Although not nearly as famous as Paul McCartney’s “scrambled eggs” dream that resulted in the iconic “Yesterday,” the birth of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is equally interesting. Being the 1960s, George Harrison was really into the I Ching at the time (see also: Pattie Boyd and LSD). He vowed to write a song by opening a book at random and taking the first line he saw as inspiration. Well, forty-five years later the books at the University branch are returning the favor. Our August display is chock full of books and media that share titles with Beatles songs that perversely have nary a thing to do with the Fab Four.
There are books on travel (The Long and Winding Road), self-help (Think for Yourself) and cephalopods (The Octopus’s Garden). Fiction fans will happily see novels ranging from romance (Yesterday) to science fiction (Here, There & Everywhere). And of course, like life, everything must have an end – or in this case, The Ends. Lemony Snicket’s final unfortunate event snuggles up next to a book on last lines in cinema and a memoir about World War II.
Oh, and then there’s this: 
So come on by and peruse our shelves. I dare you to walk out of the building without humming “Revolution 9.”
What’s your favorite Beatles song?
Hint: the correct answer is “Julia.”
~ Michael S, University Branch
Leave a Comment