cover image On Gratitude: Sheryl Crow, Jeff Bridges, Alicia Keys, Daryl Hall, Ray Bradbury, Anna Kendrick, B.B. King, Elmore Leonard, Deepak Chopra, and 42 More Celebrities Share What They're Most Thankful For

On Gratitude: Sheryl Crow, Jeff Bridges, Alicia Keys, Daryl Hall, Ray Bradbury, Anna Kendrick, B.B. King, Elmore Leonard, Deepak Chopra, and 42 More Celebrities Share What They're Most Thankful For

Todd Aaron Jensen, Adams Media, $14.95 trade paper (256p) ISBN 978-1-4405-0594-2

In a fashion similar to a Thanksgiving toast, journalist Jensen uncovers the so-called "gratitude lists" of 50 celebrities ranging in profession and fame. Actors, artists, musicians, authors, cartoonists, athletes and others reveal lists that delve deeper into their lives than the average acceptance speech at any given award show. Each chapter focuses on a single celebrity beginning with a short biography vaguely explaining his or her significance, followed by confusingly titled paragraphs consisting of cumbersome quotes that essentially form this "list." Insights from truly compelling figures such as Coppola, Updike, Lynch and Vonnegut carry the book to its abrupt end. Little about the nature of gratitude is discussed but much is learned about the subjects' lives and relationships. (Sept. 14)