WHAT THEY DON'T TEACH YOU AT FILM SCHOOL: 161 STRATEGIES FOR MAKING YOUR OWN MOVIES NO MATTER WHAT
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Fun but Useless
  • Enjoyable read, but limited in focus
  • The push you need to make films
  • A mix of inspirational and practical advice
  • Great Motivation to Get Out There and Get Creating!
WHAT THEY DON'T TEACH YOU AT FILM SCHOOL: 161 STRATEGIES FOR MAKING YOUR OWN MOVIES NO MATTER WHAT
Camille Landau , and Tiare White
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786884770

Book Description

Do you have to go to film school to get your movies made? No, say two young entrepreneurs who survived the grind. Here they offer 140 strategies for making movies no matter what. Whether its raising money or cutting your budget, or jump-starting the production or stalling it while you finish the script, these strategies are delivered with funny, illustrative anecdotes from the authors experiences and from veteran filmmakers eager to share their stories. Irreverent, invaluable, and a lot cheaper than a years tuition, this friendly guide is the smartest investment any future filmmaker could make.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Fun but Useless.......2006-12-05

If you want something that might motivate you to make a film..-_- then go ahead and buy it... but dont expect to learn anything useful.

4 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read, but limited in focus.......2006-11-08

I just finished this book and thought I would share a few things, good and the not so good.

First the good:
The authors do a really nice job explaining a lot things first time filmmakers might have trouble with, in other words, the 'gotchas'. Things as blaringly obvious as backup batteries and duct tape are included. They touch on a lot of things one should consider when making films.

The book is well laid out and lead one from beginning to end, like a good story. It was a very easy read and sometimes out-loud funny. They talk a lot about dealing with personalities, which is both good and bad.

Which leads me to the not so good:
As encouraging as they are, at times they bring up so many difficulties that one wonders why anyone would bother to make a film at all. The book is alternately encouraging and discouraging.

Given that they are both former film students, this book relies heavily on their film school background, which is an advantage for film school students, but not as useful for non-traditional film students (like Jeunet and myself). They reference the Hollywood film industry/culture almost exclusively, which again does not help those who are based elsewhere.

Bottom line:
I found this book useful, but not as much as I had hoped. This book is ideal for anyone who went to film school, but is only half helpful for the rest of us. The cover is a little deceiving (blame marketing) in that the publisher makes the book sound ideal for any filmmaker. Despite the flaws, I find it to be a useful reference for my filmmaking endeavors. I give this four stars, one extra star than I normally would have, just for sheer entertainment and readability value.

5 out of 5 stars The push you need to make films.......2006-08-20

This book gave me the final nudge that I needed to go out and make my own films. It is light on the 'technique-side' but there are already enough books on that. What's missing is some inspirational words to muster up the courage as well as some wisdom to make your first filmmaking experience easier and this book fulfills those needs.

If you're interested in seeing how a newbie uses this book in making his own first film visit my film blog at www.kasemkharsa.com/empire

4 out of 5 stars A mix of inspirational and practical advice.......2006-06-03

I'm currently enrolled in a university film program. Many of the teachers give a grim forecast of the job market and breaking into the industry. For me, this book was a breath of fresh air. It gives advice from party etiquette to budgeting to breaking through a writing block. All the advice is mixed with humor and interesting tidbits. Through their words, I could feel that the authors love making films. In turn, reading this book made me really exciting about pursuing a career in this field. However, I did feel that a lot of their advice was a matter of common sense. If you're looking for an easy read to get you pumped about working in this industry...this is a great book.

4 out of 5 stars Great Motivation to Get Out There and Get Creating!.......2006-03-08

I really enjoyed this book. While I was expecting more of a literal take on the "what they don't teach you at film school" part of the book, I was still pleasantly surprised. The authors really break down the information for you and make it easy to digest. It's truthful and written with a down to earth perspective. When I bought the book I was expecting more focus on technique and "rules" associated with the craft but found it to be more along the lines of a really good pep talk. If you're feeling discouraged or overwhelmed with making your own films this is the book for you, full of very good and practical advice.
The Structure of Schooling: Readings in the Sociology of Education
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • transaction has been cancelled
  • A comprehensive reader in the sociology of education
  • Education Readings
The Structure of Schooling: Readings in the Sociology of Education
Richard Arum , and Irenee Beattie
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. The Way Schools Work: A Sociological Analysis of Education (3rd Edition) The Way Schools Work: A Sociological Analysis of Education (3rd Edition)
  2. Schools and Societies: Second Edition Schools and Societies: Second Edition
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  5. Schools and Society: A Sociological Approach to Education (The Wadsworth Sociology Reader Series) Schools and Society: A Sociological Approach to Education (The Wadsworth Sociology Reader Series)

ASIN: 076741070X

Book Description

This comprehensive reader in the sociology of education examines important topics and exposes students to examples of sociological research on schools. Drawing from classic and contemporary scholarship, the editors have chosen readings that examine current issues and reflect diverse theoretical approaches to studying the effects of schooling on individuals and society.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars transaction has been cancelled.......2005-09-19

I had high expectation for buying this book, but I was told it is out of stock. The seller should update their product information frequently. Bad experience.

5 out of 5 stars A comprehensive reader in the sociology of education.......2001-02-16

In The Structure Of Schooling, Richard Arum and Irenee Beattie successfully collaborate to compile a comprehensive reader in the sociology of education surveying critical topics and examples of sociological research on schools and education from both classic and contemporary scholarship. The issues surveyed include the development and application of social and cultural capital; the effects of racial segregation and resource inequality; the effects of tracking; the role of gender, class, and race in structuring educational opportunity; the effects of schooling on life-course outcomes; the significance of a school's institutional environment; and the sociology of school reform movements. The Structure Of Schooling is a highly recommended addition to the sociology of education reading lists and reference collections.

4 out of 5 stars Education Readings.......2000-03-27

Enjoy the breadth and depth of entries. There is a good variety, particularly class, race, and gender. Would like to see more on the adolescent. I now see this in the follow-up work. Thanks for this excellent complilation.
Film School Confidential: The Insider's Guide To Film Schools
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Book worth it, film school...?
  • i'm glad i bought this
  • Can a book be encouraging by being discouraging?
  • Film School Confidential
  • The Inside Scoop
Film School Confidential: The Insider's Guide To Film Schools
Tom Edgar , and Karin Kelly
Manufacturer: Perigee Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. Television, Film, and Digital Media Programs: 556 Outstanding Programs at Top Colleges and Universities Across the Nation (College Admissions Guides) Television, Film, and Digital Media Programs: 556 Outstanding Programs at Top Colleges and Universities Across the Nation (College Admissions Guides)
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ASIN: 0399533192

Amazon.com

Thinking about going to film school? Don't send in that application just yet--first read this book, the definitive guide to film schools around the country. The 26 institutions reviewed are rated according to the quality and accessibility of their equipment, the kind of films their faculty encourage students to make ("industry," "independent," "experimental"), and cost. The authors discuss the schools' programs in detail, advise readers about whether film school is the right choice for them, provide tips about getting into the programs, and describe what to expect once film school begins. Karin Kelly and Tom Edgar's prose is spirited and their entertaining introductory portrait of the state of American filmmaking will interest anyone who cares about contemporary movies. An informative and amusing glossary closes the volume, which explains why no one should try to lift an ARRI kit by the handle, why "experimental film" is just another word for "cinematic masturbation," and why no good movie script ever contained the line, "you just don't get it, do you?"

Book Description

Now completely revised-all there is to know on getting into the right schools and making the experience count.

This completely revised edition of Film School Confidential continues to offer the inside scoop on every major film school program in the country. A must-have guide for students who are considering applying to film school, this book provides more than 20 profiles of the best film school programs across the country. Covering such key areas as curriculum, student body, reputation, and employment options for film school grads, the authors provide solid, objective information on each program as well as snippets from interviews with students and faculty members.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Book worth it, film school...?.......2007-09-25

Excellent- great discussion of the value proposition of film school. One thing I found odd though- they estimated one year rent and living expenses in New York at $20k. Living where, in a cardboard box, eating ramen noodles? Anyway, I highly recommend the TV reality show series "Film School," on DVD. As for the question of whether to go, I think it says a lot that the #1 reason to go is the contacts you'll make. Do you need to spend three years and god only knows how much money to make some friends/contacts? Anytime that's used as a justification for the cost of grad school, watch out! They say the same thing about business school, and I don't know a single person who wouldn't be where they are today if it weren't for b-school.

4 out of 5 stars i'm glad i bought this.......2007-08-12

I am actually looking for undergraduate programs and this book seems to focus more on graduate degrees but it was useful anyway.

5 out of 5 stars Can a book be encouraging by being discouraging?.......2007-06-27

I plan to go to film school to get a Master's in screenwriting. After reading this book, I almost changed my mind. The book is a blunt dose of reality and gives you straight talk on what you get for your money. It also tells you how much money you'll need to beg, borrow, or steal in order to pay for film school. I appreciated the honesty once I got past the shock of it all. The book helped me narrow down the schools that I feel would be a best fit for me-some were a surprise. For example, did you know that at FSU, they will pay for your film to be made? Did you know that Chapman University in pleasant Orange, California, has practically brand new facilities? If you want to make animal or insect documentaries (don't laugh, they pay!) then Montana is the right school. For me personally, I know that New York, while being a great city, is not going to work for me due to expense and the hyper-competitive nature of the schools. You'll find what you need to know. The book is primarily for film makers, not writers, but there is an attempt to give a good review of the writing programs. Do not apply to film school until you read this book and the sooner the better.

5 out of 5 stars Film School Confidential.......2007-05-15

This updated edition gives you a very good insight of some of the biggest names of film schools. It also gives you an idea what you should look for when you get out of a film school. As film making is only centered in NYC and LA, graduates will have hard time finding work if the schools do not have good internship and connections. Even though this book only covers grad schools, general information should apply to undegrades as well. Unfortunately, the book did not cover more quality films schools such as SVA, RIT or Emmerson. Nontheless, this is the only book on this subject. It is a must for students and parents. Bottom line: If you would want a career in films, stay away from schools that emphasize on experimental films such as Ohio University, UW Milwaukee or some of remotely located state universities regardless how they are ranked by US News & World Report or Entertainment Weekly. The other tip is to look for their famous alumni. If most of them end up doing underground experimental films in the film festivals only, you probably will be one of these starving artists upon graduation. In general, this book teaches a lot beyond rating film schools. It gives you a perspective of how tough this business is and how you can prepare for it. My son is planning to apply to a film school next year. I went through the web sites of almost 100 film schools in the nation and reach the same conclusion of the author of this book. But not anyone can go to NYU & USc. With that being said there is still good hope going other solid schools as long as you don't end up doing experimental films which are mostly incomprehensible. But once again, if you enjoy taching or being a starving artist without thinking about earning a decent living, then it is perfectly fine going to schools like UW Milwaukee. In addition, if you want to be a film critic, you probably can go anywhere. Roger Ebert was majored in literature at Urbana-Champagne. This book is for students who want to take a shot at careers such as directors, producers, editors, etc.,

4 out of 5 stars The Inside Scoop.......2005-09-16

This book was amazing. It helps you plan and think more seriously about how you plan what school you go to. It gives you information on how many students really get excepted and how much your going to be in the whole financially when your actually graduate. The only criticism I have is that it was published in 1997 but still it a great book to have for someone who is serious about grad school in film.
$30 Film School, Second Edition
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A good guide for beginner and intermediate filmmakers
  • Thank you, Mr. Dean.
  • No more excuses
  • Just Shoot It
  • To DIY or not to DIY
$30 Film School, Second Edition
Michael W. Dean
Manufacturer: Course Technology PTR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1598631896

Book Description

Filmmaking is entering a new era. You don't need big bucks or big studio support to make great movies. Computers have made it possible to make great films with very little money. Mini-DV filmmaking is the new punk rock, the new folk music, the new medium in which anyone can tell his story. $30 Film School is an alternative to spending four years and a hundred-thousand dollars to learn the filmmaking trade. This book is a map for D.I.Y. (do-it-yourself ) art-specifically filmmaking. Guerrilla, no-budget, drive-by filmmaking, to be exact. This new edition has been completely updated to cover advancements in video and audio editing, with many new tips and tricks on shooting, producing, and distribution. The second edition also includes a companion DVD.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A good guide for beginner and intermediate filmmakers.......2007-09-13

This is a very good crash course on movie making. Michael covers all the essential topics with an experienced point of view - "Where there's a will, there's a way"

5 out of 5 stars Thank you, Mr. Dean........2007-08-30

I'm not going to review this properly, because I'm not good at things like this, and I hate critics. Instead I will just post the letter that I wrote to the author after reading the book. Let me just say that this book has inspired me in countless ways and directions. Every day after reading it I have new ideas for stories and scripts, like I always have, only now those ideas don't just seem like ideas. They seem much much more accessible. Anyway, here's an excerpt of the letter I wrote to the author:

"Mr Dean,
This is mostly a thank you letter. I just randomly saw your book, $30 film school at border's, without ever hearing of you before, and I bought it impulsively.
Now, I'm an artist and a musician, with a decent local audience (I think) thanks to myspace. I made two music videos in the past couple of years for my solo music project, Esoteric Tapioca. The videos are as basic as you get, but I found a lot of the stuff in your book is the stuff I was doing in those very films, prior to any knowledge. I wish I knew some of the tricks you talk about when I was making them. There's so much I really don't know but always wanted to about film-making, and there are so many ideas I've had for films but never knew where to start. For my money, your book is the absolute best jumping off (or in, actually) point.

At first the way you come off almost seemed pushy, I have to admit. But after realizing the things you've accomplished and the experiences and tragedies, and of course the amazing opporotunities you yourself have garnered for yourself, brother, you have my respect, and can be as pushy as you like. After further reading I recognize it as confidence.

You've been a hell of an inspiration to me so far, I seriously can't even put the book down. I even take it on the bus to work every day, which is a total pain. The thing weighs more than the bible! But again, thank you for your resources, time, and dedication. I'm a fan, and you've made me a believer."

He responded in person to the email almost immediately, and I know by his immediacy, care in writing back, and genuinely respectful and humble tone, that if there were any advice or specific needs I had, this man would go the extra mile to point me in the right direction. This guy is what I've always hoped I could be, successful, modest, and confident, without being overly egocentric or cocky. There's a big difference in humility and low-self-esteem. There's a big difference in confidence and ego. Michael W. Dean certainly knows how to balance these traits.

Even if you're not going to make a film, this book is worth checking out, if only for the damned good advice, the motivation, and confidence it instills quietly in you as you read from section to section. This is must-have, a tome of information for people like me, who want to, but don't know what it takes to make their own low-budget films. Buy it, you won't be sorry.

5 out of 5 stars No more excuses.......2007-08-11

Michael has done it again. Reading both $30 Film School and $30 Music School back to back has definitely given my confidence and knowledge a jump-start.
With the $30 series and the documentary DIY OR DIE, Michael W Dean has created a foundation to start your own artistic journey and equip you with enough knowledge to survive in what can be a very cutthroat environment.

It is time to wake up, take control of what is left of your life and make an impression to last the ages. The $30 series is here to help prevent you from making the mistake of living old with regret.
For $30 you get way more than what you pay for.

4 out of 5 stars Just Shoot It.......2007-06-28

Michael W. Dean's $30 Film School is a breath of fresh DIY realistic air amidst volumes of other high falutin' get your money from a studio filmmaking texts. Dean pulls no punches. If you really want to make a film and don't have a gigantic studio (and their money) backing you, this is a fantastic book.

The only real problem I had with the book was the tax information in it was strictly for U.S. film makers. Perhaps an appendix in a future edition will remedy this.

Just an aside, my copy of the book came with a damaged DVD. I mentioned it to Michael via email and he was kind enough to let his publisher know of my dilemma. Not three days later I had a fresh copy of the DVD in my paw. Thanks Michael.

4 out of 5 stars To DIY or not to DIY.......2007-06-25

If you want to DIY, this tells you how and why, and inspires you to do it. If that's not the route you want to go, this will show you how it's done so you can participate in and control your project and those you hired. If you're just curious, this should answer a lot of questions -- you'll watch the next film differently. A fun and informative read
$30 Film School: How to write, direct, produce, shoot, edit, distribute, tour with, and sell your own no-budget DIGITAL movie (Power!)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • more than just a film book
  • Exspected much more!
  • Buy This Book!!!
  • Wow...
  • i'll never get those minutes back...
$30 Film School: How to write, direct, produce, shoot, edit, distribute, tour with, and sell your own no-budget DIGITAL movie (Power!)
Michael W. Dean
Manufacturer: Course Technology PTR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1592000673

Book Description

We?re entering a new era. Mini-DV filmmaking is the new folk, the new punk rock, the new medium where anyone can tell his story. "$30 Film School" is an alternative to spending four years and a hundred thousand dollars to learn the trade. It is influenced by punk rock?s Do-It-Yourself spirit of just learning the basics and then jumping up on a stage and making a point, and by the American work ethic back when it was pure, before it became all about corporations crushing the little guy. Throw in the hacker idea that information wants to be free (or at least very cheap) and you?ve got our deal. Inside you?ll find many interviews from insightful independent filmmakers and artists, as well as a host of practical advice, knowledge, and resources.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars more than just a film book.......2007-02-24

I got this for my boyfriend, he's starting out in filmmaking. He's upset because I keep borrowing it from him to read, even though I'm not a filmmaker. This is an amazing book, with lots of advice on dealing with people and living life....FAR more than just a book on making video. there's even stuff on computer use that helped me with writing...but mainly, it's a GUIDE FOR LIVING, somehow hidden inside a flimmaking book.

Read it. Buy it. Share it. And if you're not a filmmaker, I'd recommend starting with the last chapter. "Closing Arguments."

--

1 out of 5 stars Exspected much more! .......2007-02-20

I bough this book and though that it will be much exiting then it was. It was nothing special for me. This book is written by not professional film maker he is not seemed to be very successful. He didn't even finished the film school and makes ugly films. I didn't like them at all. This man has no talent. How can you learn from such a person?

5 out of 5 stars Buy This Book!!!.......2006-11-16

$30 Film School is an absolute jewel of a book to have in your possession , as is covers every aspect of filmmaking from conception to distribution in a writing style that that is as straight forward and plebian as it is witty and concise. Michael Dean takes an approach to instructional writing that makes it seem like you are in the same room with him having a conversation. I read it straight through the first day I bought it out of sheer enjoyment and I have been referring to it on various projects ever since. Every question I have had about filmmaking has been answered and utilized in this book. I have used Dean's sage advice to attain fiscal sponsorship, to totally master my camera, to find cheap and professional ways around lighting and sound.

As I have read all of the reviews posted here, let me just state, if anyone has an issue spending 30$ on this book, they are not reading it the way it was intended. There are no quick fixes in like and you could read a whole library of books and never achieve what you want to. You have to get off your behind and do it. That is what Michael Dean is saying. If your intent is to become Michael Bey, I guess you should save your money. This is not a how to guide to becoming a Hollywood Mogul. If your intent is to figure out a feasible way to do what you love, to make art, this book will show you the way. I own at least twenty different books on the subject. THIS ONE IS THE BEST!

3 out of 5 stars Wow..........2006-11-06

I bought this book...for...30 dollars and now i want it back! Dean really isnt that great of a writer...

Not to mention the simple fact that if Hollywood never excisted we wouldnt like films...I dont understand why everything has to be so Hollywood Bashing these days. Dean is a prime example of one of these types, if he wasnt lauding himself for his "DIY" tactics he was talking about about how "Punk Rock" he is or even "Those Hollywood rats...". i honestly think that Hollywood rejected him...so now he vents his anger through the book.


Sad.

1 out of 5 stars i'll never get those minutes back..........2006-10-15

and not to waste too many more minutes on it, suffice to say this book left me unimpressed; poorly written and poorly executed. there was nothing of value in this book to me. do not waste your money.
Knowledge In Motion: Space, Time And Curriculum In Undergraduate Physics And Management (Knowledge, Identity and School Life, No 2)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Knowledge In Motion: Space, Time And Curriculum In Undergraduate Physics And Management (Knowledge, Identity and School Life, No 2)
    Jan Nespor Asso
    Manufacturer: Routledge
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0750702710
    DJ, Dance, and Rave Culture (Examining Pop Culture)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      DJ, Dance, and Rave Culture (Examining Pop Culture)

      Manufacturer: Greenhaven Press
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: School & Library Binding

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      PopularPopular | Music | Arts & Music | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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      ASIN: 0737725478

      Book Description

      DJ, Dance and Rave Culture examines the underground dance gatherings, or raves, that initially emerged as a fringe form of youth culture in the 1980s and 1990s. Particular attention is paid to the history of electronic music, the controversy over club drugs, the role of the DJ in popular culture, and the experience of the dancers that continue to keep the beat alive.
      Five Films by Frederick Wiseman: Titicut Follies, High School, Welfare, High School II, Public Housing
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Five Films by Frederick Wiseman: Titicut Follies, High School, Welfare, High School II, Public Housing
        Frederick Wiseman
        Manufacturer: University of California Press
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        Direction & ProductionDirection & Production | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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        4. The Direct Cinema of David and  Albert Maysles The Direct Cinema of David and Albert Maysles
        5. A New History of Documentary Film A New History of Documentary Film

        ASIN: 0520244575

        Book Description

        Frederick Wiseman is among America's foremost documentary filmmakers. The recipient of many awards, including three Emmys, Wiseman has made more than thirty feature-length documentaries during a career that has spanned five decades. Together, these films provide a fascinating chronicle of American social and institutional life. This book makes available for the first time transcriptions of five of Wiseman's most important films-- Titicut Follies, High School, Welfare, High School II, Public Housing--providing all of the dialogue as well as annotations about other aspects of the soundtracks such as music and ambient noise, and notes about editing and camera movement. These scene-by-scene transcripts enable readers to scrutinize the films' complex structural patterns, recurring motifs, editing regimes, and the unscripted dialogue that makes Wiseman's cinema a rich repository of American speech. Editor Barry Keith Grant's critical introduction discusses the importance of sound in Wiseman's documentaries. Liberally illustrated with images from the films, these meticulous transcriptions are accompanied by a bibliography and filmography.
        Wonderland: A Year in the Life of an American High School
        Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
        • Not that interesting
        • good book, a little off the truth but great.
        • Great Read
        • The Wonderland of high school years
        • An Amazing Work
        Wonderland: A Year in the Life of an American High School
        Michael Bamberger
        Manufacturer: Grove Press
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        Popular CulturePopular Culture | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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        ASIN: 0802141978

        Book Description

        Pennsbury High School would be like any other were it not for one thing: its prom. Its spring dance is considered to be one of this country's best legacies. Wonderland is the inspiring true story of a dance floor and the kids who fill it: a tale of hope, sex, love, and loss. For one year, the students, parents, and teachers of Pennsbury invited Michael Bamberger, a senior writer for Sports Illustrated, into their classrooms, their homes, their parties, and their dreams. He discovered an extraordinary and disparate group of everyday teenagers whose stories were touching, odd, funny, and beautiful.
        In Wonderland, lives intersect in unpredictable ways and are never what they appear to be. The star quarterback hides the pain of not knowing where his father is. A student with cerebral palsy is desperate to learn to tie Eagle Scout knots, despite a useless left hand. And then there is Bob Costa, who dreams of bringing glory to the school by convincing John Mayer, whose song "Your Body Is a Wonderland" is an anthem for the students, to perform at the prom. Critically acclaimed in hardcover, Wonderland is published in paperback with a new afterword by the author.

        Customer Reviews:

        3 out of 5 stars Not that interesting.......2007-04-23

        This book follows a certain group of people in the high school. There were too many people and sometimes I lost track of the characters. Also, the book wasn't as interesting as it may seem.

        3 out of 5 stars good book, a little off the truth but great........2007-01-15

        It is a little interesting to me, reading this book from the perspective of a semi-insider. I attended a neighboring school district in the suburbs of Philly and many of my friends attended Pennsbury. My major problem with this book is the portrayal of the students and the school itself. To see pennsburry as a building it resembles a prison. They are known in the area for two things: Their Prom (the undercurrent of this book) And their fierce and sometimes physical rivalry with other schools. For example Pennsbury students are notorious for destroying the property of neighboring schools at athletic events. What Bamberger shows is Pennsbury at its best. I do appreciate this book because it is extremely well written and shows the surrounding area fairly well. I wish Bamberger had spent some time talking about the demographics of the area: Pennsbury being one of the more blue-collar schools in the area. I think that this book however shines a light on the most special things about Pennsbury, its prom. The prom is an event every year and people come from miles around to see the students arrive. I agree with the previous reviews that this book is something one can read with ease and little brain power. I am glad I read it.

        5 out of 5 stars Great Read.......2006-12-30

        What a wonderful book. I read this in one day during a recent vacation. I really enjoy the author's style and ability to draw you into the characters. And the the 'Florida' chapter was quite a shock and choked me up. This book will bring you back to your high school years and is a great way to step outside of your current daily life and think about where you've come from. The author thanks Mark Bowden in this book and I hope this author is on the same path of Mr. Bowden who is a tremendous author himself.

        4 out of 5 stars The Wonderland of high school years.......2006-11-01

        Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael Bamberger spent the 2002-03 academic year following a group of students in a suburban Philadelphia high school. Pennsbury, a typical middle class institution in many ways, had attained local stardom and even some national recognition for its senior prom, an extravagant, gala affair held in Pennsbury's own completely transformed gym. The planning of this elaborate event required a joint effort amongst savvy students, dedicated faculty members, and involved parents, but Bamberger chooses to focus mainly on the students themselves in this intriguing work.

        In some ways, the students who Bamberger selects to chronicle are common to virtually every high school in America: the three-sport jock, the aspiring politician, the knockout, the ruthless overachiever, etc. However, Bamberger manages to identify the exceptional in each of his subjects. Few people know that the "jock" lifts his disabled brother into bed every night. The senior male-junior girl couple experience an unplanned pregnancy, but take birthing classes together, continue their studies, and arrange babysitting for their newborn so that they can attend the prom. Star students have insecurities; obscure students achieve stardom. Oh, and popular singer John Mayer (whose hit song lends its name to the book's title) just might wind up performing at the prom. Bamberger presents a truly inspired insider's look into ordinary lives, and the result makes for an extraordinary read.

        The only minor issue I had with this book is Bamberger's decision to insert himself into the story in the form of reminiscing about his own prom experience. He only does this briefly at the beginning and the end of the book, but it seemed out of place given that otherwise, he is an unnamed, unseen narrator. Furthermore, while he does an excellent job of making the lives of high school students interesting and engrossing, his subject matter lacks the innate appeal found in his second work, The Man Who Heard Voices (a fascinating look into the inner world of director M. Night Shyamalan). Still, Wonderland is an absorbing, worthwhile read it its own right, and I would definitely recommend it.

        5 out of 5 stars An Amazing Work.......2006-10-27

        This review may be biased based on the fact that the reviewer is the cousin of Bob Costa, but that is beside the point. This book perfectly chronicles high school life and is an amazing analysis of the inner-workings of a high school. He portrays the students very well, and although the conversations may not be entirely accurate, it is worth the sacrifice of paraphrasing for a work of this quality.

        Bob Costa is the most ambitious person I have ever met. He is not afraid to speak his mind and do whatever necessary to get what he wants. Bamberger perfectly captures his attitude, and I believe that readers would not be surprised to learn that Bob didn't give up, and that before leaving for the University of Notre Dame, he actually got John Mayer to perform at his prom. I'm sure that if Bamberger was able to capture his personality so well, then the other students are also harnessed expertly.

        His writing could be a fiction, and at certain points it feels like that, because he is able to tell the story so well. By intertwining ever student into the same story line, he is able to give an accurate portrayal of a public high school, but at the same time make it feel almost mythical, as if when this story is looked back upon it seems too improbable. I think this is a must read for anyone, because it really doesn't have one audience, and the story is sure to please anyone.
        Marijuana New School Indoor Cultivation
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Marijuana New School Indoor Cultivation
          Jeff Mowta
          Manufacturer: Green Candy Press
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          Substance AbuseSubstance Abuse | Recovery | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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          House PlantsHouse Plants | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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          ASIN: 1931160422

          Book Description

          This comprehensive book provides step-by-step instructions for 20 affordable indoor growing setups. Packed with over 600 illustrations and photos, the book walks readers through the construction of both hydroponic and soil systems and shows how to maintain them throughout the growing season. Everything the budding gardener needs to know is covered in astonishing detail, including setting up a starter room, cloning, indoor designs, harvesting, drying, storing, troubleshooting, breeding, composting, as well as the latest tips and techniques.

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