Will You Take Me as I am: Joni Mitchell's Blue Period by Michelle Mercer
Incorporating dozens of hours of interviews into an illuminating narrative heightened by rigorous reporting and compelling analysis of Mitchell's craft, respected music journalist Michelle Mercer insightfully details the richness of the artist's accomplishment: Mitchell's innovative way of marrying lyrics to melody; how she plays with inventive, highly expressive chords to achieve her unusual blend of wonder and melancholy; and how she pioneered autobiographical songwriting and along with Bob Dylan brought a new literacy to the popular song. Will You Take Me As I Am offers a fascinating look into the personal life of a great artist and the culture she helped to shape.