Reviews

Greetings from Bury Park by Sarfraz Manzoor

kcrouth's review against another edition

4.0

Greetings from Bury Park is a moving and heartwarming memoir of friends, family, race, politics, religion, and music - especially the music of Bruce. When it comes to Springsteen fandom, it is amazing how many parallel life experiences have come under the healing and inspiring influence of Bruce's music. This story, although set in another continent and culture, and about people of another skin color and religious tradition, bears such a close parallel to my story and the story of so many others who, in their journey growing up and through life, have found inspiration and personal peace through the music of Springsteen. Even with all the obvious differences in place and culture, i felt the author was describing much of my own life's story. This is a great story to read, regardless of the reader's relationship with Bruce's music. It is a wonderful story of Growin' Up the journey to The Promised Land. :)

emma_foer's review

informative reflective slow-paced

2.0

brendanpm98's review

emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-paced

4.5

mrs_m4gic's review

funny inspiring reflective

4.0

mkriete's review

reflective medium-paced

4.0

michelleloretta's review

3.0

This had a good premise but weak execution. I didn’t like that the narrative was all over the place. (Every chapter jumped back to the beginning. The book didn’t flow chronologically which would have made more sense for a memoir like this.) My favorite parts were when he talked about arranged marriages in his family and how he felt about it for himself.

esshgee's review against another edition

4.0

4 1/2 stars. An engaging memoir, raw and honest, and some really beautiful prose. This edition has an afterword which gives an update 10 years later. I'm also a Bruce Springsteen fan and love his lyrics, so this was an absolute winner for me

jennagrace_m's review

4.0

Had to check out this memoir after I saw the movie Blinded by the Light and learned it was based on a book. I became obsessed with Bruce Springsteen myself in 2020 after listening to *his* memoir, so I related to Sarfraz's love for The Boss and experience with music as a religion of sorts. In addition to/far beyond capturing the impact music can have in your teen years, Sarfraz expresses the way he grappled with his British Pakistani identity with much more nuance than the film was able to.

waylander101's review against another edition

4.0

Sarfraz Manzoor was two years old when, in 1974, he emigrated from Pakistan to Britain with his mother, brother, and sister. Sarfraz spent his teenage years in a constant battle, trying to reconcile being both British and Muslim, trying to fit in at school and at home. But it was when his best friend introduced him to the music of Bruce Springsteen that his life changed completely. From the age of sixteen on, after the moment he heard the harmonica and opening lines to "The River," Springsteen became his personal muse, a lens through which he was able to view the rest of his life. Both a tribute to Springsteen and a story of personal discovery, Greetings from Bury Park is a warm, irreverent, and exceptionally perceptive memoir about how music transcends religion and race.

After watching "Blinded by the Light" I made an effort to find Greetings from Bury Park and I have to say I wasn't disappointed at all. Sarfraz's autobiography tells a story that I as a white guy growing up around the same time (I'm a year or two older) found enlightening in a way I didn't expect. While I was aware of the growth of movements like the National Front (other racist bigots are available sadly) I could never place myself in the position of an immigrant to this country suffering under their torment. The way he found connection and solace through the music of Springsteen was an absolute delight.

Highly recommended, read it if you can

My other reviews:- https://waylander101.blogspot.com/

fia2212's review

emotional informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

2.5