With regard to his four decades as a Springsteen fan, Pethes knows he’s not special. But the magic of Springsteen is that he makes his fans feel that they are and, often, that he has altered their lives. How does Springsteen do this? Pethes, a literature professor at the University of Cologne, thinks he has the answer: “The impression of communication between Springsteen and his audience arises because both sides attribute to the other a desire for such an exchange and act accordingly.” OK, that isn’t something the reader can dance to. Here’s Springsteen’s answer, from 2012: “I’m in the midst of a lifetime conversation with my audience.” Pethes has identified and dedicated a chapter to each of six “communicative aspects” of Springsteen’s artistry; some include his musical influences, his rapport with his audience, and his storytelling gifts. Although Pethes doesn’t put it this way, his book suggests that, while many artists can claim one or more of those aspects—the Grateful Dead’s audience was likewise devoted; Taylor Swift’s acolytes, too, hear their stories in her lyrics—Springsteen uniquely embodies all these qualities at once. While this book will, of course, hold special interest for Springsteen fans, it may also speak to anyone who is anthropologically curious about the enduring allure of a public figure. Since the author is an academic, the reader can expect references to things like “parasocial relationships,” “constructivist communication theories,” and “paradoxical simultaneity,” but Pethes also includes, tone-shiftingly, snippets from his own “fan biography,” which finds him carrying out research by attending scads of Springsteen concerts. (Nice work if you can get it.)