The Book Bob Dylan-Chronicle Vol 1

Simon and Schuster released "Bob Dylan – Chronicle Vol 1" on Tuesday. The initial reviews are mixed ranging from brilliance to disappointing but overall most say he reveals very little of himself. And should we be surprised at that? The man has been known for his enigmatic and elusive persona. He has spent a life time of notoriety; yet, kept his personal life, his individuality, and his personal feelings to himself. In fact, he's been known to withdraw from the public for periods of time to maintain his privacy and for that he's been called a recluse.

Dylan has been credited with changing the direction of music in the 60s. He's often been called the "conscience of the 60s generation" with his inspired powerfully haunting lyrical storytelling of everyday life. He is credited with creating the folk rock sound when he shocked the traditional folk world by plugging in and going electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. He has been revered as an icon and held up as an example with which to emulate. How hard must that be to live up to the "legend" of Bob Dylan?

His music is rich and poetic enough to defy age and its style is steeped in the folk traditions of using what has been handed down. A voracious reader of poetry, a student of traditional bluegrass, blues and folk music and mesmerized by the beat poets, Dylan's music is highly influenced by the singer-songwriters of America and the balladeers of Celtic music.

Many will be disappointed by Bob Dylan's – Chronicle Vol 1 because consistent with the way he has lived his life, he tells his story his way. He says very little to reveal that which inspires him and very little to reveal his emotions but like his music the prose brings you on a journey that is uniquely Bob Dylan. Let us not forget that it is his story to tell.