“Writing about yourself is a funny business…But in a project like this, the writer has made one promise, to show the reader his mind. In these pages, I’ve tried to do this.” –Bruce Springsteen, from the pages of Born to Run In 2009, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performed at the Super Bowl’s halftime show. The experience was so exhilarating that Bruce decided to write about it. … write about it. That’s how this extraordinary autobiography began.
Over the past seven years, Bruce Springsteen has privately devoted himself to writing the story of his life, bringing to these pages the same honesty, humor, and originality found in his songs.
He describes growing up Catholic in Freehold, New Jersey, amid the poetry, danger, and darkness that fueled his imagination, leading up to the moment he refers to as “The Big Bang” seeing Elvis Presley’s debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. He vividly recounts his relentless drive to become a musician, his early days as a bar band king in Asbury Park, and the rise of the E Street Band. With disarming candor, he also tells for the first time the story of the personal struggles that inspired his best work, and shows us why the song “Born to Run” reveals more than we previously realized.
Born to Run will be revelatory for anyone who has ever enjoyed Bruce Springsteen, but this book is much more than a legendary rock star’s memoir. This is a book for workers and dreamers, parents and children, lovers and loners, artists, freaks, or anyone who has ever wanted to be baptized in the holy river of rock and roll.
Rarely has a performer told his own story with such force and sweep. Like many of his songs (“Thunder Road,” “Badlands,” “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” “The River,” “Born in the U.S.A.,” “The Rising,” and “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” to name just a few), Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography is written with the lyricism of a singular songwriter and the wisdom of a man who has thought deeply about his experiences.more
I loved this long, detailed book, both for it’s poetic writing and its insights into one of rock’s greatest. It feels brutally honest. This, along with Becoming, are the best memoirs I’ve read in ages.
Let me start off by saying – I loved this book! Having grown up listening to “The Boss”, I leaped at the chance to learn more about him and his career. The book did that, but was also very well written. When it comes to memoirs, that usually isn’t true. So this was a delight. Yes, he didn’t tell you everything about himself and skipped over most of his girlfriends and love life. What he does talk about are his songs, his music, his parents but especially his father, his career, and his band. I loved learning which albums are his favorites, how he was inspired to write certain songs, and how he got where he is today. It also has gotten me listening again to some of his older (and newer) albums that I don’t usually listen to. I definitely recommend this book!
One of THE great autobiographies – Honest, moving and astonishing
Unexpectedly deep psychological study of his life, all the people in it and the inner driving force behind his music. Fast paced but intense! (we listened to him on the audio version)
Contains lots of info I did not know before.
Bruce tells the story through the music he has written and performed. I enjoyed the view of life on the road with a performer I have followed since 1974. The book was well written and had bits of sage advice for everyday people.
Just plaine awesome. He writes as if he is talking to you. I felt like he was talking to me!!
I loved his candor. Also he’s obviously a great word smith but turns out he’s also good at prose.
If you like Springsteen, this is a must. Fills in the background of so many of his great songs. He opens himself up even more than in his autobiographical songs. Very spot-on honest, which is not so easy to do.
One of the best autobiographies I’ve ever read. A wonderful book whether you’re a fan or not, but even more so if you are. His prose will remind you of his best lyrics and ballads. What struck me was the honesty with which he presents himself and the self-analysis he brings to his story. A fascinating look into the creative process and challenges as well, for creative people of all types, not just musicians.
The Boss’s ability with words is amazing. His story is as amazing as he is. If you love Bruce Springsteen, you’ll love his story.
Fantastic book a must read if you’re even a casual Springsteen fan.
I enjoyed this memoir. Actually listened to this read by Bruce. Interesting guy.
Amazingly honest. Springsteen writes beautifully and insightfully. If a mega rock star can be called humble, he is. Well worth the long read.