My wife, knowing that Janis is one of my chief music goddesses, gave me this book for Christmas. For the the two weeks after, I didn't open it, just stared at the cover, drifting back in time and trying to keep from misting up.
After reading it, I realized that Janis created a character -- much as I do in my books -- with conscious intent. That's not to say that the tough, blues mama wasn't part of her but that she exaggerated that facet of her self and hid the rest from us.
I hope that I can present characters as complex as Janis in my writing.
The book is well-written and insightful. Read it, even if you prefer Frank Sinatra.