Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) -
In "Approaching Ali", author Davis Miller talks about the impact that Muhammad Ali had on upon his life both being in the presence of the man himself, as well as the image and impact that the larger-than-life individual left upon the world at large and the author in particular.
The book was quite well written, and I confess to enjoying most of it (although the sections in which Ali himself is absent never did catch my interest especially the dream and fantasy sequences). However, one thing hovered over the pages and affected my enjoyment. Mr. Miller professes to be both a fan and a friend of Muhammad Ali. Ali took to him and allowed him access into his life and that of his family. Yet, here we are, reading a book about these very moments. Then, about 3/4 of the way through the book, after a story of Ali's talking to working class people waiting for a bus and providing them each with a little financial relief ends with Ali's admonition "Davy ... Now don't you write none of this."
In the end, I felt like the author was just one more person exploiting Ali, taking private moments and documenting them without permission for profit. And I felt a little dirty for having read and enjoyed it.
RATING: 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4 stars where 1/2 stars are not permitted.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book in a random draw. A prompt and honest (and hopefully favorable) review was probably desired, but no such commitment was sought nor given.
The book was quite well written, and I confess to enjoying most of it (although the sections in which Ali himself is absent never did catch my interest especially the dream and fantasy sequences). However, one thing hovered over the pages and affected my enjoyment. Mr. Miller professes to be both a fan and a friend of Muhammad Ali. Ali took to him and allowed him access into his life and that of his family. Yet, here we are, reading a book about these very moments. Then, about 3/4 of the way through the book, after a story of Ali's talking to working class people waiting for a bus and providing them each with a little financial relief ends with Ali's admonition "Davy ... Now don't you write none of this."
In the end, I felt like the author was just one more person exploiting Ali, taking private moments and documenting them without permission for profit. And I felt a little dirty for having read and enjoyed it.
RATING: 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4 stars where 1/2 stars are not permitted.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book in a random draw. A prompt and honest (and hopefully favorable) review was probably desired, but no such commitment was sought nor given.
