Meredith Willson: The Unsinkable Music Man

Frankly, I do not understand the 2 star review of this book. I could not put it down. The author, a veteran reporter from Willson's hometown, spent a long while digging into manuscript material, interviewing people who knew Willson, and writing what is to me one compelling book. There is so much about his early years (what a weird childhood!), his difficult days in NY trying to carve out a career, strained relations with his siblings, and even the controversy about whether he or his sister Dixie had the idea for "The Music Man." His three wives, later years, and sad decline are all here. I am not ashamed to say I was crying when I put the book down. My wife gave me the book for Xmas, and also just finished reading it. She loved it as well. Now my sister is reading it.If you like the hit musical and Merideth Willson (yes, that is Willson with 2 "ls"), you will enjoy this book immensely. I did see a few typos, but big deal. The obvious depth of research and quality of the author's writing make it clear this is a serious book. I cannot recommend it enough.