Not that anyone has asked, but here is my review of Elliotās book
Elliot Mintzās We All Shine On: John, Yoko & Me is an intimate, nuanced memoir that provides an unparalleled look into John Lennon and Yoko Onoās world, marked by Elliotās discretion, humility, and genuine connection to the couple. Elliot, who became a trusted confidante and ally in the early 1970s, shares his journey with John and Yoko, offering an insiderās view that is remarkably free from self-promotion or ego. Elliot approaches their story with sensitivity, opting to highlight their humanity and struggles rather than his own role, and maintaining a focus on John and Yokoās lives without sensationalising their fame.
Throughout the book, Elliot illustrates how he earned the trust of John and Yoko by providing stability and support, especially during Lennonās āLost Weekendā period. When others in Lennonās circle were quick to exploit the coupleās fame, Elliot remained grounded, acting as a friend and counsel to John in his struggles with creativity, jealousy, and personal demons. Elliotās down-to-earth approach and humility shine through as he refrains from taking credit for his influence, preferring instead to capture Johnās complex personality and the costs of fame with empathy and authenticity.
The memoir reaches a powerful emotional depth in its depiction of the aftermath of Lennonās assassination in 1980, a tragedy that profoundly affected both Yoko and Elliot. Elliot describes the unique and heartbreaking responsibilities he undertook, such as sorting through Johnās possessions and assisting Yoko in curating the Lennon legacy. While others close to John sought to profit from his passing, Elliot held to his principles, focusing on honouring Lennonās memory and respecting Yokoās grief. His integrity during this difficult period set him apart and helped sustain his close, respectful relationship with Yoko, which has now endured for over forty years. Rather than seeking the spotlight, Elliot has supported Yoko and
@Sean as she navigated her loss, and he became a steward of Lennonās artistic legacy through projects like āThe Lost Lennon Tapes.ā
Elliotās loyalty and restraint add a sense of authenticity and reverence to We All Shine On, making it more than a typical celebrity memoir. Even after decades of friendship with Yoko, Elliotās reflections are marked by humility, making it clear that he sees himself as a caretaker of memories rather than an insider exploiting his access. The memoir has received praise for this grounded approach, as Elliotās rare combination of loyalty and humility provides a fresh perspective on the challenges and responsibilities that come with close proximity to fame. His ongoing friendship with Yoko and his unwavering respect for the Lennon legacy make this memoir a moving tribute to one of musicās most influential figures, offering readers an honest, heartfelt glimpse into the complex world of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
What makes We All Shine On resonate is how Elliot brings the āJohn and Yokoā myth down to earth. He skillfully reveals that behind the fame and genius, Lennon and Ono were still peopleācomplicated, creative, and at times conflicted. Through Elliotās personal, honest, yet compassionate lens, readers are reminded that even those who shape culture and music at a global scale are human. By the end of the memoir, Elliot has offered a powerful perspective: the reminder that even legends and geniuses face the same struggles, insecurities, and triumphs that define us all. This, above all, is what makes the account a poignant, relatable, and deeply human tribute to the legacy of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
Thank you, Elliot.
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