A list of my recent reading material...
In Cold Blood - Truman Capote
One of those authors I should have read years ago, but never got around to it. One of modern history's best writers.
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It Can't Happen Here - Sinclair Lewis
Written in the 1930s, this is a novel of how fascism can take over in America. I read it many years ago, but wanted to read it again. The parallels with the current state of America are dead-on and frightening.
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Lost in the City - Edward P. Jones
A collection of short stories by a excellent modern author.
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Black Mutiny: The Revolt on the Schooner Amistad - William A. Owens
Historical novel of Cinque's struggle to escape slavery. An overlooked piece of American history.
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Chronicles, Vol. 1 - Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan's life (or parts of it) as told by Bob Dylan. Eccentric but well written. He says some surprising things. Who would have guessed Dylan was a Goldwater supporter, for example?
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Samba - Alma Guillermoprieto
According to Amazon, this is now subtitled "Vintage Departures." I'm guessing that must have been for legal/copyright reasons. Makes it sound like one of those goofy tourist books when, in fact, it's a beautiful piece of journalism.
Wonderful first-hand account of life in the favela as the Manguiera Samba School prepares for carnaval. She puts you right there.
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Midnight Riders : The Story of the Allman Brothers Band - Scott Freeman
Seems very well written and researched, but I take all biographies with some grains of salt. Still, the definitive book on the ABB.
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The Interesting Narrative and Other Writings - Olaudah Equiano
It is an interesting narrative. First published in about 1780, it's the autobiography of a man who lived most of his life as a slave. He eventually earned his freedom, moved to England, got educated, and wrote this book. The book devolves into a bunch of religious musings toward the end and I lost interest.
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Brutality Garden: Tropicalia and the Emergence of a Brazilian Counterculture - Christopher Dunn
Here's my email exchange with the author:
From: lee@leemccartney.net
Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2005 1:36 PM
To: xxxx@tulane.edu
Subject: Thank you
Thank you for Brutality Garden. You have helped me understand Tropicalia in ways I likely would not have otherwise (Tropical Truth notwithstanding). You have provided an in-depth cultural context for understanding tropicalist lyrics that greatly advances my appreciation for this phase of Brazilian music. Excellent work!
From: xxxx@tulane.edu
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2005 5:01 PM
To: lee@leemccartney.net
Subject: re: Thank you
Thanks for your kind words. It's very nice to receive this kind of feedback. Best wishes from Christopher Dunn
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The War of the Saints - Jorge Amado
I have read numerous Jorge Amado books and I think he was a wonderful writer. However, some of his earlier works devolve into a kind of sameness that gets a little old. Too much wry-ness and the effect is lost. This book, one his later efforts, is a refreshing departure. Maybe my favorite Amado book.
I have a Caetano Veloso concert DVD in which Caetano learns of Amado's death just before he is to do an encore. A touching moment.
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