Ironic: Alanis Morissette - The Story

By Barry Grills

Since the release of her CD Jagged Little Pill, Alanis Morissette has become the poetic voice of her generation, not only the most successful alternative culture musician in history but also the winner of multiple Grammy, Juno, MuchMusic, and MTV awards. Born in Ottawa, Alanis Morissette was a childhood television star on Nickelodeon, then recorded her first two CDs, Alanis and Now Is the Time, before she was 18 years old. She was recognized as one of Canada's most promising dance acts before moving to Los Angeles, where she recorded Jagged Little Pill with Glen Ballard. Her story from Ottawa to LA, from child TV star to MTV idol, from dance queen diva to alternative culture icon is told with special insight by rock critic Barry Grills, who places her lyrics in the context of fellow angry young women - Tori Amos, Bjork, Joan Osborne, Sheryl Crow - whose intellectual intercourse is giving a new face to feminism while defining the ironic mindset of their generation. In this age of irony, Alanis Morissette has emerged as a prophet. The effect of her acerbic lyrics and exuberant music is stealth-like in its ability to penetrate our consciousness.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1550821830
• ISBN13: 9781550821833
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Quarry Press (CN)
• Length: 215 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

I'm a huge Alanis-o-holic but I still love this book.

This book is definitely not the book to read if you're looking for something like a biography, thoughts, feelings or anything like that of Alanis Morissette. I read this book expecting to fill this gap that I had in my Alanis knowledge (I'd like to get inside her head!) but instead I learnt a lot more.As I read it, I discovered that it was less to do with Alanis, and much to do with 'the female rock revolution.' BUT STOP: GO AND BUY IT ANYWAY! This book is really interesting, or at least I thought so, because you learn so much about what Alanis Morissette has been part of. Thanks to this book, I've learnt about Tori Amos (a great singer and Alanis' friend!,) Patti Smith (an oldish rock singer) and many more female rockers, and it's really great!The way the book is written can be a bit tiresome: Barry Grills seems to be stuck on using the word 'ironic' every other sentence, and also it is a little hard to get into, but I do recommend it.

Semi-boring; however, an extremely informative Alanis bio.

I feel that people are missing the reason that Mr. Grills included other artists stories in "Ironic." It was clearly an attempt to show Alanis' musical influences. I wish that Barry Grills would have put a little more time and heart into this book. I saw many typing errors, which is always a sign of a speedy deadline. I hate to see fans who feel that they were robbed by purchasing this book. It contains beautiful photography, an extensive discography, and an up-to-date account of her life and musical career. If you don't go into this book with high expectations, then I feel that you will gain some great insight into the greatest living musical artist.