I was initially disappointed when I first picked up The Devil's Crossroads. I thought this book would delve deeply into the legend of the Crossroads and Robert Johnson, a topic I’m passionate about. I was incredibly excited to read something new that might support the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation. However, my initial expectations clouded my judgment, and I didn't give the book the fair chance it deserved.

This week, I re-read The Devil's Crossroads with a more open mind, focusing on what the book is, rather than what I thought it would be. This time around, I was able to appreciate the memoir for what it truly offers—a thoughtful exploration of life’s pivotal moments and the choices that define us.

While the book doesn’t center on Robert Johnson as I had hoped, Alexis Brunet uses the Crossroads metaphor to reflect on his life experiences. He shares his journey as a musician, surfer, skateboarder, husband, and father, tying these personal stories to the broader, universal human experience. The crossroads in his life become symbols of the decisions we all face, and how those decisions shape who we become. I believe the book is well-written and worth reading.

That said, I think many readers might pick up this book under the same premise I did—expecting a deeper connection to Robert Johnson and the blues legend’s lore. It’s important to approach The Devil's Crossroads with an understanding of what it is: a memoir that uses the Crossroads as a metaphor rather than a historical exploration of the myth itself.

Once I adjusted my expectations, I found The Devil's Crossroads to be an enjoyable read. It’s a reflective and existential memoir that offers a unique perspective on the choices that shape our lives. This book offers much to offer for those who are open to a more personal and philosophical journey.