Crazy Town: The Rob Ford Story MP3 CD – Unabridged, January 12, 2016

Got this book as a gift for a friend that can not help but love the spectacle of Rob Ford's tumultuous mayoralty. We both have been rubbed the wrong way by sanctimonious Ontario natives every time we've had the misfortune of meeting them. And whenever we hark back to those moments where a smug sweater-wearing Torontonian told us how superior Canadians are, we read passages from this book to knock Canada down a peg or two. God rest Rob Ford's soul - and may we always recall his escapades with glee.

Robyn Doolittle and the Toronto Star, deserve a lot of credit, for the hard work in exposing the "mayor" of Toronto, the book goes into explaining all the hard journalistic work that went into the activities of the "mayor". Robyn also shows compassion for "Rob Ford". She goes into the background of the "Ford Family", and try's to explain the family dynamics and the reasons for the dysfunctional behavior of it's members, and the people he associates with, unfortunately there is one topic she does not tackle that is, " the man has mental problems."

I think it's important for people to understand how journalists work and Robyn does a good job of explaining behind the scenes activities, standards and expectations of responsible reporting.I wish those people who believe the rhetoric that Rob Ford has been unfairly targeted by the media would read this book. The media has a responsibility to report the bad behaviour of ANY person at any level of political office. The people and governing bodies have a responsibility to consider such reports honestly and address the issues if they are found to be true.Sadly, many tend to believe those who scream the loudest opinions. THE MEDIA IS TARGETING POOR ROB FORD! Yeah! I SAVED THE TAXPAYERS A BILLION DOLLARS! Yeah! SUBWAYS SUBWAYS SUBWAYS, I RETURN PHONE CALLS, I'M SORRY I'M SORRY AGAIN, I'M SORRY AGAIN.....Even more sadly, those same screamers will bully and shout over any dissenters. It's their M.O.Robyn illustrates how she and many of her colleagues are trying to bring us back to thoughtful consideration and discussion of all sides of an argument before drawing conclusions.

Robyn does a very professional job of exploring not only the present antics of RF but the back story that helps explain this phenomenon of the Canadian political scene. Very well researched and written and maintains a objective viewpoint. You come away wishing this man and his probably more serious threat brother would just go off and leave political life. It would also be nice if everyone in Ford Nation read the book but that's unlikely.

Rob Ford is portrayed as a very real person with great political ideas for Toronto and with disastrous failings. He promoted the building of a better public transportation system. Using his own considerable fortune, he saved the taxpayers thousands of dollars in the basic costs of running the city government. Yet his tenure in office was marred by his problems with alcohol and drugs, his outrageous lies, and his fierce temper

I guess I should not have expected much when a book like this comes out so close to the events it describes. Seemed like a rush job but that is far from surprising these days. Certainly good enough to get some background on the family and get one side of the story.

As a Toronto resident who lives their city and read, listened, observed in horror the sideshow that Rob Ford exhibited, I often felt hostage to how much presence he dominated in conversations in business dealings, social conversations and media yet was able to accomplish much of the political platform he set out to do.This gave a complete but sad insight to his demons, his struggles and his humanity.We as a city have survived and moved forward under Tory's new leadership allowing the Ford family to get the assistance they need if for no other reason than that of his young children.

I had read most of the stories in the Star and Globe and Mail prior to reading the book. Heck, while reading this, the story continued to get crazier (does anyone even know where he is right now?). But I didn't know the background of the reporting including the various contacts with drug dealers, witnesses, City Councillors, etc. Better yet, I didn't know the story of the Ford family, going back to Doug Sr.'s childhood and the troubles of other siblings. It really sheds light on a tragic situation, and shows how a voting public can be duped with hyperbole and anti-"them" fervor.

Like many people, I've seen the antics of Mayor Rob Ford on the Daily Show, and more mainstream news reports. If you follow any Canadians on twitter, you'll probably have seen the news about the Mayor. This excellent book puts everything in context. Written by the lead reporter on the Toronto Star, this book provides plenty of background on the "Canadian Kennedy's" (as the Ford family like to refer to themselves), the denials and then the big reveal of the "crack-smoking" video. It's astonishing how the politics of a major metropolitan city can be quite so bizarre.Definitely worth reading if you've ever wondered how a functioning alcoholic and self-confessed crack smoker can continue to run a city government (and could even be re-elected in 2014!).

Look, I'll be honest. I'm not much of a reader; so when I say I couldn't put a book down it means it must be truly something.Truth is I couldn't put this book down. It's not a particularly hard read either meaning you can easily blow through in a weekend.Doolittle clearly outlines the history of the family, before diving into the many controversies that have beleaguered Ford during his tenure both as city councilor and as mayor. By the time we get to the crack scandal we are already well versed in the world of the Fords.From here on out Doolittle describes an exciting tale that unfolds around her. She is humble, and certainly never attempts to paint this as a "personal" tale, but rather an important story she just happens to be involved in.Regardless of your feelings towards Ford, it is ultimately a fascinating, and entertaining read.

Considering how viciously the Fords trashed Robyn and the Star she does a great job of keeping to the facts. My favorite line in the book is that you can't keep reporting on his crazy rants without making it look like your picking on him.I was very surprised to learn The Star at one time endorsed Ford. I understand why the Fords don't want this made public, but why The Star doesn't let Toronto know they endorsed him until he showed exactly crazy he is, is beyond me.

I like this book because it is giving me some insite into who Rob Ford is and some of what contributes to his being the person he is.I had to get used to Robyn's form of writing but once I did , it was an easy read. Easy to understand and easy to follow.Anyone interested in GTA politics should read this book. Anyone wondering what kind of a person Rob Ford is should read this book. Anyone wondering what helped shape Rob Ford's behaviour and views, should read this book. If you want help with determining how things might go in Toronto in the future under Mayor Ford, you need to read this book.

I reluctantly bought this book because I didn't want to give the Crack Mayor more mind-space (am burnt out by the excessive media coverage), but wanted to support the author who is an excellent journalist. I was pleasantly surprised to find the book well-written and very interesting. I could not put it down!The book's strength is in explaining why Ford was voted into office, and the detailed the machinations to cover up his disgraceful behaviour. Even more impressive is that this book was written in 3 short months and yet is solidly researched with extensive footnotes and sources.