Me and Mr Jones : My Life with David Bowie and the Spiders from Mars

A Daily Mail Book of the YearFrom the stylist behind David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust look, an electrifying peek behind the curtains during a legendary chapter of pop culture history. 'Suzi Ronson was there as Bowie transitioned from suburban folkie to world superstar and genius. Few can offer such insight, and tell this fascinating story with such verve.' HANIF KUREISHI'It's still hard to accept that Ziggy didn't fall from the stars in full makeup to blow our minds. Yes, other people helped create him. One of them was Suzi Ronson.'DEBORAH LEVY, LITERARY REVIEW'Electrifying'. MAIL ON SUNDAY'Refreshing . . . pulls few punches.' i'An engrossing, raucous read.' SALON***Suzi Ronson was working in a Beckenham hair salon in the early seventies when Mrs Jones came in for her weekly shampoo and set. After being introduced to her son David and his wife Angie, Suzi finds herself at the Bowies' bohemian apartment and is soon embroiled in their raucous world. Having crafted his iconic Ziggy Stardust hairstyle, Suzi becomes the only working woman in David's touring party and joins the Spiders from Mars as they perform around the globe. Amid the costume blunders, parties and groupies she meets her husband-to-be, Mick Ronson, and together they traverse the absurdities of life in show business, falling in with the likes of Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan and Lou Reed along the way. Dazzling and intimate, Me and Mr Jones provides not only a unique perspective on one of the most beguiling stars of our time but also a world on the cusp of cultural transformation, charting the highs and lows of life as one of the only women in the room as it happened. ***'This candid memoir by the stylist who helped create the singer's Ziggy look offers a vivid snapshot of his golden years . . . As his dresser, Suzi gets as close to him as anyone.'OBSERVER'Considering the vast number of books published every year about David Bowie, a new one had better have either fresh info or fresh insights. Thankfully, Me and Mr Jones delivers on both counts . . . A first-hand view of the glory and brutality that comes with a rapid rise to stardom.' VARIETY