I have always appreciated and loved Clapton's music, but I had never really explored his personal life. "Clapton: The Autobiography" is an amazing self account of a musician's journey from a relatively poor upbringing to his ultimate recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Throughout this book, I thought to myself that he should have died so many times and he is extremely fortunate that he has lived to see 20+ years of sobriety. What impressed me most about this book was Clapton's honesty about his low self-confidence/esteem, and his inability to deal and socialize with those around him without alcohol/drugs. He did not portray himself as a saint, or "God" of music, rather someone who was unable to cope with his life. I wish he would have addressed the hypothetical of his youth without drugs or if his "ride" was necessary. This is a great book for any Clapton or blues fan and serves as a reminder as the important role the people around us play.