As with most collections of interviews, you need to be a fan to really enjoy a book such as this. Thankfully, I am a fan, although not as rabid as some, of Tom Waits.

This book of interviews covers him from the beginning of his career to the present, and I found it to be quite enjoyable...if not a bit repetitive.

Sadly, most of the interviews (especially in the beginning of the book) repeat quite a bit of the same quotes and stories and jokes, which can make it skippable at times. But seeing the process in which Waits actually is creating and honing his stage character is actually pretty interesting.

Waits is known for fabricating parts of his life, and his outlandish tales are great. He has an incredibly sharp mind and full of wit, even if reluctant to give interviews on occasion.

This book spawned a discussion with my husband about Tom Waits as we drunkenly stumbled home one evening, providing one of my favorite memories thus far in my marriage, so I have this book to thank for that.

I think in the end, this book is meant for people who really enjoy Tom Waits as well as people who enjoy reading a book of interviews (which I'm not sure I've ever done before).

*** 1/2 stars = glad I read it, I enjoyed it

ARC provided by NetGalley