Reviews

Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

cbrosen610's review against another edition

Go to review page

inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

I’m totally biased, but this was so fun to listen to. Learned a lot and loved hearing the behind the scenes of the albums and the band. Definitely recommend if you like Bruce Springsteen 

erincataldi's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Not exactly a groundbreaking memoir, but still filled with heart and ambition. I've never been a die hard Springsteen fan but this memoir gave me a new appreciation for all the hard work and dedication it took him to become the superstar he is. In this autobiography Bruce goes into detail about his childhood, rocky road to becoming a musician and then his eventual rise to fame. I did enjoy listening to his music while reading this and lots of his songs had new meanings when you learn about the back stories in them. A pretty decent biography, but it will be of most interest to the rabid Springsteen fans rather than the general public.

toniclark's review

Go to review page

5.0

I don’t think there’s any way I could have enjoyed this book more!!! I listened to the audiobook, which Bruce narrates, and it’s just wonderful — as though he’s just telling you the whole story, not reading a book. To be honest, I don’t think I’d have enjoyed it anywhere near as much if I’d read the text. Springsteen’s delivery is so good, so varied, so filled with emotion — all the highs and lows, loves and losses, joys and griefs. Oh, it’s just so, so good!

I generally saved this for long walks outside or walking on the treadmill. It made the exercise time speed by.

rae2733's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

roemied's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish, even when it seemed like the finish was several hundred pages away.

It's no surprise that Bruce, a professional wordsmith, would be able to able to write something with the same honesty and imagery of his songs.

I know that some reviews are dogging how he describes his role as the leader of the E Street Band and how he is in charge, he makes the decisions, etc. I find that the are judging the person rather than the book and I liked that he owns that, and after all, he is 'The Boss' so his attitude should come as no surprise. :)

Seriously, I loved the openness in how he describes his family life, his long road to reach stardom, his self-proclaimed shortcomings and then his struggle with relationships and ultimately, depression.

It's a long read, but well worth it.

broprahwinfree222's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous informative slow-paced

3.25

tnaomai's review against another edition

Go to review page

inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

just_one_more_chapter_ok's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

As a fan of Springsteen this was an interesting read.  I didn't know about and wasn't expecting the honest accounting of mental health challenges and obstacles along with the successes. 
The book is beautifully written, the songwriter in him shines through. Every word is chosen with care.
He does an excellent job of narrating his story.

reneetdevine's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Made is about 56% and decided to stop. I love Bruce Springsteen but his memoir wasn't pulling me in.

anitaashland's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Reading this is like spending a day leisurely talking with an introspective, self-aware and creative friend. Of greatest interest to me were his details about his struggles with depression and 30 years of psychoanalysis. And his insights about storytelling. The reason I gave it four stars instead of five is that I skimmed large chunks of the first section of the book because there was too much detail about his childhood and early career. Overall, even if you aren't an avid Bruce fan I think you'll find this well worth the read.