Book Description
With unprecedented access, Tom Shales and James Miller, with authorization from Lorne Michaels, have interviewed the stars, writers, crews, and guests who have made Saturday Night Live the greatest long-running comedy of all time. Out of these backstage stories they have woven an oral history that will be the definitive account of the shows 25-year history. The story is bursting with creative frenzies, clashing egos, actors who went on to mega stardom in film and those who disappeared; the origins of famous routines, censorship battles, and humour so toxic it never got on the air; the love affairs, feudsall the unique insanity involved in producing the show that changed North America forever. Includes great backstage stories from Bill Murray decking Chevy Chase to Norm MacDonalds campaign to infuriate NBC brass. Everyone from Cameron Diaz to Ralph Nader to Robert Downey Jr. to George Bush has appeared on the show, and they all share their fondest, wildest memories with us. Tom Shales is the Pulitzer Prize-winning TV critic of The Washington Post, and a movie reviewer for NPRs Morning Edition. His books include On the Air and Legends, and he has written for many major magazines.
Customer Reviews:
Awesome.......2007-07-09
I loved the book. Living in the mid west, you're not privy to rumors and stories in the local paper about SNL. I loved reading inside stories and such. The only bad thing I could say was that the book should have put some thumbnail pictures up of those quoted. It was hard with the lesser known cast members that were quoted, and trying to remember who they were.
Decent overview in a sea of SNL tributes, choppy reading, excellent bathroom book, nice gift for the fan........2007-07-07
Purchased as a gift for my SNL-loving spouse, it's a great bathroom book, because of the short excerpt format. If you are looking for a flowing chronology of the history of Saturday Night, it might be hard to stick with it. It's very broken up, the voices change with every page or two, making it feel disjointed. Because our memories and someone else's memory of the same event aren't always the same, you get amusing perspectives from different egomaniacs claiming to have the same great ideas. Nice background of behind-the-scenes as promised, lots of dirt on the sex and drugs, as expected. Not something I would have purchased for myself, even though I'm a fan, but compared to the other offerings out there, this one really is the most authoritative, closest to the source, and most accurate.
Where to buy this cheap.......2007-01-26
I have only read part of this book so far (and loved it), but the reason I am writing this, is to let people know that it is $2.99 at The Christmas Tree Store. I bought 4, so if my family is reading this, you'll have a good idea of what you are getting next year.
This is a great book!.......2006-08-30
Dear Everyone.
I did not order this book from Amazon. I bought it at my local "Dollar Tree" store for just one dollar. If you are interested in owning this book, stop by your local "Dollar Tree", or similar dollar store, and check to see if it might be there before shelling out the big money.
Pretty good review huh?
The book looks back at the early days of SNL, the drugs, the sex, the rock and roll. You probably won't learn anything from this book you didn't already know, if you are an SNL buff.
It is a good book to have in your bathroom, in my weird opinion.
Love,
Joel
Blows the lid off the mystique of SNL..........2006-08-25
This books shows very well that SNL was not the mystical, magical place it was purported to be. I've only really liked the original cast, and the mid 1980's cast with Murphy, Piscopo, Guest, Short, etc., etc.. In this book, you really get the feel of SNL, and how really difficult a place it was/is. No one romanticises the experience, and most people seem to have a only a few good memories and a lot of bad ones. The show is not necessarily a spring board to greater success. Only a handful of people from SNL have gone on to the big time. Most of them vanish into obscurity (Jan Hooks, Kevin Nealon, Tim Meadows), or end up doing horrible work (Rob Schneider and David Spade, anyone). Chevy Chase comes across the worst here. By all accounts, he's a real piece of garbage. Janeane Garofalo, surprisingly, gets raked over the coals here. She was only on the show for 6 months, so you would think she wouldn't have made much of an impression. But she managed to alienate nearly everyone on the show during her brief tenure, including calling members of the press and complaining to them on the record about the show, which is not the brightest thing in the world to do. Personally, I've never found her funny in a comic/comedian type of way. I think she has a lot more depth than most people give her credit for, but no one at SNL thought that, and she comes across as extremely insecure. Not to mention Ms. Garofalo shares a little too much information with the authors. I could have easily done without hearing about Janeane's bouts with irritable bowel syndrome during her time with the show. The thought of Janeane having the runs is not particulary attractive. Anyway, after reading this book, you realise it's a miracle that SNL comes up with a show at all, considering all the backstabbing, back biting, tension, stress, drugs, etc., etc. that permeates the scene. If you're a really big fan, you may not want to read this book, because it's not all roses and peaches here. The show is almost unwatchable these days, which is a shame, considering how well it started. Kind of sad...
Book Description
In the first history of the New York Fire Department--FDNY--in over sixty years, journalist Terry Golway weaves together stories of heroic firefighters and extraordinary fires to create a moving and original account of New York as seen through the eyes and actions of the city's firefighters. From the eighteenth century's most ambitious public-works project--the building of aqueducts from upstate to help control fires--to firefighter-turned-politician Boss Tweed's backroom politics, fire and firefighters have played an integral part in the life of New York. So Others Might Live also offers a new view of the building of modern urban America and the social turbulence of New York from the 1700s to the present day.
Customer Reviews:
Simply Breath Taking.......2006-03-14
This book is an amazing book and essential for firefighters, as well as enthusiasts or people who just wants to learn something. From start to finish, this book is packed full of facts, based on the history of FDNY and exploring the truth behind the brotherhood involved in the fire house. I have yet to place this book aside, it is an utmost favorite of mine.
If you like the FDNY, if you want to know its History, this is the book!.......2006-01-30
This book from start to finish is packed with information that you would otherwise never have heard about. The history of one of the most famous Fire Depts in the US is more than I ever imagined, naming some of the early firefighters who would have otherwise slipped into the sandglass of time. The accounts of fires and incidents in the citys history do more credit than you will ever hear about anywhere else. It shows why today Firefighters of the modern day FDNY fight so hard to keep hold of their history and tradition. Before you make judgement on these guys read this book. This is what they are all about.
Double Buffs delight.......2004-09-21
Loved it! Been looking for something like it ever since. I recommend it to my "reader" friends often. As a New York City history buff I found it to be readable and enlightening. And as a fire buff, since 9/11 I can't get enough of this stuff, I found it to be well-researched and thorough. I knew what I was getting into when I read the jacket. Golway's firefighting roots make him a fan of The Bravest but I didn't mind the sentimentality because that's partially why I picked the book in the first place. A fitting tribute to working class heroes of the past 300+ years.
A Wonderful History.......2004-08-14
In these post-9/11 days there have been a number of histories of the FDNY written, but this one is my favorite. It reads like a novel, yet is packed with solid history. And while clearly an admirer of the Fire Department, the author does not get overly sentimental, which is quite easy to do.
So Others Might Live.......2004-03-17
For someone who loves New York City and has an admiration for firefighters, this book would be a valuable addition to any library. While providing a fascinating account of the history of the FDNY, the book also gives the reader a wealth of information about the city itself. I would recommend it for firefighters, fire buffs, and any reader who is interested in a fascinating account of the Fire Department of the City of New York and the incredible men and women who have joined its ranks over the years.
Amazon.com
Of the many stay-at-home mommies who dream of writing the Great American Novel, few actually try; fewer still get published. Though not a novel, The Big Rumpus certainly is the Great American Tale of one woman's schlep through early motherhood--honest, hilarious, and irresistibly naughty. Ayun Halliday, a highly caffeinated and refreshingly immodest city gal, acknowledges that motherhood is pretty much like contending with a cloud of locusts swarming toward one's wheat--then laughs her "heiner" off about it.
Under her gifted muse's care, stories about childbirth, holiday acrobatics (sans religious ties), and raising two kids in a tiny New York apartment read like standup comedy routines; they also give way to bittersweet reflections on her own youth--goofy boyfriends, repressed sexual behavior, and all. Yes, she swears; yes, she delves deeply into issues anatomical, gastronomical, and diaporial. But for hip stay-at-homers who find sustenance in friendships honed at neighborhood playgrounds (not slapped together like cold deli meats at those contrived mommy-and-me meetings), Ayun Halliday might just become the patron saint of blissfully imperfect motherhood. Even mommies who lack Halliday's affinity for "unhusking" their breasts in public will find moments of empathy in this mirthful sprint through life as the family "Milk Monkey." --Liane Thomas
Book Description
Twenty years ago a woman named Erma Bombeck brought the suburban family out of the closet—dust bunnies and all. Her honest, hilarious accounts of family life, where the “grass is always greener over the septic tank,” became more than mere books; they became a philosophy. Ayun Halliday is a new generation’s urban Bombeck. Creator of the wildly popular parenting zine The East Village Inky, Halliday’s words and line drawings describe the quirks and everyday travails of a young urban family, warts and all. Honest in her parenting foibles and fixed in her opinions on public breast-feeding and the perfect Halloween costume, Halliday’s wry observations on daily life validate the complex, absurd wondrousness that is the life of the unpaid caregiver. Reflecting on her daughter’s third thumb, declawing the cat, and debating her son’s circumcision, she writes: “My family has a highly complex relationship to amputation.” On appropriate knowledge for children: “All Inky wants to talk about is the murder of John Lennon. I think it’s my fault.” On lice: “Head lice were outed on the children’s program Arthur this year in an effort to de-stigmatize the problem. I guess I’m glad that lice have hit the mainstream, though what’s next for Arthur and his pals? Heroin addiction?” On family holidays: “Danged if it isn’t true—you really cannot recreate the Christmases of your childhood. I can’t even recreate the Christmases of my teens.” It is in the details that The Big Rumpus will delight. Halliday manages to capture a voice that so many of today’s parents hear in their own heads, in a way that is absolutely unique yet familiar. The Big Rumpus marks the debut of a major new talent who has formulated a whole new set of “operating instructions” for today’s families.
Customer Reviews:
Very fun to read - totally real life mom stuff........2007-07-25
I just happened on one of Ayun's other books while on vacation, and man was that good luck for me. This book is great fun for moms to read, since you will relate with lots if not all of her stories. I love, love, LOVE her writing style. It is a totally down-to-earth, easy to read, true to life account of life right there in the thick of mommyhood! As a mom of a 7 year old sweetie pie girl and a 4 year old MANIAC (but adorable) male, I am right down there deep in those trenches. I want to read all her stuff so I also get her East Village Inky, Ayun's own personal Zine.
I give this book to all my expecting girlfriends.......2007-03-21
I love this book. It makes me laugh and warms my heart. Honestly, there are few books that can truly make one laugh out loud, on the bus ride home after a day of work even. This is one of them. And it is a realistic portrayal of motherhood, a down to earth viewpoint that most people can appreciate. Have fun reading!
brilliant.......2007-03-20
Reading The Big Rumpus makes me want to move to New York City, have kids, and hang out with Ayun Halliday. It's not that Halliday shies away from pain and irritation of caring for small children. These essays detail such trials as the struggle to keep her baby boy from destroying the local library while his toddler sister chooses books; the frequent floor cleaning involved with the not-quite-potty-trained toddler; and, most touchingly, most painfully, the weeks of keeping watch in neo-natal intensive care unit when her newborn daughter contracts an infection. But despite these irritations, despite this grief--or even amongst the irritations, amongst the grief--there's this overriding sense of joy, of satisfaction that speaks to why I choose to work with children.
Ehh........2007-03-19
While some of the author's words are touching and ring true (the excerpt on her daughter being in the NICU, for example), I found most of the book to be tiresome. Yes, we get it. You are so darn hip that you can't even bother trying to be hip. You are so hip that you don't care if your kids are dirty or if your daughter prances around naked in front of virtual strangers. You're so hip that you dress your son in your daughter's hand-me-downs and publish a ZINE in your spare time. Wow. We're all impressed with your hipness, your wry irreverence. You are so hip and so New York that we can barely stand it. Really, I can barely stand it. I'm gagging into my hand as I type.
So self-consciously hip.......2007-01-25
I just didn't like or appreciate this book, which I ordered after reading and enjoying Ms. Halliday's "Dirty Sugar Cookies." The author seemed so intent on demonstrating that she was authentically hip or counterculture or unconventional. Instead of losing myself in the narrative, I kept wondering why she was trying so hard. Ms. Halliday is a good writer and I'll continue to read her books, but on the subject of motherhood, she reminds me too much of the passive-agressive mothers I see too much in real life and prefer to avoid in pleasure reading.
Book Description
Coming soon to a network near you. . .
Lena Sharpe wants her life to be the fabulous kind that movies are made of. She works in television, so she's familiar with the heroine, the hook and when to break for commercial. The problem is, she's always telling other people's stories. When will it be her turn?
Potential costars are numerous. . .
Call it romantic, or call it delusional (her friends do), but Lena rewrites her life story for every guy she meets. She chats up a lowly band-boy and suddenly she's Mrs. Indie. Flirts with a banker, and presto, she's got a house in the country and a golden retriever.
A happy ending is almost definitely pretty much guaranteed. . .
When Lena meets Colin, the perfect guy, she's on cloud nine. Suddenly, she has the life she's always wanted, complete with a new circle of fabulous friends0much to the chagrin of her old circle of fabulous friends. He even encourages her to quit her job and follow her dream. Is this love or just another fantasy? And what's up next? Diamond ring or reality check? To find out, turn to Live from New York, It's Lena Sharpe!
Customer Reviews:
Good Read.......2007-06-01
I'm not much for chick lit, usually, but I came across this book in my library and gave it a chance. I'm glad I did! This was much better than the usual chick lit books--smarter. This one deserves to be better known.
Saccharine Sweet, Delightful Entertainment.......2005-11-28
It took me a couple of chapters to get into this book, but once I did, the pages just kept on turning. Courtney Litz's "Live From New York, It's Lena Sharpe" is pleasurable in its simplicity. Lena reminded me a lot of myself, actually. Always searching for Mr. Wonderful, and in her mind, diving into the long-term relationship with the guy even before plans for a second date are made. And then she meets Colin, an aspiring writer and her newest Mr. Wonderful among a long string of them. Colin is seemingly the answer to all of Lena's wishes. But Lena's best friend, Jake, has other thoughts about this Prince that has suddenly entered her life and swept her off her feet. Litz writes in an airy, fresh voice and ties Lena's romance with Colin, and friendships with Jake, and best girlfriends, Tess and Parker, all effortlessly into one. The reader will follow Lena through romance, close friendship and the ultimate realization when it comes to love. This book has a nice flow and will absolutely keep the reader entertained. Funny, charming, and super-sweet, this book is a winner!
Stick With It.......2005-11-17
This book was cute. It's predictible yes, and the first chapter didn't really capture me, but I stuck with Lena through her journey. Lena lives life with her head in the clouds. Every suitor is the potential love of her life, so much so that she ends up with a false idea of who people in her life are. However, like those who have come before her Lena's journey is not just for guy, but a search for herself, which is the saving grace of this book. The characters are interesting. Jake, Tess, Parker are all great characters. I'll call this a winner in the Chick Lit Race
Fun, albeit predictable chick-lit..........2005-02-18
Lena Sharpe is a television producer and a chic New Yorker who envisions the perfect relationship with every man she meets. She knows that getting worked up over a new guy has brought her nothing but disappointments -- and her friends have tried to protect her from another failure. But when she meets a gorgeous author named Colin, her mind goes into overdrive once again, only that this time Colin appears to be the perfect man. However, Lena hadn't anticipated certain romantic twists in her life...
Life from New York, It's Lena Sharpe has its fun moments full of romance and wit. Single women can relate to the heroine's dreams of meeting Mr. Right. There are various scenes that wouldn't have been out of place on an episode of Sex and the City or in a scene of a romantic comedy starring Rene Zellweger, but said scenes are nevertheless fun. The novel is quite predictable -- I was able to guess the outcome after reading the first thirty pages -- but you have to expect banality when you pick up a novel like this one. All in all, Life from New York, It's Lena Sharpe is the perfect book to read when you're in the mood for something light and entertaining. I read it while I enjoyed a nice bubble bath and nursed a martini.
Fun and Frolic for the Pretty People in New York.......2004-11-04
If you want to know what it's like to be young and pretty and stylish in New York, read this book. Courtney Litz sure has a feel for life in the Big City (my hometown). Her book feels genuine; it's filled with places I've been and characters that read almost like non-fiction. She also knows every fashion designer worn by every hip, young, sexy thing in town. This is a fun book aimed right at girls and women who dream of days and nights in New York filled with dates, parties, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and great clothes. It's also refreshingly sex-free, so it's appropriate for teens.
Book Description
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University LibraryÕs preservation reformatting program.
Customer Reviews:
From a professional reviewer.......2007-09-10
Over the last several years I have written a lot of reviews for Crowsfeet Productions. They handle publicity for several labels. Betsie Brown has been my contact for the West Coast. It has been a pleasure to bring the wonderful entertainment of the East coast to the attention of readers and listeners here in Washington. Occasionally the review I'm asked to write is on other than music releases. Such as in this case. When I was asked if I was interested in reviewing this book I jumped at the chance. Even though book reviews are a lot more time consuming, than reviewing CDs or even DVDs, I feel that they are a media source that need more coverage in Blues reviews.
The secondary title to this book might suggest a very highbrow and hard to read tome concentrating on the literary works of Faulkner. Fear not. While there is a healthy chapter dedicated to the analysis of Faulkner's relationship to the Blues the majority of this text is an appealing, and easy to follow, observation of life as a street musician, jam session veteran and club performer. There are highlighted profiles of New York area Blues musician's that are compelling as well as occasionally touching.
Gussow is not only an award-winning scholar and an Assistant professor (English & Southern Studies-University of Mississippi). He is also a very accomplished harmonica player and recording artist who has been nominated for a W.C. Handy award. His partnership with Sterling "Mr. Satan" Magee was remarkably unlikely from the beginning. Adam Gussow was young, white and Ivy League and "Mr. Satan" was older, black, street-wizened and an accomplished one-man band. Nonetheless together they built a very large fan base, made a few albums, and performed all up and down the East Coast. In reading this book I became so intrigued that I bought two of their three CDs and have played them on my radio show. For my money that's why it's good that we, on the West Coast, can hear about this stuff. We need to know that there is some wonderful music that normally doesn't get distributed to this side of the country.
There are many parts of this book that I can point to as a highlight for me. Gussow's words of disgust for southern racism are similar to my own beliefs. His mentoring of young Bluesman Jason Ricci is a good read because I was participated in a post-concert interview with Jason and heard of his victory over his troubles with substance abuse. I found him to be a sensitive and talented artist. Addam Gussow can claim a little credit for that. My favorite part is Adam's writing about his own mentoring by Sterling Magee. This relationship is covered well in Gussow's first book, "Mr. Satan's Apprentice". There is enough of the Satan & Adam storyline here to serve as an excellent backdrop to the bigger dissertation. It blends together well compilations of articles Gussow has written for Harper's and Blues Access as well as critical essays. The comprehensive examination of William Faulkner's relationship with the Blues is covered here fro the first time. It is deep but I found it enlightening. It made me think about the famous author's place in literary history a little more.
What I assumed would be a slightly self-indulgent semi-autobiographic of Mr. Gussow's life in Blues actually became more of a modern day true life text book. This would serve well any class on black history, Blues history or literary history. There is so much more to Journeyman's Road- other than what I have outlined here. Find out more by visiting his web page & on YouTube (www.modernbluesharmonica.com & www.youtube.com/kudzurunner). To purchase contact www.utpress.org ($30 hardcover)
Well done Mr.Gussow! I believe I shall now have to find Mr. Satan's Apprentice. I can't wait to read it.
Adam is a harmonica master .......2007-07-12
I have been following Adams teaching for a while. His new book "Journeyman's Road" only increases his street cred. After reading the book I got a better feeling for talking the talk and walking the walk. If your a harmonica player, a New York blues fan, or a street musician this book is a must read. Adam Gussow give a first hand look at music in Harlem, his adventures with Mr. Satan, and becoming a respected musician.
Thoughts on a blues book.......2007-06-11
I first became aware of Adam Gussow through his YouTube blues harmonica lessons. That is how I became aware of the fact the he was writing this book. I have read many books. This is the first time that I have ever felt the need to write a review.
At first glance it would seem to be a collection of short stories or articles which could stand on their own if read as such. It is much more; it is a book that should be read from front to back in its entirety. It is actually several books in one, each with their own appeal.
It is the story of Adam Gussow, an interesting man, who is both a street blues musician who played the streets of Harlem, and toured the blues joints, and a teacher of much more than the blues harmonica. He bares his soul through his music (his CDs are available at Amazon.com), and with this book.
It is the story of blues musicians, and indeed, it is even the story of the blues itself. A story of the call and response music form that is the cry of love lost, or unfound, and the promise of how good life could be if you can just find it.
He reminds us of the "bad old days" that spawned the blues, where the black man's call for love went unanswered. It is a bit painful to read, but he takes the reader to a place of hope. Perhaps the influence of the music itself is an answer to that call.
It is the story of Sterling Magee (Mr. Satan), and Adam's relationship with him. It is a story of respect and love for the man that he apprenticed himself to.
Mr. Gussow gives the love to the blues men, and women, who gave him the gift of their music. He passes on their gift, and he finds the love. The long awaited response to his own blues call.
The first readers of this book will undoubtedly be blues harmonica players. The book deserves a much wider audience than that. It will appeal to a wider audience than that. I hope that many people discover this book, and read it. I'm glad that I did.
Customer Reviews:
Obits Taken from the NY Times.......2003-10-25
I have both Hollywood Album(1977) & Hollywood Album 2(1979). What the first book (with Monroe, Harlow, Fields, & many others) missed, the second book more than covers, up to its publication (Elvis, Crosby, Chaplin, & more). Its interesting also to see other major headlines of the news imposed on some of the front page obits.
These two books are like bibles to me and I re-read them when I get the chance and keep them in pristine condition with fabric bookcovers as well. I wished the New York Times would pick up the ball and run with follow-up editions.
Truly a must for those interested in reading famous obituaries!
We need a follow-up!.......1998-10-30
This book (and its sequel) are the kind of volumes we just don't see anymore, sad to say. A superb and absorbing collection of film-star obits from the New York Times (1920s-70s), Hollywood Album is hard to put down. I do wish the Times would publish a large, one-volume collection of obits from their files, or that Variety would boil their immense obit collection down to one affordable book! Historians and film fans alike would snap it up.
An easy-read about Hollywood's golden personalities........1998-08-23
Hollywood Album is a concise, easy-read. Since obituaries of notable persons are almost always prepared well before the person's death, these articles are well researched and very accurate. There is a handy "Filmography" at the end of the book listing, again, each notable personality and the movies in which they were involved (although I have found some of these lists not be totally complete).
An excellent find if you can locate this book. The last printing was in June, 1977 and the most "recent" obituary is Rosalind Russell's, who died in May, 1977.
Customer Reviews:
This Book Will Stay With You For A Long Time.......2007-02-20
I read this book years ago but I can not get it out of my mind. This is one of the best written True Crime Books I have ever read. It is interesting from page one. It absolutely writes like a true who done it type novel except this is TRUE and the author has you wondering what happened to these poor babies. She makes you think that some mysterious thing is going on with these babies. The story builds and builds until the truth comes out who killed these precious babies. There are pictures included of her babies. These babies were absolutely beautiful babies. The author gives details of the deaths of the babies and how they reacted when they died. How the oldest fought the whole time. I had a hard time getting through some of these descriptions but I could not lay this book down as I just had to know in my own heart WHY someone did this horrible thing to such precious babies. This book is so detailed.
Absolutely tragic story, very well researched book -make up your own mind as to Marybeth's guilt.......2006-01-15
Marybeth Tinning gave birth to nine children. After the third-born died at 8 days old due to a suspected self-induction (she wanted the baby to be born on Christmas day) with a coathanger caused meningitis, her other two children (aged 4 and 2) died within the next 8 weeks. She went on to have more children, and even adopted one, who all died one by one.
Unbelievably, it wasn't until the 9th died that the public in her county, social services, police, coroner etc managed to collectively work together to bring a case against her. Previously all of these agencies knew she had children that had died, but none knew the number or all of the information -except her close friends and family.
This book has been meticulously researched, it really is very thorough and well written. As a mother I found it at times unbearable -so many questions remain unanswered. The book contains a photo of each of the children, who were all beautiful.
Gripping reading, but also it is really important to learn something from this -when a child is in distress, no matter how small your suspicion or how afraid you are of offending people -do what you can to protect the child. This is officially the mother's job, but when she is suffering from Munchausen by Proxy she is unable to carry out her role.
That's a 'nice' way of putting it. Read the book and make up your own mind.
"All She Did Was Knock Them Off, One By One".......2004-06-16
Very well-written and researched. I've re-read this book many times, and each time I see a different aspect of Marybeth or the people around her. Ms. Egginton gives opinions from various scientists and other examples of mothers killing children. I do believe the theory Marybeth killed eight of her children, after possibly causing Jennifer, her third child, to be born with meningitis (because she wanted her born on Christmas). There is quite a bit of research into Marybeth's childhood, however, I wish that her brother had remembered or told more about her possible abuse at the hands of her father. If you don't receive love as a child, you can't give love as an adult. It's no excuse, as she certainly knew right from wrong and had sense enough to lie about the deaths to everyone - I believe she mainly killed them since she learned of the attention it brought her - and because she believed she was a bad mother, could do nothing right, and might as well kill them to get it over with. For some reason, she never learned her lesson, just kept trying again. What would be a nightmare that most people (with consciences) would never recover from, was no big deal to Marybeth. I don't think that she'll ever understand that these babies were human beings in their own right who deserved to live just as much as she thought she did.
Very good overview of the Tinning case........2002-10-27
Marybeth Tinning's case is fascinating. She had nine children and every single one of them died before they reached school age. There was Barbara, Joseph, Mary, Jonathan, Nathan, Michael, Timothy, Jennifer, and Tami Lynne. Jennifer was the first to go, born sickly and dying after a few days without ever leaving the hospital. It is thought that this is the only Tinning child to have died of natural causes. Marybeth murdered the other eight.
It was thought that Barbara and Joseph, the oldest Tinning children who died a short time after Jennifer, died of Reyes Syndrome. People thought it was odd, though, that Marybeth never shed a tear. As the children were born and buried one after another, their deaths were mostly chalked up to SIDS or something similar. It got to be kind of local joke: "Look at the birth announcements; the Tinnings had another baby. I wonder how long this one will last?" Many suspected Marybeth of having killed the babies, but some thought it was just a genetic deformity in the family. That was, until the Tinning's two-year-old adopted son, Michael, died for no apparent reason. That's when the authorities started to move in.
This book covers Marybeth Tinning's life, marriage, the births and deaths of her children, and her trial and subsequent imprisonment. It's clear that she suffers from Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy, the pathological need to injure those close to her and bask in the sympathy she gets. It's a fascinating story, though I admit the characters didn't seem all that real to me -- more like ink on paper than actual human beings. I recommend this book anyway, for all true-crime fans and those curious about infanticide.
Black Widow Spider With A Heinous Twist!.......2001-05-25
I read this book in a day and a half cover-to-cover. I could not put it down, simply because page after page I was left dumbfounded at the absurdness of the people involved in this story. I am appalled and enraged by the ignorance, stupidity and apathy of all who knew this woman and stood silent as she killed her children in the same arrogant pattern over and over again. As for her husband, he must have been in a coma not to catch on after the second time. This is a sad statement of the human condition- close your eyes, turn away and don't get involved. The jury was out to lunch on this one, as well, with a depraved indifference verdict. Given the obvious, this was clear-cut premeditated murder -each time she killed, she would mate, give birth and kill again. If it looks like a snake, sounds like a snake and acts like a snake..... sounds like Murder One to me. Perhaps the only redemption for those 9 innocent souls is that they were spared surviving and growing up at the hands of this calculating monster they would have called "mother" and that simpleton poor excuse for a man they would have called "dad".
Books:
- Mafalda 2
- Magnificat (Galactic Milieu Trilogy/Julian May, Bk 3)
- Making Master Guitars
- Mixed Nuts: America's Love Affair with Comedy Teams from Burns and Allen to Belushi and Aykroyd
- Mondo Lucha A Go-Go: The Bizarre and Honorable World of Wild Mexican Wrestling
- Mr. Pusskins: A Love Story
- My Boys Can Swim!: The Official Guy's Guide to Pregnancy
- Naughty Spanking Stories from A to Z, volume 2
- Peanuts: A Golden Celebration: The Art and the Story of the World's Best-Loved Comic Strip
- Rant: An Oral Biography of Buster Casey
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