Tommy James’ autobiography less than “one helluva ride”

tommyjames-methemobandthemusicIf there were ever a celebrity autobiography that proved the necessity of a good ghostwriter, Tommy JamesMe, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James and the Shondells would be it. James’ ghostwriter, Martin Fitzpatrick, is the man tasked with taking all the stories James tells and turning them into a coherent narrative.

Sadly, Fitzpatrick lacks the ability to take James’ life story and turn it into something exciting. It’s a severe disappointment that a story involving mob hits, drugs, and multiple marriages is completely lacking in any sort of forward momentum. The book moves along like it’s just working towards a page count, bang bang bang. Character development is nil, and the story is perfunctory – everything seems to be a story that’s been recounted so many times, it’s lacking in any sort of excitement.
Continue reading