Reckless Daughter: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell

Yaffe may not offer any new insights, but at least this book is well written and heartfelt in terms of respect for Mitchell. It also covers ( with much more depth) the age old problem the FEMALE artist faces in the creative industries - especially back then. She was constantly criticised for being outspoken, driven, egotistical in a way that none of her peers (Dylan, Young, Cohen, Simon, Gaye etc) ever were. Not to mention the list of lovers who were always name checked in the opening paragraphs of even the most serious reviews of her greatest work or rare interviews - always aimed as a suggestive slur and is still appearing today, in every review I've read of this book. She may not be likeable or too outspoken or crazy, but genius is genius and Yaffe completely acknowledges this. He sees her important place in the history of 20th century popular music and the impact it had on future generations - not only women with guitars, but innovators like Prince, Bjork, Jimmy Page, Morrissey, Elvis Costello, Kate Bush etc. Interesting that Dylan acknowledged being inspired by Blue during the making of Blood on the Tracks ( many years after Blue when Mitchell had moved on much further to Summer Lawns and Hejira) and yet his album is often rated as the breakthrough in this particular genre. Yaffe also articulates the uphill battles she had and her stubborn determination to keep her creative flame burning against all odds. The best biography so far.

Yet another laboured boring presumptive appreciation on the back of a genius. Malka Marom’s book of her transcribed interviews with Joni Mitchell is far superior and intelligent and what most of this boring book is based upon. Buy Malka Marom book instead. It’s straight from the genius’s mouth and not someone making money from the genius.

I’d read a couple of books about Joni (one of my very favourite artists, - to be gender-bound for a moment, no other female songwriter comes close) before picking this up, and they were good, but right from the off I knew this was far more clued-up and simpatico. He not only knows the music but understands it, and so can satisfyingly describe its nuances and power. The very things that the one star brigade criticise are the strengths of this book, and I suppose it helps to be a true devotee to appreciate fully the detailed and highly literate allusions, not just from JM’s oeuvre but from other icons of the time and broader cultural references that adorn the narrative. I found it very balanced, not a slavish hagiography, although he is obviously at least as big a fan as me, he calls her out when he feels it called for. So, if you’re a fan, spoil yourself. If you’re not, it’s probably going to take more than this excellent book to convince you, sadly.

So far I'm only halfway through this book but the author had me after just the preface. This intimate look at Joni's career tells why her most unforgettable songs came to be written, and delves into the intensely personal feelings behind each one. The author scatters phrases from her songs liberally throughout the text which keeps the music dancing in your mind all the time. The enormous contribution of her finest musical collaborators is covered. A really enjoyable read, but if you have an image of Joni as a wide-eyed innocent that may change dramatically.

This is a really well written and informative book about Joni Mitchell, and therefore its exactly what I was hoping it would be. At the same time, learning all about her life was a completely deflating experience, as she's not the type of person you'd want to know or be.

A superb piece of writing, and must surely be the definitive statement on Joni. He has clearly understood what makes her tick and is not shy in describing her flaws, while respecting that she is the greatest female musical poet of all-time.

An insight into Joni’s life at each stage of album creation. I enjoyed reading about her creative process and the frequent references to song lines within the text were fun for a seasoned fan with a good recollection and knowledge of lyrics. No new information here if you have read previous biographies , but a well constructed narrative which provides context to her incredible collection of songs. Inspired me to listen to some of my less played Joni !

Worth reading if you want to remember how much Joni has contributed to music and culture