I read this book 1-2 guitars at a time over the course of 5 months because I wanted to really sit and absorb the story each one. I played cello for about 15 years, so I knew enough about stringed instruments to get most of the shop jargon. But this isn't just a book about guitars. It's the story of a man with something to say and the tools he uses to say it. I've been a diehard Metallica fan for 30 years and this was an amazing look into James as a person. I learned so much about guitars through his stories of what, why, and how. Are other rock stars this invested in their craft? The photos are also gorgeous. I took my time with this book to also examine each one. I've never seen guitar parts this up close and personal. I especially liked the early guitars that James carved or wrote on just because he was bored. Maybe I would have had more fun as a cellist if I'd thought gone all Apocalyptica and also carved Kill Josh Bell into the front of my instrument. Kidding - I like Joshua Bell a lot and the one time I had the pleasure of working with him, he was rad as hell.