I’m no Dylan scholar — I’d say my knowledge of him is likely aligned with the average guy on the street. I understand his importance both musically and culturally, I could probably name and sing along with a dozen or so songs. I know he’s not a public figure.

He’s a storyteller though and that’s what makes this great even to a schmo like me. This book feels like hanging out with an uncle who has been around. His description of NYC in the early 60s is vivid and lively. Even though I don’t know every name he drops, the stories are compelling and unpredictable.

The middle section deals with recording an album in the 80s with Daniel Lanois, and was my favourite part of the book. He goes deep with his reticence about fame and public profile, and the gruelling process of recording a new record.

There’s an interesting side plot to this about plagiarism, and how much of this book is fabricated. I read a ton of well-documented and sourced notes on it — it’s a rabbit hole with no apparent bottom. But then realized I don’t care. Dylan can set a scene with a few words in a way that so few people can, and if his legacy is a bunch of well-told shaggy dog stories that borrowed a little too closely from others, I imagine he’ll be in very good company.

If you’re a music fan, it’s a good book, even if Dylan isn’t part of your own universe.