Joseph Bosco

Joseph Bosco was granted one of a very few permanent front- row seats for the so- called "Trial of the Century" in the US -- the 1995 trial of athlete Orenthal Simpson for the brutal murder of his ex-wife Nicole and her acquaintance Ron Goldman. For 16 months, Bosco witnessed the trial, including proceedings not seen by the jury; he also interviewed a few participants. This book is the highly- disappointing result – one that offers few questionable tidbits of information in a mass of conjecture, hearsay, and second- guessing of trial tactics. Surely a competent writer with Bosco's unique access to the trial should have been able to provide far more information with far less of a bias.

A Problem of Evidence is disorganized, being arranged semi - chronologically, from the first reports of the crime, through jury selection, the trial, and the verdict. Each chapter consists primarily of miscellaneous notes and anecdotes separated by small diamonds; within each chapter, they seem to be arranged at entirely at random. These notes and anecdotes report small events that are said to have occurred during the trial, along with rumor and assertions unattributed to actual sources (and therefore unable to be confirmed). The author's lack of critical judgement led him to repeat rumors of conspiracy involving organized crime and multiple perpetrators. Likewise, some events are misrepresented, such as alleged obscene rebuff by visiting attorney Gerry Spence to a female security officer (for what actually transpired and origins of the false story, see Spence's O.J. the Last Word).

Bosco periodically injects information from unidentified sources as well as from interviewees, notably the forensic specialist Henry Lee, and the private investigator Pat McKenna, both of whom were working for the Simpson team. From Lee, we get nothing of substance, whereas from MeKenna, one wades through vulgar profanity only to find speculation and unsubstantiated assertions. While sympathetic to the family of Ron Goldman, Bosco is critical of the Brown family, accusing them of mishandling money donated for the children. Likewise, he blames them for "allowing" Nicole to establish a relationship with OJ back when she was but 17 years old. Nicole was actually 18, living on her own in another state, and supporting herself financially. In any case, what bearing does this have on her brutal murder 17 years later?

Notwithstanding its flaws, this book does offer a perspective into the trial, one entirely unflattering to the prosecution’s case. It recounts alleged misconduct and ineptitude by the LA Police Dept, the District Attorney's Office, and the prosecutors, as well as the judge himself. Prosecutor Marcia Clark preens and giggles, flirting outrageously with her co-counsel and members of the defense team. Judge Lance Ito is pictured as weak, irresponsible and narcissistic. If Bosco and others are correct, he would have had to recuse himself had his wife (herself a police officer) been truthful about her difficult interactions with a key prosecution witness, fellow officer Mark Fuhrman. Bosco also alludes to significant problems in police conduct (mishandling of evidence, leaking of information) and passes along allegations that evidence was tampered with; however, again, he is unable to provide substantiation for the allegations. Interestingly, despite his pro- defense bias, Bosco thinks it likely that OJ Simpson committed the crime, but waffles on a conclusion that should be obvious by speculating about an accomplice and about a link to previous murders in the area.

Many books have been published about the OJ Simpson trial; indeed most of the key participants and several who did not participate have written their own accounts. A Problem of Evidence has little or nothing to recommend it over any of the others, and will be of interest only to those seeking every last word about the murder case and the trial.… (plus d'informations)

Joseph Bosco documents the 1988 season of the Peoria Chiefs, largely from the perspective of manager Jim Tracy and pitching coach Rick Kranitz, both of whom have had some major league success since the book was published. While it's a largely sympathetic portrait of the Chiefs, it's a rather off-putting book and many people dislike it. So it's worth mentioning some of the things which bother folks:

* The book's written in something which resembles present tense, which makes following the story painful.
* The language is unabashedly profane.
* While there's no actual sex in the book, there's much discussion about the players' sex lives.
* The players are usually identified by nicknames which are not always obvious.
* Rick Wilkins, the most recognizable of the players, is portrayed as boorish, immature, and self-centered.
* Chiefs owner Pete Vonachen, a hero to many people (including me), is shown to be petty and difficult, though Bosco obviously likes the man.

Ignoring Scott Sanderson, who pitched a few innings on a rehab assignment, only two members of this team made it to The Show. Both--Wilkins, and Frank Castillo--had decent careers. Most of the rest were out of baseball within a couple years of their Peoria season.

Bosco's claimed intention was an exploration of the reasons players succeed or fail; instead, he's chronicled the ways coaches teach and motivate players. His book does this better than any other in my library; it's a fascinating read.

Not a book for everyone, obviously. But if you can discount the difficulties, worth your time.

This review is also available on a dabbler's journal.… (plus d'informations)