[audiobook] But He Doesn't Know the Territory by Meredith Willson at Arts-Photography

Review

197 of 208 people found the following review helpful. Music meets memoirBy IreneAs a listener of all types of music; I was initially excited about this non-fiction essays centered around music and lifes great emotions. Sadly Greenmans Emotional Rescue falls short of expectations--by sprinkling both personal events and song lyrics into one book; he fails to delve into either deeply.The book itself covers 32 essays over 200 pages. Each essay introduces 2-5 songs initially while the narrator describes a pithy theme (e.g. Fear/Bravery) with song lyrics to encapsulate the most poignant moment. Admittedly the range of songs is impressive; and the authorrsquo;s love for music shines clear. For me; there is a big disconnect between reading the song lyrics on a page versus intimately knowing a song and having it resonate in your life; which is what the narrator intended. After dramatics situations are introduced (breakups; death; observing a sad stranger in an airport); the narrative often dodges by trotting out yet another lyric on paper or by pondering abstract concepts aimlessly (e.g. what is sadness?). Each pithy essay then ends unresolved and empty; leaving me frustrated as the cycle begins again.I wish he had picked a smaller number of topics and expanded on them as characters seem to flit in and out without warning. I wish he had covered the songs themselves more deeply and explained the history in which this song came into fruition. Without either of these; the book comes across as unmemorable and rushed.UPDATE (7/2): I received early access to this book through the Kindle First July books.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Loved itBy Tanya OHearnI want to read this book again. Research the songs while reading the book and listen to the music and lyrics. I love this kind of book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A different kind of mix tapeBy Phillip SchultzDisclaimer: I received a free ecopy via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.As the title indicates; this book is centered around music and how it relates to aspects of our lives. I like the setup for the chapters. Each one starts with a heading page introducing the topic(s); the next page lists music selections the writer associates with the topic; and then there is an essay about it. Sometimes the topics seemed loosely connected to the music selected; although I was not familiar with many of the songs. That didnt stop me from enjoying the writing because the pertinent details of the music are discussed.I ended up reading this book on my phone; which is the first time Ive used it in that capacity. This book lent itself really well to doing so. Each chapter is relatively short; taking about 5 or 6 minutes to read. So it was pretty easy to open it up and read a small chunk when I had an opportunity without dropping out in the middle of a chapter. I could digest it in smaller chunks rather than trying to sit down and read the whole thing in one go. This gave me some time to reflect back on what Greenman was trying to say at times; which may have made it more enjoyable for me.His writing reminds me a bit of Chuck Klosterman without being quite so cynical. There are times where his stories put me off; but the honesty behind them kept me reading. He talks quite a bit about how he relates to music. It really is about relationships though. Whether it is something that he experienced directly; or just something he noticed through song or from watching others; there is insight here that should resonate with readers. It is a very personal journey and Im glad to have had a chance to tag along.