David Masciotra, author of the tome "Working on a Dream: The Progressive Political Vision of Bruce Springsteen," is quick to note that the glory days of his subject matter are hardly behind him.
"With any musician or artist who began their recording career in the 60s or 70s, there's a tendency to obsess over the older work," he said. "But Springsteen has created such a rich body work in the last decade not only to Springsteen fans but to music fans in general."
Hosting a book signing for the newly published "Dream" Saturday at Borders Books in Highland, Masciotra, who resides in Dyer, penned a political column for the Joliet Herald-News in 2007 and 2008. He is currently studying for his master's degree in English studies and communication at Valparaiso University.
Masciotra fell under Springsteen's spell nearly a dozen years ago, around the time when the Boss reunited his E-Street Band for what was then their first tour in more than a decade. The author, who received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, was first taken by the Boss' musical acumen ("that great blend of 50s rock and 60s soul and timeless folk music") before finding inspiration in his lyrics.
In 2008, Masciotra began writing what would become "Dream."
"What really draws me to his music and makes me come back to it from a political perspective is, at the front and center of his (lyrical) world, he places everyday people at the front and center," Masciotra said. "He views the world through their lens, and that's a very powerful and important message in a democracy."
Over the course of the last half decade, Springsteen himself has taken an active role in American politics, endorsing John Kerry and Barack Obama in the last two presidential elections. Given this, Masciotra said he won't be surprised if "Dream" is met with counterpoints, at the very least, by right wing-minded readers.
And while Masciotra's "Dream" focuses on the author's interpretation of Springsteen's political and social stands, the Boss' music also influences the author on both a personal and professional level.
"I want to be a voice for love, service, truth and justice," Masciotra said. "Lifting your voice in the pursuit of that calling may be the most important lesson I learned from Bruce Springsteen's music."
Published earlier this month, "Working on a Dream: The Progressive Political Vision of Bruce Springsteen," is published by Continuum Books and is available at selected area bookstores. It can also be purchased for $21.95 at AMAZON.COM.
For more information on Masciotra, go to DAVIDMASCIOTRA.COM
David Masciorta's "Working on a Dream: The Progressive Political Vision of Bruce Springsteen" book signing, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Borders Books, 10135 S. Indianapolis Blvd., Highland
FYI: (219) 922-1103
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