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Title: A Rift in the Earth

Subtitle: Art, Memory, and the Fight for a Vietnam War Memorial

Author: James Reston

Narrator: Jeff Cummings

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-17-17

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

A Distinguished and Bestselling Historian and Vietnam Vet Revisits the Culture War that Raged around the Selection of Maya Lin's Design for the Vietnam Memorial

A Rift in the Earth tells the remarkable story of the ferocious "art war" that raged between 1979 and 1984 over what kind of memorial should be built to honor the men and women who died in the Vietnam War. The story intertwines art, politics, historical memory, patriotism, racism, and a fascinating set of characters, from those who fought in the conflict and those who resisted it to politicians at the highest level. At its center are two enduring figures: Maya Lin, a young, Asian-American architecture student at Yale whose abstract design won the international competition but triggered a fierce backlash among powerful figures; and Frederick Hart, an innovative sculptor of humble origins on the cusp of stardom.

James Reston, Jr., a veteran who lost a close friend in the war and has written incisively about the conflict's bitter aftermath, explores how the debate reignited passions around Vietnam long after the war's end and raised questions about how best to honor those who fought and sacrificed in an ill-advised war.

"The memorial appears as a rift in the earth, a long polished black stone wall, emerging from and receding into the earth." - Maya Lin

"I see the wall as a kind of ocean, a sea of sacrifice.... I place these figures upon the shore of that sea." - Frederick Hart

Members Reviews:

A touching story

I liked it a lot. A fascinating piece of history, also well narrated.

Im glad I found this book.

Highly recommend.

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Title: Good Things Happen Slowly

Subtitle: A Life in and out of Jazz

Author: Fred Hersch

Narrator: Steven Jay Cohen, Fred Hersch

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-12-17

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

Jazz could not contain Fred Hersch.

Hersch's prodigious talent as a sideman - a pianist who played with the giants of the 20th century in the autumn of their careers, including Art Farmer and Joe Henderson - blossomed further in the '80s and beyond into a compositional genius that defied the boundaries of bop, sweeping in elements of pop, classical, and folk to create a wholly new music.

Good Things Happen Slowly is his memoir. It's the story of the first openly gay, HIV-positive jazz player; a deep look into the cloistered jazz culture that made such a status both transgressive and groundbreaking; and a profound exploration of how Hersch's two-month-long coma in 2007 led to his creating some of the finest, most direct, and most emotionally compelling music of his career.

Remarkable and at times lyrical, Good Things Happen Slowly is an evocation of the twilight of post-Stonewall New York and a powerfully brave narrative of illness, recovery, music, creativity, and the glorious reward of finally becoming oneself.

Critic Reviews:

"Two powerful forces are at work in this engaging memoir - the personal rise of Fred Hersch from obscurity to undisputed prominence in the world of jazz and the devastating advance of AIDS into the neighborhoods of gay America. That these two disparate phenomena could be braided so evenly into a vivid, forward-rolling narrative is the passionate wonder of Good Things Happen Slowly." (Billy Collins, former US poet laureate)

"A motif running through Good Things Happen Slowly focuses on the power of self-confidence, an attribute that has long helped to define Fred Hersch's music. It is a quality no less evident in this brave memoir: a coming of age book about jazz, sexual identity, and creative authenticity that is also one of the shrewdest portraits of the New York club scene ever written." (Gary Giddins, author of Visions of Jazz and Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreams)

"Honest and well-wrought...Hersch wonderfully captures the experience of ensemble-jazz improvisation - 'it's almost sex' - as well as the colorful characters throughout...Hersch's narrative really grips during his agonizing recovery from a two-month, near-death coma resulting from AIDS complications, an ordeal that lends depth and pathos to this candid memoir." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

The amazing life and times of Fred Hersch

"Good Things Happen Slowly: A Life In and Out of Jazz" (2017 publication; 324 pages) is the long in the making and long-awaited autobiography of critically acclaimed jazz pianist Fred Hersch. In the book's Introduction, the author relays a 1975 episode at Kings island (an amusement park just north of Cincinnati), where the author was playing in the 'house band', shortly before his move to the east coast. In the next 50 pages, the author recounts his upbringing in Cincinnati, leading to his eventual move to Boston and then New York, where he is determined to make it as a jazz musician.

Couple of comments: as a 3+ decades longtime resident of Cincinnati myself (and being a Hersch fan), I would be lying if I didn't acknowledge that his memories of growing up in the Queen City didn't hold a particular interest to me (more on that later).

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Title: Singing in My Own Key

Subtitle: A Vocalist's Triumph Over Stroke

Author: Valerie L. Giglio

Narrator: Valerie L. Giglio

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-02-17

Publisher: Forza Press

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

At 42 years old, Valerie Giglio was heading for a bright future as both a successful lawyer and professional vocalist with two CDs to her name, when out of nowhere, she suffered a brain stem stroke that ravaged her life and caused her world to spin out of control. Completely paralyzed on one side, confined to a wheelchair, her singing voice stolen from her at the height of her career, Valerie was devastated. But with fierce determination and fortitude, and the support of her loving family and a wonderful healthcare team, Valerie faced down every setback and obstacle in her path. Overcoming paralysis and regaining her singing voice, she returned to the stage just one year later. The story of this woman's miraculous journey allows you to travel with Valerie on her path to an extraordinary recovery. Singing in My Own Key: A Vocalist's Triumph Over Stroke, abridged audio version, is a story of hope and faith that will leave you deeply inspired.

Cover photo: Kristin Gillis Photography

Cover design: Streetlight Graphics

Featuring music by composer and recording artist Laura Sullivan, "Love's River, Holding Heaven, 900 Voices" (AKA "We Are Love")

"Giglio more than meets her goal of showing readers that "miracles happen". (Publisher's Weekly)

"Singing in My Own Key truly is a remarkable work of standing inspiration for all, detailing the mental strength and dedication to overcome all frustrations. Readers of all genres should definitely add Singing in My Own Key to their list." (Portland Book Review, 4.5/5 stars)

"I cannot recommend Singing in My Own Key: A Vocalist's Triumph Over Stroke by Valerie L. Giglio highly enough. This is not just a book for singers by a singer. This is a book for all who suffer huge setbacks and think they will never recover or that their lives are over. Valerie proves this is not so...ever! As she clearly illustrates by her remarkable journey back to her former self, healing is a choice. Decide if you want to live forever as you are living now. Then choose. 'Sometimes the only road worth traveling is the hardest one'. Wise, wise words." (Readers Favorite, 5 Stars)

"Singing in My Own Key is a personal and profound meditation on human resilience. Valerie Giglio is the embodiment of grit and grace. In her moments of darkness, she lit a light with music, which she has shared with the world to illuminate an eternal truth: the human spirit cannot be defeated. A moving and brilliant narrative." (Kabir Sehgal, New York Times best-selling author and multi-Grammy award winner)

Members Reviews:

A riveting, heart-tugging, triumphant story

Valeri tells her compelling story about her true love being wrenched away unexpectedly in the blink of an eye. The true love in this case is Valeri's music. I was drawn into her story by her engaging, honest, and down to earth delivery. Her ability to use her humor and resilience to overcome the challenges thrust at her as a result of her debilitating stroke commands respect and admiration from the listener. The story of her path back to her true love, her music, is truly inspirational...Bravo Valeri!

A story of perseverance and success!

Valeries story in Sing in My Own Key is one of recovery from terrifying loss.

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Título: Mi país inventado [My Invented Country]

Autor: Isabel Allende

Narrador: Javiera Gazitua

Formato: Unabridged

Duración: 6 hrs and 11 mins

Idioma: Español

Fecha de publicación: 07-20-17

Editor: Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial

Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 9 votos

Categorías: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Resumen del editor:

Un libro lleno de amor y de humor que reconstruye, desde la evocación, la vida, la felicidad añorada y los espacios más queridos de Isabel Allende.

Amor por Chile y una gran nostalgia son el origen de este libro: la presencia continuada del pasado, el sentimiento de verse ausente de la patria, la conciencia de haber sido peregrina y forastera... todo ello lo transmite Isabel Allende con inteligencia y humor.

Aquí Chile deviene un país real y fantástico a la vez; una tierra estoica y hospitalaria, de hombres machistas y mujeres fuertes y apegadas a la tierra. Pero, sobre todo, es el escenario de su niñez. Evocados con gracia, cobran vida de nuevo su original familia, la casa de los abuelos, el ceremonial de las comidas, las historias de infidelidades... y los espíritus que siempre la han acompañado.

Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish.

Crítica Comentarios:

"Un libro que capta mi entera atención al exponer la relación de la autora con ese país suyo, inventado, imaginario, ficcional, con la historia de su familia, que a su vez es memoria inventada, con su vocación de escritora." (Jorge Edwards)

Opiniones de los miembros:

Enjoyable

Quite entertaining yet it would had been amazing to have it read by the author. The voice talent is rather dull for such a intimate text.

No story, just rambling

Isabel Allende is my favorite writer of all time. But this book is a disappointment. She just rambles about various aspects of Chile as she remembers it.

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Title: Before I Go

Author: Catherine Cookson

Narrator: Christine Rendel

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-13-17

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

Known for the wit of her writing, Catherine Cookson was the UK's most widely read novelist during her lifetime. When her Estate discovered this never-before-published memoir in the attic of her home, it was an astonishing find. Before I Go is the definitive story of her life, in the author's own candid words.

While Cookson had authored previous autobiographies, none have truly touched upon the tragedy and personal anguish she experienced until now. For the first time, she reveals the worst years of her life - her constant battles with illness and a series of devastating miscarriages, the damaging jealousy of her friend and her struggle to be taken seriously as a writer. But what shines through most is her strength in the face of adversity, her deep love for her husband, Tom, the solace she found in her art and her unmistakable character. Before I Go is an inspiring story of resilience and a must for any Cookson fan.

Members Reviews:

A must for Catherine Cookson Fans!

Catherine Cookson has been my favourite author since the 1960's and I've read all her books enjoying them all. Her stories are filled with strong women fighting against their role in the society of the age they lived.

Most of the stories, set in and around Tyneside, dealt with poverty, family, class, illegitimacy, in the different era's they were set, but through them all ran a deep bond of love. This love, be it between a man and woman or mother and child overcame whatever life threw at them.

I really enjoyed this book and finished it in a couple of days. It gave more of a personal insight into Catherine Cookson herself and not Catherine Cookson the writer. She was dogged with so much bad health during her life that many a person would have crumbled beneath it but not her. With her deep love of her husband and his for her they faced each day together and no matter what life threw at them their strong love brought them through.

I gave the narration four stars only because I would have liked the narrator to have had a geordie accent. Nevertheless the narrator did a good job. I definitely recommend this book to all Catherine Cookson Fans. I would like audible to have more of her books in their library for I'm sure they would be enjoyed by another generation!

Interesting life story

Lovely to hear about Catherine's life story. Such a wonderful woman.

Enjoyed it very much

Book of hope

This book has all of human life. It takes you to a place of hope, trust and belief in one self.

Before I Go

Not knowing that much about the author Catherine Cookson it was very informative and heart warming to listen to her life story. I really enjoyed listening to this audio book and would highly recommend it. The Narrator was also excellent and it felt like I was actually listening to Catherine Cookson herself. 5 stars xxxxxxx

Mrs Cooksons own story

What did you like most about Before I Go?

Although her life story is harrowing I found this to be a gentle insight into another part of Catherine Cooksons own life

What other book might you compare Before I Go to, and why?

Because it is autobiographical I would not compare it to other books Being a Cookson fan I found it interesting

What does Christine Rendel bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you had only read the book?

A good narrator who reads without trying to imitate the author

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Title: Ida M. Tarbell

Subtitle: The Woman Who Challenged Big Business - and Won!

Author: Emily Arnold McCully

Narrator: Emily Arnold McCully

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-06-17

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

Born in 1857 and raised in oil country, Ida M. Tarbell was one of the first investigative journalists and probably the most influential in her time. Her series of articles on the Standard Oil Trust, a complicated business empire run by John D. Rockefeller, revealed to readers the underhanded, even illegal practices that had led to Rockefeller's success. Rejecting the term "muckraker" to describe her profession, she went on to achieve remarkable prominence for a woman of her generation as a writer and shaper of public opinion. This biography offers an engrossing portrait of a trailblazer in a man's world who left her mark on the American consciousness.

Members Reviews:

An American hero.

An important person in American history. Most people don't understand that without the muckrakers, capitalism would run wild.

I thought this book was better suited for a high school audience

While I had hoped for a scholarly treatment of Tarbell's success in her journalistic assault on Standard Oil, I thought this book was better suited for a high school audience. Allowing that may have been the author's intended audience I can have no complaint other than my disappointment. No disrespect toward Emily McCully is intended.

For "young adults" but very mature in scope

Reading Emily McCully's delightful biography of Ida Tarbell is an example of an extremely fortuitous circumstance. Had I realized that it was designed for a "young adult" audience, I might have passed on it; but as it turns out, this very factor enhanced my reading pleasure immensely. The format of the book, with its "open", slightly larger typeface and copious illustrations make it visually pleasing, but it is by no means lacking in depth and substance.

The subtitle, "The Woman Who Challenged Big Business - and Won" is absolutely apropos and is of course what makes it clear that this is an extremely timely narrative despite the fact that present-day circumstances suggest that much of what Tarbell accomplished has been undone. Indeed, I was tempted to start this review with the statement, "It's STILL about the oil, stupid!" The Koch brothers may have replaced the Rockefellers as the major players whose vast oil fortune has become the main purchaser of political advantage, but the scenario is none-the-less eerily familiar.

Besides being very timely, McCully's biography is also detailed, sensitive and exceptionally engaging. Since the advance reading copy I received lacks the source notes and Bibliography as well as the photo credits that will enhance the published edition, I am unable to comment on these, but given the overall quality of the material as presented, I have no doubt that the book will be of great value to the serious student as well as enjoyable to the casual reader as I found it.

An interesting life in fascinating times

Ida Minerva Tarbell lived through the Civil War and died during World War II. She saw the rise of the rail road, the beginnings of the oil/petroleum era and the industrial revolution, the end of slavery, the start of women's rights, experienced several financial depressions, and saw and the rise of the first big American millionaire, John D. Rockefeller.

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Title: The Genius of Jane Austen

Subtitle: Her Love of Theatre and Why She Is a Hit in Hollywood

Author: Paula Byrne

Narrator: Antonia Beamish

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-18-17

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

A radical look at Jane Austen as you've never seen her - as a lover of farce, comic theatre and juvenilia. The Genius of Jane Austen celebrates Britain's favourite novelist 200 years after her death and explores why her books make such awesome movies time after time.

Jane Austen loved the theatre. She learned much of her art from a long tradition of English comic drama and took joyous participation in amateur theatricals. Her juvenilia, then Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park and Emma, were shaped by the arts of theatrical comedy.

Her admiration for drama's dialogue, characterisation, plotting, exits and entrances is why she has been dramatised so successfully onscreen in the last 20 years - and these versions are at the centre of her continuing fame, culminating in her celebration on the 10 note.

Austen expert and author of The Real Jane Austen Paula Byrne looks at stage adaptations of Austen's novels (including one called Miss Elizabeth Bennet by A. A. Milne) to modern classics, including the BBC Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility and the phenomenally brilliant and successful Clueless. The Genius of Jane Austen presents an Austen not of prim manners and genteel calm but filled with wild comedy and outrageous behaviour.

Critic Reviews:

"The best book on Jane Austen I have ever read." (Paul Johnson, The Spectator)

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

Great!

A must-read for all Janeites

Paula Byrneâs âThe Genius of Jane Austenâ is subtitled âHer Love and Theatre and Why she is a Hit in Hollywoodâ and represents an expanded edition of her critically acclaimed 2002 book âJane Austen and the Theatreâ in which the central thesis was that Austenâs comic genius was decisively shaped by her love of theatre.

The book charts Austenâs interest in drama, originating in private family theatricals (sometimes wholly written by the Austen family), and developing through her attending professional performances in London, Bath and Southampton, before explaining how the theatre influenced Austenâs comedic fiction.

This influence is most obvious in relation to the rehearsals of Kotzebueâs play âLoverâs Vowsâ which dominates the first quarter of âMansfield Parkâ. Byrne not only considers this in great detail but combs all of Austenâs novels and even her juvenilia to justify her view that Austen was much influenced by drama both thematically and stylistically.

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Title: My Soul Looks Back

Subtitle: A Memoir

Author: Jessica B. Harris

Narrator: Jessica B. Harris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-09-17

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 16 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

In the Technicolor glow of the early 70s, Jessica B. Harris debated, celebrated, and danced her way from the jazz clubs of the Manhattan's West Side to the restaurants of the Village, living out her buoyant youth alongside the great minds of the day - luminaries like Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison. My Soul Looks Back is her paean to that fascinating social circle and the depth of their shared commitment to activism, intellectual engagement, and each other.

Harris paints evocative portraits of her illustrious friends: Baldwin as he read aloud an early draft of If Beale Street Could Talk, Angelou cooking in her California kitchen, and Morrison relaxing at Baldwin's house in Provence. Harris describes her role as theater critic for the New York Amsterdam News and editor at then burgeoning Essence magazine; star-studded parties in the South of France; drinks at Mikell's, a hip West Side club; and the simple joy these extraordinary people took in each other's company. The book is framed by Harris' relationship with Sam Floyd, a fellow professor at Queens College, who introduced her to Baldwin. More than a memoir of friendship and first love, My Soul Looks Back is a carefully crafted, intimately understood homage to a bygone era and the people that made it so remarkable.

Members Reviews:

Great read

Very well crafted memoir which in poignant ways underscores the reality that the choices one makes in ones twenties can lay the foundation for ones life. Ms. Harris's parents prepared her to embrace the world with an openness and confidence that serve her well. This is a wonderful story told with honesty and compassion. Her relationships with the gifted artists and writers of her time were amazing. Bravo!

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Title: An Outlaw and a Lady

Subtitle: A Memoir of Music, Life with Waylon, and the Faith That Brought Me Home

Author: Jessi Colter

Narrator: Devon O'Day

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 04-11-17

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 34 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

Renowned songwriter, singer, and wife of Waylon Jennings writes an intimate, enormously entertaining memoir of American music, of life with Waylon and the Outlaws, and of faith lost and found.

The daughter of a Pentecostal evangelist and a race-car driver, Jessi Colter played piano and sang in church before leaving Arizona to tour with rock 'n' roll pioneer Duane Eddy, whom she married. Colter became a successful recording artist, appearing on American Bandstand and befriending stars such as the the Everly Brothers and Chet Atkins while her songs were recorded by Nancy Sinatra, Dottie West, and others. Her marriage to Eddy didn't last, however, and in 1969 she married the electrifying Waylon Jennings. Together they made their home in Nashville, which, in the 1970s, was ground zero for roots music, drawing Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Shel Silverstein, and others to the Nashville Sound. And Jessi was at the center of it all, the only woman on the landmark Wanted: The Outlaws album, the record that launched the Outlaw Country genre and was the first country album to go platinum. She also tasted personal commercial success with the number-one single "I'm Not Lisa".

But offstage life was a challenge, as Waylon pursued his addictions and battled his demons. Having drifted from the church as a young woman, Jessi returned to her faith and found in it a source of strength in the turmoil of living with Waylon. In the 1980s Waylon helped launch the supergroup The Highwaymen, with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, and the hits kept rolling, as did Waylon's reckless living. Amid it all Jessi faithfully prayed for her husband until finally, at Thanksgiving 2001, Waylon found Jesus, just months before he died.

An Outlaw and a Lady is a powerful story of American music, of love in the midst of heartache, and of faith that sustains.

Members Reviews:

Inspirational

There is nothing to dislike about this book. This book is a testimony of faith, losing faith, and regaining faith in the Lord. This book is a testament of enduring love between a man and a woman. It is a declaration of God's grace and God's enduring promise. A must read. I know that I will read this book again and again!

Jessi and Mariam

Loved it!! I didn't realize the background of Jessi! Inspiring!!! Persistent!! longsuffering!! Relentless love!! Patient!!

One of my top this year

How unexpected--I am not a country music fan, a Waylon fan--I didn't even know who Jessi Colter was I confess. The outline just appealed to me, that a country music celebrity made a book about spirituality. I absolutely loved this.

An extraordinary life and an easy read.

Much of the Jesus language was difficult to listen to as this language is so generic and cultish almost- she did grow up Pentacostal. It bordered on spiritual arrogance at times I thought, but perhaps this had to do with the reader. The message of spirituality and unconditional love I can definitely relate to. The stories and writing are, of course, nothing short of exceptional.

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Title: Change of Seasons

Subtitle: A Memoir

Author: John Oates, Chris Epting

Narrator: Chris Epting, John Oates

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-04-17

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 41 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

John Oates was born at the perfect time, paralleling the birth of rock 'n roll. Raised in a small Pennsylvania town, he was exposed to folk, blues, soul, and R&B. Meeting and teaming up with Daryl Hall in the late 1960s, they developed a style of music that was uniquely their own but never abandoned their roots. John uncovers the grit and struggle it took to secure a recording contract with the legendary Atlantic Records and chronicles the artistic twists and turns that resulted in a DJ discovering an obscure album track that would become their first hit record. This is not your typical rock and roll story. John was focused creating great music. Along the way he achieved incredible success, battling the ever-changing pop music landscape and coming to terms with complex managerial, business, and personal challenges.

Daryl Hall and John Oates have over 20 albums together, more than 60 million records sold, and 29 Top 40 hits. They are the most successful pop duo in the world and members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And yet John's story has never been told. Relying on his many hand-written journals, he brings to light many fascinating stories spanning his entire life with a journalist's eye and a poet's heart.

In Change of Seasons, John shares his highs, lows, triumphs, and failures. He takes the listener on a wild ride through all the eras, personalities and music that has shaped him into what he is.

Members Reviews:

Less Than Meets The Eye

As an avid listener to rock n roll personality memoirs, I was very disappointed in Change of Seasons. Oates and his co-author seemed so preoccupied with writing something literary and descriptive that what they often ended up describing were banal, leaving out stories of actual events throughout Oates career as a musician and performer. Descriptions of sunsets, and weather and wheat fields, etc., are all well and good but that's not what the listener bought this for.

Breath of Fresh Air

John's honesty and and hard work are what keeps coming through on this well written memoir. His choice of Chris Epting as co writer was spot on and the result is a very compelling and easy to listen to story. But, of course John Oates knows a few things about the collaborative process. He tells you what he's going to say, says it, and then tells you what he said, making for a very concise, tight story of the highs and lows of his career and life. He is also true to his partner, Daryl Hall, which speaks to his inner character. You don't see such a partnership make it for as long as theirs has lasted. A very good book.

Eh. Mediocre stories not enough John Oats

Was disappointed that John gave very little effort towards this book. Only narrated a very small I intro and end. Obvious the real writer (who narrates 99% of the book) wrote the book based on Johnson stories. Stories are weak, doesn't go into very much detail. More time spent on skiing, car racing and Hunter S. Thompson. Also weird that they had to reiterate three times that Daryl had nothing to do with this book and why. I've listened to a lot of biographies, this has some good stories but not much. Only gives background on one song with minor details of a second. I expected a lot more based on what could have been talked about.