and forth about John Denver and his awesome example of how we should live our lives, while simlutaneously preaching the bible to us. He speaks of John planting seeds in our lives, which I agree with, but John Denver wasn't Jesus, yet Mr. Himes makes us feel as though we should revere him as such. In his brief, 75 page "pamphlet" Mr. Himes shamelessly plugs a song he wrote about John 5 or 6 times. He also rambles on about his daughter and likens him to John. This book is a sequal to his first book,(which I will return upon arrival)or pamphlet entitled A Fire in His Heart& a Light in His Eyes, (John Denvers legacy.) But in this sequal Mr. Himes spends most of his time repeating himself. As a long time John Denver fan, seeking to obtain more knowledge and factual information, this was an enormous disappointment to me.