I came late to Depeche Mode's music having come of age in the hair-band desolation of rural southern Idaho. But my experiences with college radio in Corvallis, OR [KBVR] and Moscow, ID [KUOI] exposed me to the wonderful world of english bands like Depeche Mode, New Order, and the Cure. There was a time when I would head over to Musicland in Moscow every time I saved up enough cash for another cassette. [Yes, CD's were available then, but they cost twice as much meaning you could only acquire music at half the rate]. Some Great Reward is a history of the band from their beginnings with synth pop in 1981's Speak & Spell through 1993's Songs of Love and Devotion which embraced the heavier guitar sound of the time. I did want to hear the story of how the band came together. And I learned a few things like how Construction Time Again was viewed from the backlash against Thatcherism. I payed particular attention to the development of my favorite album, Black Celebration. The songs on that record seemed written from my point of view on the world. I can't say the book is a compelling read, but worthwhile to the devoted fan. I did find lots of references to groups I had not heard of to date. Einstuurzende Neubauten here I come! Depeche Mode is still outputting music, releasing Delta Machine in March. Sadly the US tour is bypassing Seattle.