Title: Blind Journey: A Journalist’s Memoirs
Author: Jack Hawn
Publisher: Writers’ Branding
ISBN: 978-1639457021
Pages: 340
Genre: Memoir
Reviewed by: Manik Chaturmutha
Hollywood Book Reviews
Blind Journey, by author Jack Hawn, is a memoir which traces his unexpected rise in journalism, from a copyboy – to covering iconic events and celebrities during his remarkable 43-year career. This book offers inspiration and insight for aspiring and seasoned journalists and promises to be a captivating read worth revisiting.
The memoir provides a glimpse into the author’s life from his early years at the University of California in Santa Barbara, where he made the impulsive decision to enlist in the military, to his time in the military, his marriage, separation, and his journey into journalism.
I enjoyed the detail of including images in the book. It made reading enjoyable and added a personal touch. Hawn recounts his initial journey into journalism, which started with his pursuit of employment at the Citizen-News, a newspaper in Hollywood. Despite facing obstacles and accepting a lower salary than he had hoped, he began as an office boy and eventually transitioned to the editorial department. The memoir also sheds light on some humorous and challenging moments he encountered in his roles and pivotal moments in the author’s life, characterized by financial struggles, a failed gambling attempt, strained relationships, and career decisions. It reflects the challenges and uncertainties of pursuing a career in journalism while trying to provide for his family.
His writing style is straightforward and personal, connecting readers with his experiences and emotions. He balances professional growth with personal accounts, making it an engaging part of the memoir. The narrative is chronological and easy to follow, making it accessible to readers. It conveys events and feelings without unnecessary complexity, making it suitable for a broad audience. The writing style effectively brings emotions, particularly during personal loss and reflection. The writing maintains an informal and conversational tone, making the readers feel a one-on-one conversation with the author.
This memoir not only builds the narrative of personal life but also provides a glimpse into the period’s time, culture, and relationships. It also touches on the challenges and uncertainties that arose due to changes in military assignments. It engages the reader by combining personal anecdotes with a broader cultural context.
Overall, the Blind Journey is engaging and inspiring. I enjoyed visiting the time of Old Hollywood and the newspaper age, and I’m sure many people will find reading this book and learning about that era exciting and inspiring.