What Would Keith Richards Do?

Daily Affirmations from a Rock and Roll Survivor

By Jessica Pallington West

The definitive guide to Keithism, the religious wisdom inspired by the one true prophet of our time: Keith Richards.

What is a wiseman? What is a prophet?

Someone with a strange, unflappable demeanor. Someone who speaks in cryptic koans, words whose meanings take years to unravel. Someone who has confronted death, God, sin, and the immortal soul. Someone unfit for this world, but too brilliant to depart it. Someone--in short--like Keith Richards.

Here, at last, the wisdom of this indefatigable man is recorded and set forth. These are his visionary words: "I would rather be a legend than a dead legend." Or "Whatever side I take, I know well that I will be blamed." And--indeed--"I've never had a problem with drugs, only with policemen."

Not merely a compendium of wisdom, this book is also a complete guide to the inner workings of a complex and inspired belief system, and the life of a man sanctified by fame. What Would Keith Richards Do reminds us to learn from our mistakes, let our instincts lead us, and above all, do what Keith has done better than anyone--survive.

Reviews for What Would Keith Richards Do?

Read a terrific feature on What Would Keith Richards Do? in the Washington Times.

“Whether you take his advice to heart, or just have a good laugh, you will definitely discover a refreshing new outlook on life.”—Zink magazine

Nice review OF WHAT WOULD KEITH RICHARDS DO? in the Austin Chronicle. Read full review.

“Charming throughout…an interesting and enjoyable addition to any collection.”—Sacramento Book Review.

What Would Keith Richards Do? on the NYT Paper Cuts blog.

David Hudson picked up the Times piece for IFC

The Daily Beast feeds on the book.

A great piece on What Would Keith Richards Do? in the Metro US (NYC, Boston, Philly)

New Orleans Times Picayune Summer Round Up

"Keith Richards... wit and wisdom is the basis for "What Would Keith Richards Do?: Daily Affirmations from a Rock and Roll Survivor," a very entertaining and, dare I say it, insightful little tome from Jessica Pallington West, a British writer and diehard Rolling Stones fan who clearly has thought much about Richards, his life and words."— L. Kent Wolgamott, Lincoln Journal Star

"There are questions you never ask yourself and "What would Keith Richards do?" (Bloomsbury, $16) is probably one. Still, Jessica Pallington West has collected comic "Daily Affirmations From a Rock 'N' Roll Survivor," and when you think about it, Richards has survived much over a long time. Or as he says: "Some things get better with age. Like me." He also says: "If I knew what the other original sin was, I would do it."—New York Daily News Humor book roundup.

Feature in New Jersey Daily Record