Runaway Dream: Born to Run and Bruce Springsteen’s American Vision by Louis Masure–This is a fine love letter to Springsteen’s defining disk. I had read much of this before but it was the most exhaustive take on this particular album I have come across. However, I am a bigger fan of Darkness on the Edge of Town.
The Preacher and the Politician: Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama, and Race in America by Clarence E. Walker and Gregory D. Smithers–The problem with much of the backlash surrounding Barack Obama’s membership at Trinity and his relationship with Reverend Wright during the 2008 presidential campaign was a failure to place Wright’s comments and sermons within the context of the black church in specific and race relations in general. The authors do a masterful job of providing the context for Wright and lay to rest the notion that we are a postracial nation. To make claims to that effect, they argue, dismisses the legitimate concerns of minorities. Obama’s eloquent address on race is included in this thorough and scholarly look at race in America.
The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian–Bohjalian has written a highly nuanced tale of suspense. Eight years ago, as a college sophomore, Laurel Easterbrook was almost raped and murdered on a deserted Vermont biking trail. Years later she is working for a homeless shelter and still bears the scars of that near miss. When she is tasked with going through the photographs of a recently passed client she realized that he was quite the talented photographer. However, there is much more to the story than just interesting photos. As Laurel traces his story she finds that there are some who will keep her from finding out the truth.
The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4) by Rick Riordan –This is probably my least favorite of the four that I have read but it is still fun reading.
