Unrequited Infatuations: A Memoir

Wow, Stevie Van Zandt has led an interesting life and did a lot of things that I had no idea about! He comes off as a little arrogant and jaded in this, but he also comes across as thoughtful, wistful, and introspective at times. I greatly enjoyed this. The stuff with Bruce Springsteen was VERY superficial, and I get the impression that he has a complicated relationship with Bruce that he doesn't like talking about. Still, the stuff about his solo work, politics, and acting career were varied enough to keep me constantly interested. I wish there was a little bit more Sopranoes stuff, it seems like Stevie wanted to skim past the two things he's most well known for to highlight some other stuff he wishes he got credit for. Like for instance, helping Nelson Mandela get released.....by recording a song? I get what he was going for but maybe his self-importance got in the way here. I do recommend this memoir, though, if you like Van Zandt or like rock/actor memoirs!

I've always thought I understood and appreciated Steve Van Zandt's talent. This memoir exposed how little I knew about the depth of his talent and intelligence; let alone his strong character. This memoir is not just an autobiography of one of Bruce Springteen's closest friends and artistic partners; it is a memoir of an artist.

What. An. Ego.