A Perfect Union of Contrary Things Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

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A Perfect Union of Contrary Things

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Summary

The official authorized biography of musician and vintner Maynard James Keenan, the enigmatic vocalist for the bands Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer. Co-author Sarah Jensen's 30-year friendship with Keenan gives her unique insight into his history and career trajectory. The book traces Keenan's journey from his Midwest childhood to his years in the Army to his time in art school, from his stint at a Boston pet shop to his place in the international spotlight and his influence on contemporary music and regional winemaking. A comprehensive portrayal of a versatile and dedicated artist, A Perfect Union of Contrary Things pays homage to the people and places that shaped the man and his art. Until now, Maynard's fans have had access to only an abridged version of his story. A Perfect Union of Contrary Things presents the outtakes, the scenes of disappointment and triumph, and the events that led him to take one step after the next, to change direction, to explore sometimes surprising opportunities. Included are sidebars in his own words, often humorous anecdotes that illuminate the narrative, as well as commentary by his family members, friends, instructors, and industry colleagues. The book also features a foreword by Alex Grey, an American visionary artist and longtime friend of Keenan. Maynard's story is a metaphor for the reader's own evolution and an encouragement to follow one's dreams, hold fast to individual integrity, and work ceaselessly to fulfill our creative potential.

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10 comments

  • Franklin Forcino
    •October 28, 2023 at 6:48 pm
    If you're looking for a lot of information about Tool, you might be disappointed with "A Perfect Union of Contrary Things". Maynard's parts could have been skipped, and it was necessary to crank up the volume to hear him properly. The final part of the book mainly focuses on his wine and Puscifer, which felt like a push for selling those to the reader.
    0 0 •Reply
  • Eddie Z.
    •October 27, 2023 at 10:36 pm
    I'm going all out, you know, taking care of everything, making sure he doesn't stumble kind of deal. But here's the twist... I do it all for my dad. It's what mom would have wanted. I can't help but wonder if those strokes will prevent him from reuniting with her. Absolutely adore this book, and you, sir, are more impressive than any preacher. You've got so much to share. You're truly inspiring, your message, the stories from the past, the gospel, the music, the words. Your art speaks boldly and is easy to understand.
    0 0 •Reply
  • Modesto Berke
    •October 27, 2023 at 1:45 pm
    I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The co-writer's excessive use of flashy adjectives and the irritating narrator were major drawbacks for me. I think I'll give it a shot by reading it myself. Disappointing. :(
    0 0 •Reply
  • Elvis Jacocks
    •October 17, 2023 at 5:51 pm
    This book would have been a complete disappointment if it didn't revolve around Maynard. But since it does, I'll give it a meager rating of 1. It's difficult for me to accept that the lead singer of Tool is depicted as a flawless individual. The book deliberately omits any negative aspects of his life, which is quite evident. I must say, I'm not impressed.
    0 0 •Reply
  • Frederic Risius
    •October 16, 2023 at 6:34 pm
    I thought Maynard's story was deep, enjoyable, and filled with creativity. As a musician and someone who appreciates the process of making things, I found this story to address many issues that I personally grapple with. By the end of the narrative, I felt like my outlook had undergone a significant shift.
    0 0 •Reply
  • Jay Erdmun
    •September 22, 2023 at 8:51 am
    I absolutely loved this book as a long-time fan of Maynard's music and persona since I was 13 in 1993. It's refreshing to witness someone with immense talent and fame who is both selfless and selfish, and strikes a perfect balance between staying true to oneself and not conforming to others' expectations. I'm confident that any MJK fan would devour this book, but even for those who are unsure or unfamiliar with his talent and the exceptional artists he surrounds himself with, I urge you to take a leap of faith! Not only will you have a fantastic read, but you'll also gain a newfound admiration for an artist and his diverse range of artistic creations.
    0 0 •Reply
  • Rene Shim
    •September 20, 2023 at 4:52 am
    I'm a massive fan of Maynard's music and winery. I've really enjoyed the "behind the scenes" aspect and getting to know more about Maynard, but unfortunately, this book has a couple of significant drawbacks. The first and most significant flaw is the narrator. I hate to be negative, but she is absolutely terrible. The second issue is that the book primarily focuses on the positive aspects of Maynard's life, without delving into the real conflicts that have shaped him into the incredible artist he is. I was really hoping to learn about the more challenging side of his life. I get it, most people prefer to keep their struggles private, and Maynard is particularly protective of his personal life. However, if you're going to write a book that claims to explore the contradictory elements of an artist's life and title it "A Perfect Union of Contrary Things," you have to present both the good and the bad, the yin and yang, showcasing the artist's talents as well as their flaws. Maynard's lyrics resonate with fans because they often seem to touch on his personal struggles, and people connect with that; it provides a cathartic experience for the listener. Unfortunately, this book falls short in that department.
    0 0 •Reply
  • Myrtis Salters
    •August 22, 2023 at 3:18 pm
    Typically, biographies tend to bore me to sleep. However, 'A Perfect Union of Contrary Things' was a refreshing exception. Being a devoted fan of Tool and APC, I couldn't resist delving into Maynard's intriguing story. I've always been curious about why he prefers to remain in the shadows during their concerts, how he developed an interest in winemaking, and most importantly, what shaped him into the uniquely awesome individual he is. This book provided all the answers I sought and even unveiled additional aspects of Maynard's life that deepened my admiration for his lyrics and sense of humor. He has always been an intriguing person, even from his early years, and cannot be easily pigeonholed into a stereotypical "type." Maynard possesses remarkable intelligence, a multitude of talents, and an unwavering commitment to perfection in everything he undertakes (which he undeniably achieves), all while retaining a certain level of humility. Not exactly the qualities one would typically associate with a rock star of his caliber. In any case, the book was fantastic, and the audio performance was quite good too. If you're a fan, I highly recommend giving this one a listen.
    0 0 •Reply

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