Hotels, Hospitals, and Jails: A Memoir

Turmoil. Some memoirs present reflections about extraordinary lives. Others describe struggles and provide insight into how setbacks and obstacles can be overcome. Anthony Swofford’s latest memoir, Hotels, Hospitals, and Jails, tells readers about many of the recent bad choices he’s made, and how close he came to losing touch with what’s important. Much of the book involves his struggles with his father. His writing comes through as candid and blunt and with a critical introspection. Swofford’s earlier memoir, Jarhead, showcased his fine writing style. While the writing here is good, I became fatigued in reading so many pages about his narcissistic life and the turmoil he created for himself and others. He ends on an up note, but the journey there may be enjoyed only by those readers whose taste tends toward schadenfreude. Rating: Two-star (Mildly Recommended) Click here to purchase Hotels Hospitals and Jails from amazon.com.