Rob Sheffield Libri

“The happiest, saddest, sweetest book about rock ‘n’ roll that I’ve ever experienced.”—Chuck Klosterman Mix tapes: We all have our favorites. Stick one into a deck, press play, and you’re instantly transported to another time in your life. For Rob Sheffield, that time was one of miraculous love and unbearable grief. A time that spanned seven years, it started when he met the girl of his dreams, and ended when he watched her die in his arms. Using the listings of fifteen of his favorite mix tapes, Rob shows that the power of music to build a bridge between people is stronger than death. You’ll read these words, perhaps surprisingly, with joy in your heart and a song in your head—the one that comes to mind when you think of the love of your life. Praise for Love is a Mixtape “A memoir that manages, no small feat, to be funny and beautifully forlorn at the same time.”—The New York Times Book Review “Humorous, heartbreaking, and heroic.”—Entertainment Weekly “The finest lines ever written about rock ‘n’ roll . . . Like that song on the radio, every word of Rob’s book is true. Love is a mix tape.”—Rolling Stone “Many of us use pop culture as a mirror of our emotional lives, but Sheffield happily walks right through the looking glass.”—Los Angeles Times “Sheffield writes with such aching remembering, you feel like you are invading his privacy . . . and it’s the truth of those details that make this memoir so touching.”—Newsweek

A love letter to David Bowie, and a celebration of his life and his music from a lifelong fan and Rolling Stone magazine columnist.

In this stunning memoir, Rob Sheffield, a veteran rock and pop culture critic and staff writer for Rolling Stone magazine, tells the story of his musical coming of age, and how rock music, the first love of his life, led him to his second, a girl named Renee. Rob and Renee's life together - they wed after graduate school, both became music journalists, and were married only five years when Renee died suddenly on Mother's Day, 1997 - is shared through the window of the mix tapes they obsessively compiled. There are mixes to court each other, mixes for road trips, mixes for doing the dishes, mixes for sleeping - and, eventually, mixes to mourn Rob's greatest loss. The tunes were among the great musical output of the early 1990s - Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Pavement, Yo La Tengo, REM, Weezer - as well as classics by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin and more. Mixing the skilful, tragic punch of Dave Eggers and the romantic honesty of Nick Hornby, LOVE IS A MIX TAPE is a story of lost love and the kick-you-in-the-gut energy of great pop music.

Sheffield, a veteran rock and pop culture critic and staff writer for Rolling Stone magazine, tells the story of his musical coming of age, and how rock music, the first love of his life, led him to his second, a girl named Renee. His feelings show through the window of the mix tapes they compiled.

The narrative explores a transformative journey from despair to joy, highlighting the protagonist's evolution from a state of emotional disarray to one of newfound love and connection. It delves into themes of resilience, personal growth, and the power of love to heal and inspire. Through this journey, the character learns to embrace life and its complexities, ultimately finding beauty and fulfillment in relationships.

Exploring the challenges of adolescence, this book offers a humorous and perceptive perspective on the trials and tribulations faced during teenage years. With wit and insight, the author delves into the emotional complexities and awkward moments that define this pivotal stage of life, providing readers with both relatable experiences and thoughtful reflections.

Public spaces play a crucial role in enhancing community well-being by fostering connections among residents. Through various settings like shops, churches, and parks, these areas encourage social interaction and support networks. The book explores how these communal environments contribute to stronger relationships and a sense of belonging, highlighting their significance in cultivating a thriving community.

A cultural phenomenon. A worldwide obsession. An agent of emotional chaos. There's no parallel to Taylor Swift in history: a teenage girl who turns into the world's favorite pop star, songwriter, storyteller, guitar hero, live performer, changing how music is made and heard. Heartbreak Is The National Anthem: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music is the first book that goes deep on the musical and cultural impact of Taylor Swift. Now, Rob Sheffield, the bestselling and award-winning author of Dreaming The Beatles, On Bowie, and Love Is A Mix Tape, and legendary Rolling Stone journalist who has chronicled Taylor for every step of her long career gets to the heart of Swift and her music, her fan connection, her raw power--in a book as brilliant, fresh, and fascinating as Taylor herself.

NPR Best Book of 2017 and winner of the 2017 Virgil Thomson Award for Outstanding Music Criticism, this work offers an unconventional exploration of the Beatles, delving into their enduring significance for a generation that has never known a world without them. It is not a typical biography, song analysis, or breakup exposé, but rather a collection of essays that reflect on the band's impact on those who grew up with their music. The author examines why the Beatles remain more famous and beloved today than ever, nearly fifty years after their breakup. With a focus on the emotional connections people have with music, he highlights the Beatles as the ultimate pop culture phenomenon. The narrative reveals how four lads from Liverpool became the world's biggest pop group and continued to grow in stature even after their split. Their music transcends the past, resonating powerfully in the present. This book celebrates the Beatles' legacy, illustrating why they are still cherished and how they shaped the future we inhabit today.