Do you want to have a few chuckles about the Cold War? Well then come on down to read Vince Houghton and Eric Driggs' Covert City. The book looks at tDo you want to have a few chuckles about the Cold War? Well then come on down to read Vince Houghton and Eric Driggs' Covert City. The book looks at the Cold War mostly as it pertains to the city of Miami. I say mostly because the book is a little all over the place.
Let's start with the good. Houghton and Driggs have done a ton of research. In a relatively short book, you will hear about a lot of different people and events related to the Cold War. My favorite part is their humor. There are a lot of quick jokes throughout the book and it keeps the narrative breezy.
The main issue here is that this reads much more like an extended Wikipedia article with the humor turned up to 11. There is no real cohesiveness because there is no central character. Not every history book needs to be narrative non-fiction, but it does need to have a central theme. The subtitle suggests it is Miami but there is no effort to make it real to the reader. There is also a bit too many uses of, "many Cubans felt that," and phrases like that which need to be backed up by hard data if it is to be trusted. For the most part, the authors do this with much of the book, but a few of these non-substantiated claims sneak in.
I wouldn't tell anyone not to read this book as there are good elements and some fun stories. I would caution the reader that if you aren't interested in the Cold War or Miami then there is probably not enough in this book to keep your attention.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and PublicAffairs.)...more
When I think of the word quagmire, I often associate it with the Troubles of Northern Ireland. Growing up in an Irish Catholic family, it is somethingWhen I think of the word quagmire, I often associate it with the Troubles of Northern Ireland. Growing up in an Irish Catholic family, it is something I never personally experienced but heard a lot about. As complicated a subject as it was during my youth, it has become even more complex in a post-9/11 world.
Four Shots in the Night by Henry Hemming tries to reckon with the Troubles and the crimes committed during that terrible time. Specifically, he frames the story around the execution of British agent. What makes this crime so singular is that the execution might have been done by another British agent.
Let's get this out of the way. If you are thinking of reading this book, you might have already read Patrick Radden Keefe's amazing book Say Nothing. There are similarities. Both are set around an unsolved crime, both use a non-linear timeline to tell their story, both extensively dig into IRA leadership, and both are excellent. Hemming's focus is more concentrated on the world of spies within the IRA and their British handlers.
One of the criticisms around Keefe's book is that the disappearance mentioned in the synopsis ultimately takes up very little space in the overall narrative. It is true, but the Troubles require an extensive accounting of the sides everyone is on and why. Hemming hews much closer to the murder throughout the book, but, like Keefe, he has to take extensive detours to help the reader understand the lay of the land. Hemming is more succinct, but I think both authors do a brilliant job just in different ways.
If you loved Say Nothing, you will love this. If you didn't read Say Nothing, you should still read this.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and PublicAffairs.)...more
Did you ever party so hard you got kicked out of an entire city? Well, Gulbadan did. Ok, not entirely. It wasn't for partying but she did get kicked oDid you ever party so hard you got kicked out of an entire city? Well, Gulbadan did. Ok, not entirely. It wasn't for partying but she did get kicked out of a city.
Gulbadan is the titular character in Ruby Lal's Vagabond Princess. As the title suggests, Gulbadan was a princess and she did a fair bit of traveling. Along the way, she spends time with her own family members who are part of what was the Mughal Empire.
One thing which is important to note is that I would hesitate to call this a biography of Galbadan and leave it at that. As with much of history, we have lost quite a bit of it and women's lives were not especially documented on top of that. Very often, this would make me like a book less. However, Lal does an amazing amount of research and fills in many of the historical gaps with other stories or flourishes about the world Gulbadan lived in. Lal does exceptional work and makes this story feel complete even while there are a maddening amount of gaps in Gulbadan's full life.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Yale University Press.)...more
There are very few historical characters who I find more frustrating than Edward VIII. Throughout Jane Marguerite Tippet's excellent Once A King, I thThere are very few historical characters who I find more frustrating than Edward VIII. Throughout Jane Marguerite Tippet's excellent Once A King, I thought, "Come on dude. Be serious."
Tippett created this book by using previously unavailable sources to bring Edward's voice to the fore. As you may have guess from my opening, I was not keen to give Edward any slack. Additionally, Tippett extensively uses Edward's own words in the narrative and fills in the blanks when necessary. I often dislike books which do this because the main character always feels distant from the reader. However, Tippett strikes a perfect balance of explaining Edward but also letting him talk. By the end, I still found Edward off-putting, but I had a better idea of how he perceived the twists and turns of this life.
I will also point out that this book assumes you know at least the basics of Edward, his wife Wallis Simpson, and the abdication. You don't need to have read multiple books but you may want to take a glance at Wikipedia before you dive in.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by the author.)...more
He was more than just an amazing mustache. Ronald White takes a look at the full life of Joshua Chamberlain in his book, On Great Fields. You may remeHe was more than just an amazing mustache. Ronald White takes a look at the full life of Joshua Chamberlain in his book, On Great Fields. You may remember Chamberlain from various books or movies where his exploits at Gettysburg are highlighted. However, Chamberlain had a very full life both before and after the Civil War.
White looks to give a fuller picture of Chamberlain's life by giving attention to every episode. It is a stated goal of White to not skip over the earlier parts where Chamberlain grew up, chose a college, and tried to figure out what he wanted to be when he grew up. Little did he know how it would all turn out.
Chamberlain is one of the few people whose life is pretty interesting throughout. Admittedly, there are a few points which lag a bit more than others. Chamberlain's attempts at entrepreneurship, for instance, are important in telling his full story but add little to who he is as a person by that point. However, White wanted to give a full accounting and he does so without ever losing the reader's interest fully.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Random House Publishing.)...more
I had preconceived notions before reading this book. The first, that Pete Rose is a bad person. The second, that Keith O'Brien was still going to be aI had preconceived notions before reading this book. The first, that Pete Rose is a bad person. The second, that Keith O'Brien was still going to be able to suck me into this story. Both of them turned out to be true!
If you somehow don't know who Pete Rose is, he was a baseball player who had the most hits ever. This is a big deal. In O'Brien's Charlie Hustle, you get to the full Pete Rose story. O'Brien has a knack for somehow taking these big stories, like his previous (and amazing) book Paradise Falls, and telling them in a way that is both interesting throughout but never manipulative. There is a version of this book where the author could excuse everything Rose did or make the argument he has lost enough. Another version focuses on his many negative actions or just his general personality.
Which brings me back to my preconceived notion. I was already knowledgeable enough about Rose to know I wouldn't like him any more than when I started. However, O'Brien made it so that when I tell people why, I have way more facts to bolster my view. In fact, I bet someone who wants to stick up for Rose would say the same. Whichever view you have, you are going to enjoy it. That's why this is such a damn good book.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by the author.)...more
I understand about 70% of this book! That says more about Dante Lauretta than me, however. The Asteroid Hunter is part memoir, part science, part thriI understand about 70% of this book! That says more about Dante Lauretta than me, however. The Asteroid Hunter is part memoir, part science, part thriller, and all great.
There is a very small overlap between my love of history and science. I like to learn the science just enough to understand what is going on and then I want to read about everything else. Lauretta writes the story of his mission OSIRIS-REx in a way that anyone could enjoy it. They are landing on an asteroid. That should be cool no matter who is reading.
Lauretta keeps this book moving at a brisk place so that the reader never gets the chance to be bored. What I especially appreciated is that while the narrative revolves around Lauretta as the center of the story, I never felt like Lauretta thought he was the story. The mission is what we are here for and that's the way he tells the story and it's a riveting one.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing.)...more
On the face of it, this book is right up my alley. Shipwrecks! History! Unfortunately, David Gibbins just misses the mark a bit too much in A History On the face of it, this book is right up my alley. Shipwrecks! History! Unfortunately, David Gibbins just misses the mark a bit too much in A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks.
The premise is good enough. Take a list of wrecks and then explain the history around them. More than half of them Gibbins has personally dived on. Gibbins then gives a wider historical context around these ships and there you go. Easy peasy.
I had to think quite a while about why this one wasn't a home run for me. One of the issues which jumped out at me is that the wrecks can often feel tacked onto a very quick (relatively speaking) rundown of the history in the time period. I wanted more on the sunken treasures. The chapters where Gibbins was actually diving on the wrecks were usually the better chapters. Gibbins also writes well so even when I didn't love a chapter, it was still good, just not great.
The other problem is that since this is effectively 12 vignettes, each chapter must stand on its own. Gibbins accomplishes this, but he does it too well. It felt like you could completely skip a ship and it wouldn't matter. The book was not cohesive enough because sometimes Gibbins talks about how the ship sank, or the people on it, but other times he approaches it completely differently.
My criticisms make it seem like the book is something you should definitely skip, but it very well may be a matter of taste in the storytelling. You won't throw the book away in frustration, but you may not like it as much as you hoped, like me.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press.)...more
There are few historical time periods in American history more frustrating than Reconstruction. Robert Cwiklik's Sheridan's Secret Mission is here to There are few historical time periods in American history more frustrating than Reconstruction. Robert Cwiklik's Sheridan's Secret Mission is here to remind you just how frustrating and depressing it was!
Cwiklik frames the story around Union war hero Philip Sheridan's visit to Louisiana during the 1870s. It should be noted that the title of the book is a bit misleading. Sheridan is important to this story but he is barely in it. If you are looking for a deep meditation on Sheridan then you will be disappointed. However, as a brief book using Louisiana as a microcosm for the failure of Reconstruction, it is very good. The emphasis is on "brief." The book is less than 200 pages, but it is a very well written 200 pages.
I would highly recommend this book to someone who doesn't know a ton about Reconstruction already. Some of the events in Cwiklik's book have their own exhaustive books just about what happened. This is more high level but still well done.
(This book was provided as a review copy by the publisher.)...more
I believe reviews should at the very least let a reader know if a book is for them. In that spirit, let me state something up front. I don't care whatI believe reviews should at the very least let a reader know if a book is for them. In that spirit, let me state something up front. I don't care what your views on climate change are. I have my own, yours may be different, or maybe you don't care at all. You should know that Gareth Rees in Sunken Lands is going to mention it frequently. Rees agrees with people who believe that we humans are destroying the planet. If you do not believe this, I do not think you will like this book. If you are a part of this group, I thank you for your time and you may exit this review now. I appreciate you reading this far!
Ok, still with me? Great! Sunken Lands to me was a book of thirds. One third is looking at the history of an area which is now or about to be, sunken. Each chapter focuses (with a lot of diversions) on one particular area. I love this third. This third is really good. Ancient stories about civilizations as they fought flood waters? Sign me up!
Another third is climate change. Rees is passionate about it and cites plenty of sources. I didn't find this to be particularly effective because it felt like he was only preaching to the converted. His sources are not fully investigated but just referenced quickly and then forgotten a paragraph later. As mentioned before, I don't think it is effective enough to change someone's mind and for those who agree with him, it seems like overkill. This can be a central conceit in the introduction and not brought up again.
The final third is a real mixed bag and these are the diversions. This includes a discussion of Rees' divorce, his band, The Pet Shop Boys (yes, really), and a psychic. I say "mixed bag" because Rees' prose sounds almost poetic. His narrative of his divorce is short but effective. His emotions show through. The psychic? It completely took me out of the flow of the book and left me wondering why it was in here at all.
I think this would have been a much stronger book with a little bit more focus. There are many good stories within the book, but you have to wade through too many distractions as you discover them.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Elliot & Thompson Books.)...more
Have you ever read a book and find your mind in the wrong century? I found myself, multiple times, thinking, "Man, the 1800s were ridiculous," only toHave you ever read a book and find your mind in the wrong century? I found myself, multiple times, thinking, "Man, the 1800s were ridiculous," only to have to remind myself that the story of Earl Swift's Hell Put to Shame takes place in the 1920s.
You see, there is a farmer named John Williams who is effectively still using slavery on his land. He uses the peonage system. This means he goes to jail, bails men out who can't pay fines, and then uses various means to never let them leave either through ensuring the prisoners never pay their bills or he just murders them. Yes, murder. A lot. Luckily, some brave men escape and we have some courtroom drama!
Besides the excellent court scenes, Swift does an amazing job tackling the peonage system. I get very wary when subtitles of books seem to reference a much bigger topic than what the story is ostensibly about. In this case, Swift definitely explores the peonage system and how it really is American's second slavery. Also, the author explains the actions of the NAACP around this time to ensure the story is not entirely from a white perspective.
It should be noted that Swift does not shy away from quoting directly from the actual records. Swift has a thoughtful notes section explaining his reasoning for not altering any language. As such, there is repeated use of a racial epithet because... well there is a ton of racists in this story and they had no shame even in the middle of court. Which was a huge part of the problem! So fair warning, the very bad, hateful word is in here more than a couple times.
Overall, the book was absolutely riveting from beginning to end. Swift not only makes the courtroom scenes fascinating and suspenseful, but his exploration of the peonage system and the NAACP at this time is equally readable. It is simply a must read.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Mariner Books.)...more
I really do not feel good about this review. I am struggling. I have many thoughts running through my head and I know what I felt as I read this book I really do not feel good about this review. I am struggling. I have many thoughts running through my head and I know what I felt as I read this book but I'm not happy about it.
Here's the thing. Judith Pearson is a very good writer. I can see it on the page. She has taken a monumental life and written a coherent, well researched story. Mary Lasker was an extremely laudable human being. She was fabulously rich and used that money and power to tackle cancer and other diseases. The problem I had with Pearson's Crusade to Heal America is that it does not add up to the sum of its parts.
One major reason I don't think I could really connect with Lasker is because of Pearson's choice on sources. The author's note points out that Pearson relied heavily on Lasker's own documentation. Primary sources are great! However, leaning on these particular sources seem to have drained the emotions out of Lasker's life. She comes to the page as a finished product and seems nearly infallible. She's smart, driven, rich, and has a great fashion sense. She can throw a party. So where is the conflict? Ultimately, it means the conflict is entirely within the political arena and that is just not interesting enough by itself. In contrast, Pearson discusses how Lasker's husband, Albert, was probably bipolar and one day after quasi-therapy decided to jettison things in life holding him back. This is an interesting point of character development and shows something inherent in him that needs to be overcome.
Mary Lasker, however, is not given this insight. Pearson points out she often wanted to hide in the background, was not a good speechwriter, and some people could find her overwhelming. This is the extent of criticism against her in the narrative. She lost people to disease and she wants to fight against it, but her inner dialogue is missing and there is no counterbalance to her where someone could point out her flaws and how she overcame them. What's left is a lot of politics.
I just couldn't become engaged with this story. Pearson is a very good writer overall and Lasker is someone who deserves to be remembered for her efforts. Unfortunately, that missing element just left me unable to love it.
(This book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.)...more
I think everyone has a storyteller in their life. Maybe it's your crazy aunt who tells you the stories about your family that you were never supposed I think everyone has a storyteller in their life. Maybe it's your crazy aunt who tells you the stories about your family that you were never supposed to hear. Maybe it's that friend who can seemingly enchant anyone at the bar three shots in with wild tales that may or may not have happened just like they are saying. Some storytellers are sharp and succinct while others meander. Take all those traits, put them into book form, and you probably end up with Urban Nomad by Freddie Kelvin.
Kelvin tells his own life story and it is poignant, colorful, and a little all over the place. I have never come across a book which has a mini-chapter on celibacy, but here we are!
I should say to anyone thinking of reading the book is that it is completely straight forward. There are no major twists or turns, but there is a life contained in these pages. I'd also warn the reader that the first section which focuses on Kelvin's parents is very choppy. Once Kelvin starts talking about himself, the entire narrative smooths out. He is funny, self-effacing, and self-critical. All of that is to say, this is just the story of a guy who wanted to write it all down.
(This book was provided to me by the publisher for an honest review.)...more
Well, my daughter can cross Indiana University off her college list. (Edit: A lot of commenters came here to defend IU while decrying what happened toWell, my daughter can cross Indiana University off her college list. (Edit: A lot of commenters came here to defend IU while decrying what happened to Lauren. In my attempt to start my review with a catchy line, I clearly provided bait instead. This was unintentional, but I am going to leave it here because otherwise the commenters would look like they are responding out of nowhere. However, if I did it over again, I wouldn't start with this line. My apologies and I'll do better in the future.)
College Girl, Missing by Shawn Cohen tells the story of Lauren Spierer, who in 2011 disappeared after a night of partying with friends. Cohen tells the entire story almost completely linearly and very effectively provides the reader what they need to know without excessive details. For a true crime tome, this is very succinct, in a good way.
The mileage you will get out of this book will depend upon the following question. How much do you remember about Lauren's case? I did not remember hearing about it at all. This was entirely new to me and I found it to be a very engaging. Cohen also adds in some color such as how many reporters are pushed towards stories with affluent victims and his own scandal and subsequent firing. Since it was all new to me, this all felt very fresh.
If you remember this story and followed it at all, then you may not get nearly as much out of it. I'd say about 75% of the case can be gleaned from a few articles written on it and while Cohen certainly tried, he could not uncover anything substantial since the case went cold years ago. His attempts and limited success reaching out to the main players while writing the book left me underwhelmed.
So do you like true crime stories and don't remember this one? Definitely grab it. If you followed this story back in the day, then it may still be worth it but don't expect too many surprises.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Sourcebooks.)...more
The story of snowboarding icon Craig Kelly is both sweet and sour. Eric Blehm masterfully tells the two sides of this story with the keen eye of a wriThe story of snowboarding icon Craig Kelly is both sweet and sour. Eric Blehm masterfully tells the two sides of this story with the keen eye of a writer, but more importantly, the enthusiasm of a fan. The Darkest White is how Kelly was the guy everyone felt like they were best friends with but whose life ended prematurely and needlessly in an avalanche.
The book has three parts but really two distinct phases. The first phase is about Kelly's rise to the top of the snowboarding mountain (pun intended!) and the second is about when he walked away to indulge his love for snowboarding in a totally different way. You are going to like Craig Kelly. There's no reason not to.
The highest compliment and recommendation I can give an author is when I am riveted without having any connection to the content. I have never snowboarded in my life. I am much more likely to stay in the lodge by the fire with a book (please try to hide your shock). I never heard the name Craig Kelly before I opened this book. I was hooked from beginning to end. I think you will be, too.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Harper Books.)...more
If there is one thing for sure after reading Susan Tate Ankeny's American Flygirl, it's that Hazel Ying Lee deserves this book written about her. HazeIf there is one thing for sure after reading Susan Tate Ankeny's American Flygirl, it's that Hazel Ying Lee deserves this book written about her. Hazel was the first Asian American women to earn a pilot's license and would ultimately end up becoming a WASP in World War II. Hazel had an amazing life and I am glad to get acquainted with her.
Ankeny is a good writer and the story is a good one. Unfortunately, it very much seems like there was not a lot of material for Ankeny to pull from. This is a relatively short biography, but even then, there are a lot of side characters throughout. It sometimes feels like Hazel takes a backseat to other people. While Ankeny seems like a good author (and I am interested in her previous book after reading this one), I definitely felt like this book was padded because not enough of Hazel's life was documented. This would probably have been much better if it was historical fiction and Ankeny could let her imagination fill in the gaps.
(This book was provided as an advanced copy by Netgalley and Kensington Books.)...more
Death Row Welcomes You by Steven Hale is the story of people who visit death row inmates and the inmates themselveI am whelmed. This book whelmed me.
Death Row Welcomes You by Steven Hale is the story of people who visit death row inmates and the inmates themselves. The death row in question is in Tennessee where Hale finds this unique group of people who meet with inmates and become long term friends. Many chapters contain the story of an inmate, his crimes, and, most importantly according to Hale and the other visitors, who the condemned man is now.
I think it's important to know what this book is not trying to be. It is not a polemic against the death penalty. Hale is absolutely opposed to the ultimate punishment and does not see the utility of it, but this is not a book whose sole focus is converting non-believers. I tried to put myself in the shoes of an ardent death penalty supporter and I don't know that this book would sway me at all. I don't think Hale is trying to convert them, though. I think he is aiming for the middle.
Hale wants people undecided (or just not paying attention) to read about men who seem to have changed. Hale does not shy away from the crimes, either. Each man's sins are laid out for the reader and more often than not, the inmate has confessed to the stated crimes. Hale himself even admits that if he were the father of one victim, he would want to seek vengeance. Importantly, Hale never faults the victim's families regardless of whether they agree with his worldview.
As a short aside, this book has the most abrupt ending of any book I have read. It was like the ending of the Sopranos where I wondered if I somehow didn't download the whole book to my kindle. (Note: I read an advanced copy so there may be some additions before publication.)
I started this review by saying I was whelmed. It sounds like a bad thing, but it's not. This book is well-written, it kept my interest, and I think it achieved its purpose of creating awareness even if it may not change many minds. However, Hale had a lot to work with and I feel he could have put a finer point on many things. For instance, many of the inmate's stories are told succinctly. Hale and his fellow visitors seem to have a lot more stories to tell. If you are interested in this topic at all, I do not think you will be disappointed and will quite like it. However, like me, I think you might also wish there was a bit more.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Melville House Publishing.)...more
History is littered with people who are masters of rationalization. Ronald Drabkin's Beverly Hills Spy introduces us to another expert in dubious justHistory is littered with people who are masters of rationalization. Ronald Drabkin's Beverly Hills Spy introduces us to another expert in dubious justification, Frederick Rutland. Rutland was a hero of World War I who was a pioneer within naval aviation. From there, every single nice thing you might say about him becomes a bit grayer. A devoted family man? Not if you ask his first wife. A fun part guest? Sure, as long as he gets to be the star. Patriot? Kind of, unless you count the time he spied for the Japanese against the United States right before World War II. Yes, he thought this was perfectly fine since he wasn't spying for the Japanese against Great Britain. The failure in logic was astounding and even Rutland seemed to realize it, but very late in the game.
Rutland's story is very interesting even if you want to wring his next most of the time. Drabkin tells the story very smoothly and his prose is an easy read. The book does seem a bit short and there are a lot of characters. Sometimes Rutland fades into the background and the story suffers a bit. That said, there are certainly worse criticisms than, "I want more." It is highly recommended for World War II buffs who want to read a story they won't find many other places.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and William Morrow.)...more
It doesn't pay to be a saint. Well, not in this life at least.
The life of Father Emil Kapuan, Medal of Honor awardee, Roman Catholic priest, and maybeIt doesn't pay to be a saint. Well, not in this life at least.
The life of Father Emil Kapuan, Medal of Honor awardee, Roman Catholic priest, and maybe one day saint, is told by John Stansifer in his book, No Bullet Got Me Yet. There are a few things which are beyond debate even for the most cynical. Kapuan was a kind, caring man who would brave bullets for any of his men regardless of creed. He enjoyed being a servant in various ways and did so humbly and quietly. Stansifer goes through great pains to present Kapuan as someone who is admired for his selflessness and in this endeavor, he succeeds.
However, I had a very hard time enjoying this book because of how Stansifer chooses to tell it. The most glaring problem is an over-reliance on letters from various sources. Normally, a primary source is the perfect tool to tell a story. However, Stansifer often uses large excerpts from personal correspondence from different people. It ruins the flow of the story and while it certainly paints Kapuan in a good light, it takes away from the reader's understanding of the time and place these letters refer to. It also means Stansifer has to consistently tell the larger story around what is happening in very short spurts. Kapuan deserves the attention and intention of this book, but I don't think the storytelling choices were the best way to do it.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing.)...more
The Blues Brothers by Daniel de Visé will be a different book to different people and it almost entirely depends on how much you love John Belushi, DaThe Blues Brothers by Daniel de Visé will be a different book to different people and it almost entirely depends on how much you love John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and the move The Blues Brothers.
If you've never heard of any of them or the movie, then this is not a book for you. While de Visé writes a well researched and competent book, it relies heavily on nostalgia for the main protagonists. You would be better off just watching The Blues Brothers because I am part of the second group who loves everything about the movie.
For my fellow fanatics, de Visé provides plenty of behind the scenes information and an extended biography of Belushi. Aykroyd gets much less attention throughout the narrative and very often the book feels completely overtaken by Belushi's drug habit. This is probably appropriate as Belushi's drug habit overtook everything in his life and the people around him. I felt de Visé gives Belushi a bit too much grace. While we are luckily, as a society, moving away from vilifying addicts, it very much sounds like Belushi could be very difficult without the intervention of booze and drugs. Also, de Visé takes quite a while to get to the actual Blues Brothers as both an act and a movie. While there are quick glimpses, they only enter the narrative permanently almost midway through the book.
However, even with these issues, there is plenty to capture the attention of fans. The author did plenty of research and cares tremendously about his subjects. That will be enough to keep fanatics happy.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Grove Atlantic.)...more
Loading...
