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would enjoy, but never has a Beatle book spoken directly to the new generation of Beatle fans…until now.
In the Teenagers Guide to The Beatles, author Zane Lalani has taken the Beatles facts, and made them easy to digest for
young fans, chronologically spelling out the history of the Fab Four for those ages 10 and above.
Lalani’s book is well written and researched, full of accurate information that not only the younger set will appreciate,
but even older readers who aren’t as Beatle savy as the regular ‘fest attendees’ are, will find it helpful and easy to absorb.
Joe Johnson, host of Beatle Brunch, national radio show
Written by a father for his teenaged daughter, Teenagers Guide To The Beatles goes beyond the realm of most
biographies to cover not only The Beatles' amazing success as a band, but also the mysteries surrounding them, their
legacy to popular music, and hot topics for modern-day Beatles fans. Black-and-white photographs illustrate this
fascinating tour of The Beatles and Beatlemania, written in a brisk, plain style accessible to young and old readers alike.
Ideal for school and public libraries, Teenagers Guide To The Beatles is an informative, diverse, and satisfying survey of
the legacy of four talented musical stars.
Jim A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review
influence on the rock music scene through the years. It includes information on their pre-teen years and follows them
through their development as musicians, the formation of their group, and the absolutely weirdness of their lives as their
freedom became increasingly affected by the dangers of their too exuberant fans.
The author has put together a tastefully done book which keeps its storytelling to appropriate levels for teens. I was a
rock musician in the time frame of their rise to popularity, yet there were many things I learned from reading this book.
It is comprehensive and portrays an understanding of the Beatles that is obvious from the start. We rated it a high four
hearts.
Bob Spear, Hearland Reviews
their fans and the media.
Voice of Youth Advocates - national publication for librarians who serve young adults
with just about every aspect of the represented in the print. But back in the mid '70s in a small town in Texas, I had to
be content with our town library's lone Beatles entry: "The Beatles" by Hunter Davies; plus the one Beatles book at our
middle-school, whose titles now escapes me, but it told a very condensed history of the band, with psychedelic
illustrations of the band in lieu of actual photographs. Family trips to the 'big city' helped me enlarge my meager library
with such great '70s books such as "The Beatles Forever" by Nicholas Schaffner and "The Beatles: An Illustrated
Record" by Roy Carr & Tony Tyler. Looking back at what Beatles-related books were available at book stores then (and
this was the day before the BIG book chains we see today), Beatles titles were a drop in the bucket compared to what
can be found today at modern book stores. Yep, today's Beatles fans have it easy!
Over my 30+-year fascination with the band, I've often been asked by curious Beatles-deficient folks just WHAT book
(and of course ONE record) is the best introduction to the undisputed best rock 'n roll group of all time. Well, now that
quandary is solved with "Teenagers Guide to The Beatles" by Z. Lalani. The book gives a concise, fact-filled narration of
The Beatles from their individual childhoods, through Beatlemania, their solo years, to the Anthology project, and finally
the deaths of two of the Beatles. Additionally, the book is chocked full of photos (some of which I had never seen before-
always a plus!), information on Beatles' CDs, "Beatle Bits" of relevant trivia spread throughout the book, the "A Little
Help from their Friends" section with a whose-who listing of relevant Beatle-people, and a selected bibliography. And of
course there is the now-necessary "internet resources" page, with all the relevant listings for further journeys into
"Pepperland".
And, when it comes to Beatles books, I am a stickler for the facts and HATE books, which perpetuate known miss-
truths as fact! While this book leaves out some of the more scandalous sections of Beatle history (such as drug use and
Brian Epstein's…well, "preferences") it does give a very accurate description of the facts. I meticulously searched the
book to find any factually errors and can happily say that I found NONE! Although there is an "albums and songs"
index and each Beatles release is covered within the context of the story, there is no concise "discography" of Beatles'
musical releases. That means that those unfamiliar with Beatles records and their titles must scan the book to find the
information. This is my only critique of the book. Otherwise, this book is an excellent Beatles primer, guaranteed to help
the next generation of Beatles fans as they discover the reason WHY The Beatles are the best rock band bar none.
Help the Beatles' fans of tomorrow by getting them this book today! You wont be sorry.
Ronnie Dannelley, editor of EAR CANDY, online pop culture website
continues to this day. Their enduring popularity is evidenced by a recent collection of their number one songs, entitled
“Beatles 1,” which soared up the billboard charts, more than 30 years after their last songs were recorded. Author Zane
Lalani, who wrote this book for his daughter, is on the right track. Considering some of the horrible “music” kids are
listening to today, it surely is wise to expose them to music that stands the test of time.
Mr. Lalani brings forth the enthusiasm of a true Beatles fan as he guides readers through the Fab Four’s history. Parents
and their teens will find the text straightforward, easy to read, and hard to put down. The author shies away from the
more controversial aspects of Beatle history, such as their drug use, in order to make the book age appropriate. Chapter
by chapter, Lalani points out interesting factoids, such as:
* “Yesterday” holds the record for the most recorded song in history. It’s been covered by other artists approximately
3,000 times. The original working title was “Scrambled Eggs.”
* To limit the number of personal appearances promoting new songs and albums, The Beatles agreed to tape promotional
videos to be shown on television, paving the way for music videos.
* Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was the first album to include all the lyrics to the songs, which covered
the entire back of the LP.
* George’s first solo work, “All Things Must Pass” was the first triple disc pop album. His Concert for Bangladesh was
the first event of its kind to raise money and awareness for charity.
While numerous books have been written about the group over the years, this young adult entry contains information on
Beatles fan clubs, internet resources, magazines and festivals. This book should be slipped into a teen’s “to read” pile.
Combined with The Beatles’ movies, videos and music, having them read “Teenager’s Guide to The Beatles” would be a
tremendous introduction to the talents of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
Young Adult Book Review by Marnie Richman, Rockland Review
readers are saying
about the book
cherished memories of a revolution. For many in today’s generation, however, they're subjects studied in history class.
Teenagers Guide to the Beatles brings history back to life taking the reader into age of Beatlemania.
Zane Lalani, a second generation Beatles fan, wrote this book for his teenage daughter. Seeing a young Beatles fan fall in
love with the music without understanding its origins undoubtedly inspired him to pick up a pen after failing to find
material suitable for her age group. He conveys the emotional impact of the Beatles on society without bogging the reader
down with dreary statistics or excessive details. It's a very well balanced book and a wholesome, off-kilter romp through
the lives of four superstars. It stayed simple and personal, light-hearted and fun through every page.
Chapters are divided into very digestible sections covering specific topics in chronological order. Sidebars titled ‘Beatle
Bits’ liven up the book with interesting bits of trivia throughout. The text itself is packed with accurate and captivating
information. The inclusion of a variety of photographs showing album covers, candid shots, studio moments, and
newspaper headlines combined with the visually friendly layout, keeps the book vibrant.
The author's simple style of writing makes it easy for anyone to pick up and enjoy. Once you do, though, you won't be
able to put it down. Teens and pre-teens alike can walk away with a satisfied smile and head full of knowledge about one
of the greatest music bands in history. From the handsome cover to the irresistible finish, it has just as much charm as the
fab four themselves.
John Bardinelli is a 24-year-old freelance writer and a recent college graduate. He found his parents’ Beatles albums when
he was 10 and hasn’t looked back since.
Review by John Bardinelli, freelance writer
