How does one young man survive the deaths of his entire family & manage to make something worthwhile of his life? In Things The Grandchildren Should Know Mark Oliver Everett tells the story of what it's like to grow up the insecure son of a genius in a wacky Virginia Ice Storm-like family. Left to run wild with his sister his father off in some parallel universe of his own invention Everett's upbringing was 'ridiculous sometimes tragic & always unsteady'. But somehow he manages to not only survive his crazy upbringing & ensuing tragedies; he makes something of his life striking out on a journey to find himself by channelling his experiences into his eventually critically acclaimed music with the Eels. But it's not an easy path. Told with surprising candour Things The Grandchildren Should Know is an inspiring & remarkable story full of hope humour & wry wisdom.