Official Review: Something There Is by David Sayre

[DaniMnv]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Something There Is" by David Sayre.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The nonfiction book, Something There Is, by Peter E. Randall is a soul enduring compilation of letters, depicting the writer’s journey through a broad spectrum of life experiences. It is a style of writing I haven’t experienced in quite some time. Last book I read similar to this style was more of a Dear Diary, or Dear God format. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect or grasp. I must say though, it was a pleasant diversion from the typical storyline and plots I’ve read of late.

Each letter is dedicated to an experience or a thought process contrived in a particular location which I thought was brilliant. For example, some letters take place while the writer is in: Harvard Massachusetts, Tilden Pond, The South Bronx, Emerson Hospital, etc. Each excerpt represents impacting or pivotal moments in the author’s life. I found these pieces moving overall. As a parent myself, I can relate to leaving my children a legacy. The author coins a very unique way of accomplishing this.

In addition, there is also a historic and introspective look into each subject. It is clear the author possessed a crucial knowledge and technical expertise, and/or participation in the subject matter. In this method, I found myself lost at times in the reasoning behind such a vast amount of information. While I understood the need for the informative foundation, I felt it went above and beyond necessity at times. As I appreciated and related to some letters better than others, the author’s overall reach was understood.

As a native New Yorker myself, the letter titled “The South Bronx” resonated with me. It took me back to a time and place the author describes. Of my own days visiting family in the South Bronx. This particular letter I enjoyed most. It was a gem to find an aspect of this book that related to a place I know well. To be able to place myself there and appreciate his humanitarian reason for being there as well.

Even though I disagreed minutely with the dark pall cast upon the area (“Here is a neighborhood of death, and of life, the choice held up in terrible opportunity each night”). However, I get it, he is not wrong in his assessment. A bit one-sided perhaps, but not totally inaccurate from a “looking glass land” perspective. I know this feeling of defensiveness is borne from a loyalty to my home state and a city I grew up next door to. It was indeed a rough time and a rough neighborhood if I’m going to be honest.

I gave this book a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. The author’s transformation is evident in this book. Although the format is a collection of letters, it still ran the full gamut of character development. Which was surprising and a testament to the author’s creativity. However, to just credit his creativity would be a grave disservice. Each letter is a piece of Randall’s life history, his journey of self-awareness and development. One he shares with the recipients (child/children/audience). This expression of growth was a wonder to receive as a reader. If we all had such a legacy to leave our families and society, we’d be so much further in paying it forward.

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Something There Is
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[bookowlie]

Nice review! I enjoy reading books where the author details places he/she has lived or visited. It's a bonus to read another's person's perspective if you have also lived there at some point.

[DaniMnv]

Thanks so much bookowlie! It is truly a powerful feeling to be able to connect with a message. Even more so when you have lived it yourself.

[Bigwig1973]

I'm wondering if the title makes reference to Robert Frost's poem, "Mending Wall"? "Something there is that doesn't love a wall, that sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, and spills the upper boulders in the sun..." I'm curious in case anyone else knows!