<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: A fascinating read
Review: A friend asked me why I would want to read a book about a retired editor of a newspaper concerned mainly about politics and government in a city far, far away. Shows what she knows. Ben Bradlee's book is not really about newspapering in Washington, but rather about living through the 60s, 70s and 80s. Yes, there is journalism throughout  how could there not be. But Bradlee writes history and he uses the journalism as a tool to tell stories, which is what journalists do best. Read about the Pentagon Papers, Watergate, Kennedy. It seems that all the events that shape our recent memory are covered first-hand in this book. Bradlee doesn't shy from the glare of the spotlight either. He tells his own history, blemishes and all, with the direct voice that politicians came to expect from the editor of the Washington Post. It's a fascinating read
Rating: 
Summary: Great story for future journalists
Review: As a newspaper major, reading Ben Bradlee's book is sort of like reading the Bible. There are few other authorities on journalism who are as good. Bradlee admits his mistakes and applauds his successes. Sort of a feel good story -- Bradlee's was indeed a good life. The narrative carries like a good novel, unlike Katherine Graham's memoir, whose story about the same paper gets bogged down and incoherent. Bradlee is a writer before he is an editor. His concise, clear reporter's style carries through to his autobiographical prose. A fine read for anyone interested in recent American History or American journalism and newspapers.
Rating:
Summary: The Write Stuff
Review: As Executive Editor of The Washington Post from 1968 to 1991, Ben Bradlee not only printed history, he also made it. Momentous events were covered, careers fashioned, reputations ruined and social movements spotlighted. Bradlee was at the center of all this, directing his reporters, dictating policy and discharging journalistic shells whose recoils are still felt even today. Yet Bradlee was not above or beyond the common man. I remember, as a young bodybuilder uncertain of my future, applying for a position on the Post. Unfortunately, my qualifications were insufficient to meet the standards expected of journalists. However, I still have Mr Bradlee's courteous rejection letter which is worth citing:'Dear Schwarz My name is Ben and I'm an alcoholi... hang on... wrong place... let me start again. Dear Schwarz Having read your application, in which you admitted to an addiction to Teetotalism, I have no choice but to reject it. The tradition of Common Journalistic Insobriety has taken decanters... let's get that right... decades to establish and your flagrant? flagon?... no, I was right the first time... flagrant disregard such tradition proves that you aren't fit for either a by-line at the Post or a bar stool in the Journalists' Club. In short, a pen and pad are not compatible with Perrier Water. I hope you will receive this letter in the spirit in which it is soaked. Yours sincerely Ernest Hemmingwa... no, that's not it... where did I put that bottle... Johnnie Walker... no... it's... Richard Nixo... hey Woodward, make mine a double!...' 'A Good Life' is also a very entertaining read.
Rating:
Summary: an interesting ,well written book. enjoyed the experience.
Review: Ben Bradlee's career as a journalist encompassed many of the most important events of the late 20th century: from World War II to Watergate, from the domestic revolutions of the '60s to the international revolutions of the '90s. While serving as the Washington Post's Executive Editor from 1968 to 1991, the newspaper became a world-renowned and respected model of fearless and innovative journalism. A witty and candid story of a good life -- and a great read.This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title. -
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating Man, Fascinating Life
Review: The first thing that makes A GOOD LIFE a wonderful read is that it has been written by a wonderful writer. Luxuriating in his text, it is easy to understand how author Ben Bradlee achieved the professional successes that he had. He is most famous, of course, for having edited the WASHINGTON POST during the Watergate era. The exploits of his reporters Bernstein and Woodward have been well-chronicled in ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN. The next thing that makes A GOOD LIFE a wonderful read is that Bradlee not only has led the good life--his own definition--he's also led a fascinating one. By some quirk of fate, he was witness to many of the more exciting events in the second half of the 20th century, and he reports on these events in a way that will rivet his fans. His description of his World War II naval career is as good as any other war memoir that I have read, and I have read quite a few. Bradlee was lucky to lead his "good life." And reading about it makes for a fascinating experience.
<< 1 >>
| 
