As reported a few days ago in this blog, author Michael Largo has included a completely false and possibly libelous passage about Bobby Darin in his book "Final Exits: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of How We Die." (The passage is reprinted below.)
Among the remedies I suggested for this situation was writing a review on the Amazon product page for the book "Final Exits," warning potential buyers about the author's representation of fiction as fact.
Upon visiting the Amazon product page for "Final Exits" today, I discovered that Amazon had deleted all negative reviews of the book "Final Exits." At one point, there were at least 16 1-star reviews, all pointing out the factual error about Bobby Darin in the book. Now there are none. This is censorship, plain and simple.
I suggest that anyone who previously had a review up on that page, pointing out the error, please go there and post it again. I would also suggest writing Amazon customer service, and expressing your displeasure at the actions of Amazon.
Here is the passage from Michael Largo's book again:
"Final Exits" by Michael Largo, Page 253
The entry is headed: "Overdose Roll Call The Seventies"
The one-line passage about Bobby Darin reads as follows: "1973. Bobby Darin, age thirty-seven, dies of heart failure while snorting cocaine."
Again, if you would like to help correct this egregious error: You can write to the publisher, to the author, and you can post a review on Amazon, warning potential buyers of this book that it contains fiction masking as non-fiction.
The author's address: finalexits@aol.com
The publisher's address: feedback2@harpercollins.com
Direct link to the product listing on Amazon, where you can post a review: "Final Exits" at Amazon
To add a review, scroll down to the reviews at the bottom of the page and click the "Write Your Own Review" link.
The Darin Estate has been notified of this situation, and has issued a statement that they will be contacting the appropriate parties.
2 comments:
HI Michael
It is too bad about that new book. It reminds me of some of the trash that was written about John Lennon after he died.
I added both your blog, and the darinland.com site to my blog.
keep up the good work!
Tom Gary
Tom
No doubt. I am a Lennon fan myself, and some of the things they wrote about him after he passed, and before, were absolutely ludicrous.
Thanks for the links on your blog--I'll be adding your link to this blog shortly!
--Michael
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