SPILL BOOK REVIEW: YUSUF/CAT STEVENS – CAT ON THE ROAD TO FINDOUT

YUSUF/CAT STEVENS – CAT ON THE ROAD TO FINDOUT

GENESIS PUBLICATIONS

BOOK REVIEW BY AARON BADGLEY

Yusuf/Cat Stevens has written his memoir, and in typical Yusuf/Cat Stevens fashion, this is much more than just his story. He writes quite poetically, and though it is a hefty and lengthy text, it is always riveting reading. It reads like a novel. Yusuf tells his story in such a flowing and descriptive manner that you may be forgiven for forgetting for a moment that this is not a work of fiction but a true story. Not only true, but the man is also telling his own story his own way. His style of writing is very descriptive and sets the scenes well.

From the very beginning, one sees the importance of his family, especially his older brother David, who plays a pivotal role in Yusuf’s life. David introduces Yusuf to so much later in his life, that it is interesting to read about their relationship from the beginning. Being born into a Greek Orthodox father and a Baptist Mother, Yusuf and his siblings are sent to a Catholic school. One sees religion being a source of searching from his childhood until his conversion to Islam after his brother David gives him a copy of the Quran.

ON THE ROAD TO FINDOUT ALBUM REVIEW

Reading about his discovery of music, rock and otherwise, is equally revealing. Like other youth growing up in post-war England he is exposed to the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, but his sister introduces him to classical and the great American songbook singers. And then, he hears a band from Liverpool. And in the early 1960s, David introduces him to Bob Dylan. Yusuf connects the dots and tells the story of the impact of this music as well as theatre, literature and film. It is not surprising then that he gets drawn into the world of performing and is soon writing and singing his own songs. His early days of writing are interesting to read. He does not dismiss his early pop hits (“Mathew And Son” and “I Love My Dog,”) but he is very honest about the impact of the record labels, managers, and the business.

Yusuf takes his time explaining the transition from the pop star to the singer/songwriter who had the biggest impact on the music world. Once again, his brother David is to thank. Then his transformation and devotion to Islam. It makes for fascinating reading, and his style of writing is beautiful in his description and explanation. As his telling of his ‘retirement’ from the music world and his return.

Cat On The Road To Findout is a brilliant book. You do not have to be the world’s biggest Yusuf/Cat Stevens fan to enjoy his story. He writes openly and honestly. Yusuf’s story is one of searching. From the very beginning and his questions to the nuns at his school until present day, he is searching. He has found some of the answers, but part of the excitement of being alive is the quest. He explains that wonderfully while telling his own fascinating story. Cat On The Road To Findout is well written and with the accompanying compilations of his music recently released, a rather close to complete story about the artist.

ISBN-13:‎ 978-1-91773-400-4

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