Bruce

By: Peter Ames Carlin

Narrated by: Bobby Cannavale

From the New York Times bestselling author of Tonight in Jungleland comes the first biography in more than twenty-five years written with Bruce Springsteen’s cooperation—an intimate, powerful portrait that captures the enduring impact of the Boss: “Carlin gets across why Mr. Springsteen has meant so much, for so long, to so many people” (The New York Times).

In Bruce, acclaimed music writer Peter Ames Carlin presents a startlingly intimate and vivid portrait of a rock icon. For more than four decades, Bruce Springsteen has reflected the heart and soul of America with a career that includes twenty Grammy Awards, more than 120 million albums sold, two Golden Globes, and an Academy Award. Peter Ames Carlin masterfully encompasses the breadth of Springsteen’s astonishing career and explores the inner workings of a man who managed to redefine generations of music.

A must read for fans, Bruce is a meticulously researched, compulsively readable biography of a man laden with family tragedy, a tremendous dedication to his artistry, and an all-consuming passion for fame and influence.

loved him this book made me love him a little less

started off pretty interesting, but I gotta say I almost wish I hadn't read it. It got dull in the middle and it to be honest painted Bruce in not the best light. He came off a bit arrogant and self obsessed. I honestly don't look and feel about him like I once did and in all honesty I feel I know nothing really about him and his mind and how his life was for him.

Great book for Bruce disciples

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bruce?

At the end of the book when Bruce is interviewed about the death of Danny Federici and Clarence Clemons. He says that, unlike other bands, the E Street Band didn't lose members due to death because they all looked out for one another. I love that, and it is one of the reasons I love Bruce and the E Street Band so much. It's about the music for them, not the "rock'n'roll lifestyle" or drugs/alcohol.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were a lot of parts that made me laugh out loud, especially in the beginning when Bruce is talking about his childhood. I started to tear up when he was discussing Clarence Clemons's death.

Any additional comments?

I absolutely loved this book, but I am a huge fan of Springsteen. There are a lot details about his family history, his childhood, and his bands before he went solo and started the E Street Band, probably too many details for non-Bruce disciples.

Rockin bio

Any additional comments?

Great bio of the Boss, tracing his roots from NJ to superstardom. Lots of insights into the man and his music. The author relies on both the record and contributions by E Street Band members. He's clearly a fan but also presents Springsteen's warts and all. A nice read without descending into tabloid trashiness.

One of the best I have ever heard!

Would you consider the audio edition of Bruce to be better than the print version?

Yes, the narrator put so much more emphasis and his character vocals helped give the story more life~

Have you listened to any of Bobby Cannavale’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I am aiming too soon!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was a very emotional journey more spiritually and mentally. To hear what Bruce and the band went through for more than 30 years. WOW!

Informative Biography and Engaging Narration

What made the experience of listening to Bruce the most enjoyable?

Springsteen's story is inherently interesting, and this biography is intelligent and informative. I also enjoyed Bobby Cannavale's narration, complete with different voices for various figures in Springsteen's life, including Bruce himself. It seemed strange that there was almost nothing about Springsteen's relationship with his wife Patti Scialfa -- she gets less attention than several early girlfriends -- but overall the book covers Springsteen's life and career well.