Wole Soyinka’s Memoir ‘Ake: The Years of Childhood’ to Be Adapted, and More
By Susan H. Gordon
In 1989, Nigerian novelist, poet, playwright, and critic Wole Soyinka penned his memoir -- setting it during the time of the Second World War and speaking from the point of view of his eleven-year-old self in order to best explore the erratic behavior of the adults around him. Twenty-four years later, his life story is to become a film, narrated by the adult Soyinka himself. Yemi Akintokun will direct this project, which has been in in the making since its literary equivalent was published, and is scheduled to come out next July, in celebration of Soyinka’s 80th birthday. [via Books Live]
The hauntingly gracious voice of singer Linda Ronstadt will soon have another outlet: her memoir, Simple Dreams, is scheduled to arrive this September. Published by Simon and Schuster, Ronstadt’s tale will offer a personal look at the six decades she’s spent in music, from her folk and cover songs days to her take on Gilbert and Sullivan strains. For those of us who can’t get enough of that timeless voice, an audio book read by the chanteuse herself will be released at the same time. [via Vintage Vinyl News]
David Ellefson, bassist for the classic metal band Megadeth, is about to join the group of rockers with biographies. His memoir, My Life with Deth, will appear this October, courtesy of Howard Books and co-author Joel McIver. Ellefson’s fabled difficulties with bandmate Dave Mustaine will make his book’s pages, along with details on the musical chemistry that has made the duo’s project a success since the early eighties. The requisite details on addiction and subsequent spiritual self-discovery -- Ellefson plans to become a Lutheran minister -- will make the cut as well. [via Noise Creep]
The voice of Monday Night Football, Al Michaels -- whose coverage of the U.S. defeating the Soviet Union’s hockey team during the 1980 Olympics led to the event being dubbed “the miracle on ice” -- has penned his autobiography with a hand from Sports Illustrated Executive Editor L. Jon Wertheim. The collaboration will be published by William Morrow. [via Media Bistro]
