I have followed the Irwin family news and updates since I first sat next to Steve on a plane in 1997. At one point during our flight, Steve and my son were chatting and when my son fell asleep, Steve graciously allowed him to put his feet on his lap. From that point on, I was a Steve fan. He had told us about Terri being pregnant and he glowed. It was clear to us that he loved Terri very much and was super excited about being a dad. He was also very open and talked about a great many things.
So, I suppose that's why I was disappointed with this book. Having met the man and spent a few hours talking to him, I learned more during that conversation than I learned in this book...and this book covered the 9 years after our conversation. I was hoping to hear some insight into who he was off camera and how their lives had been changed by fame. I was hoping that Terri would share special moments or trips or goals or...just anything that wasn't already public knowledge. But, she didn't. I recognize that there are sacred memories that should only belong to Terri, Bindi, and Bob. But, because there's nothing new in the book, I hate to say that it struck me as opportunist. The book is called "Steve and Me", but...it feels like Terri sat back and catalogued everything that was in the specials talking about their honeymoon, Bindi's birth, and the usual Steve stuff. Why write a book promising a view of Steve that the camera didn't give when you only share things that have been on camera? If there was discomfort sharing the intimate details promised in the hype, then maybe Terri shouldn't have written the book. And, that's what it comes down to. What was the motive for it? It could be argued that so much of the Irwin's lives had been in front of the camera, thereby leaving little to write about...but, to that I say, "exactly!"
I wish I could give this more stars. I really do. If you're someone who didn't watch the shows, then the book is probably adequate. If you followed the rise of the Irwins, then don't bother. Spend the money making a direct donation to the Australia Zoo. You won't miss anything. |
Steve and Me: Life with the Crocodile Hunter Books In Print, Audio Books.