Jerry Lee Lewis: His own Story by Rick Bragg
Reviewed by: Sylvia Shults, Circulation Assistant
Genre: Non-fiction, Biography
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: This is a biography of the rocker Jerry Lee Lewis, a star of the early rock ‘n roll era who had such hits as Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On and Great Balls of Fire. Lewis was one of the greats, who clawed his way up from poverty to become a sizzling performer, making both his piano and his audience shriek. Scandal followed him, not that he didn’t invite it sometimes. Failed marriages (including one to his young cousin) and the death of a son haunted him. But he still rocked the house, and no matter what his personal life was like, he’s still a legend in the world of rock and roll.
My review: I read this book solely because of who wrote it, so, full disclosure, this review will be less about the book’s subject and more about the writing that went into it. I have been hearing good things about Rick Bragg’s writing for a very long time, but all I’d read of his, prior to this, was his column in Southern Living magazine. I saw this biography on the shelf, and thought to myself, now that I’m a nonfiction writer myself, I should read a book-length work of Rick Bragg’s. He did not disappoint. I had zero interest in Jerry Lee Lewis, to tell the truth — I just read the book for Bragg’s writing. And it is gorgeous. It’s a southern boy writing about a southern boy, a hero to many, a demon to some. But Bragg neither lionizes nor demonizes — he just lets his subject speak for himself, and lets his audience draw their own conclusions about the man. He sat with Lewis for hours, listening to his stories so he could pass them on to us. There’s one sentence that just dropped me to my knees in sheer admiration for its beauty: “In time I came to understand that remembering, if you are him, is like playing catch with broken glass.” Bragg’s writing drew me in and MADE me care about Jerry Lee Lewis, and that is the mark of a great writer.
Rating: 4.5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!