Picturing Prince

by Steve Parke
foreward by Sheila E.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 233 pages plus index
genre: non-fiction, photos and stories

I read a review of this book and was curious. I liked Prince a lot as a teenager and I loved the "hometown hero" aspect of his fame. Parke did a wonderful job of telling stories about his experiences working with Prince over 13 years. The photos were an interesting mix of moods - the ones taken at the arboretum were my favorites. I enjoyed this, but am once again sad that such a talented person died young. It doesn't matter now, but I think he'd be horrified at what is happening with his estate and music. Having a will would have made a difference . . . to people on this side of eternity. And perhaps to his legacy.

Dig If You Will the Picture: Funk, Sex, God & Genius in the Music of Prince

by Ben Greenman
Hennepin County Library hardcover 261 pages
genre: non-fiction musicography

This book was so much more about Prince's music than about the person. Greenman was extremely thorough in covering Prince's career and albums.

I was never a die-hard fan, but I enjoyed his music (mostly Purple Rain and 1999) as a teen. I also really liked that he was a Minnesotan and lived here even after becoming a superstar. I think he was a fascinating human being (the little I know about him).

I wish the author had included pictures besides the interesting collage cover. I've requested the new book from Prince's photographer, so that will fill the visual information lack.