Buried Alive: The Biography of Janis Joplin

This is the third book about Janis I've read I also read Laura joplin book this one is the best it captured janis personality better than anything else I've read I like the section where people close to her shared their best memory of janis and how it tried to let us know what janis was really like sad story about one of music's greatest singers ever

I can't begin to tell how much I enjoyed this book and learning about Janis. Myra gives an insight to her life as a friend and her publicist. There are a few times I didn't like what she had to say because she didn't always glorify her, making fun of her feathers in her hair which I think was a look Janis created that was cool!! Janis was a genius, sweet, funny but oh so insecure. It made me hate Port Arthur and the people who affected her for the rest of her life. Janis was beautiful, inside and out, just very troubled but aren't we all to an extent. A highly recommended read for every Janis Joplin fan. Oh and watch the videos of Janis on the Dick Cavett show....there are 3 interviews and others of her singing on his show. Myra talks about the events before and after these shows!

Some reviewers have criticized the author for "putting Janis down", and presenting her in an unflattering light. I didn't feel that way.I came away with the feeling that she truly revered Janis both as an artist and a person. To include the "warts" in a portrait isn't denigrating; it's just describing what you see. I thought this was the best bio of Janis I've read so far.

Have read this book before, but lost it in one of my moves. It's nice to be able to read it again. Have always been a fan.

Love the book

This is a highly personalised biography of the wild and wonderful Janis Joplin. If you're reading for musical appreciation then I'd recommend another book, because Friedman doesn't really try to chart Joplin's musical development. It's primarily her experiences as a friend and colleague (Friedman worked for Joplin's manager, the formidable Albert Grossman). It does capture a lot about Joplin's fragile psyche, which she masked with whiskey, drugs and sexual bravado (the side of her psyche she called Pearl). The progress from early blues/folk days to Big Brother & the Holding Company through to her Full-Tilt Boogie Band is not really captured in great detail, but Janis's mental and physical deterioration certainly is. It's all a bit too negative at times - surely Janis enjoyed some of her success - but this is Friedman's very personal journey with a woman who was a force of nature.

A very informative, in depth story of her life. I found a lot of facts in the book of which I wasn't aware. I would highly recommend this book.

Great book! A great look into the life of Janice,a troubled woman.The kind of book that is hard to lay down.

great - prompt arrival. It was a gift for a friend

What a great read.Could not put the book down. The book was also delivered quickly. I would recommend this to any Janis Joplin fan.

This book was excellent! Loved all the specific memories and quotes of hers. It did sound a little like the author was a bit cold towards her in person but obviously really loved her as well. Very similar to the book "love, Janis" by janis's sister Laura Joplin. Is a must read if you are a fan!

I have been looking for a copy of this for ages so I was very excited to get it. Fast delivery and great condition I read it in 2 days. Fantastic buy!!

Really terrible biography. I can only guess that the reviews that met this when first published were due to a backlash against drugs, drink etc. in the early seventies. Myra rants on in a patronising tone, as if writing about an unruly child. It does seem that Myra didn't seem to like Janis or her music judging by the amount of critical put downs in this book. On the occasional brief lines where Myra praises Janis it rings false in comparison to the endless monologue of negativity. At in places relying largely on The band Big Bother for personal comments about Janis, if ever there were a band with a grudge regarding Janis it's them.This book really rather a stab in the back from someone Janis probably would have considered a friend.Definately a book to bypass for any one interested in a balanced view of Janis Joplin's life.