<p>"Bruce" by Peter Ames Carlin.</p>

SEASIDE Travel down Thunder Road with author Peter Ames Carlin as he tells the story of Bruce Springsteen that is. The event will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 and is presented by the Friends of the Seaside Library. There will be book sales and signings presented by Beach Books.

Bruce is the sweeping biography of one of Americas greatest musicians and is the first in 25 years to be written with the cooperation of Springsteen himself.

Carlin was granted unparalleled access to the musicians family and band members including Clarence Clemons in his last major interview. The material revealed by Springsteens inner circle is an account of a man laden with family tragedy, a tremendous dedication to his artistry, and an all-consuming passion for fame and influence. The E Street Band members finally bare their feelings about their abrupt dismissal in 1989 and how Springsteens ambivalence nearly capsized their 1999 reunion.

Carlin deftly traces Springsteens often harrowing personal life: from his lower working-class childhood in Freehold, N.J., through his stubborn climb to fame and tangled romantic life, and finally to his quest to conquer the demons that nearly destroyed his father. Bruce encompasses the breadth of Springsteens astonishing career and explores the inner workings of a man who managed to redefine generations of music.

Carlin is a journalist, critic and author. He has been a senior writer at People magazine and a TV critic for The Oregonian. He is also the author of Paul McCartney: A Life and Catch A Wave: The Rise, Fall and Redemption of the Beach Boys Brian Wilson. He lives in Portland with his wife and children.

The Seaside Public Library is located at 1131 Broadway. For more information call 503-738-6742 or visit www.seasidelibrary.org and www.facebook.com/seasidepubliclibrary