A great tale of true friendship! Although set in the golden age of Hollywood, it doesn't spare us the harsh realities of life in that unique setting. A great tale of true friendship! Although set in the golden age of Hollywood, it doesn't spare us the harsh realities of life in that unique setting. Highly recommended. ...more
A rare case where the movie was better, but the book is probably somewhat closer to the truth. It's also worthwhile reading for fans of the movie to gA rare case where the movie was better, but the book is probably somewhat closer to the truth. It's also worthwhile reading for fans of the movie to get a little more perspective on what really happened (or at least what Abignale says happened). ...more
Works well enough as a synopsis of its subjects' careers, but the thesis about their styles is confusing and not very well supported. There are excellWorks well enough as a synopsis of its subjects' careers, but the thesis about their styles is confusing and not very well supported. There are excellent biographies of Dylan and Springsteen that offer plenty of appreciation for their work. Skip this one. ...more
If you liked any of Rosie Goodwin's other novels, you'll love this one. If you haven't read any, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this as an introductionIf you liked any of Rosie Goodwin's other novels, you'll love this one. If you haven't read any, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this as an introduction, as it's pretty heavy on nearly everything that makes her style what it is. But for those of us who were already hooked, it's a great introduction to some characters you'll come to care a great deal about by the end. Since there are two sequels, i don't think I'm spoiling anything by saying not all the story arcs here are really resolved. Not that I minded, since I have both those sequels ready to go on my bedside table! ...more
A very thorough look at middle-of-the-road pop music (defined somewhat loosely, but mostly meaning anything radio-friendly that doesn't belong strictlA very thorough look at middle-of-the-road pop music (defined somewhat loosely, but mostly meaning anything radio-friendly that doesn't belong strictly to any specific genre), from the first days of records to circa 1970. For the sheer breadth of knowledge Stanley provides and the perspective on such a wide swath of artists, the book definitely deserves five stars. Anyone who is interested in the history of 20th century music - or wants to learn more about some relatively unheralded singers of yesteryear - will want to read this. It doesn't really fill any particular niche in music history, but it fills in a lot of blanks across several different segments of the story.
A couple of caveats: First, Stanley gets a few non-musical facts wrong that can't help but stick out for anyone who recognizes them (jukebox pioneer Homer Capehart was a senator from Indiana, not a governor). Secondly, there are brief mentions of some behind-the-scenes music industry figures like Brian Epstein and some fictional characters, particularly minor Simpsons characters, with no explanation of who they are/were. Odds are most people who are interested in this subject matter will know who they are, but still. Last but not least, there's not much of a case for why he thinks the story ends with the 1970s (it seems to be related to when he thinks Frank Sinatra should have retired, a point on which I agree with him, but there have been plenty of worthy artists since then!).
Overall, though, this is a great introductory tome for anyone who wants to get a better appreciation of the top 40 of yesteryear. Just don't expect more than that. ...more
**spoiler alert** It's been a while, but if you're still suffering from Downton Abbey withdrawal, this book has just what you need. Cross-class intrig**spoiler alert** It's been a while, but if you're still suffering from Downton Abbey withdrawal, this book has just what you need. Cross-class intrigue, love, tragedy, and a lot of uncomfortable secrets being kept here and there. All topped off with a plucky heroine who will never let the lousy hand life has handed her get her down, and isn't afraid of the people above her on the pecking order. The mid-19th century Midlands setting is vivid and convincing (although the critic in me can't resist pointing out that teddy bears are mentioned several times - they weren't invented until 1902), the protagonists are well-drawn and imperfect while still giving you plenty to root for, and the antagonists are...well, maybe a little too evil to be believable, but they're nothing if not engaging.
So why only four stars? Spoilers ahead...
Because Toby, although sympathetic in some ways, is just too stupid to live. I might have been able to swallow his looking the other way on one of Hugo's transgressions, but all of them? Even at the cost of his own life? Nobody's family loyalty goes that far! That alone might have cost the book its fifth star, but it also doesn't pass the smell test that Maryann, who otherwise seems to be a very intelligent and sensible person, would have ever fallen in love with such a wishy-washy guy in the first place. It does make for a convincing character evolution when she realizes as much and gets over him, but I simply didn't find it believable that it would take her as long as it did.
Still a great read, though. I'm a big fan of Goodwin's and this just might be her best yet among the ones I've read. ...more
I can't remember the last time a book made me this angry...but I'm pretty sure that's the point. Not an easy read, but the more people - especially meI can't remember the last time a book made me this angry...but I'm pretty sure that's the point. Not an easy read, but the more people - especially men - are aware of how powerful a drug misogyny still is, the better our chance of defeating it. Ford does a great job of illustrating just how pervasive it is and how much work there is to be done, as well as how it's within everyone's power to make a difference if only we're aware of it. It isn't hard for men to call their friends out on chauvinistic "jokes", or to refrain from slut-shaming rape victims, or to teach their sons to respect women. What does seem to be difficult is recognizing how dire the situation really is. You won't forget that quickly after reading this, though. ...more
Some of my all-time favorite novels did not click with me for the first few chapters. For that reason, I almost never abandon a book partway through, Some of my all-time favorite novels did not click with me for the first few chapters. For that reason, I almost never abandon a book partway through, no matter how boring it is at first. Instead, I set a daily goal - say, 25 pages - and stick to it until I get to a point where I no longer need to do that.
It's been a long time since I had to slog all the way through a book without ever reaching that point, and I never would have guessed it would happen with a book as highly regarded as this one. But it did.
There certainly are interesting points about it, such as the forensics of footprints in the snow and the cultural differences Greenlanders run into in Denmark (something I had no idea about despite having numerous Danish friends), and I did get to know Smilla well enough to root for her. But the story just does not ever become all that engaging, and the many underdeveloped secondary characters make it rather hard to follow. Maybe something was lost in translation.
I've never seen the movie, but based on what I've heard about it, I think this may be a rare case where the movie was an improvement. ...more
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