At the moment, I'm going through a tunnel that is cold/ill based, and it is books like "I Read The News Today Oh Boy" that makes me want to live. The comprehensive biography of a young man who didn't live long, and didn't do anything, except was an exceptional presence in various people's lives. My favorite sort of person. Tara Browne was a wealthy fellow who was fortunate to have a money background, but also the grace of being a very nice gentleman in the world of the 1960s London pop culture. A friend of Brian Jones, Paul McCartney, as well as his brother Mike (McGear), this is very much a narrative of England throughout the early and mid-20th-century. Paul Howard does an excellent job of capturing an era in a positive light that is readable and fascinating.
Tara was very much of a 'now' personality. He lived his life in such a manner that is full of love, respect, but also he was blessed to have a mother that was very much a bohemian herself. As a boy, he was raised among adults and participated in parties and social outings. He hated school, and in a sense, you can say he was spoiled, but alas, that is not totally true. I think he was a good spirit that people attached themselves to him.
Tara Browne died when he was 21 years old. He was driving fast in London and avoiding another car; he rams his vehicle into a parked car. Tara was obsessed with cars and speed. By all accounts, he was an excellent driver. In a nutshell, Browne was a dandy, car racer, and knew the more beautiful things in life. He introduced L.S.D. to McCartney, for instance.
His death inspired Lennon by writing "Day in the Life," but to many who knew him, they felt his death was the end of the 60s utopian dream. For anyone who has an interest in Brian Jones, The Beatles, and London 60s, this book is a must-read.
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