If you’re looking for a roller coaster ride but don’t want to do any real flips, grab a copy of rocker Eric Burdon’s new book, “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” The hall-of-famer’s memoir takes a trip back into his rock days for a behind the scenes look at what it took to get to the top of his game.

But his ride to stardom didn’t come quickly or easily. It took him decades to make a penny off his first hit, “House of the Rising Son.” His journey also included being there during Jimi Hendrix’s last days, which is detailed in his book.

Although it wasn’t as easy a ride as most people would seem to believe, Burdon says it was still a fun ride. These days, he’s still touring and is keeping very busy.

He talks with Growing Bolder about why every rock star should pick up a copy of his book and how much illegal downloading really does affect musicians.