Scan barcode
sjgrodsky's review against another edition
5.0
Whew! Bruce is a hard worker. At his peak (the 1980s) he did four hour concerts when the standard was half that. So it's no surprise that his autobiography is a monumental work.
The first few hundred pages, covering his childhood and years as the guitar player with a few different Jersey bar bands, are the best. The story of paying the Lincoln Tunnel toll with borrowed pennies recalls a different America, one where a working class Jersey boy followed his passion into homelessness, not law school.
The book has its weak points. He misstates a few facts and dates. He uses ALL CAPITAL letters to express enthusiasm. He is repetitious on some topics and close mouthed on others.
But here is Bruce's real magic trick. His songs and his autobiography inspire us to believe in our dreams of hope and glory.
And so I give him a pass. A different author would get a numbered list of snarky critiques. Bruce gets five stars.
Excuse me. I need to listen to "Thunder Road" again. Those opening notes. The plangent evocation of teenage summer. Mary's dress waves.
The first few hundred pages, covering his childhood and years as the guitar player with a few different Jersey bar bands, are the best. The story of paying the Lincoln Tunnel toll with borrowed pennies recalls a different America, one where a working class Jersey boy followed his passion into homelessness, not law school.
The book has its weak points. He misstates a few facts and dates. He uses ALL CAPITAL letters to express enthusiasm. He is repetitious on some topics and close mouthed on others.
But here is Bruce's real magic trick. His songs and his autobiography inspire us to believe in our dreams of hope and glory.
And so I give him a pass. A different author would get a numbered list of snarky critiques. Bruce gets five stars.
Excuse me. I need to listen to "Thunder Road" again. Those opening notes. The plangent evocation of teenage summer. Mary's dress waves.
tstuppy's review against another edition
4.0
Really great autobiography; some awesome stories, a strong overall message, and an impressive takeaway. I’ll recommend this to any fans of music, the Boss, or the American Dream.
cbrosen610's review against another edition
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
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
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.
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
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
roemied's review against another edition
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.
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.