A true story biography from the bottom to the top to the lowest of bottoms
This book is a musical biography of an impovershed child who teaches himself to play an Instrument rising from despair and depradation to the top of the East Coast Music Industry,
Only to finally succumb to the tortures of alcoholism failed relationships and a failed marriage he finally enters recovery in 1976. While physically stopping his consumption of alcohol some years later he is forced to confront demons born of his own emotional instability. The toetured upbringing of his childhood along with mistaken pewrceptions of reality become so intense he finally enters therapy and is briefly locked on a psychiatric ward of a New York City Hospital. It is then when he begins to face the truth of his personal being and slowly lifes himself back into the world of the living as a functional human being.
The Book contains a great amount of historical content as well including his experience in the Greenwich Village Music Scene in 1963 as well as a series of chronological events which all of those born in the 1940's expereinced as children growing up. What makes his description of these events distinctive however are the thoughts he illustrates as these events unfolded. This book contains a great deal of profanity but written in a manner of which the reader can understand as many Baby Boomers were subject to the reality of the cultural revolution in the Sixties.
In summary all of the chapters from beginning to end perfectly illustrate the plight of a great many in todays society. Reading his Journey through life may perhaps be of some help to a great many who remain enclosed in a world of silence,Prisoners of their own mistaken belief system which was indioctrinated into their character. The reviews are in on this book and without exception all who have read it have stated it was a Book they could not put down
Excerpt
This was yet another band I had joined called Gulliver’s Travels. The band consisted of myself, Gulliver, who was slightly paralyzed, but played a fantastic lead guitar, Tommy on drums and James on bass. ‘How do yah get around with it?” we queried. “I have a trailer I hook up to the car,” he squeaked. The fucking guy squeaked! Almost like a chipmunk, although I had never heard a real chipmunk. His car was a 1965 yellow Mustang convertible. He had parked it at the meter outside the club. We all admired the car as he put the top down. “Where do ya live?” I asked. “Brick Town,” he replied. Brick Town sounded like that place called Garnerville, up near where I used to live in Spring Valley. “Where the fuck is Brick Town?” I asked, “New Jersey, Jersey Shore,” he added. “Ya mean you’re gonna come back and forth from the Jersey Shore?” I asked hesitatingly” “Ain’t any sweat,” he retorted.” When could he start? This being a Thursday, we agreed on Tuesday the following week. “Hooray!” Spencer Davis.time has arrived Tommy shouted “
Professional Reviews
Dake Abbott-Rhode Island USA
I'm nearly finished reading your boob Bob. It's quite a story! To have lived your life the way you did ,yet turn out to be person ( i believe ) you are is just amazing. Be proud of your book , and be as proud of yourself for facing the demons,admitting the faults and problems and turning yourself around. I'm proud to call you my friend!
Dee Dee Downs North Carolina US
Dee Dee Downs
I am so enjoying this book, very heartfelt, not finished yet but what I have read was straight from Bob's heart and sadned me about what he has been thru. I am honored to have him as my friend, God bless you Bob!
Reader-California USA
Pamela Horton Cardinale
I received my book "Lay my Guitar Down Gently" in the mail a few days ago! It is not only a great read, but fascinating, factual, and one of those you don't want to put down! This is the second book about Rock 'n' Roll history that I have read, and I can tell anyone who is interested, get the book, it's amazing!!!! You can look on my FB page, or message me, I will give you the info...
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Reviewed by Barbara Eddins
10/26/2011
Barbara BE - In his book, author Bob Polhemus speaks in the raw voice of the destitute and innocently naive. Not that long ago, these were the children born in the early 1940s who were kept in the dark about life, death, love, and fairness. In the sixties they hungered to turn this world on its head. Bobby P captured this feeling so well in his musical performance that Bob Dylan noticed in their one meeting. Dylan told Bobby, "Keep you in the song," and patted him on the shoulder.
Bob's experience in the Greenwich Village music scene in 1963 is gritty and awesome, as we get a rare glimpse into the birth of a great era. The rise of Bobby and The Teemates is an exciting ride. Although, this is not an easy book to read because of the dips into despair, abuse, alcoholism, and loss. Reality is revealed; there is no easy answer to the never ending battle with addiction. I praise Bob in his criticism of society's depiction of beer drinkers as merely having a harmless, good time. This book will turn you around and stay on your mind.
Stress is everywhere! We don't have to do anything to find it. It will usually find us. How we handle that stress is the key factor in determining our wellbeing, both emotionally and physically.
Even though stress is so common, too many peop
This is a book to help readers plow through the enormous overload of the 95% nonsense to find the 5% common sense that is hidden away, which is needed to sustain long-term success in solving today's problems.
This is your journal, for your writing. An interactive journal with historical tidbits designed to nurture creativity and self-motivation, features one side for drawings, sketches, or pasting personal pictures, and the other side lined for notes or j
