How They Met

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

First-time author Cobb here interviews 30 couples about how they met. She has chosen an eclectic mix of lesser-knowns and celebrities, including New York City mayor David Dinkins and his wife, Joyce; theater folk Anne Jackson and Eli Wallach; and writers William Styron and his wife, Rose, and Joseph Heller and his wife, Valerie. Although the potential for an interesting and charming book exists, this is neither. The interviews seem curiously condensed, lacking feeling; the subjects' personalities never come through, nor does the reader become engrossed in their stories. These skimpy profiles offer less substance than would a magazine article. Also, general readers may not recognize all of the couples interviewed, since many are in low-visibility professions. (Feb.)