What do you say to Saint Peter as he escords you to see THE BOSS - to talk about your Permanent Record - your legacy? Where you just a victim of circumstances, or is there more to the story...?
That tour through the past often finds Budzinski in a deeply introspective mode, mulling over the reasons behind his choices and considering how his strong opinions and nonconformist nature have affected how others see him. His self-analysis is nuanced and honest, giving just as much attention to his regrets and rough edges as he does to his strengths. Even as he focuses on himself, he never forgets his readers, addressing them often and continually inviting them into his stories by prompting them to think about their own. His casual, inviting tone and wry sense of humor give the book the feeling of a punchy but intimate late-night conversation in a coffeehouse.
The many subjects and stories often overlap, and Budzinski regularly circles back to previously mentioned ideas, making the book’s structure occasionally chaotic. But while his tales may appear to stack up haphazardly, readers will continually find gems of insight within them, some amusing, some heartening, some poignant. “Our stories do matter,” Budzinski declares, and in his last chapter, he reveals how telling his story led him to a discovery on the nature of legacy that is both surprising and satisfying. This memoir offers a lively but pointed examination of the author’s life, and encourages readers to take a similar look at their own.
Takeaway: An earnest, heartfelt memoir that invites reflection on life’s ups and downs.
Great for fans of: Dave Barry, Mike Royko
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A
