eiseneisen's review
4.0
I don't remember exactly where I read about or from whom I heard about I Cover the Waterfront, Max Miller's exceptional collection of vignettes about life on San Diego's waterfront during the 1920s. I have some hazy, unreliable recollection of its being included in a list titled, "100 Books All Men Should Read." Regardless of how I became aware of it, I feel very, very fortunate that I did.
I Cover the Waterfront is a great book. A great book. In it, Max Miller, a reporter covering the waterfront beat for a local newspaper, reveals himself to be a remarkably keen observer of the world that he inhabits. He is intimately familiar with its actors and machinations, and he writes about his world and himself with extraordinary honesty and sincerity. He has tremendous insight---he sees the meaning (or lack of meaning) behind peoples' actions, and communicates it in clear, simple, yet poetic prose. The vast majority of the book's 35 vignettes are both revelatory and poignant, and as a collection form a fascinating and moving window into Miller's place and time.
It is entirely possible that in a month or two I will revise my rating to a 5. Bottom line, this is a very unique, entertaining, illuminating, and worthwhile read. Strongly recommended.
I Cover the Waterfront is a great book. A great book. In it, Max Miller, a reporter covering the waterfront beat for a local newspaper, reveals himself to be a remarkably keen observer of the world that he inhabits. He is intimately familiar with its actors and machinations, and he writes about his world and himself with extraordinary honesty and sincerity. He has tremendous insight---he sees the meaning (or lack of meaning) behind peoples' actions, and communicates it in clear, simple, yet poetic prose. The vast majority of the book's 35 vignettes are both revelatory and poignant, and as a collection form a fascinating and moving window into Miller's place and time.
It is entirely possible that in a month or two I will revise my rating to a 5. Bottom line, this is a very unique, entertaining, illuminating, and worthwhile read. Strongly recommended.
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