I didn't want it to end. The Bear was maybe, finally, figuring out where his improbable life fit in the universal scheme of things. And why was Iris, the woman he loved, laughing?

If you like jazz, you'll love this book. Even though I know nothing of the mechanics of making music I could feel the cool refrains coming from the Bear's alto sax.

On one paw it is wonderful to read such a passionate account on JAZZ as an art form, on the ART of improvisation, the almost unBEARable struggle to say something substantial and original through your own musical voice, with a kind of ON THE ROAD feel to it. On the other paw it is incredible how well Rafi Zabor succeeds in describing the psyche of the Bear and how he manages to makes this story of an alto sax playing bear so perfectly plausible. Highly recommended for jazz musicians and jazz lovers alike.

beautifully written and wonderfully rich and detailed story of a saxophone playing talking bear who works in the free jazz scene in new york city. it's going to be hard to pitch since so few people even know about this scene and the idea does sound a little odd, but the characters are consistently compelling, the prose lovely, and the story alternately raucous and funny, insightful and tender. i bought three for musicians i know out here in la. if you have some jazz loving friends on your shopping list, this would be a real treat for them.