Jonathan K (Max Outlier) > Recent Status Updates

Whether you're a romantic or simply appreciate great storytelling this is book worth reading. Stegner demonstrates the principle, you can't give what you don't have, and how important love is in life. 5 star brief review tomorrow

While Joe Allston can be a curmudgeon, he's also warm and loving. And better yet his pontificating about aging is inspired

A rather lengthy rambling chapter packed with world history takes you off guard. Fortunately Joe Allston has a sense of humor that balances

Published in 76, this is work of art that engages, humors and inspires in spite of its age. Stegner is a class of his own.

I have no admit it's not at all what I expected. It's somewhat amateur and narcissistic and repetitive to boot. I think I'll quit while I'm ahead. Agassi may have been one of the best, but he's got behavior problems and should stick with tennis instead of writing, lol

While mildly interesting, the narrative is repetitive in nature. In his early career its apparent the brow beating he took from his father when young results in anger on the court and with others. And while I don't play the game, its not the kind of thing that builds respect for a pro athlete when compared to people like Michael Jordan or the Williams sisters

There's something about stories of couples that have been married for decades and love one another like teenagers. Unrequited love is to be cherished since it's precious above all else. I'll say it again, Stegner has a way with words few authors possess and I'm deeply grateful for it.

While it's interesting to read about tennis, the repetitive nature of every chapter is a drone that makes me weary. Worse yet I chose this since I was under the impression that JR Moehringer collaborated on it but it's obvious he did not. Hmmmm

For those that are familiar with Andre he turned pro at 16 and played Macenroe the same year. After the game Mac said the last forehand Agassi hit was so hard and fast he didn't see it. Not bad for a teenager against the number one player in the world

Never thought in a million years I'd read the bio of a tennis player, but I have to admit, its kind of interesting. Talk about obsession! And not only was he one of the best, he married Steffi Graf another pro. What surprises me is he grew up in Vegas and still lives there..

Like all engaging stories you wish would never end, I'm going to be a tea tottler rather than swallow it whole. Fortunately I put holds on other books he's written

Not only is it a great story, but Stegner shows a sense of humor few possess. Outstanding in all ways imaginable

Amazing. He beats the football star Jim Brown when he was 8 years old! Good thing he didn't bet the $10K he wanted to thinking how can a kid beat me!

Truly engaging even for those like myself that never played the game. Andre's father is a monster, who seems fictional but is real as they come. I thought my mother was bad but nothing like this, lol

While I don't play tennis, you'd have to live in a cave if you aren't aware of Andre Agassi, one of the all time best. I chose this one when I learned that JR Moehringer collaborated or was ghost writer and from the way the first chapter was written it's obvious. Terrific in all respects

Great storytelling and more

So refreshing to read a narrative that engages as opposed to the rubbish stories Haddon published. I sure hope his books are better the short stories lol. Reading this is a breath of fresh air!

Reading stories like this reminds us why the author's who write them, matter. Stegner is in the same league as Steinbeck, Hemingway, Wolfe, Fitzgerald and others who have one thing in common. The ability to transport the reader away from the troubles of life with Story.

Wonderful! Evidently I read his Pulitzer winner, Angle of Repose, but it was so long ago I don't remember so I'll add it to my list with several of his others. Having acquired a PhD, Stegner has taught at universities in CA, IA, UT, WI, Toronto and Harvard and 20 years at Stanford.. Pretty strong credentials

To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. I was encouraged at the start but as the predictable plot played out I grew weary. As compared to the Grisham book, Sooley, it pales in comparison for countless reasons and demonstrates that a master of mystery can falter with literary fiction. A brief three star review tomorrow

Absolutely stunning! Since the majority of my GR friends are mystery and crime readers, this is a book you'll want to add since it's unique beyond measure and written by an author who won the Pulitzer for journalism which is evident since the narrative stems from a reporter and photographer riding with the most famous bank robber in history! Five star review tomorrow

Overall I'd say it's a book worth reading. For those who love his stories as I do, we gain insight into how they came to be and the connection with his personal back story. He also makes strong points about the change in the world, though anyone that adds this should be aware he leans to the left politically. Full review tomorrow

An interesting comparison between the plot of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and the change is the post pandemic world. It's relevant in many ways though lacks the impact of right wing nationalism

While the first section is long and focused on his life, parents and family, the second is focused on the craft of writing and raises numerous questions. I'm enjoying this but don't feel it's his best work

One of the most compelling stories I've read that mimics Capote using facts in the form of a novel, though Sutton is a fictional character. Outstanding writing with the exception of part one which is a bit slow

As expected with a master of mystery, Baldacci throws one twist after another but far different from his usual. It's obvious he's researched the time period and bombing of England by the Nazis and gets British slang inserted nicely

Top notch and rare to read a novel whose main character is fictional but based on facts. It's authors like this that are masters of engagement and no surprise he scored a Pulitzer for journalism

JR adds more humor when Sutton and Eddie add a getaway driver called Plank who's upset he can't dress like a chauffeur since they're dressed like cops! Borderline sitcom humor

The common thread between this and Tender Bar is how JR pays homage to books. You'd never think a famous bank robber would be fond of the classics or spend hours in the library, but that's the love Sutton has for reading and quotes from them often. Great storytellers often do this as metaphor