I have listened to Jonathan Schwartz since soon after he began on WNEW-AM. Sunday mornings were not complete without Jonathans voice, his music and his stories. I loved the book. I know its a cliche but I couldnt put it down. I cant agree with the reviewer who said you didnt have to know Jonathan to enjoy his story. It is all the more poignant to read of his lonely childhood when you know the man he became and Im glad I didnt know the tragic details of his life so I could just enjoy his radio persona. I just assumed he had sprung full-grown into the music guru, wise and witty, that I heard on the air every Sunday. It was delicious fun to hear about his relationship/non-relationship with Sinatra. Read this book...you will love it.
This is a superbly written and extrememly unique memoir. The read is never quite sure if it is a fiction or non fiction due to the style of writing. I like that. I can easily see why this book: "All In Good Time" is climbing the charts. I am also pleased that I had the chance to read this powerful book!! "All In Good Time reads similar to that of "My Fractured Life", with pieces of the sadness,courage and determination found in "Nightmares Echo"...It also has poignant lessons learned like that of "Running With Scissors". All are different and unique and yet, Memoirs with power.
Jonathan Scwartzs memoir reads like a novel, not surprising as he has put in much effort writing fiction (described in the book). The story is so American. We are taken through Hollywood of the 30s and 40s; the musical environment of New York in the 40s and 50s; the idyllic summer in Connecticut; the unsettling whir of the 60s; and into the 70s, featuring the Betty Ford clinic, a sad symbol of that decade. Near the end, the death of his famous father and the birth of his own children, finally, in the 80s. The book ends with his arrival on FM, where he broadcasts live 8 hours a weekend on WNYC 93.9. The is much richness along the way. And its interesting to me what he chose to leave out, for example his relationship with Richard Rodgers. The Red Sox, his team, are not discussed as much as youd might expect (for those interested in this aspect of his quirky life, I recommend his "A Day of Light and Shadows"). He does however describe his friendship with Ned Martin, the Red Sox radio broadcaster in the 1960s -- I particularly liked that part as I spent many a night listening to Martin as a child in Massachusetts. Finally, there is sadness in the book, along with the joy, but no self pity. And humor shines through regardless.
