I am not good at reading non-fiction. I quite enjoy (auto)biographies and memoirs in audio, especially read by the author, where possible. Unfortunately, I had this book as an ebook ARC, that I never got around to reading back in 2014 when I received it. I hang my head in shame. BUT, now I’ve read it! It took me 3 full months of dedicated reading. I was determined not to give up.

That said, the book was dense and dry, for only covering 20 years of Bradbury’s life (1940-1960) with quite a bit of repetitiveness. The author clearly did a mountain of research. Nonetheless, I’m glad I read it, learning about his process, his work in film and stage, which I hadn’t known anything about, and the novels/collections that I know and love which came out in this period. Now I almost wish that I had the wherewithal to read the other 2 volumes of this biography, but I know I won’t. Maybe one day, or a more streamlined/condensed one by a different author.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the second biography of Bradbury produced by the author, a scholar who has studied the great science fiction author's life and works in great detail. The first, "Becoming Ray Bradbury", covered his childhood and the start of his career up to achieving fame for "The Martian Chronicles" and "Fahrenheit 451". This second volume focuses on Bradbury's middle career, when he became an influential force in film and television. The author's extensive research shows in the exquisite detail of these volumes, which may be a bit dry or excessively-detailed for the casual fan, but which are highly recommended for those who have great appreciation for his work.

An excellent biography of Ray Bradbury. This is the second volume in the magnificent series from Jonathan Eller. A must have for any fan of Ray Bradbury