David Ritz has helped many rhythm and blues musicians write their autobiographies, including Ray Charles, B. B. King, Marvin Gaye, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin. The characteristics that these books share is the sense that the subject is writing directly to you as you read, and that the bad times as well as the good times are revealed. If you are a fan of the musician, you feel like you have a better understanding of them once you've read the book Ritz helped them write.

The Neville Brothers' story must have been complicated to organize because there are 4 Neville Brothers, Art, Charles, Aaron and Cyrille. They tell their stories simultaneously, a paragraph or two by one brother and then a paragraph or two by another and so on. The story they tell is fascinating and often horrific! Violence, drug abuse, crazy characters, prison terms and danger fill virtually every page. These are fascinating lives to read about, but I wouldn't want to live them! Aaron and Charles seem to be the most forthcoming and the most sympathetic of the brothers. If you love Neville Brothers' music, you'll want to own this book!

THe Neville Brothers are a very solid unit.Great talents.this book takes them not only as a Group but also as People with feelings&outlooks.David Ritz does a Great job of doing books.always Interesting reads.this is a very complete book.long overdue on these greats.but better late than never.

The Brothers is a coherent and compelling series of autobiographical narratives, alternating among Art, Charles, Aaron, and Cyril. These perspectives are a valuable record of collective memory, as well as moving individual journeys. American culture from the late 1930s to the close of century informs and drives these voices: here is camaraderie and racism, love and alienation, spirituality and hedonism, cruelty and tenderness, peace and rage, cocky determination and chilling fear, triumph and despair--all related with a palpable frankness. Those of us born in the 30s and 40s will find parts of ourselves here; those born later will see how true it is that "past is present." Lovers of jazz, blues, early rock'roll, funk and r&b, and New Orleans rhythms will revel in the stories of contacts with the "greats." The street language may put off some readers. With all respect to those readers, I suggest their tolerance. It is no small thing that those who struggle with personal demons may find a light to their paths between the covers of this book. Over 300 pages, family photos, discographies, and an index.

I read this book in the galley proof stage. A friend of mine knew the author and told me the book was great. I wasn't from New York and I didn't know much about the Brooklyn Dodgers so I wasn't overly excited. However, one rainy night I picked up the book and I didn't put it down until it was finished.

So many years have passed and I don't remember any of the details, but I do remember the warm and wonderful sentiments I felt when I was reading about the old great Dodger/Yankee rivalry. And, I remember wishing that I could have been there at Ebbets rooting for the Dodgers.

My eight year old son is now fascinated with baseball history.
When we were talking about Jackie Robinson, I remembered the book I had read so long ago and I even remembered the exact title of the book. I just ordered the book for my son to read and I know I'll read it again and again.

There are countless reasons I'd recommend this book. But first, a note of personal regret: I didn't come across this gem until it found me, one day several years ago, as I was prowling through the "bargain books" bin outside a used bookstore on San Francisco's Valencia Street. Frankly, considering all the re-readings I've subsequently done and hopefully will continue to enjoy long into the future, I'd much rather have bought this novel new. Author David Ritz deserves every last possible cent in royalties.

And now to the merest handful of the reasons I'd recommend this book:

If you love novels in which youthful dreams seem to die, only to be replaced by even better dreams once their dreamers grow big enough to match them . . . Search Out This Book!

If you love a tale with a happy ending which won't leave the bitter taste of saccharin in your mouth, one which you can read time and again with your heart in your throat, a lump as big as Brooklyn itself . . . Search Out This Book!

If you love a book which spans years and is driven by a narrative voice so perfectly rendered that you'd swear you can hear him speaking to you alone, allow me to introduce one Daniel "Squat" Malone, standout catcher at New Utrecht High and onetime future "can't-miss future Dodger Hall-of-Famer," as I urge you to . . . Search Out This Book!

If you love a sense of "what could have happened" or "what should have happened," if you can give yourself over long enough that the improbable becomes at least plausible, and love yourself for doing so . . . Search Out This Book!

If you love baseball, whether we're talking its past, its present, or simply its lore . . . Search Out This Book!

And finally, if you love anything -- anything or anyone at all worth loving -- enough so that your heartstrings can be plucked to a perfect resonance . . . Search Out This Book!

Search it out used through Amazon, or via z-Shops, or wherever else you may find it (heck, if all else fails, there's always the public library!), just do yourself a favor . . . Search Out This Book!

I am not as huge a baseball fan as I was when I read it as a teenager - hey, who has as much time as he did when he was 16 to read and memorize lineups? Stil, I have read it again, and again. It's not common for me to read books sevreal times. However, the baseball action and also interpersonal stuff is excellent. I didn't know about all the history repeating itself, but there were enough differences to make it sensible, and besides, anyone who knows baseball knows that history does have a way of repeating itself, whether it's a pennant race, an in-game move, or whatever. We need more books about the old time teams in the old style parks. Whether that would make me follow it more , I don't know, but it would make me read more.

This is a superb visual realisation of the story of Anne,and I think that Adler has done it with great dignity and compassion. The drawing of Margot and Anne huddled in the Belsen camp is so real,it almost could count as being totally accurate,and one feels tremendous sadness looking at it. This book is a must,not just for children,but for anyone that has been touched by Anne's message of world peace.

As a sixth grader I really enjoyed the book Anne Frank. The story was about Anne Frank,A brave young Jewish girl about 12 years old and her fourting year old sister. She found out at age 14 years old that she had to put a lot of cloths on. She had to hide in the attic for three years so the Nazis would not find them. It took place in Germany where her family lived. She once lived in a house,If she went to school she would be shot. The Nazis burnt all the Jewish books and pictures. A lot of children hid so they would not be shot because the people that hid them or they would be shot with no questions asked. The only person who survived was her dad, and the reason her mom died first, and Anne and her sister died after. I think the person who reads the book would cry or be really interesting in it. The book is based on her family life as a Jew in Germany.

I'm a 6th grader. This book is about Anne Frank when she was a young girl. Anne was born on June 12,1929. She had an older sister named Margot. Her parents names were Edith and Otto Frank. Her family lived in Frankfurt for hundreds of years. She had a peaceful life until the Nazis came. Anne Frank died when she was fifteen years old. Then someone found Anne's Frank diary, which got published in 1947. This is the best book I ever read because I like how it is written, telling the story clearly. I like how she did not die until she was fifteen years old. If I was Anne I don't think I would I have lasted that long because I don't think I could take care of myself that long.

reading about this Genius,Legend etc.. is incredible.the man has led a life&then some.his music his life is all in this book.the good&the bad.this man has many faces.David Ritz is a genius.he usually hits the mark with whatever subject that he is writting about.a deep thought provoking book.

In my opinion, all upper elementary students should be made aware of the Holocaust. It's not easy--in a single library session--to try to discuss the Holocaust and promote some of the titles we have in our school library. "Child of the Warsaw Ghetto" is probably the best, single title I can read in one sitting that covers so much territory.

The picture book format is a bit deceiving, since I would not opt to read this solemn story to primary grades. The muted gray colored pencil drawings fit the grim topic of this biographical account of a poor Jewish boy in Warsaw, Poland, during the time of the Nazi occupation.

In rapid succession we learn about the Depression, the rise of Hitler and anti-Jewish sentiment, desperate poverty, a home for orphans, Germany's invasion of Poland, fighting, forced labor, German theft of furniture and valuables, removal of Jews, the ordered wearing of the blue Star of David, the moving of 400,000 Jews into a walled ghetto, the stark living conditions, the closure of the ghetto, the order for "All Jews out!" and few who were able to escape, the brief--but bold--Jewish resistance, the burning of the ghetto, and the "resettlement" either to death camps or concentration camps. All this is seen through the eyes of Froim Baum, starting when he is still a youngster.

The author's note at the end of the book spells out the additional cruelty of the Nazis to initiate many of their actions on Jewish holidays. He also tells what became of Froim Baum after the war.

When I've finished reading this sobering account to older elementary students, I encourage them to read additional titles, such as: "Diary of a Young Girl," by Anne Frank; "Number the Stars," "The Devil's Arithmetic," "Alicia: My Story," "The Endless Steppe," "The Borrowed House," "The Hiding Place," and "Daniel's Story" (to name a few).

This is a topic we should never forget. And since the period of history is not really covered in our curriculum, it needs to be introduced to students through well-written books on the subject, whether fiction or non-fiction. "Child of the Warsaw Ghetto" is a good place to start.

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I am a big Laila Ali fan. Even I did not know her rough past because she kept it from the press very well. After reading this book and Laila sharing her past with me I fell that I can become a beautiful strong black woman like she has become. This is not just a biography. She really makes you believe in yourself and show you that anything is possible even at such a young age. Keep doin what you're doin LAILA!!

Loved reading Etta James' story. I didn't know much about her life, but was quickly drawn into the story line. Etta James was very candid and the story was written so well that you felt that she was sitting at a kitchen table telling her story. The Etta James story tells the successes and failures of the music industry. This is one of the best biographies which I have read.

I dont remember when was the last time I read such a honest autobiography - while others would be tempted to describe themselves in the best light,Etta James achieved to be likeable BECAUSE she is honest person.Everything she went through,happy times,bad times,brutal,funny and sad,she tells with such a original style that her talking voice almost leaps out from the pages.I read this book in 2 days without a break,what a original character,never afraid to say it as it is,even if occasionally her story may sound down-right depressing,then she makes it clear that she still have that life-saving sense of humour.Besides making me laugh and cry,Etta also describes music legends from different perspective - Chuck Berry,Jackie Wilson,Sam Cooke,James Brown,Ike & Tina,Aretha,Keith Richards,Mick Jagger,Bo Didley,Ray Charles,Jesse Belvin,Esther Phillips... Etta knew them all and paint the picture as we may never knew it,from the backstage.While Tina Turner's autobiography curiously lacks any personal comments,Etta James book is all about its subject,this is the woman who is not afraid to say what she thinks and what a story she have to tell!

Despite all odds, Miss Etta is still with us: read this book if you have the courage to learn what life 'on the road' was like for an entertainer in the 50's and 60's, with the difficulty enhanced tremendously for African-Americans. The debt today's divas owe Etta and others from 40 years ago will never be repaid. The book pulls no punches: white record label owners shafted their acts in every way imaginable, yet there's a snapshot of Leonard Chess that you'll be thankful for. Etta writes of doing heroin with Little Esther, being in and out of jail, being up and down, getting her "X" by joining the Black Muslims, touring with Little Richard, the dangers of driving through Dixie in the late 50's and early 60's with a blond 'do' (and a monkey).

There's another reason to buy the book: you can dine out for weeks by sharing the story of Etta's father. The book includes a photo of the two of them side-by-side. Yup, amazing resemblance. And no, I'm not going to tell.

Etta did the Letterman tv show a few weeks ago; is still making music. She's a national treasure. When she appeared in Dallas I slipped a note to a member of her crew to pass along, thanking her for all the music that has meant so much to me. If you've never heard Etta, look for that two cd set of her Chess recordings. One listen, and you'll be hunting for a pen and pad to send her the same kind of note.

Smokey Robinson is not afraid to honestly and frankly outline the events that have transpired in his life. One has to appreciate the clarity and detail he uses in expressing the downfall of his marriage and his drift into drug use. Clearly a movie should be in the making.

David Ritz is a Fantastic writer period and he does a Wonderful job with Smokey.now Smokey Robinson is one of The Greatest Artists ever.He has Written songs that are Timeless&are Musical Treasures.this Book is Very to the Point about the Highs&Lows of The Life.also Motown The Beautiful History of a Black Owned&Operated Label that was The Soundtrack for Many Peoples Lives.this is a Must Read.Also About Him&Berry Gordy which is History unto itself.A Great Overview not only on a Musical Genius&Legend but also a Very Together Brother.A Brother who Overcame alot and is still Bad to this day.

From page 1 until the end of this book my eyes kept reading and reading and thanking God that this man is still alive today to give us his talent and energy and love. Smokey has come a long way from the 1st page of his biography. This is one you cannot put down. Believe ME.

Through the first three quarters of the book, you get an excellent look into the life of the most interesting, and conflicted, R&B singer ever. Through the many, many interviews David Ritz conducted, he put together a very interesting and unflinching look into Marvin Gaye's troubled life and career.
For me, the most interesting chapters were the ones regarding the start of his career, and the recording of Let's Get It On and I Want You - two of the more seductive albums of all time.
There were problems with the book though. The author spent too much time reviewing the albums, and defending them against some of the negative reviews that a few albums received. I was far more interested in what Marvin thought the songs meant, not what David Ritz took from them.
While the first three quarters are told wonderfully, with great detail, the last quarter of the book feels very, very rushed. This is a shame, since it deals with a very interesting, albeit depressing, period of his life. I felt cheated, especially considering that it was during this time that the author actually met Marvin. They also gloss over the recording of Midnight Love, which Ritz was around for! I found it strange that he put much more detail and thought into the large period of Marvin's life when he wasn't around, and rushed through the interesting and tragic final few years when he actually knew him.
If you are a big fan, or just someone interested in finding out more about some of his albums, buy this book. The first three quarters makes up for the shoddy finish.

I've just finished _Divided Soul_ and it gave me an insight into Marvin's rollercoaster world that I had never dreamed he endured (and caused). The book is simultaneously informative, candid, and sad. At times, Marvin's behavior is so arrogant that I had to quit reading. Yet, I found myself crying at the end as I read the final seconds of Gaye's all too brief life. Ritz is a keen observer who gives fair and objective accounts of such prominent figures in Marvin's life as Berry Gordy and Anna Gaye. This book has definitely opened my eyes to the divided soul of the beautiful Marvin Gaye.

David Ritz did a damn fine job at revealing the true Marvin, the genius and the troubled man who struggled all his life to make things better, despite all his problems. This is an exclusive look into the divided soul of a genius, one whose story will touch your heart and leave you crying. It's so sad that Marvin had to go through all this tragedy and pain. He couldn't survive but his amazing story and personal music do, and always will. This a great book I couldn't put down, and it will leave you touched until the end. "Father, father, we don't need to escalate. War is not the answer, for all in love can conquer hate." I just wish that Marvin could've lived to settle his demons with his father instead of paying the price of his life. Marvin Gaye lives on forever!!!!!!!