I would've given this one all the stars, except there were a couple of essays that just weren't up my alley (the axl rose piece, and one on an MTV program). I'm sure they were just as beautifully-written as the others, they just weren't my thing. Sullivan is a gorgeous writer, and his immersion in his material makes for compassionate and compelling storytelling. I read the book straight through, one essay after another like candy, but think it might've been better reading if I'd read them singly, with little breaks in between. I strongly recommend this one if you like essays.