C. Robert Jones

A warm and affectionate valentine to a great man

Revisado: 05-18-23

Rather late in his delightful book, author Mark Cabaniss observes that Meredith Willson's own foreword to his most famous musical states that it ought to be presented as a VALENTINE to small town Iowa, not as a caricature. It occurred to me how well that word 'valentine' describes this loving history of The Music Man--both the play and its originator. Anyone hoping to read a warts-and-all account of either the man or his brilliant musical will be sadly disappointed. But everyone else will cheer. In fact, I can't remember when I've read (or listened to) a more affectionate tribute to a great artist. This audio version of the book is the sound equivalent of a page turner; I couldn't turn it off. And the author's own reading of it added immensely to my enjoyment of it. Since I was not already very familiar with Willson's biography, or with the history of the play, the book also possessed for me the nature of a mystery story unfurling. Every improbable turn of events kept me guessing what would come next. As for the extent to which Cabaniss was able to bring fresh information to his account, I cannot say. But I think it's safe to assume that his access to surviving witnesses, and the time he spent in the stacks at the Willson archives in Mason City, Iowa (and elsewhere) yielded more than enough novel detail and perspective to reward even the most knowledgeable reader.

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One of my all-time favorite audiobooks

Revisado: 04-24-17

What did you love best about The Liberal Redneck Manifesto?

I expected it to be hilarious, and it was. But it was also filled with breathtaking insight, spot on social commentary, and incredibly moving personal reminiscences. I couldn't have enjoyed it more and I hated to hear it come to an end.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Liberal Redneck Manifesto?

I think it was the three authors' affectionate stories about their loved ones that made this book stand out the most. That's also what surprised me most because I wasn't expecting that at all.

Which scene was your favorite?

I would have to say that it was Corey's account of the death of his grandmother, but any one of a dozen other scenes could have been singled out for this honor.

Any additional comments?

Don't try to listen to this book while operating heavy machinery. I laughed so hard that I nearly drove my car off the road.

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One of the best audiobooks I've listened to

Revisado: 06-11-16

Any additional comments?

I found this to be an indispensable guide to understanding how heroin and other opiates have gained such a tragic foothold in the U.S. Indeed, given all of the key players and elements involved, it would be surprising if America were NOT facing this epidemic. A sobering and illuminating "read." Highly recommended!

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