THE LAST PIRATE A Father, His Son, and the Golden Age of Marijuana

MacLeod Andrews maintains a quick, assured pace throughout Dokoupil's memoir of growing up the son of a prominent figure in the marijuana trade. The author combines a well-researched history of marijuana with a refreshingly personal account of life with "Big Tony," who joined the biggest pot ring in the Reagan era. Andrews delivers the balance well as the author tackles sociopolitical aspects of the drug biz and evolving enforcement laws that affect the Dokoupils' lives. As listeners ride an unsettling tilt-a-whirl for much of this fantastical and harrowing account, Andrews keeps the story focused. His ability to cut through the author's facade of coping and project deeper emotional territory is well matched to this candid memoir. K.S.B. [Published: AUGUST 2014]