kisaly's review against another edition
3.0
As with many essay collections comprised of pieces written for multiple audiences, I liked some and didn't care for others. I particularly liked the profile of Oliver Sacks and "The Rock Star's Burden."
kim_hoag's review against another edition
4.0
He is my favorite non-fiction author, and his newest book just reinforces that. Theroux is a curmudgeon who is impatient with fools; unless he is interviewing them, deciphering them, writing about them as the subject. Thoughtful and thought-provoking, a deep knowledge of people and places and the connections threading them together, Theroux's examinations of life and its inhabitants excite my intellect and sense of wonder.
I preferred Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, but this book of essays is far-ranging: the intimate relationship between Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson; what it takes to be a writer; essays on Graham Greene, Joseph Conrad and other authors; traveling; Africa's cross to bear; the only autobiographical material you'll likely get from him; and so much more. I have learned as much about being an author from him, as I have from any course or book on the subject. He never writes to titillate, he only reveals, and he upholds a curmudgeonly veracity to his work.
I preferred Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, but this book of essays is far-ranging: the intimate relationship between Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson; what it takes to be a writer; essays on Graham Greene, Joseph Conrad and other authors; traveling; Africa's cross to bear; the only autobiographical material you'll likely get from him; and so much more. I have learned as much about being an author from him, as I have from any course or book on the subject. He never writes to titillate, he only reveals, and he upholds a curmudgeonly veracity to his work.
sillytothejoe's review against another edition
3.0
I read and enjoyed about half the essays. Struggled to get into the rest and found myself skipping a good bit.
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