The cake and the rain

In 'The Cake and the Rain', Jimmy Webb recounts his life from humble beginnings in rural Oklahoma to the heights of fame in Los Angeles.

The book spans from 1955 to 1973, including his early days as a preacher's son, his rise as a songwriter with hits like 'Up, Up and Away', 'By the Time I Get to Phoenix', and 'MacArthur Park', and his experiences with the excesses of the music industry.

The narrative is presented in a non-linear fashion, alternating between his childhood and his peak years in the music industry.

Webb candidly discusses his relationships, drug use, and the challenges he faced, including a near-fatal drug overdose in 1973.