Gould's book provides a compelling view of the Britain that Lennon and the other Beatles grew up in and skilled descriptions of the Beatles' musical canon as well as an illuminating take on the complex relationship between Lennon and fellow Beatle McCartney. "A nearly 20-year labor of love by a first-time writer, it's a fascinating, witty, and highly original take on Beatles music and mystique, and a worthy addition to 'Beatle lit,'" wrote Monitor critic and design director John Kehe.