On the stacked heels of the biopic Rocketman, due out on May 31, comes the first ever autobiography from one of the biggest singer/songwriter stars of the contemporary pop music world.

John has entertained fans and shaped the musical landscape for 50 years with poignant ballads, energetic pop songs, and memorable show tunes. Now the iconic singer/songwriter turns inward, with this self-aware, revealing memoir. John deftly sets the scene, describing his childhood in staid, suburban 1950s Britain. His life was changed by rock and roll, and he began playing in bands, backing established acts such as the Isley Brothers and Patti LaBelle. In 1967, he met lyricist Bernie Taupin, which launched a songwriting partnership that would last decades. John chronicles years of writing, recording, and whirlwind touring. With unflinching detail and touches of self-deprecating humor, he also discusses his contentious relationship with his parents, his sexuality, the years of drug and alcohol abuse, and his stint in rehab (he includes his devastating farewell letter to cocaine). John concludes by reflecting on his relationship with husband David Furnish, his recent fatherhood, and what he still hopes to accomplish.

VERDICT Intimate, with brushes of gossip and hard-won wisdom, this compelling work joins the ranks of other masterly rock memoirs. A must-read for John's many devotees, it will also make fans out of those new to his music.—James Collins, Morristown-Morris Twp. P.L., NJ

The legendary pop star looks back cheerfully on a melodramatic life in this rollicking autobiography. John recounts his ascent from toiling pub pianist to becoming the biggest singer-songwriter of the 1970s with hits such as "Rocketman" and "Bennie and the Jets," to elder statesmanship as one of the first openly gay stars and Britain's griever-in-chief with his "Candle in the Wind" tribute at Princess Di's funeral. Beyond a vivid account of his flamboyant showmanship and outfits (think pink suit with Eiffel Tower headdress), he gives an unusually candid look at his insecurities—his unrelentingly critical mother haunts the book—and at the bubble of celebrity entitlement that enabled his rock-star excesses, including childish tantrums, controlling and callous behavior toward a string of boyfriends, and rampant drug use. (After ingesting much vodka and cocaine with Duran Duran, he "returned to the video set, demanded they begin running the cameras, took off all clothes and started rolling around on the floor naked.") John keeps his good humor throughout, treating even his suicide attempts as farces and poking fun at his own vanity. ("However much a hair transplant hurt, it was a mere pinprick compared to the sensation of hitting your head on a car door immediately after having a hair transplant.") John's fans will love this funny, down-to-earth, and openhearted self-portrait. Photos. (Oct.)