A review by lesserjoke
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

3.0

Bruce Springsteen's autobiography is as well-written as you would expect from a world-famous singer-songwriter, but his choice of topic doesn't always live up to his considerable talents. The book alternates between a straightforward presentation of facts and a more soul-searching memoir style, and for a casual fan like myself, the latter was far more interesting than the former. The sections where the writer engages with his family history of mental health problems are gripping and emotionally honest, but the endless recounting of musicians he's played with, songs he's written, and shows he's played aren't really that compelling on the page without a reader bringing an existing knowledge and appreciation of Springsteen's music to the task. There are some memoirs that captivate you no matter how well you know the subject, but Born to Run is definitely one for the fans.