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The Yin and the Yang of It All: Rock'n'Roll Memories from the Cusp as Told by a Mixed-Up, Mixed-Race Kid
In 1966―the Year of the Horse, not to mention Revolver and Pet Sounds ― John Kim Faye was born out of wedlock to a 40-year-old Korean mother and a 62-year-old Irish father. Faye grew up in the state of Delaware, where laws forbidding interracial marriage were still on the books until 1967.
As the lead singer and primary songwriter of the Caulfields, Faye was one of the only mixed-race Asian American frontman to sign a major record contract in the alternative rock heyday of the 1990s. In an era that preceded K-Pop―and even the rise of the internet―Faye’s personal journey did not lead to superstardom. Instead, The Yin and The Yang of it All is a memoir about the discovery of a voice, a tribe, and a musical ethnicity that runs far deeper than his Korean/Irish roots.
Bookended by the loss of his father against the backdrop of his tumultuous childhood in the post-Vietnam 70s and his mother’s tragic passing in 2012, Faye’s story weaves a tapestry of revealing moments as told from his unique perspective on the cusps of identity, race, and fame.
As the lead singer and primary songwriter of the Caulfields, Faye was one of the only mixed-race Asian American frontman to sign a major record contract in the alternative rock heyday of the 1990s. In an era that preceded K-Pop―and even the rise of the internet―Faye’s personal journey did not lead to superstardom. Instead, The Yin and The Yang of it All is a memoir about the discovery of a voice, a tribe, and a musical ethnicity that runs far deeper than his Korean/Irish roots.
Bookended by the loss of his father against the backdrop of his tumultuous childhood in the post-Vietnam 70s and his mother’s tragic passing in 2012, Faye’s story weaves a tapestry of revealing moments as told from his unique perspective on the cusps of identity, race, and fame.
- GenresMusicMemoirNonfiction
448 pages, Hardcover
Published April 4, 2023
32 people are currently reading
1782 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 13, 2023
I just finished reading this premiere book by rocker now writer, John Faye. You get immersed into the life and near fame of a rocker, with massive wit, pathos, and insights into being from two very different worlds as a mixed-race kid growing up the 70s, 80s, an 90s America. You will laugh and cry with John as he throws himself under the bus time and again.
John Kim Faye's memoir, the Yin and The Yang of It All, is a must read for anyone interested in the music business... but also a hilarious but poignant look at growing up half Korean and half Irish on the East Coast of the U.S. during the 70s, 80s, and 90s all while brushing elbows with super fame. While struggling to identify his place in the world, John looks at family, himself, and the world around him in such relatable ways, you instantly like him, want to help him on his journey, and know more... I finished the book knowing, I want to know more. I tried to find a quote to show you John's voice... and couldn't choose, so here are three.
"I never use this word, but I couldn’t recall a time when I’d felt more blessed. Laying down scratch vocals in Studio D, in the same vocal booth where Karen Carpenter had sung “Rainy Days and Mondays,” was one of those rare moments when all was right with the world."
"After a decade of dedication to music, you’re given a real shot at the brass ring, and it’s within reach, and you can see it and almost touch it and almost taste it, and you’re rubbing elbows with those who have it, and those who can help you get it, and you’re finally there on the brink of the ultimate fulfillment of childhood wishes that are just pipe dreams for 99.9 percent of the people who harbor such fantasies. And then, it doesn’t happen the way you dreamed it."
"She had watched, no doubt with serious trepidation, as I went off in search of myself, on a path that was surely every Korean mother’s nightmare. After all, what business did a mixed-up, mixed-race kid have in the world of rock ’n’ roll? Mom’s words told me I had as much damn business as anybody else , whether I sold a million records or not. She had been a silent partner in my tribe all along. This was the green light for me to be OK with being unapologetically me. If the choice was to walk away or double down, I was doubling down."
Read this book!
John Kim Faye's memoir, the Yin and The Yang of It All, is a must read for anyone interested in the music business... but also a hilarious but poignant look at growing up half Korean and half Irish on the East Coast of the U.S. during the 70s, 80s, and 90s all while brushing elbows with super fame. While struggling to identify his place in the world, John looks at family, himself, and the world around him in such relatable ways, you instantly like him, want to help him on his journey, and know more... I finished the book knowing, I want to know more. I tried to find a quote to show you John's voice... and couldn't choose, so here are three.
"I never use this word, but I couldn’t recall a time when I’d felt more blessed. Laying down scratch vocals in Studio D, in the same vocal booth where Karen Carpenter had sung “Rainy Days and Mondays,” was one of those rare moments when all was right with the world."
"After a decade of dedication to music, you’re given a real shot at the brass ring, and it’s within reach, and you can see it and almost touch it and almost taste it, and you’re rubbing elbows with those who have it, and those who can help you get it, and you’re finally there on the brink of the ultimate fulfillment of childhood wishes that are just pipe dreams for 99.9 percent of the people who harbor such fantasies. And then, it doesn’t happen the way you dreamed it."
"She had watched, no doubt with serious trepidation, as I went off in search of myself, on a path that was surely every Korean mother’s nightmare. After all, what business did a mixed-up, mixed-race kid have in the world of rock ’n’ roll? Mom’s words told me I had as much damn business as anybody else , whether I sold a million records or not. She had been a silent partner in my tribe all along. This was the green light for me to be OK with being unapologetically me. If the choice was to walk away or double down, I was doubling down."
Read this book!
January 23, 2024
***I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway***
I had never head of John Kim Faye or any of his bands (The Caulfields being the most likely, apparently) before reading this book. By the end, however, I had looked him up on Spotify and listened through a couple times. So if his intention was to get the reader to try to connect through music...mission accomplished!
This book is the memoirs of a half-Irish, half-Korean guy growing up not too far from Philly. Through the book you watch him grow from loving rock music as a way to escape his feelings to loving rock music because it expresses his feelings. He goes from wanting the fame that comes from a record deal to appreciating the community that comes from being a local musician. Along the way he finds joy, frustration, loneliness, family, and all the truly human experiences that make up a life.
I loved the name dropping and the reminders of 90s alt rock bands I had TOTALLY forgotten existed. I had to keep Spotify close while reading Overall, this is a good memoir for people who are interested in understanding what it means to be human through music. And for those with a bit of a nostalgic streak.
I had never head of John Kim Faye or any of his bands (The Caulfields being the most likely, apparently) before reading this book. By the end, however, I had looked him up on Spotify and listened through a couple times. So if his intention was to get the reader to try to connect through music...mission accomplished!
This book is the memoirs of a half-Irish, half-Korean guy growing up not too far from Philly. Through the book you watch him grow from loving rock music as a way to escape his feelings to loving rock music because it expresses his feelings. He goes from wanting the fame that comes from a record deal to appreciating the community that comes from being a local musician. Along the way he finds joy, frustration, loneliness, family, and all the truly human experiences that make up a life.
I loved the name dropping and the reminders of 90s alt rock bands I had TOTALLY forgotten existed. I had to keep Spotify close while reading Overall, this is a good memoir for people who are interested in understanding what it means to be human through music. And for those with a bit of a nostalgic streak.
April 25, 2023
I am a fan of musical biographies/memoirs, but more often than not I consume them through a visual medium: movies and/or TV shows. I have read a few in print, and usually like them. This book, of which I received an electronic copy from the publisher before I purchased my own physical copy, for me ranks right up with the best movies/tv shows/books I've encountered about the life of a musician or band.
I went into this with high expectations, as I am about the same age as the author, and as a result I have more of I visceral connection to the time period being discussed than some biographies of older bands I've encountered. I was not only not disappointed, but I was also surprised by quite how much I was both entertained and moved by this book.
The author tells great stories about the experience of coming up learning to play and express oneself through music, moving on to trying to make a living in a band, and all the way through big-league success and the time after such success. However, more importantly than the numerous fun anecdotes of musical misadventures, the author shares a great deal about the struggles of living life, especially trying to do so on one's own terms (especially when you yourself aren't even necessarily sure what those terms are). While we the readers may not have experienced the individual details, the author connects his tales to the universal in ways I found very relatable.
Overall, I would say if you like the tales of the lives of musicians, this book would be a great read. And, if you like memoirs that don't instruct, but could actually help your own trip through this life, even if you don't think all the music stories are for you, I still recommend this one. Enjoy.
I went into this with high expectations, as I am about the same age as the author, and as a result I have more of I visceral connection to the time period being discussed than some biographies of older bands I've encountered. I was not only not disappointed, but I was also surprised by quite how much I was both entertained and moved by this book.
The author tells great stories about the experience of coming up learning to play and express oneself through music, moving on to trying to make a living in a band, and all the way through big-league success and the time after such success. However, more importantly than the numerous fun anecdotes of musical misadventures, the author shares a great deal about the struggles of living life, especially trying to do so on one's own terms (especially when you yourself aren't even necessarily sure what those terms are). While we the readers may not have experienced the individual details, the author connects his tales to the universal in ways I found very relatable.
Overall, I would say if you like the tales of the lives of musicians, this book would be a great read. And, if you like memoirs that don't instruct, but could actually help your own trip through this life, even if you don't think all the music stories are for you, I still recommend this one. Enjoy.
June 6, 2023
A walk all over the author’s lawn.
The Yin and the Yang of it All is an autobiography, or a memoir of John Kim Faye, written by himself. The book has lots to contribute to the music industry and is a must-read for those with a strong interest in music. The author recounts his life as a young man growing up on the East Coast of the United States from the 70s to the 90s. He had a lot of encounters with top stars in his time. He had all the opportunities, privileges, and advantages to be in the spotlight. But things did not work out as he foresaw.
In many ways, the author's life teaches a vital lesson that sometimes things happen the way they do, no matter how prepared we are and how much we focus on the goal. In this book, the author walks all over his lawn—he bears out the truth in all sincerity and honesty. When it comes to writing good lines and making sweet music, there is so much we don't know from the outside.
To be sincere, I've never heard any of Faye's songs, but after reading this book, I am considering searching for and listening to some of them. An excellent book that should sit at the top of your shelf if you are a budding musician.
The Yin and the Yang of it All is an autobiography, or a memoir of John Kim Faye, written by himself. The book has lots to contribute to the music industry and is a must-read for those with a strong interest in music. The author recounts his life as a young man growing up on the East Coast of the United States from the 70s to the 90s. He had a lot of encounters with top stars in his time. He had all the opportunities, privileges, and advantages to be in the spotlight. But things did not work out as he foresaw.
In many ways, the author's life teaches a vital lesson that sometimes things happen the way they do, no matter how prepared we are and how much we focus on the goal. In this book, the author walks all over his lawn—he bears out the truth in all sincerity and honesty. When it comes to writing good lines and making sweet music, there is so much we don't know from the outside.
To be sincere, I've never heard any of Faye's songs, but after reading this book, I am considering searching for and listening to some of them. An excellent book that should sit at the top of your shelf if you are a budding musician.
May 11, 2023
The Yin and the yang of it all by John Kim Faye is a book that I highly recommend. The story is so moving and interesting that it will keep you 100% entertained. In this book, you will be able to read John's experiences, how since he was a child he has been searching and struggling to find himself and identify his place in the world as a half-Korean or half-Irish child living in the United States; all this linked to his passion for music. Also, you will be very connected with the author since you will feel identified with his search and you will always want to know more. At least that happened to me.
I found it a super enjoyable and very beautiful read. I think that even if you don't have an interest in the musical world, you will find in this book a lot of inspiration to follow your instinct and do what makes you happy. John's story can help you identify those signs that you must listen to find the meaning of your life, the reading is very poetic and truly captivating, I enjoy this reading a lot.
I found it a super enjoyable and very beautiful read. I think that even if you don't have an interest in the musical world, you will find in this book a lot of inspiration to follow your instinct and do what makes you happy. John's story can help you identify those signs that you must listen to find the meaning of your life, the reading is very poetic and truly captivating, I enjoy this reading a lot.
May 12, 2023
Yin and the Yang of It All is a captivating book that immerses us in the life and career of renowned Asian author John Kim Faye. This autobiographical work takes us by the hand through his fascinating career in the music industry, where he had to face countless challenges and obstacles related to his race, fame, and identity.
From the very first pages, Faye manages to capture our attention with her heartwarming and heartfelt narrative. Through his vivid descriptions, we can feel the passion and love he had for music, as well as his determination to overcome all the barriers that stood in his way.
The way Faye addresses the difficulties he faced as a result of his Asian heritage in an industry dominated by stereotypes and prejudice is one of the book's strengths.
It is an inspiring example of a person's ability to overcome adversity and achieve their goals. This book invites us to reflect on our own passions and challenges, and it reminds us that we can achieve great things no matter our circumstances if we follow our hearts and believe in ourselves.
From the very first pages, Faye manages to capture our attention with her heartwarming and heartfelt narrative. Through his vivid descriptions, we can feel the passion and love he had for music, as well as his determination to overcome all the barriers that stood in his way.
The way Faye addresses the difficulties he faced as a result of his Asian heritage in an industry dominated by stereotypes and prejudice is one of the book's strengths.
It is an inspiring example of a person's ability to overcome adversity and achieve their goals. This book invites us to reflect on our own passions and challenges, and it reminds us that we can achieve great things no matter our circumstances if we follow our hearts and believe in ourselves.
October 31, 2023
John Kim Faye has penned an extremely interesting book about his extraordinary life. Born in 1966, the timing was perfect for a young man to enter into the world of rock music in the 70's. It is interesting to note that he was born in Delaware one year before the overturn of the law banning interracial marriages. John has a Korean mother and an Irish father. Not exactly legal in the state of Delaware on the day of his birth.
As time went on, John knew his passion lay in music. The Caulfields is a group many of us of a certain age may remember, but we may not know that John was the lead singer and songwriter for them. This propelled his career and his personal life, as he became one of the very few Asian American frontmen to sign a major recording contract in the 1990's. This, however, didn't quite make him a star.
His childhood in the 1970's, the death of his father, and the death of his mother in 2012 all add to a quilt made up of many pieces that he calls his life.
Well written and captivating, I highly recommend this book.
As time went on, John knew his passion lay in music. The Caulfields is a group many of us of a certain age may remember, but we may not know that John was the lead singer and songwriter for them. This propelled his career and his personal life, as he became one of the very few Asian American frontmen to sign a major recording contract in the 1990's. This, however, didn't quite make him a star.
His childhood in the 1970's, the death of his father, and the death of his mother in 2012 all add to a quilt made up of many pieces that he calls his life.
Well written and captivating, I highly recommend this book.
January 8, 2024
This book, by John Kim Faye, is about what it was like to be thrust into the spotlight as a professional musician during the alternative rock boom of the 1990s. That era is still looked at fondly by many individuals who came of age back then.
Faye’s experience of achieving fame during this time were unique because of his mixed-race ancestry. It’s very interesting to hear him talk about what it was like to be both Irish and Korean while becoming a prominent figure who achieved national and international prestige.
There are some entertaining rock and roll anecdotes in this book, but most readers will probably find it more noteworthy because of the way it delves into feelings of “otherness” or not fitting in that the author experienced. Most people feel that way occasionally for one reason or another, but they seldom achieve the heights that Faye did. His story feels deeply personal and is an unburdening of himself that’s poignant, resonant, and brave.
Faye’s experience of achieving fame during this time were unique because of his mixed-race ancestry. It’s very interesting to hear him talk about what it was like to be both Irish and Korean while becoming a prominent figure who achieved national and international prestige.
There are some entertaining rock and roll anecdotes in this book, but most readers will probably find it more noteworthy because of the way it delves into feelings of “otherness” or not fitting in that the author experienced. Most people feel that way occasionally for one reason or another, but they seldom achieve the heights that Faye did. His story feels deeply personal and is an unburdening of himself that’s poignant, resonant, and brave.
May 10, 2023
The Yin and the Yang of It All by John Kim Faye is a memoir by the author himself where we are taken back to his youth while he was achieving his dreams on stage as a musician. Growing up, John has experienced how it was being viewed as a mixed Asian-European race and I've learned that it was tough and challenging. Back in the days, there were still no ''K-Pop'' and every cool thing related to Asian things nowadays. Before, Asians were viewed differently, so I see how it must be challenging to pursue your career back then in the music industry. I loved how this book was written in an entertaining way and how it was delivered in a way where you just can't stop turning the pages to see how John's life unfolds. It was an amazing journey reading the life of the author and how he was able to conquer this through his strength and positivity.
May 12, 2023
"The Yin and The Yang of it All" is a poignant and introspective memoir that delves into the life of John Kim Faye, an extraordinary figure who defied societal norms and faced the challenges of growing up biracial in 1960s Delaware. Faye's journey as the lead singer of the Caulfields during the alternative rock era is a testament to his resilience and determination. This memoir not only explores Faye's personal experiences but also delves into larger themes of identity, race, and fame. Through evocative storytelling, Faye paints a vivid picture of his tumultuous childhood, the impact of his parents' deaths, and the quest for self-discovery. With sincerity and vulnerability, "The Yin and The Yang of it All" offers a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of a life shaped by music and the search for belonging.
May 12, 2023
The Yin and The Yang of it All is a great memoir about the Asian American musician John Kim Faye. It's interesting how Asian artists are now known and admired around the globe, when it could have been helpful in the 90’s. If you are someone who is interested in joining the music business this is something that you should read, John tells it as it is in his experience. He talked about the struggles he has encountered having the only known Asian people in his times are not really the ones who get the girl or the one everyone admires. It is inspiring though how he persevered in his life and how he talked about family. We may not know it but artists like John Kim Faye have paved the way to the rise of the K-pop industry and other notable Asian Americans in the business. It's a truly inspiring novel.
August 9, 2023
"The Yin and the Yang of It All: Rock'n'Roll Memories from the Cusp as Told by a Mixed-Up, Mixed-Race Kid" by John Kim Faye offered me an exceptional and multisensory experience. The combination of his musical and narrative skills creates a unique immersion into his life and perspective. The sincerity and authenticity he conveys in his narration draw you into his deepest thoughts and emotions.
The exploration of significant themes such as identity, racism, family, and the journey toward personal authenticity struck me as both moving and thought-provoking. It's a work that provides a candid and nuanced perspective on the life of a musician and his quest for authenticity and meaning in a world of ups and downs.
If you enjoy the blend of music and narrative, I highly recommend this work that will take you on a profound and touching journey through the life of John Faye.
The exploration of significant themes such as identity, racism, family, and the journey toward personal authenticity struck me as both moving and thought-provoking. It's a work that provides a candid and nuanced perspective on the life of a musician and his quest for authenticity and meaning in a world of ups and downs.
If you enjoy the blend of music and narrative, I highly recommend this work that will take you on a profound and touching journey through the life of John Faye.
August 11, 2023
A compelling Symphony of emotions.
The Yin and the Yang of It All: Rock'n'Roll Memories from the Cusp as Told by a Mixed-Up, Mixed-Race Kid by John Kim Faye is a captivating chronicle! John, a true music devotee, deftly portrays the zeniths, including adulation from fans and encounters with revered idols, alongside those quiet, post rough gig entries to avoid waking the family. As a 'lifer' in the music realm, he masterfully reveals the essence of this craft moments of elation punctuated by everyday struggles.
A compelling symphony of emotions awaits within these pages. It's an immersive experience that reverberates long after the final page is turned. Absolutely dive into this book, it's a gem that offers laughter, introspection, and a resonating call to embrace authenticity. Five stars, undoubtedly!
The Yin and the Yang of It All: Rock'n'Roll Memories from the Cusp as Told by a Mixed-Up, Mixed-Race Kid by John Kim Faye is a captivating chronicle! John, a true music devotee, deftly portrays the zeniths, including adulation from fans and encounters with revered idols, alongside those quiet, post rough gig entries to avoid waking the family. As a 'lifer' in the music realm, he masterfully reveals the essence of this craft moments of elation punctuated by everyday struggles.
A compelling symphony of emotions awaits within these pages. It's an immersive experience that reverberates long after the final page is turned. Absolutely dive into this book, it's a gem that offers laughter, introspection, and a resonating call to embrace authenticity. Five stars, undoubtedly!
August 12, 2023
The Yin and the Yang of It All by John Kim Faye is a journey of a lifetime of a man who has seen it all, encapsulated in a beautiful memoir. Faye was the only mixed race Asian American to sign a record contract, that was a momentous event in itself. Though not to stardom, his journey goes beyond all the things one could only imagine of, a discovery of a voice to a unique and rare musical ethnicity. From a traumatic experience of life of losing parents to tumultuous childhood in the post-Vietnam 70s, Faye has seen it all. It's been heartwarming and enlightening to read this memoir. Quite fantastic and engaging as the author takes the readers along the journey to music, tribe and ethnicity. There is a lot to take away and learn and cherish from the life of a time where hardships meant to try to progress. A beacon of hope, I highly recommend it.
February 5, 2024
This is a captivating journey through the author's unique perspective, blending rock'n'roll memories with the complexities of growing up as a mixed-race kid. I appreciated the way that the author wove a seamless narrative between humor, nostalgia, and poignant reflections, offering readers a compelling and relatable experience. What truly sets this book apart is its ability to transcend cultural boundaries, resonating with anyone who's navigated the maze of identity regardless of background. The storytelling is both raw and refined, creating a vivid tapestry of emotions that lingers long after the final page. I really enjoyed the fusion of music and a personal narrative that was masterfully executed. This is a must-read for those seeking an authentic, thought-provoking exploration of life's dualities.
April 18, 2023
Full disclosure: I am a friend of the author.
That said, YIN AND YANG is a sure bet for anyone curious about an insider's view of the periphery of Rock stardom. Faye's band recorded for a major label, and rubbed elbows with 90s alt-rock stars, but never managed to break through. Nevertheless, the author kept plugging, writing and recording music to varying degrees of success to this day.
The book details the ugly indignities of life in a working rock band, and mixes in touching personal tales of the author's life as a mixed-race child yearning for a place to belong in the world. All the stories and anecdotes are funny, and related with candor. It's an enjoyable read, especially so for fans of music from the heyday of alternative rock. Highly recommended.
That said, YIN AND YANG is a sure bet for anyone curious about an insider's view of the periphery of Rock stardom. Faye's band recorded for a major label, and rubbed elbows with 90s alt-rock stars, but never managed to break through. Nevertheless, the author kept plugging, writing and recording music to varying degrees of success to this day.
The book details the ugly indignities of life in a working rock band, and mixes in touching personal tales of the author's life as a mixed-race child yearning for a place to belong in the world. All the stories and anecdotes are funny, and related with candor. It's an enjoyable read, especially so for fans of music from the heyday of alternative rock. Highly recommended.
August 7, 2023
"The Yin and Yang of Everything: Rock'n'Roll Memories of a Young Man of Mixed Races" by author John Kim Faye is a captivating memoir. Born to a Korean mother and an Irish father in 1966, he grew up in Delaware facing the hardships of interracial society. As the lead singer of the Caulfields in the '90s, he experienced the golden age of alternative rock. But his personal journey did not lead to fame.
The book explores her search for identity, race, and fame, weaving together revealing moments from his unique perspective. Against the backdrop of the loss of his parents, he discovers his voice and musical identity, transcending his Korean/Irish roots. A moving and thoughtful story of self-discovery and diversity in the music industry. I liked it a lot and I recommend it!
The book explores her search for identity, race, and fame, weaving together revealing moments from his unique perspective. Against the backdrop of the loss of his parents, he discovers his voice and musical identity, transcending his Korean/Irish roots. A moving and thoughtful story of self-discovery and diversity in the music industry. I liked it a lot and I recommend it!
August 8, 2023
“The Yin and the Yang of it All” by John Kim Faye is a fascinating read on how John grew up as the son resulting from an interracial marriage, how he struggled to find a sense of belonging and his many adventures in the music industry. One does not need to be involved in the music world oneself in order to appreciate this poignant tale of the author’s life. Although his memoir is quite lengthy, I was fascinated by his anecdotes all the way through. From start to finish, this book kept me wondering how the author’s life story would continue. Written with sincerity and conviction, this is an autobiographical tale that will have you thinking back on the many fascinating occurrences of the author’s life.
August 10, 2023
The Yin and the Yang of it All by John Kim Faye is an engaging book that is now at the top of my list. This fascinating narrative is about John Kim Faye, the son of a 40-year-old Korean mother and a 62-year-old Irish father. The book tells the story of how he grew up coming from an interracial marriage, his struggle to find a sense of belonging and his many adventures in the music industry. I’ve always found musicians' lives to be incredibly interesting; getting to know about their childhood and how they started in the music world has always been a matter of interest to me. In this book, I found a wonderful life story together with a marvellous writing style that kept me turning pages for hours. 100% recommendable.
August 10, 2023
A great memoir! “The Yin and the Yang of It All: Rock'n'Roll Memories from the Cusp as Told by a Mixed-Up, Mixed-Race Kid” is an amazing book by John Kim Faye. The author opens his heart and soul telling readers his life story. Being born in the 60’s in the USA from an interracial marriage, a Korean mother and an Irish father, the author was one of the only mixed-raced Asian American front man to sign a major record contract in the 90’s. I really love the title of the book since readers can make a parallelism between the yin and yang and the author´s interracial origins that, though being very different, were his basis to find balance and success in life. I found the book very entertaining and thought-provoking. Highly recommend it!
August 10, 2023
The Yin and the Yang of It All is a memoir of its author John Kim Faye, a mixed-race singer and songwriter that talks about his journey in the alternative rock. With honesty, he goes through his career as a musician from the discovery of his voice and the search of his origins, but delves deeper in his Korean/Irish roots.
As in any life story, in this book, readers can find emotional, mobilizing moments, and funny or happy situations, or even moments of fame and success. But beyond this, it is very interesting to know these situations from the protagonist's point of view, since his original ideas and thoughts are surprising. All in all, it is entertaining and interesting to know the person behind the star.
As in any life story, in this book, readers can find emotional, mobilizing moments, and funny or happy situations, or even moments of fame and success. But beyond this, it is very interesting to know these situations from the protagonist's point of view, since his original ideas and thoughts are surprising. All in all, it is entertaining and interesting to know the person behind the star.
August 11, 2023
An interesting life story
"The Yin and the Yang of It All" is a compelling auto-biography written by John Kim Faye.
Throughout these pages, John tells readers about his life, family, origins, identity and fame. Also, he shares how he discovered his voice that helped him build up his famous career as a singer, with his ups and downs. A Korean boy with Irish roots whose life changed the moment he set up his music band.
It’s an engaging story that, in my opinion, leaves a message to those people who strive to become a singer despite all the obstacles. I found it very interesting the way he puts into words his experiences, success, anecdotes, and relationships; a bit of everything. I enjoyed reading it, that's why I recommend it.
"The Yin and the Yang of It All" is a compelling auto-biography written by John Kim Faye.
Throughout these pages, John tells readers about his life, family, origins, identity and fame. Also, he shares how he discovered his voice that helped him build up his famous career as a singer, with his ups and downs. A Korean boy with Irish roots whose life changed the moment he set up his music band.
It’s an engaging story that, in my opinion, leaves a message to those people who strive to become a singer despite all the obstacles. I found it very interesting the way he puts into words his experiences, success, anecdotes, and relationships; a bit of everything. I enjoyed reading it, that's why I recommend it.
August 11, 2023
The Yin and Yang of It All is an insightful, thought-provoking and entertaining book written by John Kim Faye. In this great work, the author tells his own story, where music permeates all the events in his life. He describes how he learned to play and express himself through music, form a band, success in the music business and what happens after reaching the top. However, he also tells the hard side of life, the difficulties, losses, sad moments, and how it was to grow up in the 70s, 80s and 90s in North America in a Korean-Irish home.
Faye tells his story in such a way that readers can immediately empathise with his words and share his feelings. The book is compelling, funny and hard at times. I strongly recommend it. It is a fantastic memoir.
Faye tells his story in such a way that readers can immediately empathise with his words and share his feelings. The book is compelling, funny and hard at times. I strongly recommend it. It is a fantastic memoir.
August 12, 2023
This moving book explores the life of artist John Kim Faye, whose journey defied the standards and expectations of his days. Faye's story, which is set against the turbulent 20th century, reveals a narrative that transcends racial, cultural, and artistic borders. The 1960s are expertly brought to life in the book, a decade that saw important social and cultural changes including the Vietnam War and the music revolution.
The memoir's narrative format offers a moving backdrop for introspection. His views on life, celebrity, and his dual cultural identity have all been profoundly influenced by several tragic events. I liked this title and I absolutely recommend it, especially to music fans.
The memoir's narrative format offers a moving backdrop for introspection. His views on life, celebrity, and his dual cultural identity have all been profoundly influenced by several tragic events. I liked this title and I absolutely recommend it, especially to music fans.
August 13, 2023
"The Yin and the Yang of It All: Rock'n'Roll Journeys from the Cusp as Shared by a Mixed-Up, Multiracial Youth" by John Kim Faye is a captivating memoir detailing Faye's experiences as lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the Caulfields. The narrative delves into the band's journey towards a significant contract while providing an immersive look into the world of music. Faye's autobiographical work not only chronicles his musical escapades but also reflects on his upbringing as a child of diverse parentage. The book offers readers a nostalgic journey into the past and a glimpse into the evolution of the music industry. Faye's sincerity and compelling storytelling make this memoir an engaging exploration of his life and experiences.
January 17, 2024
In John Kim Faye's memoir, his spirit shines, finding peace and self-discovery through singing. John endured ridicule in his childhood for being Korean. John rose above the taunts and is proud of who he is. A key to his self-expression and self-acceptance is a tattoo representing his Korean and Irish heritages.
The part of the book I like the most, quoting John is, “Somewhere along the way, without really coming up for air, I accepted that nothing lasts, and I got comfortable being uncomfortable, adapting as needed to keep on doing the thing I love.”
John uses his music as a medium to connect with others. He wants his lyrics to reassure others that they are not alone. I think too that music connects us.
The part of the book I like the most, quoting John is, “Somewhere along the way, without really coming up for air, I accepted that nothing lasts, and I got comfortable being uncomfortable, adapting as needed to keep on doing the thing I love.”
John uses his music as a medium to connect with others. He wants his lyrics to reassure others that they are not alone. I think too that music connects us.
February 14, 2024
In John Kim Faye's memoir, his spirit shines, finding peace and self-discovery through singing. John endured ridicule in his childhood for being Korean. John rose above the taunts and is proud of who he is.
A key to his self-expression and self-acceptance is a tattoo representing his Korean and Irish heritages.
The part of the book I like the most, quoting John is, “Somewhere along the way, without really coming up for air, I accepted that nothing lasts, and I got comfortable being uncomfortable, adapting as needed to keep on doing the thing I love.”
John uses his music as a medium to connect with others. He wants his lyrics to reassure others that they are not alone. I think too that music connects us.
A key to his self-expression and self-acceptance is a tattoo representing his Korean and Irish heritages.
The part of the book I like the most, quoting John is, “Somewhere along the way, without really coming up for air, I accepted that nothing lasts, and I got comfortable being uncomfortable, adapting as needed to keep on doing the thing I love.”
John uses his music as a medium to connect with others. He wants his lyrics to reassure others that they are not alone. I think too that music connects us.
May 12, 2023
“The Yin and the Yang of It All” by John Kim Faye is a fascinating autobiography that reveals what it was like being a person born out of wedlock in the United States during a time when interracial marriages were still forbidden. John, who is half Korean and half Irish, had to put up with a lot of teasing and degrading remarks in his childhood. In his adult life, though it was still not always easy, he realised his dream of being in a rock band. But he was by no means your typical rock band member... I found this book very well-written and engaging. I was fascinated all the way through to the end.
May 12, 2023
John Kim Faye writes this memoir sharing his life with the reader, with stories that nowadays seem so impossible, such as forbidden marriage and hardcore racism. Well, racism is still alive, but not as intense and problematic as in the '60s.
The Ying and the Yang of it All is the story of a man born from a Korean mother and an Irish father, an unthinkable thing at that time, and describes the life of the author from the beginning until the end, becoming one of the first Asian-American who entered the music business.
Overall, I found this story very interesting, especially seeing how much the world has changed since then. Definitely recommended.
The Ying and the Yang of it All is the story of a man born from a Korean mother and an Irish father, an unthinkable thing at that time, and describes the life of the author from the beginning until the end, becoming one of the first Asian-American who entered the music business.
Overall, I found this story very interesting, especially seeing how much the world has changed since then. Definitely recommended.
May 13, 2023
Honest memories.
The Yin and the Yang of It All: Rock'n'roll Memories from the Cusp as Told by a Mixed-Up, Mixed-Race Kid is a book written by John Kim Faye in which the author tells his own life story, from his childhood to his life as a successful singer, including all the difficulties he has faced along the way.
It is a great read because it is written in an entertaining way and it is a great story; but what caught me the most was noticing the differences between the perspective of the events in the past and the current perspective. I think this book is special because the author was honest and openly shared his experiences.
The Yin and the Yang of It All: Rock'n'roll Memories from the Cusp as Told by a Mixed-Up, Mixed-Race Kid is a book written by John Kim Faye in which the author tells his own life story, from his childhood to his life as a successful singer, including all the difficulties he has faced along the way.
It is a great read because it is written in an entertaining way and it is a great story; but what caught me the most was noticing the differences between the perspective of the events in the past and the current perspective. I think this book is special because the author was honest and openly shared his experiences.
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