December 8, 1980, The Day John Lennon Died by Keith Elliot Greenberg

Saw this book at the library last week and decided to pick it up. I have read Beatles biographies and such but this book told in the style of a log of the fateful day looked interesting.

In the book we see the lives of Lennon and Chapman unfolding on that day as well as over their histories which led them to this day. This is a technique that seems to be growing such as the MLK/James Earl Ray book I read last year as well.

Chapman had struggled with some sort of mental illness for much of his life. At times prospering in life, finding faith and marrying there were times where it appeared he would get control of his demons. In interviews given to Larry King and referenced in the book we see that even as the act approached on that day Chapman had moments of clarity when the voices were not winning.

In the end however the demons did win. We learn about John, his time as househusband as well as fleeting looks back at his life as a Beatle and the history of the band. We see his interactions with New Yorkers both famous and civilian and his love of the city.

After his shooting we see numerous reactions from everyday citizens to famous people. Truly John Lennon's death was a cultural touchstone for millions.

I remember I myself did not know until the next morning when turning on the Today show I watched the coverage.

This is a quick book with some interesting information about a day that changed America and the world's cultural history.