PositiveThe Maine EdgeO’Connell’s book goes through each of these titles one by one, offering up some general insights on the works while also delving into thoughts on just why they might have made it onto this list ... And make no mistake – it is a vast and varied selection. Bowie’s literary tastes clearly ranged toward the omnivorous, with works from all manner of genre making appearances. The list leans a bit toward fiction, but there’s plenty of nonfiction there as well. There’s a good deal of affection for American authors, but there are also a lot of writings from Bowie’s UK countrymen. He ventures farther afield as well ... O’Connell looks for ways to connect the dots, mining the books and Bowie’s life and career to find the places where the pieces lock together. Some of those connections are clearer with others; the subtler ones don’t always click in the same fashion as the more obvious choices. Regardless, it’s a wonderful and idiosyncratic way to get some insight into what made Bowie tick.
