Paul Simon FAQ: All That’s Left to Know About the Legendary Singer and the Iconic Songs Paperback – Import, 15 November 2019

High marks. I hadn’t realized this paperback “FAQ” came out in November of last year. While I had doubts that the world needed another book on Paul Simon after Ames’ and Hilburn’s exceptional works, I was surprised that this was an interesting, balanced, quick read. By the title I thought it would be formatted in answering frequently asked questions, but it is another biography. I enjoyed the format which includes “sidebars” (really new sections with italic text), the frequency of in-the-text (as opposed to “plates” grouped at a point or two in the book) images which included album covers and various photo services pictures as well as those from Mr. Thompson’s own collection. I enjoyed seeing at the appropriate point listings of albums, tracks and musicians. A detailed analysis of each album can be found elsewhere. And even after all the Simon (and/or Garfunkel) books he offers us a fact or two not remembered. Further he had an excellent chapter on Mr. Simon’s contributions to non-profit awareness—benefits, concerts, etc. Smoothly written and very up-to-date. Recommended for the “completist” or the beginner.

I have been a huge Paul Simon fan since mid-60's. It's an interesting perspective but there are a few too many errors in time/dates/happenings that I find annoying (nothing critical per every other book and personal knowledge) but I'd buy the book any way.