Customer Reviews

The Last Editor

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I saw this book in a bookstore and bought it after hearing some people discussing it. What a gem! It was so inspiring to read about a person who followed his passion. And what an impact. Tom Wolfe, Jimmy Breslin, Leonard Maltin. Why hadn't I heard of this man before? It goes to show that hard work and dedication is rewarded by a rich and fulfilling life. He loved his work, loves life, his family. It makes you look at your own life to make sure you're living the one that you should be.

Bellows' story is a case study for anyone -- regardless of their profession -- interested in learning first-hand how passion for one's work and a positive attitude can help deliver the best the world has to offer: personal satisfaction, exciting experiences, talented colleagues,loving friends and family. I can't wait to have my own kids read TLE to see how it's done.

This book reads easy, not only because of the author's eloquent, easy going style, but also because of his great storytelling. This book is good for everyone who is a father, a mother, a son, a daughter, and an ambitious person. It is a memoir of how to live a wonderful, fruitful, examined life.

In his introduction, Jim Bellows states that he is not a good writer. His news organizations never published a more accurate statement. He should have added that his ghost writer also is not a good writer, and that neither of them is a good storyteller, which is, of course, much the same thing.

This is the literary equivalent of Bellows' famous mumbling: newsroom stories that ought to be funny but are badly told; pride in rather pathetic accomplishments, such as starting the Washington Star's gossip column; and a collection of sidebars that amount to the kind of notes friends write to the family after the subject has died, all about what a great person he was but, in violation of basic journalistic maxim, telling us without showing us.

Jim Bellows has a long resume, mostly because he was the Dr. Kevorkian of news organizations. He does have an outstanding record of finding and promoting great writers, but this book does little to shed light on that talent. Indeed, while "The Last Editor" is an appropriately self-deprecating title, there is ample evidence of the "last" -- as in the final person in charge of multiple papers before they expired -- but precious little of the "editor."

A sad coda to what purportedly was a colorful career.

A bit self-indulgent, Bellows had an illustrious career, he knew it, and he tells you that. Close your eyes to the braggadocio and you still have an interesting account of a very talented man who rode some horrific transitions in his profession, the newspaper industry. The man was known for his spark and innovation. Sadly enough, as the title states the fact, Bellows was brought into save a lot of sinking ships. Makes you wonder what he could have done if born a little earlier and paired up with a thriving paper. Ah, but I'm sure Bellows had the same ruminations. The book is a fast read and entertaining.

The book arrived promptly in excellent condition at a very reasonable price and I've been enjoying reading it at which time I'll pass it on to a former Washington Post staffer. The preview on line had alerted me to the fact that the author describes the acquisition of The Washington Star by Joe Albritton. I represented some of the family members.

Unlike my wife who reads continuously for knowledge and pleasure, I tend to read a "Clancy" type book on vacation and
whatever she gives me that she thinks I'll like. Most of the time I start one of "her" books and either don't like it and give it back to her or, at best, read about a chapter a night until I finish. I read this book in three nights! Something about the man and his thirst for life touched my soul. The biggest appeal to me was his choice to take on the "underdog" role. Maybe because I'm a New York Yankees fan, I can really
appreciate an underdog. Since he does seem to change industries a lot, Mr. Bellows would be a perfect fit with the Minnesota Twins or the Montreal Expos. Thanks for a very enjoyable read!!

Funny, poignant, moving, Bellow's book inspires one to hang on for dear life in work where there's laughter and smarts. This sort of journalism will soon be gone for good and this book gives one long, often hilarious reminder of what that sort was like. I am not a journalist but I was charmed throughout and learned a heck of a lot while it happened!

I saw this book in a bookstore and bought it after hearing some people discussing it. What a gem! It was so inspiring to read about a person who followed his passion. And what an impact. Tom Wolfe, Jimmy Breslin, Leonard Maltin. Why hadn't I heard of this man before? It goes to show that hard work and dedication is rewarded by a rich and fulfilling life. He loved his work, loves life, his family. It makes you look at your own life to make sure you're living the one that you should be.

As one who worked with, for, near, and have been blessed by Jim Bellows this book was a could-not-put-down-sad-to-have-it end.
It's all true. Those who have said the book is an "ego" trip don't get that Bellows is without ego. Their loss. The book is a personal history , the history of the First Amendment in the last half century and a must read for anyone who wants to know how the U.S. got the way it is now.
Happy Birthday Jim.