Born to Run is a refreshing memoir written by Bruce Springsteen. The storytelling is forthright, down-to-earth, and earnest. He focuses on the influences in his early years growing up in New Jersey. His father was a bus driver who had recurring mental illness problems. His mother was a legal secretary and the person who provided stability and support. He went to a Catholic school, but he was rebellious and troubled, then went to a public high school, but he was isolated and a loner. He had started playing guitar and in 1964 pursued music as his chief interest. Springsteen suffered from depression and has had both counseling and medication for decades.
Springsteen had a drive to perform and he developed a strong work ethic and a belief in maintaining self-dignity that has stayed with him. His four hour concerts have been a standard which few other artists can match.
The book has a disarming sense of vulnerability, intimacy, and an attempt to connect with his readers. He has a fair share of doubt and hurt and his book and his songs reflect instances that influenced him over his lifetime.
“The great challenge of adulthood is holding on to your idealism after you lose your innocence.”
“I looked at myself, and I just said, ‘Well, you know, I can sing, but I’m not the greatest singer in the world. I can play guitar very well, but I’m not the greatest guitar player in the world.’ So, I said, ‘Well, if I’m going to project an individuality, it’s going to have to be in my writing.”
“We honor our parents by carrying their best forward and laying the rest down. By fighting and taming the demons that laid them low and now reside in us.”
This is a recommended book – 4.4 out of 5.0 stars
