Title: Doc
Author: Mary Doria Russell
Category: Biography
Rating: ****
Today’s Date: 1/8/2012
Review:
After hearing Russell talking about her new book on NPR, and because I have loved some of her sci-fi, I thought I’d give this biography of John Henry Holliday a shot, though the Old West has never been of great interest to me. Actually, I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Mark Bramhall. This turned out to be one of the best books I’ve “read” in some time. Though fictionalized, Russell has researched heavily. While most people probably think Holliday was “one of those outlaws”, it is surprising to learn that he was a highly educated man, formally trained as a dentist and an accomplished pianist. Between his steady decline from consumption and the economic hardships of the time, his path was one of survival which included gambling and gun-fighting. This is a biography I highly recommend!
Submitted by: Chris Piattelli
