Literary Scene

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Ryan reviews three books on very different subjects.

The Way It Was: My Life with Frank Sinatra

by Eliot Weisman and Jennifer Valoppi

I confess—I’m not a Sinatra fan. Not that I dislike him or anything, but rather I’m simply too young to have appreciated how The Voice was one of the most influential music artists of the 20th century. But after reading Weisman’s story here, I’ve now got a far more robust sense of the star-studded wild life that Ol’ Blue Eyes enjoyed for decades as well as a good glimpse at this mega-star who clearly trusted few and kept much of his own life private. And who better to help us past that veil of secrecy than Parkland, Florida resident Eliot Weisman, who served as Sinatra’s long-time manager and ultimately as the executor of Sinatra’s estate?

Whether it’s how “this crowd” (what Sinatra called the zoo that was his family) drove him bonkers or describing the near-disaster that was the Duets session (which became his best seller) or how Weisman chose prison over participating in the legal trap designed to catch Sinatra, Weisman was there. This book reveals it all in clear, non-egotistical prose that keeps the spotlight where it belongs—on the Chairman of the Board. 

One thing that I really learned from this book is how generous he was. As Weisman shares:

When a Las Vegas casino refused to allow Sammy [Davis Jr.] in the front door in the 1960s, Sinatra famously said, “Let him in or I’m out.” He provided financial help to boxers Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson when they fell on hard times, and gave them the use of his plane when they needed it for medical treatment. I borrowed his plane to pick up Liza in Minneapolis when she completed her first stint in a rehab at the Hazelden drug rehab center.

He was an avid reader of the newspaper in every town and city we went to. When he read a story about someone in need, especially if it was a policeman or fireman, he would have someone call Golden [his accountant] and send anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 anonymously. Frank’s father had been a fireman and he had great admiration for their service.

This book is interesting, well-written, and compelling. It gives a real sense of Weisman’s affection for and commitment to the Boss, but it’s Sinatra who—as always—steals the show. Highly recommended.

Rating: 4.75 out of 5 

Constant Craving

by Tamara Lush

Florida author Tamara Lush’s third novel, Constant Craving, is a page-turner of a romance. Like Lush herself—a reporter and correspondent for the Associated Press—the story’s heroine, Justine Lavoie, is a journalist. She’s just inherited her grandfather’s newspaper company, yet things don’t go as smoothly as they might. Before long, she’s forced to seek out a loan from Florida Capital, and the new head is her Cuban ex, the once-broke-now-loaded Rafael. All he wants in return for giving her the money so desperately needed by her business and all its workers who now depend on her? Spend a month with him and see what happens. One sultry Cuban dance later, and she’s accepting this offer. 

Ultimately, Constant Craving is a story of second chances. These two lost their virginity to each other and both know on some level that they’re perfect for each other, yet they have 15 years of mistrust, ill will, and betrayal to push past. 

Lush is a fine writer and her knack for creating catchy banter and well-wrought characters is evident throughout the book. And for readers aching for some real romance? I offer three words. Steamy. Sexy. Smooth.

A fine, fine read.

Rating: 4 out of 5 

www.tamaralush.com

The Lübecker

by M.J. Joseph

This debut novel by Florida author M.J. Joseph—and published by Florida-based publisher Peppertree Press—is a work of historical fiction centered around World War I. While the story showcases the life of David Rosenberg of Lübeck, a city in northern Germany, the cast of characters is quite large. One of the more memorable characters is Dr. Sam Yoffey, a young Florida panhandle doctor working in the late 1880s who has fallen in love with a nun. 

This book touches on a range of topics, ranging from philosophy to religion to the complexities of interpersonal relationships of any type. And those who are drawn to the slower, more methodical pace of older British novelists will likely find this to suit their needs. 

Here’s one example of Joseph’s characteristic style:

He looked at her intently, her features undiminished in this aspect. Amazing high cheekbones; wide-spaced, almond-shaped eyes; and finely formed nose and ears. Her complexion was clear and the light brown color of her skin centered upon the very red and full lips. Ephraim thought: This really is a beautiful woman!

Joseph has created a very ambitious book here. If you’re open to that kind of reading commitment and you like historical fiction, then by all means, give it a shot. You just might be the ideal reader.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5