The author's focus is on John and Paul's ever-evolving non-sexual couple status, their love for and dependence upon each other, and how their traumatic childhoods informed their unbreakable bond.

Song by song, we learn who wrote what, which songs "belonged" to each, and how they switched leads in harmony and lyrics. As founder and builder, John felt that the Beatles were "his" band, from Liverpool on. Paul's stronger work ethic, musical versatility, and his uncanny ability to "hear" a song even before they finished writing forced John to acknowledge that they were equals.

That change in dynamics left John feeling the loss of top dog power, although they both sensed that their unique skills and their ability to mesh that creativity thrust the band to its heights.

The Beatles were the first performers to understand how refusing to play outsized stadiums could light up an explosion of artistry and inventiveness in the studio. If you were present at the creation, as a fan in 1964 and beyond, this book will envelop you in joy and sorrow.