Careless Love

The Unmaking of Elvis Presley

By: Peter Guralnick

Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell

Careless Love is the full, true, and mesmerizing story of Elvis Presley's last two decades, in the long-awaited second volume of Peter Guralnick's masterful two-part biography.

Last Train to Memphis, the first part of Guralnick's two-volume life of Elvis Presley, was acclaimed by the New York Times as "a triumph of biographical art". This concluding volume recounts the second half of Elvis' life in rich and previously unimagined detail, and confirms Guralnick's status as one of the great biographers of our time.

Beginning with Presley's army service in Germany in 1958 and ending with his death in Memphis in 1977, Careless Love chronicles the unraveling of the dream that once shone so brightly, homing in on the complex playing-out of Elvis' relationship with his Machiavellian manager, Colonel Tom Parker. It's a breathtaking revelatory drama that for the first time places the events of a too-often mistold tale in a fresh, believable, and understandable context.

Elvis' changes during these years form a tragic mystery that Careless Love unlocks for the first time. This is the quintessential American story, encompassing elements of race, class, wealth, sex, music, religion, and personal transformation. Written with grace, sensitivity, and passion, Careless Love is a unique contribution to our understanding of American popular culture and the nature of success, giving us true insight at last into one of the most misunderstood public figures of our times.

©1999 Peter Guralnick (P)2012 Hachette Audio

Wow

The life of Elvis Presley, Elvis was before my time for the most part. I was a child when he died there was so much talk about his death I wanted to know the truth. The way they talk about Elvis one would think he walked on water. This story is as depressing as it was refreshing. Depressing because his life was so stilted, probably because of his mother, read the first installment The Last Train to Memphis, and refreshing because he is seen as a human being. This story made me cry at places, honestly I think Elvis spent life looking for his mother. I would recommend this book that is the second installment and the first book I mentioned above for both fans and detractors of Elvis Presley you will not be disappointed by them no matter what camp you are in.

Made me want to cry like 15 times, but a must read

As sad as this book can be, it is a wonderful insight into the comeback, regaining of the throne, and heartbreaking downhill slide of the King.

Even with all of the terrible things you will learn about Elvis, you will somehow love him even more at this book's conclusion.

A must

Elvis Fans! This is the one! What a book! So detailed…. I could not stop listening to this audiobook.. Long live the King! TCB⚡️

Excellent book.

This book was well researched and narrated. It’s a sad book but I still enjoyed reading about one of my all time favorite entertainers.

greatest music biography I have ever read

loved this biography. one of the best ever. if you aren't interested in elvis, you will be after. if you love elvis, you will find this to be a great tribute to one of the greatest

A lot of details

Sometimes I felt it bordered on tragedy, but overall a great book. The details are amazing and the time this must have taken to research is impressive.

Awesome!

A wonderfully exhaustive biography of the king of rock ‘n’ roll! A must have for Elvis fans!

Great Read/Listen

I can’t believe how much this human being was to the world in his time… this book is not a tragedy but a celebration of a mere mortal being given gifts he developed better than anyone can imagine!!! The ending of his life is more of a precautionary tale of be careful what you wish for…!

Story dates should have included the year of events

I have listened to both Elvis Audible presentations and enjoyed the early Elvis more.
I wish the narrator would have included the year, whenever a date was given, as it was hard to follow the story without knowing what year events were occurring.

Careless Love

Excellent account of a phenomenal talent I have enjoyed since I was thirteen years old and always will. Thank you Mr. Guralnick for your insight of a talent I don't think will ever be again.