Running on Empty: The Life and Career of River Phoenix

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Summary: synopsis in a nutshell
Review: In a world of internet fan sites, this book serves as a good companion for the adolescent teen fan, older gay male fan, and various other fans who seemingly have not much more to their lives than mailing lists and discussions about River's real hair color.

It's not that this book is not good. It's well done, and I commend Barker for his endeavors in portraying another side to the complex being that was River. However, this book does not go much further than the standard magazine fan fare that so many of us who followed River, or any other celebrity, are familar with.

This is a good fan's companion. There are no revelations. There is nothing earth shattering. It's a humble attempt to eulogize River the way he should have been eulogized. It's a shame though that this book will most likely only appeal to those types of fans I mentioned above. It's a shame it's a marginal attempt. River deserved more than a cult of fans. He deserved to be known as the intelligent actor that he was. I am not so sure that this book paints that picture. Even though John Barker seemed to really strive to do that. Unfortunately, in many parts, it falls short.

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Summary: An honest and positive look at the life if River Phoenix
Review: Many negative storys and comments have flown around about River Phoenix since his drug induced death i 1993. The meidia had a field day when the world found out that River Jude Phoenix died of multiple drug intoxication. Many called him a hard partying hypocrite. John Barker gives a refreshingly positive and honest look at the life of River Phoenix. A young man who once put on a benefit concert for a friend with his band Aleka's Attic to help her when a car accident left her in financial trouble.Thinking of her dignity first instead of just handing her the money. Which would have been easier. A young man who once bought $100.00 worth of extra food when preparing a meal to feed some homeless people.John Barker presents River's substance abuse problems with gentleness.He does an excellent job of erasing the negative image so often portrayed by the media.We are reminded that River should be remembered as a gifted actor,talented singer, environmental and animal rights activist, commpassionate and generous.It seems to echo the sentiments of River's true fans and of those who knew and loved him.