Life Itself, a memoir by Roger Ebert 436 pages

Before I moved to St Louis from Chicago I adopted Roger Ebert as my personal film critic. He wrote film reviews for my favorite newspaper, The Chicago Daily News (after its death he wrote for The Chicago Sun Times) and soon became featured as half of the famous televised debating critics Siskel and Ebert at the Movies. They gave their takes on current and classic films and concluded with their iconic thumbs up in approval or thumbs down in condemnation. After Siskel died, Ebert continued with his syndicated column and television show until he developed major health problems. Besides sharing Chicago as home for many years, we also shared the same alma mater, The University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana. He also introduced me to his favorite restaurant, Steak and Shake. (You might notice his praise prominently printed on their advertising posters the next time you stop by for one of the best malts in town). I opted for the audioversion of the biography read by Edward Herrmann. It is a fascinating biography not just as his personal story, but also as a history of film criticism. He was one of the pioneer critics, whose favorable review could help generate box office success. He includes anecdotes about film directors, actors and other reviewers. Anyone who appreciates film, would enjoy this gem. Those not interested in film would still be interested in his story as a cancer survivor who is still vital and creative although his body does not allow him to travel or communicate without computer technology.