Book Review: Mr. CSI: How A Vegas Dreamer Made A Killing In Hollywood, One Body At A Time

It seems to be my luck that while reading the George R. R. Martin Ice and Fire series I tend to find other books that are engaging, interesting, and quick to read.  Mr. CSI: How A Vegas Dreamer Made A Killing in Hollywood, One Body At A Time, the autobiography of television franchise CSI's creator Anthony E. Zuiker, was no exception.

I must admit - I have been a fan of CSI:Crime Scene Investigation since about its third season.  The first episode I really remember watching was the one with the kids, the old lady, the cats, and the floaty pen.  After that I was hooked.  I have every season on DVD, and despite losing many of my favorite actors and characters from the show, I still watch the show today.  I haven't been as interested in the spin off series in Miami or New York, but I will probably watch the original Vegas show until it is off the air.

So, I expected reading the story of the man who created one of my favorite television shows would be interesting.  What I didn't expect was for the story to be one of the most engrossing reads I have encountered in a long time.  It isn't so much the story - man examines his relationship with his father and realizes how this has driven him to greatness - but how it is told.  One of the ideas that is constantly repeated is that Anthony Zuiker received encouragement from many people to develop his unique voice.  Reading this book you can definitely feel it - this man knows how to craft a story.  I have to admit that I picked this book up around 2pm, and though I took a nap, ate dinner, watched some TV, and surfed the internet, I was still finished by 1am the next morning.  This is possibly the first time I have read an entire book in a 12 hour period.  And though there were other things I should have been doing with my time, once I picked this book up I almost literally couldn't put it down.

For fans of the show this book is an absolute must-read, however I would also recommend this book to fans of autobiographies, creative types, and just in general.  I think this book is especially great for creative types struggling to make it in their respective fields.  Although this is Anthony's story, and although he is dealing with weighty issues throughout the book, somehow the overall tone comes off as being funny, happy, and supportive.  You can tell that he is appreciative of his fans, and enjoys what he does.  Despite his struggles and hardships his tone was never bitter or angry.  And you can also tell that he supports others who are searching to find their place in this world.  Despite the fact that his work deals with serious issues like crime, murder, and violent deaths, the humor and joy is never lost from his voice.  It is a captivating look at a man who has created captivating television, and I highly recommend this book to all.