Category: Sports Biography/Memoir Mission 27: A New Boss, A New Ballpark, and One Last Ring for the Yankees' Core Four By Joe Posnanski Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars Joe Posnanski is a master storyteller when it comes to sports biographies. In Mission 27, he tells the incredible story of the New York Yankees and their quest for one last championship in 1963. The book follows the team's journey from spring training to the World Series, with a focus on the four stars of the team: Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Roger Maris. Posnanski does an excellent job of capturing the personalities and quirks of each player, while also delving into their backgrounds and how they got to where they were. He also provides insight into the team's dynamics and how they worked together to achieve success. The book is well-researched and includes plenty of details that make it feel like you are right there with the players on the field. One thing that sets Mission 27 apart from other sports biographies is Posnanski's ability to weave in personal anecdotes and stories about the players outside of baseball. He talks about their families, their hobbies, and even some of their struggles off the field. This adds depth to the book and makes it more engaging for readers who may not be avid sports fans. Overall, Mission 27 is a must-read for any fan of the New York Yankees or baseball in general. Joe Posnanski has delivered another masterpiece that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this incredible team and their place in history. Category: Music Biography/Memoir Springsteen on Broadway By Bruce Springsteen Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Bruce Springsteen's memoir, Springsteen on Broadway, is an intimate look into the life and career of one of music's most iconic figures. The book covers a wide range of topics, from Springsteen's early years growing up in New Jersey to his rise to fame as a musician. One of the things that sets this memoir apart is its honesty. Springsteen doesn't shy away from discussing some of the darker aspects of his life, including his struggles with addiction and depression. He also talks about his relationships with family members and friends, which adds depth to the book and makes it feel more personal. Another strength of this memoir is its focus on music. Springsteen discusses the inspiration behind many of his songs and provides insight into how he creates music. He also talks about some of the most memorable concerts of his career, including the legendary "The River" tour in 1980-81. Overall, Springsteen on Broadway is a compelling read that will appeal to fans of Bruce Springsteen and anyone interested in the world of music. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy an honest and intimate look into the life of a musical legend will find this memoir to be a must-read. Category: Crime Biography/Memoir The Last Chicago Boss: My Life with the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club By Anthony Bourdain Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Anthony Bourdain's memoir, The Last Chicago Boss: My Life with the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club, is a fascinating look into the world of organized crime. Bourdain grew up in the Chicago area and was friends with several members of the Outlaws, one of the most notorious motorcycle clubs in the country. The book covers a wide range of topics, from Bourdain's early years growing up in the city to his involvement with the Outlaws as an adult. He talks about the club's history and its leaders, including Sonny Bono, who was killed by police in 1984. Bourdain also discusses some of the most notorious crimes committed by members of the Outlaws, including drug trafficking and murder. One of the strengths of this memoir is Bourdain's ability to provide insight into the mindset of organized crime figures. He talks about how they view themselves as outsiders and how they use violence to maintain their power. He also discusses some of the challenges faced by law enforcement in trying to combat organized crime, including corruption within police departments. Overall, The Last Chicago Boss is a compelling read that will appeal to anyone interested in the world of organized crime. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy an honest and insightful look into this dangerous and fascinating aspect of society will find this memoir to be a must-read. Category: Fiction Novel The Last Ship By Kate Hodgson Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Kate Hodgson's novel, The Last Ship, is a gripping tale of love and loss set against the backdrop of World War II. The book follows the lives of three characters - a sailor named Jack, his girlfriend Rose, and their friend Lily - as they navigate through the chaos of war. One of the strengths of this novel is its emotional depth. Hodgson does an excellent job of exploring the complex relationships between the characters, including their struggles with loss and grief. She also delves into the psychological impact of war on those who are caught up in it, including the trauma that many soldiers experience. Another strength of this novel is its historical accuracy. The book takes place during World War II, and Hodgson does a great job of capturing the atmosphere of the time period. She also includes plenty of details about life on board a ship during wartime, which adds authenticity to the story. Overall, The Last Ship is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or simply wants a good story well told. Kate Hodgson has delivered an engaging and emotional novel that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for those who served during World War II. Category: Nonfiction Biography/Memoir The Last Boss' Daughter By Donna Rae Perkins Rating: 3 out of 5 stars Donna Rae Perkins' memoir, The Last Boss' Daughter, is a look into the life of Ralph Cervantes, the daughter of notorious mob boss Tony Soprano. While the book provides some insight into the world of organized crime and the challenges faced by those who are connected to it, there are also some weaknesses that detract from the overall quality of the memoir. One strength of this memoir is Perkins' ability to provide a personal perspective on life in the Soprano family. She talks about her relationship with Tony Soprano and how he influenced her life, including his involvement in organized crime. She also discusses some of the challenges she faced as a result of her father's criminal activities, such as being constantly watched by law enforcement. However, there are also some weaknesses to this memoir that detract from its overall quality. Perkins often repeats herself and provides little new information about Tony Soprano or organized crime in general. She also glosses over some of the more serious aspects of her father's criminal activities, which can be frustrating for readers who are looking for a deeper understanding of this dangerous world. Overall, The Last Boss' Daughter is an interesting read that provides some insight into life in the Soprano family and organized crime. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy personal stories and want to learn more about this fascinating aspect of society will find this memoir to be a worthwhile read. Category: Nonfiction Biography/Memoir Last Don Standing: The Secret Life of Mob Boss Ralph Natale By Anthony Pagano Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Anthony Pagano's biography, Last Don Standing: The Secret Life of Mob Boss Ralph Natale, is a fascinating look into the life of one of New York City's most notorious mob bosses. Natale was involved in organized crime for over three decades and played a key role in some of the city's most infamous crimes. Pagano does an excellent job of providing insight into Natale's life, including his early years growing up in Brooklyn and his rise to power within the mob. He talks about Natale's relationships with other mob bosses, such as John Gotti and Tommy Vercetti, and provides details about some of their most notorious crimes. One strength of this biography is Pagano's ability to provide a personal perspective on life in the mob. He talks about how Natale viewed himself and his role within organized crime, including his belief that he was destined for greatness. He also discusses some of the challenges faced by law enforcement in trying to combat organized crime, including corruption within police departments. Overall, Last Don Standing is a compelling read that will appeal to anyone interested in the world of organized crime.