4 comments about No Hurry to Get Home: The Memoir of the New Yorker Writer Whose Unconventional Life and Adventures Spanned the 20th Century.

1. Hahn tells of an exotic existence in a practical and clear voice rich with her honest observations of the people and places of Chicago, London, the Belgian Congo, and Shanghai. Not a memoir in the traditional sense, Hahn, with forthright economy, simply allows the articles she's written throughout her lifetime to illustrate tales of her travels. An inspiring read for woman and men who long for an adventurous life!



2. While approximately 30% of this book is taken up with interesting stories about life abroad in the early part of the 20th century, in no way, shape, or form is this book actually a memoir. It is a collection of her old New Yorker articles, most of which do not even deal with her life abroad. In fact, the majority of the chapters comprise uninteresting tales of her domestic life -- not quite what the title implies, either.

   The foreward states, in a fit of honesty that apparently didn't make it to either the title or back-cover copy, that Hahn was under contract to write a memoir, and instead, since she had already been paid and didn't much feel like writing anything more, took a bunch of her old New Yorker clippings and sent them in to her publisher. Anyhow, it certainly shows.

   I had heard of Hahn before, and was interested in reading about her China exploits in particular. One could understand, then, that I would be quite chagrined to find that fully the first half of the book is taken up with boring childhood reminiscences of St. Louis and Chicago, and that the last few stories are set once Hahn has become safely re-domiciled in NYC, and concern similarly banal domestic issues.

   This is not to say that there is no merit whatsoever in the book. At least a few of the stories are good and interesting: one or two about her life in the Congo, one about the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, another two about Shanghai and her opium addiction. But even, with these, her writing style is usually so insubstantial, so affectedly flaky, like Dorothy Parker after a partial lobotomy or a teenaged girl dumbing it down so the boys like her, that I would in all likelihood not have liked this book had it been what its title and packaging claimed it to be.

   This book is mostly just a collection of irrelevant, poorly written prose that was slapped together to pay the bills. The publisher should have demanded his money back.




3. In his lively and evocative Introduction to this book, Hahn biographer Ken Cuthbertson says that Emily Hahn "moved from here to there to everywhere, like some sort of multi-colored and quixotic literary butterfly" for around forty-seven years. Sheila McGrath, in her Foreword, looks through a different lens, seeing "an inborn and unyielding independence that must have been difficult to maintain," a wholly original woman who traveled, had adventures, made friends, and wrote about all of it with an unflagging energy and dedication. She lived exactly as she chose to, for her entire long life.

   This book is a collection of essays that Hahn herself assembled in 1970, in order to fulfill a commitment she'd made to a publisher to produce an autobiography, which she was loathe to write, according to Cuthbertson. There are several delightful pieces on Hahn's good childhood and school days in the American midwest, and then the rest bright and incredible travel pieces - letters home, really - that appeared in The New Yorker magazine, from 1937 to 1970. (One describes a cross-country trip she and a friend made one summer during the '20's, as undergraduates, in a Model T). Artful and sensitive ordering of these pieces supplies the reader with a chronology. Unfortunately, the pieces are undated, so you must guess as to date of writing, and date of publication.

   Hahn's adventures and quirky and strong views are fabulous and charming - and quaint at times. From "The Big Smoke": "Though I had always wanted to be an opium addict, I can't claim that as a reason I went to China." She supplies a witty and thorough description of how she did it. (And later, of how she kicked the habit.) In other venues she had a pet gibbon named Mr. Mills, she lived in the jungle for a while, and was literally trapped in Shanghai for a spell. Amazing things, reported in a calm - but playful - voice. The people she met and got to know are drawn less fully than her escapades. You, in turn, never really get to know them, either.

   Hahn does not go deep so much as range far and wide. She has a great ear, an even better eye, and is fearless. That she reported so dryly and well on her doings in the US, the Congo, China, Japan, England and Europe is the icing on the cake. A very good and atmospheric read.




4. 'Emily Hahn was an original--a first-generation feminist who chose not to be called one, a woman of courage who constantly underplayed it, a reporter of the acts of men and animals, whose peculiar likeness she grasped perhaps better than any other writer of her time. Above all, she was a prose stylist, a plain writer whose simplicities are never simple, and whose every sentence ends with a sharp, clean bite. Her (beautifully) episodic memoirs can stand alongside those of M. F. K. Fisher, who she in so many ways resembled, as a model of clarity, precision, calm sensuality, carefully weighed sadness.' --Adam Gopnik, New Yorker writer

No comments about Nellie Bly's Monkey.

No comments about Long Lane with Turnings: Last Words of a Motoring Legend.

4 comments about Scotty: James B. Reston and the Rise and Fall of American Journalism.

1. James B. (Scotty) Reston was the high priest of journalism in America before the dramatic growth of television. Professionally, he was dedicated to the notion that the more you could find out...the better the health of the nation. Reston primarily made his name in Washington DC, writing for the New York Times and for most of the 1950's and the 1960's he had unparalleled prestige across America. He also had remarkable access to powerful decision makers around the world.
   
   Reston was a complex man. He was protective, kind and fatherly to a slew of great reporters but was cold and distant to his three sons. He was a dedicated husband...devoted to his wife Sally...but he was extremely insensitive to woman journalists who worked for him. Finally, he was a nurturing bureau chief in Washington but a lousy executive editor in the New York headquarters of the Times. Nevertheless, Reston was basically optimistic, moralistic, and a paean to the American ideal that the immigrant son of poor uneducated parents could succeed.
   
   Reston's great sin was being taken in by Henry Kissinger's selfish duplicity, according to author John Stacks. Reston was manipulated by Kissinger and eventually became a full-fledged insider. He stopped being a smart, analytical, objective reporter, Stacks reports. Others said that Reston stayed around too long (he kept writing into his early 70's)...that he "wound up being non-interesting and bland." Still and all, "Scotty" was a patron to R.W. "Johnny" Apple, David Halberstam, Neil Sheehan, Charles Mohr and many other famous journalists.
   
   Bert Ruiz



2. "Scotty," is a tremendous book worthy of your purchase and time to read with interesting tidbits to understand the Gilded Age of American Journalism has it passes from American existence.

   I was intrigued how the author was brave enough to tell us the truth about the rise and fall of journalism, and how they evolved and have since devolved when the new Dinosaur media took over and is now being replaced by Internet Instant Posters.

   A wise old man told me sometime ago about Newspaper Men of his day. He said prior to the 1930's most reporters were pencil pushers hanging out at bars looking for a free drink in return for making up a story. Men of substance at that time whether they would be labor leaders, corporate builders, college football coaches, police chiefs or men who ran bookie joints often used them for the purpose to advance a selfish cause by giving out information or misinformation. One reason why newspaper men at that time were often called "root weevils" a mammal born blind and carrying the stink of his mother to keep predators away as they grow in the dirt of tunnels in the ground.

   However, John Stacks uses the rise of Scotty Reston being one of the first to change both the caliber and perception of journalists. The author clearly makes a convincing case how Scotty Reston was heads above his peers and set higher standards in the White House Press Corp. He tells us, Scotty was not content with stories, but actually went out and enjoyed endearing himself to all people in government. This kind of hard work ended up with him reporting the entire account with accuracy changing the days of regurgitated governmental standard press releases.

   Overtime, he gained the confidence of all people due to his in depth analysis of asking good questions that were clearly intended to make everyone think of what they were saying let alone policies the people in power were passing. Mr. Reston could often promote or kill a policy or practice with his exquisite research, dependable veritable contacts and precise reporting. As a result, News organizations started to hire more reporters with the caliber of Scotty Reston and the Gilded Age of American Journalism was born to change the world. Sadly, then came the "Age of Award Winning News Readers" on Radio and Television calling themselves journalists.

   Where American journalism went wrong was calling the rise of Radio & Television News Readers bestowing the term of "Award Winning Journalists," on themselves. They were given such awards from their own regional tiny industry at small-arranged parties. Overtime, it was learned that if you want to sell manure in Nebraska, advertise it. So "Award Winning Journalists," were made up in seconds instead of taking the time to acquire the skills of true journalists approximating Scotty Reston.

   Today, you see the result of such conversions of making "News Readers," (A Term Still Used In Europe), hired for how they look more often than any proficiency of real journalists. And in Radio, too often they are too fat, bald, frumpy and dumpy to be seen on TV, save for having nice voices that do not stutter. Excluding in depth investigations for a three-minute deadline to say it fast over getting it right, and if a good question is asked they get hang up, but they still call themselves journalists today?

   Subsequently, the steady ability of what Scotty Reston created with hard work and checking thoroughly the whole story has been replaced with "Award Winning", Radio and TV "News Readers." These Media Icons now put out any story first without checking the particulars. Being on Television and seeking a million dollar contract and a star on their head is more important now? Consequently, TV & Radio News Readers replaced the more competent genuine journalists who did not have the looks to be on TV every day.

   Nowadays, you can see them at National Press Club lifting a beer or toasting Zinfandel as they decide what they will report on TV for 15 seconds on a politician, proposed law or shocking scandal. The Dan Rather caliber of journalism took over, a Hurricane Reporter chosen for chatting in the rain. Soon using taunts with political leaders making themselves the story instead doing their jobs to report the story became the babble and norm we see today!

   In Russia and Europe, strippers are now hired to strip on TV as they read the news! This is so News Broadcasts can try and hold onto ratings. In America, stories today are 60-second advertisements for shows later shown on TV for entertainment, but they still call themselves "Award Winning Journalists?"

   As the book points out, the Gilded Age of American Journalism is gone as Scotty Reston passed away with a Dan Rather 60 second salute on Television. Fortunately, this book shows us in great length the skills and knowledge required to become a true "Award Winning Journalists," by revealing the life of Scotty Reston. And I know Scotty would prefer it no other way!

   A first-rate Hardback written by a great journalist in John Stacks to honor his colleague by seeking the truth in the story of Scotty Reston life, innovations, mistakes and glory and not rushing it to print so he could have his name on Television at News at 11 by a local "Award Winning Journalists?"




3. This is an engaging biography about the foremost political journalist of his era. More than that, "Scotty" is a revealing chronicle of the transformation of journalism. Scotty Reston embodied the old school, "establishment" journalism of the pre-Vietnam/Watergate variety. His success was founded on incomparable access, born of a mutually trusting relationship with Washington movers and shakers. When Pres. Kennedy emerged from a verbal going-over from Krushchev at the Vienna summit, the first person he spoke with -- and bared his soul to -- was Scotty Reston, who, Kennedy knew, would be extremely judicious in reporting what he learned. Journalists like Reston were natural skeptics, but believed in the essential truth of what government officials told them. White House entreaties persuaded Reston and his colleagues to hold a news-story exposing the planned Bay of Pigs invasion a few days before it was launched. It's hard to imagine journalists today making the same decision.

   Vietnam and Watergate opened up a wide chasm between journalists and Washington insiders. Natural skepticism hardened into cynicism and the investigative journalism ethos was born. Reston -- despite his many well-earned laurels and impeccable reputation -- failed to keep up. Vacationing at the time on Martha's Vineyard, Reston was the first New York Times reporter to file a report on the Ted Kennedy Chappaquiddick fiasco. His lead: "Tragedy has again struck the Kennedy family." Mary Jo Kopechne was not mentioned until the fourth paragraph. Reston saw the event through the prism of its impact on the powerful, and ultimately dismissed the episode as a one-day story. It took another younger, more aggressive Times reporter to uncover the truth of the tragedy, and Kennedy's reprehensible conduct that night. Similarly, his too-cozy relationship with Henry Kissinger blinded Reston to the truth about Kissinger's role in the 1972 Christmas bombing of North Vietnam.

   I do not mean to be negative about Reston. He was clearly the most accomplished journalist of his (or perhaps any) era, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner whose superb reporting routinely broke major news-stories. As broadcast media multiplied, Reston also pioneered a new role for print journalism: explaining why events occurred, not merely reporting what happened. But so much of this book is focused on what the subtitle calls "the rise and fall of American journalism."

   Readers will also be fascinated by the internecine warfare between New York and the Washington bureau, and especially, the titanic power struggles between Reston and Abe Rosenthal, which resulted in Reston's abbreviated, 13-month reign as Executive Editor. Also notable is the long line of legendary names that Reston mentored -- Halberstam, Wicker, Anthony Lewis, Max Frankel, etc.

   "Scotty" is a worthwhile read for anyone with an interest in the intersection of journalism and politics.




4. As author John Stacks has long been one of my personal heroes, I was delighted to discover this marvelously told biography. For all those who finished Gay Talese's The Kingdom and the Power and wanted more-and who didn't-Scotty is the perfect tonic. As most biographies written by real journalists, instead of officious professors or other biographical dilitantes-and there are plenty of retired stock brokers out there pretenging to be writers-the power of this book is in the feel for anecdotes, the natural flow of the story and the strong simple prose. Best of all is the first few pages where Stacks sums up the reporting profession in a way not seen since Thomas Wolfe's description of the pack outside of a fire in "You Can't Go Home Again." Those few pages alone are worth double the modest purchase price. Most delightfully, I discovered in print, something Mr. Stacks had told me years ago, when as young wannabe reporter I stumbled into his office to seek his sage counsel. He told he then that for every page I wrote, I should read 100. That stuck in my memory and became something I have repeated hundreds of times, sometimes with credit to Stacks, sometimes without. Imagine my excitement at finding those very words of advice in this book. An excellent three day read.

5 comments about Pulitzer: A Life.

1. The writing is clear and the narrative of his life is straightforward, if plodding at times (especially regarding his later life). The descriptions of Pulitzer's time in St. Louis and his earliest years in New York City are the most interesting parts of the book, with excellent anecdotes showing the rough and tumble world of newspapers in the mid 19th century. Once he becomes seriously debilitated from gradually losing his sight and an unexplained (psychosomatic?) illness in which even clinking silverware on teeth apparently caused unbearable headaches and pain, the book slows down in places.
   
   The latter part also increasingly shows the largely uncritical approach the author takes toward Pulitzer. Given his apparently tyrannical personality and the consequences for employees and family, it feels as if the repercussions of these bad traits are mostly glossed over. Pulitzer's extreme aversion to loud sounds apparently didn't extend to his own voice, for example, as he would go into frequent rages and tantrums at the slightest thing. Pulitzer's claims to stand up for the common man also go largely unquestioned, even when times are mentioned of him directing editorial content to help his wealthy friends. If he was so concerned about the common man, it seems he would have treated his employees better and paid them more, as Hearst made frequent raids on his staff and hired them away.
   
   The book gives a good overall view of his life and leaves the reader with some memorable images of the man, but a more critical perspective on him and how his life, business, and personality affected the newspaper industry would have made this book much better.



2. It is only upon reaching the very last page of this 395 page biography that the reader comes to understand why this portrait of Pulitzer is so disappointing and, frankly, uncomfortable to read. There, the author cites as one of his sources, a PhD thesis from the 1940s which drew upon an interview with Mr. Pulitzer's aging valet. This interview. pursued at the urging of Pulitzer's son, revealed, apparently for the first time, Pulitzer's virtually disabling depression, the havoc it wreaked on the management of his papers and the misery it brought to his family. If one strips away the "eccentricities" catalogued in exhaustive detail by the author one is left with a narrative that is hardly insightful or illuminating. Like Mr. Pulitzer's beleaguered hirelings and pathetic and emotionally abused family members, the author seems to struggle to divine brilliance in every move of this isolated and miserable man. That Pulitzer and his "World" transformed and empowered the newspaper business at the turn of the last century is without question and the author provides a somewhat lively and entertaining picture of that business in those days. However, by asking the us to bear with Pulitzer through page after page of troubling and, often, psychotic behavior, the author imparts no more than the conventional appreciation of the proverbial "thin line between genius and madness." The reader comes to suspect that the key to the success of the "World" may actually have derived from the triumph of the genius of others over Pulitzer's madness; a test of this hypothesis requires more richly researched characterizations of the editors and reporters who labored beneath the Dome than the author has produced. In fact, the author rarely strays from Pulitzer's side such that what must have been a vibrant publishing world remains unidimensional and sketchy. By the end of this work, the nature of Pulitzer's genius remains obscure and relatively bereft of insight; it is his madness that is most appreciated as the reader emerges from an exhausting virtual immersion in the psychodrama that dominates this biography.



3. It is only upon reaching the very last page of this 395 page biography that the reader comes to understand why this portrait of Pulitzer is so disappointing and, frankly, uncomfortable to read. There, the author cites as one of his sources, a PhD thesis from the 1940s which drew upon an interview with Mr. Pulitzer's aging valet. This interview. pursued at the urging of Pulitzer's son, revealed, apparently for the first time, Pulitzer's virtually disabling depression, the havoc it wreaked on the management of his papers and the misery it brought to his family. If one strips away the "eccentricities" catalogued in exhaustive detail by the author one is left with a narrative that is hardly insightful or illuminating. Like Mr. Pulitzer's beleaguered hirelings and pathetic and emotionally abused family members, the author seems to struggle to divine brilliance in every move of this isolated and miserable man. That Pulitzer and his "World" transformed and empowered the newspaper business at the turn of the last century is without question and the author provides a somewhat lively and entertaining picture of that business in those days. Hpwever, by asking the us to bear with Pulitzer through page after page of troubling and, often, psychotic behavior, the author imparts no more than the conventional appreciation of the proverbial "thin line between genius and madness." The reader comes to suspect that the key to the success of the "World" may actually have derived from the triumph of the genius of others over Pulitzer's madness; a test of this hypothesis requires more richly researched characterizations of the editors and reporters who labored beneath the Dome than the author has produced. In fact, the author rarely strays from Pulitzer's side such that what must have been a vibrant publishing world remains unidimensional and sketchy. By the end of this work, the nature of Pulitzer's genius remains obscure and relatively bereft of insight; it is his madness that is most appreciated as the reader emerges from an exhausting virtual immersion in the psychodrama that dominates this biography.



4. Joseph Pulitzer was a fascinating man. His battles with Hearst and his role in the foundation of modern journalism are the stuff of legend. However, I never actually realized how much of an impact Pulitzer had on the 20th century until I read Brian's terrific bio. Well worth the read.



5. This well-written, detailed biography is fascinating. This book, on Joseph Pulitzer, gives the reader a complete view of his life, his work, and his rise to power. Filled with details on his pioneering thoughts and practices, you'll see why Pulitzer's influence is still felt today. For anyone interested in publishing history and journalism, you won't want to miss this book!

No comments about Asking for Trouble: Autobiography of a Banned Journalist.

3 comments about Let Truth Be the Prejudice: W. Eugene Smith, His Life and Photographs.

1. In the mid-70's, I attended a slide lecture by Smith at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. I didn't know a thing about him, but the presentation haunts me still. He was helped onto the stage, a very old man, and quietly, he narrated the Minimata work in a slide show. The audience, a bunch of party school undergrads and townspeople, were completely silent the entire time. It was almost as if Smith knew that if the slightest emotion showed in his voice, his audience would be lost in sobs. He didn't editorialize, he just spoke, simply and quietly. At the end of the show, he put up one last slide. It was of a blackboard with the words in chalk, "Thank you, all you lovely people." It brings tears to my eyes almost 20 years later.



2. The life of W. Eugene Smith is none the less; inspiring yet depressingly so... A reflection of the truth in life, man and society.



3. In the fall of 1985 I drove down from Northern New Jersey to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to see the retrospective show of W. Eugene Smith's work for which this book was the catalog. I walked through the rooms and people stood in front of his Minamata photographs, weeping. Smith paid for those pictures with his eyesight, probably the better part of his sanity. If he drank before, the stories are that after his return from Japan he plunged into the bottle full-bore. If one can talk of a man's life and work in religious terms, W. Eugene Smith's career was a prolonged and self-willed crucifixion, a sacrifice in the name of a Truth that I'm not sure we're ready for yet.

   I haven't photographed seriously in quite a few years, but whenever I made a print, there in the darkroom I could feel Smith's presence saying two things to me: "You're lousy at this" and "Don't ever stop."

2 comments about Les Brownlee: The Autobiography of a Pioneering African-American Journalist.

1. The book is amazing! It's like a visit with our good friend Les Brownlee. You sense his reassurance we can make anything of our lives. You can almost hear his rich laughter and storytelling that made us smile.
   
   The life Les lead in his turbulent time offers an insight into a life well lived. There are photos, recipes and a wonderful article "The most lethal poison is doubt." Les explained that "the challenge for us is to keep presenting a positive image of success in front of all who are afflicted..." Well, Les, I'm ready "now on this next play..." Thanks!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   



2. I just bought Les Brownlee's autobiography and read it in a day, as I couldn't put it down once I cracked it open. I was a former student of Brownlee's and good friend and reading his book was like listening to one of his great stories --of which he had millions!
   
   At the bookstore this book is located in African-American Studies. It should be located in American History because Les' story transends race. I'm not going to rehash Les Brownlee's lifestory -- buy and read the book for that. I just want to say only in America can someone overcome what Brownlee went through with courage and grace and then move on to help others who came after him!
   
   This book really is a must read for anyone who needs a little inspiration. I only wish the book was longer! Of course, I also wish my friend was still around to sign it for me.
   
   -Bob Chiarito

2 comments about Within the Veil: Black Journalists, White Media.

1. This is a very thoughtful and provocative read. Depending upon where one sits, it may not be easy to stomach. It is sobering, nontheless. It created in me a cynicism about the media, and it's purpose and meaning as holders of a public trust.



2. This is a must-read book about the ways race influences the news we read in the newspapers and see on television. Everyone who cares about race and the future of our country should read this book!

5 comments about Outside the Box: A Memoir.

1. It was a great book..until the death of her husband.
   
   "there were a few people who disappointed me, individuals who have made it onto a short list of people now permanently deleted from my date book."
   
   *These were people who failed to get in touch with her following the death of her husband. Mostly because they did not know what to say.
   
   She follows with "a little reminder for anyone who knows anyone who is dealing with loss: Death is not about you, and if you cant get out of yourself enough to offer some solace, you shouldnt call yourself a friend."
   
   As the only survivor of a house fire, I find her attitude very holier-than-thou. I would rather someone say nothing than to say something inappropriate.
   
   I just couldnt make it through the book after reading this.
   
   Dear Ms Sherr,
   Everyone is this life suffers loss. Your experiances are NORMAL. To believe otherwise is naive. Do you know how many people would get down on their hands and knees just to have your amount of suffering? Next time you have a pity party...do me a favor...write a letter to Jessica Lunsford's father.
   
   Yuck.



2. OUTSIDE THE BOX is no ordinary memoir. It is an empowering story of personal and professional bravery. The hairs stood up on my arms more than once while reading Lynn Sherr's witty, honest, and wise chronicle of her groundbreaking life. Her tenacity in forging a career as a serious female journalist, her passion for quality in her work, her courageous spirit in dealing with some of life's most personal and heartbreaking of challenges - these are the ingredients of a gripping memoir that is not to be missed.



3. I picked up an advance copy at BEA where Lynn gave a fascinating talk. Reading the book I noted an error on page 142 which I intended to alert the editor about, but never did. Alas recently in a bookstore I checked and the error is still there.
   She writes on page 142 about covering the 1980 Republican convention as follows: "Ronald Reagan had the nomination sewed up, and the only question was his selection of a vice presidential running mate, who turned out to be Bob Dole."
   Nevertheless I give the book four stars for the writing style and insigts into the 4th estate.



4. If Lynn Sherr's name is immediately familiar, it's because she was a national TV reporter for over forty years, and her memoir OUTSIDE THE BOX charts vast changes in the industry during her tenure, from her beginnings in an industry reluctant to hire girls to how TV journalism has changed over the decades, both good and bad. Any with a special interest in either Sherr or journalism history should read OUTSIDE THE BOX: it charts many major events.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



5. The book may be a memoir of her life, but it really exemplifies the simple fact that Lynn Sherr is a smart lady. She's bright. She expresses so well not only the pain of loss, but also the joy of life. This is not only an excellent guide on how women can navigate the treacherous channels of a network news operation or business, but a guidepost for women and men on how to live.