Even as Jay Rankin’s life spins out of control in “Under the Neon Sky,” the reader can’t help but remain somewhat upbeat.
The book, Rankin’s memoir about his days as a doorman at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, details how his marriage, health and friendships all evaporated. But, even with all of this tragedy unfolding, there’s the alluring call of bright lights, prize fights and endless nights that define Sin City.
Vegas, baby, Vegas.
The book starts off with Rankin working June 28, 1997, the night during which Mike Tyson bit the ear of Evander Holyfield during a boxing match at the MGM.
Rankin’s description of the chaotic pre-fight scene was as poetic as it was simple and foreshadowed the excellence that the remainder of the book had to offer: “ Never have I seen a bigger crowd, although most types are familiar: Beverly Hills mixed with gangstas, agents, cronies, wannabes, informers and hookers. We’re going to need more ambulances.”
From there, Rankin flashes back to detail how he beat out some 7,000 applicants to land one of about a dozen doorman jobs at the MGM Grand when it opened in 1993. He moved to Vegas with his wife to revive their marriage, but their opposing schedules (he had to work nights) and the physical and mental grind of doorman’s work did little to heal the union.
And, while the job paid well and had its moments, being a doorman was work in every sense. Rankin and his teammate “T-Bone” had to learn a routine that would entertain the guests in line for a cab, which might draw additional tips. But having to deal with surly losers making their way from the slot machines, as well as continuously lifting 40-pound suitcases into and out of cabs, sent both Rankin and T-Bone to seek relief from various medications.
The initial tone of the book, which relied heavily upon Rankin’s personal experiences as opposed to Vegas anecdotes, seemed like it might weigh the story down. But Rankin’s breezy and brilliant (if occasionally vulgar) voice took the reader along for the fantastic voyage.
Sure, there are Sin City stories — such as comedian/actor Brad Garrett regaling the cab line one random evening, or Rankin’s limo-driving friend who became tight with Stevie Wonder — but the story heavily revolves around Rankin and his tumultuous times in Vegas (and eventual escape).
Upon finishing the book — which proved tough to put down — this personal bent was precisely what set the tome above many other Vegas stories. Everyone knows “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” but the story is far different — and more tragic — for those people who don’t return home Sunday afternoon after a wild weekend.
Rankin lost his wife, his self-respect, his mental health and most of his friends before he moved to California. But he managed to scrape together enough hope before he departed to continue going. Not to mention one superb story.
Contact Paul Lane at 693-1000, ext. 116.
IF YOU READ
• WHAT: “Under the Neon Sky”
• BY: Jay Rankin
• DETAILS: Published by Jay Rankin Publishing, 264 pages
• GRADE: A-
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BOOK REVIEW: Vegas’ highs, lows are focus of compelling ‘Neon Sky’
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