Running On Empty by John L. Barker of Phoenix Literary Productions

Running On Empty is a biography of the late actor River Phoenix. It is a unique biography in that the author takes the perspective of a devoted Phoenix fan. The format is also different from all other biographies because it includes an analysis of the themes and characters found in Phoenix’s 15 films, a narrative fantasy, a tribute, poems with Phoenix as the subject and most of all, a chronological review of each of his films. Running on Empty is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers, as anyone who enjoys biographies, entertainment in general, or River Phoenix in particular, will come away with a fresh perspective on this one-of-a-kind humanitarian entertainer.

Former resident chronicles actor’s life.

For author John L. Barker, too many people remember River Phoenix simply for his 1993 death of a drug overdose. So Barker, a former Marshalltown resident, has published a book that chronicles the young actor’s life. "River did so many good things with his life besides his movies," Barker said. "He was a humanitarian, and that’s what I want people to remember. That was my focus (in writing the book). " The book,

titled "Running On Empty" as a reference to the film which earned Phoenix an Academy Award nomination, was published two weeks ago. "I knew I had basically a world-wide audience for it, so I had no problem going with 10,000," he said. Barker, who still returns to visit family in Marshalltown, runs his book-publishing business of his home in Ava, MO. Barker said he’s worked on the book for almost three years since starting the project in December of 1995. "When I first started writing it, I had no idea where I was going with it or whether it would go anywhere," he said. Barker already had several of Phoenix’s films on tape before Phoenix’s death, but it was the actor’s overdose outside of an L.A. nightclub that captured Barker’s attention, he said. "It bothered me," he said. "I heard about it the morning it happened, and I just felt a chill run down my spine, which had never happened before." Barker began reading about Phoenix, whose films include "The Mosquito Coast," "Stand By Me," "Explorers," and "My Own Private Idaho." He read the first Phoenix biography, "A Short Life" by Brian Roff, and collected magazine articles and news clippings. Then, "I got up one morning and started to write," Barker said. Barker said there are many things about Phoenix that most people don’t know, because the media chose to bring up his overdose whenever he’s mentioned. "It really burns me when they do that," Barker said. "They don’t still need to tell us five years later." Barker referred to a quote in his book form Leonardo DiCaprio, who said he disregarded Phoenix’s drug use when remembering him because "the drugs weren’t who he was." Barker also explores how Phoenix’s first love was actually not acting, but music. The actor played in a band called "Aleka’s Attic," appeared in a guitar instruction video, and had been playing since he was a boy. "He didn’t like being a star," Barker said. "He liked being an actor. And he loved his music." Barker said he’s already received calls form distributors who are interested in the book. He also has plans for an audio book and CD-ROM for "Running On Empty," and wants to eventually be involved in a documentary about Phoenix. Barker is also planning his next book, a biography of actor Johnny Depp. Since Phoenix’s death, the actor’s younger brother Joaquin has gone on to stardom of his own, appearing in such films as "To Die For," "U-Turn," and "Clay Pigeons." Barker has hopes of sending the book to the actor. "I think he’d like the book," Barker said. "I present River in a pretty honest way."

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Phoenix Literary Productions, 111 Miss Ellie Cr., Belton, MO, 64012
Phone/Fax: 816-331-3348 Email: ozziepaxton@lycos.com