Unsettled Matters: The Life and Death of Bruce Lee

If you liked Thomas's "Bruce Lee: Fighting Spirit", you will like this volume as well. Here is a book which offers not only a thourough look at who Bruce Lee was (strengths and weaknesses), but for the first time offers a tangible rethinking of the cause of his untimely death. Since the early 1970's when Bruce Lee died, medicine has come a long way. Bleeker has researched the matter thouroughly, offering several rational theories about what may have contributed to the death of the "Little Dragon" and his own tangible theory for the cause. Thankfully, this volume stays far away from the fanciful thinking of those who posit tenuous tales of triad assasinations or poisoned cocktails, examining instead substances that Lee was known to have taken (Cortazone shots for his back pain, ingesting hashish to relax and alleviate pain, the possibility he may have taken anabolic steroids, the dreaded equagesic tablet at his mistresses' house), and presenting new information on the negative effects and interactions of those substances. You will definately learn something new, as I did. Bleeker also backs up his sources, even naming the man from whom it is thought Lee obtained his hashish and steroids (the man was a documented dealer...go figure). People intent on believing in Bruce Lee as an eternal and perfect diety aren't going to like this book, it definately does not toe the "party line" according to Linda Lee, who stands to profit the most from the myth of Lee as a near-perfect man and martial artist. Practicing martial artists, celebrity trivia buffs, true crime fans and anyone looking for a unique read should enjoy this work immensely. Bleeker is honest about his past relationships with Bruce Lee (he was a one time student), Linda Lee (Once her husband), and his words have been written with an air of driven sincerity, which appears to be led by his own desire to know the facts about this fascinating actor and man. I noted with surprise that Bleeker mentions Linda Lee and Raymond Chow acted separately to legally block publication of this book. Since the threats have not been followed up, I can only guess that they were unsubstantive, and issued in hope of intimidating Tom Bleeker into silence. I for one am glad he decided to share what he discovered with the rest of us who haven't the time or connections to take personally researching this topic on.

I believe most of the information in this book is factual based on the author being married to Bruce's widow and having access to most of Bruce's documents and writing's. I just don't understand why still today no ones trying to find out what really happened the day bruce died. I dont believe anyone would have wanted to kill bruce because he would have made everyone more money being alive. I truly think it was an accident there's just too many coincidences here. Bruce just took too many medications and got caught up in things. The only suspicious thing regarding Bruce Lee's death is the fact that no one called the ambulance until it was too late. Betty and Ramond Chow should have called the ambulance first instead of calling each other. The possibility in chpt 17 appear to be the most logic reason of Bruce Lee's death. I was only four years old in 1973 but, I remember hearing of his death on the radio. Also I was bit by a dog that year so I have vivid memories that year. The only other mysterious thing regarding Bruce's death is all the lies and coverups at first Lee died at home then at Betty's house. Why all the Lies? The truth shall set you free. So I thank you Tom for trying to solve the mystery the only reason I believe you out of all people is because you were married to Linda and knew Bruce along with his colleques.You also had access to his personal belongings and court documents but you can take nothing away from Bruce Lee he is still the greatest martial artist of all time. There's just a lot of mystery and misconceptions regarding his life and death. This book is a must read it explains the May 10 & July 20 1973 incidents in a more logical manner. Healthy men just don't collapse for no reason, in your book we now know the reason. even if it's not totally true it will make you think Thanks for writting this book It answered some of my questions.

I have read most of the John Little books that are more in the "Lee is God" mode. This book "sounds" more authentic, and actually makes Bruce Lee appear more human, but, I am no expert and the people who actually know the real truth about Bruce are remaining quiet? So, it is going to be all opinion/conjecture...I can only wonder why, in fact, if this book is such a pack of lies? why hasn't there been a rebuttle and outrage after all these years by the people who know the real facts. i.e his wife??? Regardless of the facts..the book is an interesting read.

"Unsettled Matters" provides more detail about Bruce Lee's life and death than any other biography about the man, written or filmed, including those by Linda Lee herself. The author doesn't pull any punches, which may upset many fans who buy into the image of Bruce that has been perpetuated for the last 27 years. It is also very interesting when you find out how the author came upon all this information and why so many people don't want you to hear it. If you're simply a martial artist that's interseted in JKD, then there is plenty of worthwhile material out there. However, if you have a sincere interest in Bruce Lee himself then you will be cheating yourself by not reading this book and hearing another side of the story. How did he die? There are no absolute answers given about his death but, there is some real discussion of all the facts involved. How did he live? Like anyone else...with hopes and dreams and mistakes; and yes even with some mystery. I have considered myself a fan for over 20 years (I'm 31)and am angered that most of this information has been previously unavailable. It has changed my image of Bruce slightly, but more so it has opened my eyes to the lies that have surrounded his public image and the people that have perpetuated these lies. Don't let anyone tell you who Bruce was..do your own research and this is a great place to start!

This book details the negative side of bruce lee's life, including prescription drug use, marajuania (sp?), and his personality flaws. It is extremely detailed and well written: I read through all 200 pages non-stop. The book is broken up into roughly three parts. The first part presents his childhood in Hong Kong and college life in Seattle. The second part deals with his rise to fame in the asian movie market prior to the making of "Enter the Dragon." The last section tries to explain his death and offer possible motivations of the parties involved. He does NOT claim that Bruce Lee was murdered, though he analyzes several hypothesis to that effect.I only have a few concerns about this book. First, the author has a motive to discredit Bruce Lee. Another reviewer described him as a "sour grapes ex-husband." It is very possible that Bruce was a sticking point in his marriage to Linda and that for some reason resulted in their divorce. The author does not always damn Lee, but praise is few and far between. Second, the author does not reference his sources well at all. He presents most of controversial facts in the book without mentioning how he got this information. Despite his logical writing style, the reader doesn't know whether or not to believe the author because of this. Third, the book does not explain Bruce's development of JKD. Dan Inosanto is only mentioned in ONE SENTANCE. The author takes his teacher's (Ed Parker) view on JKD: that it was simply a personal way for Bruce to streetfight. I would really have liked to hear more about his relationship to Dan Inosanto and Taky Kimura instead of his rivalry with James Colbert.In short, this book should be read by everyone involved in JKD as well as all would-be worshipers of Bruce Lee. A rebuttal of some kind is desperately needed from the pro-Lee camp, but all they do is ignore the book and threaten the publisher. This is the most aptly-titled book I have ever read.