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Sonny Vogel's Passion for Adventure

© Robert Powers

The description on the title page of Passion for Adventure isn't hyperbole: "An extraordinary man living an extraordinary life." Sifting through nearly 300 pages concerning L.G. "Sonny" Vogel confirms that he has roared through life seldom wearing a seat belt . He spent 28 years as a Marine, survived four campaigns during World War II, with a notable crash and escape from a Japanese held island, experienced two more tours in the Korean Conflict, and one in the Vietnam debacle. Between wars, he fought the Communists in China.

In civilian life, Sonny operated an American Legion gambling den, then took part in the early days of the Grand National racing circuit, including building engines for the "good ole boys." As a result, he inadvertently participated in running "popskull" booze in the South.

Vogel formed several racing teams, involving endurance racer Peter Gregg and the well-known five times LeMans winner, Hurley Haywood. The restless Vogel tackled each challenge without caution, armed with bravery and enthusiasm. Once he set a water skiing record of nearly 100 miles per hour, being dragged along by an airplane.

Passion for Adventure contains details that seem both outrageous and foolhardy. But there were witnesses. Vogel's writing is blunt, but the reader soon settles down to an exhilarating, occasionally bumpy ride.

Vogel's life would make a wonderful movie, save for the fact that the costs of production would rival Titanic. The autobiography provides a thrill-a-minute ride about a fascinating individual always seeking the next big thrill.

Columnist's caveat: I would be remiss in not mentioning that I helped edit the manuscript for Sonny's book. That doesn't change the fact that it's a good read.

The book is available from Action Catalyst, Inc., Box 21581, Columbus, OH 432221-0581, or from the Barnes & Noble web site (www.barnesandnoble.com)

MAZZA'S COLLECTION REISSUED

Everything old becomes new again, as the song lyric said. That's certainly accurate with Cris Mazza's 1991 collection of short stories, Is It Sexual Harrassment Yet? The book, with a new preface and introduction, has been brought back in a handsome edition by Fiction Collective Two, priced at $13.95.

Mazza writes fiction with an edge, a definite feminist point of view, and a sharp sense of humor. All those elements are on display in this intriguing assembly of 15 absurdist tales. Mazza has serious concerns about the sexes, but she never assumes a preaching tone in her edgy stories.

Mazza takes chances, adopting innovative methods which stretch the bounds, adopting fresh ways to develop characters straddling the abyss between fact and farce. Liberal servings of humor don't eliminate the abrasive roughness of attitude, but the laughter somehow makes her seriousness of purpose more effective.

The copyright of the article Sonny Vogel's Passion for Adventure in Contemporary Fiction is owned by Robert Powers. Permission to republish Sonny Vogel's Passion for Adventure in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.