Adios to My Old Life

Book Description

Does a seventeen-year-old from Miami have what it takes to be the next big Latin superstar? And does she really want it?

As a talented singer-guitarist with a dream of going pro, Alegría Montero is getting fed up with the endless, boring parade of quinceañeras and other family party gigs. She's longing for something bigger. And Oye Mi Canto -- a new reality TV show that's searching for the next Latin superstar -- is definitely that. Ali figures she'll never make the cut, but auditioning seems like a good way to get her overprotective father to take her ambitions seriously.

To Ali's complete shock, she passes her audition. Next thing she knows, she's dealing with wardrobe fittings, cameras, reporters, vocal coaches, and websites designed by lovestruck fanboys. She's also dealing with jealousy, malice, and sabotage among the contestants, all of which has her wondering: Is it really time to shoot for the stars and try to win the whole competition, or is it time to say "Cut!" and become a normal teenager again?

Customer Reviews:

Charming story of music, teen angst, and family.......2007-08-11

When she sneaks out to enter a 'Next Latin Star' show, Alegria (Ali) Montero figures it's just a chance to be seen. But when she's selected as a finalist, the Catholic schoolgirl has to confront her old-fashioned father and persuade him that her dreams, while not his, deserve a chance. Ali lives for music and for performance. And she's completely in her element while she's on the stage. Of course, as soon as she's off the stage, she just might be hurling out her guts--she is, after all, a virgin schoolgirl competing with some of the hottest talent in the Latin world. Unfortunately for her, the one other contestant from Miami, sultry Fabiana, will do anything in her power to sabotage Ali and keep her from reaching her dreams. Only one of the finalists will make it all the way to the recording contract, the guaranteed single, the final stardom.

Old-fashioned Latin American sponsors insist that Ali have a chaperone since she's under 18, unlike all of the other finalists who get to live in a mansion and enjoy the finest of Miami, but Ali doesn't mind too much since her chaperone is a woman who's had the hots for her father for a long time and who is close to Ali's best friend. She's also not a very strict chaperone and Ali finds she can spend a bit of time with a cute college intern production assistant. But when the pressure is really on, will he be there for Ali--and will Ali be able to cope with the fact that she really is saying adios to her entire old life?

Author Caridad Ferrer spins a charming tale of coming of age and young love. With Ferrer's Cuban heritage and bilingual upbringing, the Latin American aspects of the story ring true. The musical elements, too, are completely convincing. I found myself laughing and hoping along with Ali for the right result as she sang her heart out for the crouds, the judges, and for her father. The fan site set up by 14-year-old boys was a laugh, and the overwhelming fan moment scary.

ADIOS TO MY OLD LIFE was the surprise winner of Romance Writers of America's top award (the RITA) for best single title romance even though it had been initially entered in the young adult category (because there weren't enough entrants in that category, it was closed and ADIOS was shifted into the adult category). Facing very stiff competition, ADIOS pulled out a deserved win.

Latino AI.......2007-05-17

Talented singer-guitarist Alegria Montero is sick of the endless, boring parade of quinceaneras and other family party gigs. So when OYE MI CANTO, a new reality TV show that's searching for the next Latin superstar comes into her town, she auditions. She figures she'll never make the cut.

To her shock, she makes it. Next thing she knows--besides dealing with her overprotective father--she's thrust into a world of wardrobe fittings, cameras, reporters, vocal coaches, and websites designed by teen boys. But also she sees the other side of a reality show. The jealousy, malice, and sabotage among the contestants. She wonders if this is indeed what she wants or should she leave it all and go back to being the normal teen again.

I loved this book! Caridad does a great job showing the father/daughter relationship. Also she gives the reader a glimpse into a reality show. Think American Idol goes Latin. I especially loved the Spanish that is sprinkled throughout the novel. But then I'm a real fan of anything that deals with Spanish in a real way. Ali is a typical teen who has her doubts and shortcoming too. I cheered with her all the way through the book. And I loved the ending.

I'd highly recommend this book to those who love fast-paced YA novels that show Latina heroines in a positive light. Gracias, Caridad!

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2006-10-21

If you're a fan of American Idol, like I am, you're going to love this book. If you don't like American Idol, that's okay, too, because you're still going to love this book! ADIOS TO MY OLD LIFE, the debut young adult novel of author Caridad Ferrer, stars seventeen-year-old Ali Montero, a Latino teen who is determined to be a finalist on the reality music show Oye Mi Canto.

Ali is a typical teen with a major difference--she has real musical talent. When she's singing and playing her guitar, she can forget about the usual family problems, the crazy friends, the insane school life. When she's inside her own head with only the music, Ali is transformed beyond a normal teenager into a star. The wonderful thing about Ali, though, is that she refuses to let stardom, or even normal trends, change the type of young woman that she is. There's no Jennifer Lopez or Shakira skimpy outfits or butt-shaking in her routines; there's no Ricky Martin or Marc Anthony wannabe groupies worming their way into her life.

With fresh and witty dialogue and a heroine that is truly easy to relate to, ADIOS TO MY OLD LIFE is a glimpse into what it means to live your dreams. While Ali lives the life of having her daily highs and lows shown on national television, she's smart enough to know that her music--and not fame and fortune--is what's important.

Kudos to Ms. Ferrer for a winning debut novel. This is the perfect story for everyone, whether male or female, young or old, American Idol fan or not.

Adios to My Old Life.......2006-09-25

Read this book.

It doesn't matter if you're a guy or a girl, if you're not a fan of Enrique or Shakira, if you're not even an MTV watcher. You'll fall in love with this. Ally is the most liveliest, most likable character I've read in a long time.

This is definitely one of the best music themed books I've read. Ferrer's ability to translate music into the written word is magical.

I'd give this book ten stars if the option was available!

A Rockin' Good Read.......2006-08-05

What a treat! Caridad Ferrer's debut young adult novel "Adios to My Old Life" is a must read for people of all ages who love books as well as music. It has everything starting with a lovable heroine in Ali Montero, a young woman who pursues her artistic dreams but refuses to sell her soul and having a happy (but plausible) ending. Although the story is set in the world of a reality TV show competition for Latino musical artists, Ali's journey deals with issues we all face from the experience of first love to the attempt to individuate from our parents. These elements make the story cozy even as the heroine -- a Cuban American teen who can rock -- is unique. Kudos, Caridad!

Sorting Shapes, Show Me, & Many Other Activities for Toddlers: 13 to 24 Months (Ece Creative Resources Serials)

Average customer rating:

satisfied

Sorting Shapes, Show Me, & Many Other Activities for Toddlers: 13 to 24 Months (Ece Creative Resources Serials)
Judy Herr , and Terri Swim
Manufacturer: Cengage Delmar Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Rhyming Books, Marble Painting, & Many Other Activities for Toddlers: 25 to 36 Months (Ece Creative Resources Serials)
Making Sounds, Making Music, & Many Other Activities for Infants: 7 to 12 Months (Ece Creative Resources Serials)
Rattle Time, Face to Face, & Many Other Activities for Infants: Birth to 6 Months (Ece Creative Resources Serials)
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First Art : Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos

Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 140181834X

Product Description

Specially designed activities to help create a foundation for thinking and learning progression. 160 pages.

Customer Reviews:

satisfied.......2007-02-23

I am a stay at home mom and like to have activities books on hand for times when creativity runs low. I looked through the pam schiller books and was impressed but they are more geared towards educators and the format wasn't as easy to read and use as a planning tool as this book and jackie silberg's book.

Animals For Show And Pleasure In Ancient Rome

Average customer rating:

Animals For Show And Pleasure In Ancient Rome
George Jennison
Manufacturer: University of Pennsylvania Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Emperors and Gladiators
Lives of the Caesars (Oxford World's Classics)
Animals in Roman Life and Art
The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Rome (Hist Atlas)
Mel Gibson's Apocalypto (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: 0812219198

Book Description

Deadly combat between gladiators is perhaps the best-known example of public entertainment offered in the Roman world. Wild and domesticated animals were also a part of these extravagant shows, and the elaborate presentation--or sometimes butchery--of creatures to gild an official's magnificence was among the most common forms of public diversion. Pitting bulls against bears, lions against Christians and criminals, elephants against rhinoceroses or parading large numbers of giraffe or zebras, the games devised by the Romans ranged from astonishing to brutally cruel. It is now difficult to comprehend the pleasure that huge crowds took from the death or struggle of animals and people, but the history of the role of animals in ancient Rome is both fascinating and important in view of modern sports spectacles and the enjoyment we take in animals in our daily lives.

Based entirely on primary source material and infused with the author's direct experience with many of the animals discussed, Animals for Show and Pleasure in Ancient Rome is a comprehensive investigation of the rise, function, and pageantry of wild and domesticated animals as household pets and as fodder for entertainment in the Roman world. Extending from Egypt through the Greek city-states to the magnificent coliseums of the golden age of Roman civilization, Jennison provides an absorbing, evocative, and in-depth history that includes information about what animals were known to the Romans, which creatures they liked best, which animals were used as pets, from what places they obtained animals and how much they cost, how they were trapped, and the architectural development and dispersion of arenas throughout the Roman world. Originally published in 1937, Animals for Show and Pleasure in Ancient Rome remains the authoritative work on the subject.

Blackstone, a Magician's Life: The World and Magic Show of Harry Blackstone, 1885-1965
Average customer rating:

Best magician biography in a long while

Blackstone, a Magician's Life: The World and Magic Show of Harry Blackstone, 1885-1965
Daniel Waldron , George Johnstone , and Nick Ruggiero
Manufacturer: Meyerbooks, Publisher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Glorious Deception: The Double Life of William Robinson, aka Chung Ling Soo, the "Marvelous Chinese Conjurer"

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Art and Artifice: And Other Essays of Illusion

The Illustrated History of Magic

ASIN: 091663891X

Book Description

This is the story of the world and magic shows of Harry Blackstone (1885-1965), who entertained theatre-goers for over 50 seasons. Gifted with an electric presence, a magnificent voice and a master magician's mentality and skills, he played everything from showboats to vaudeville to television. Blackstone's extravagant productions advertised "1001 wonders" and "an enchanting array of beautiful girls." Waldron's vivid and thoroughly researched narrative, enhanced with first-hand accounts by those who worked on the Blackstone show, presents an unforgettable portrait of a unique showman. Illustrated throughout with photographs.

Customer Reviews:

Best magician biography in a long while.......1999-11-07

Unlike many magical biographies, this one has texture. That's probably because much of its content is derived from actual interviews with a great many members of Blackstone's travelling troupe, key among them being Blackstone's brother Pete and first wife Inez. For this reason, the perspective of Blackstone rendered here isn't from the vantage point of an audience member who watched him in the theatre, but rather a view from those who accompanied him on the road -- and that's refreshing. Vaudeville comes suprisingly alive with small details here, and Waldron does an unusually fine job of historical contextualization. Probably the best magical biography since Bamberg's Illusion Show.

Ready-to-Go Game Shows That Teach Serious Stuff: Bible Edition

Average customer rating:

Nice addition to anyone's strategies

Ready-to-Go Game Shows That Teach Serious Stuff: Bible Edition
Michael Theisen
Manufacturer: Saint Mary's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Inspirational | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Ready-To-Go Game Shows (That Teach Serious Stuff): Catholic Teachings and Practices Edition
Faith Facts for Young Catholics: Drills, Games and Activities for Middle School Students
Ready-to Go Scripture Skits: That Teach Serious Stuff
The Faith Difference: Prayers, Lessons, Activities, and Games for Teens
Teaching Activities Manual For The Catholic Faith Handbook For Youth: A Resource For High School Teachers

ASIN: 0884896897

Customer Reviews:

Nice addition to anyone's strategies.......2001-10-02

Think way back to your years in school. Do you remember playing a game of classroom "baseball" to review important information before a big test? I can still remember the question and answer from our government class that gave our team the "grand slam."

Do you remember "Dale's Cone of Learning" from your teacher training? Dale Edgar's model is that students learn best through direct experience, simulations, games and excercises.

If you would like to add fun "game show" style learning to your programs, please get a copy of the latest spiral bound book from St. Mary's Press: "Ready to Go Game Shows that Teach Serious-Stuff-Bible Edition" by Michael Theisen. This little book contains a dozen learning activities modeled after popular current shows such "Who Wants to Be a Millonaire," "Wheel of Fortune" and others. By the way, a variation of the baseball game I mentioned above is in this book.

Preparation for these games is easy and the supply list is, in typical St. Mary's Press style, inexpensive and easy to obtain. A working knowledge of the game shows helps, but is not required. Unless your teens have been raised in a media vacuum, they will recognize and be ready to play these games. If, however, it is you who has been in the media void, Michael explains the games in a clear, easy manner. The included diagrams for the room set up will help you to quickly construct the right environment. Questions and answers are clearly listed for the Bible based subjects and include simple notes for the "teachable moment."

Both classroom school teachers and volunteer teachers will find this volume useful. You will also like the size of this book. It is small and light which makes it easy to put into a book bag. The spiral binding lets the book lay flat for easy reading. We need more spiral bound resources!

I would invite you to encourage your teams to create their own question sets for future games. What a great project for older teens to do- create questions and games for young teens. The old quote, "If you would truly know something, teach it." applies here.

"Who wants to be a better teacher?" You will be when you use your copy of "Ready to Go Game Shows."

Book Description

Mr.Game Show, Wink Martindale, tells about his secret for success in Hollywood's fast lane. He takes us on a journey from Jackson, Tennessee to Tinseltown and lets us peek behind curtains of game shows, radio programs, concerts, and exclusive interviews with Elvis. Winking At Life is no quick dismissal of trouble, but an intimate, informed, and insightful choice. A most interesting read.

Customer Reviews:

'Dough' yourself a favor, read this book!.......2001-12-01

Wink is one of humanity's gems. A brilliant man, genius perhaps. Where would the world be without 'Gambit' I wonder? My only response to the question is a nervous shudder.

Wink's Book A Must For Game Show Fans! (& Everyone Else!).......2001-02-15

Wink Martindale is one of TV's best Game Show hosts! From the popular 70's "Gambit" (which I liked so much I used "Gambit" as my CB 'handle' back then) to the most recent "Debt", Wink has kept us playing for so many years! Hopefully we will see more of Wink as host in the future! Meanwhile, this book is a great read as it lets you get to know one of America's favorite hosts a bit better. It also gives you a great insider's look at TV game shows! (Chock full of exclusive "behind the scenes" photos!

Very entertaining and well written reflection from Wink.......2000-06-19

To many of us who are still in college, we may only know Wink Martindale from his gameshow "Tic Tac Dough". But there is a lot more to this very talented and gifted man.

Next to the 19 gameshows that he hosted, he had a very sucessfull career in radio, getting his very first start on his hometown's own radio station. He also went on to have a million selling single "Deck Of Cards". Then began his long and still current career as gameshow emcee.

He begins by telling of his childhood in Jackson, Tenessee. He mentions his love and fascination of radio, and his longing to one day be the one announcing the news and playing the music that was heard by everyone for miles around. He also tells of the major influence his brothers and sister had on him, as well as his parents. Also, he tells how he got his nickname of "Wink".

Without giving away too much, I can honestly say, that if you are a fan of Wink, that you will really like this book. Wink is a fantastic writer and keeps you glued to every page. When I first started reading his book, I looked at the clock a while later and didn't realize that an hour and a half had passed!

There are also A LOT of photos and a nice collection of color photos in the center of the book.

I give this book 5 stars, because of the many autobiographies that I have read lately, this one is not only informative, but also heartwarming and entertaining.

Highly Recommended

Very entertaining and well written reflection from Wink.......2000-06-19

To many of us who are still in college, we may only know Wink Martindale from his gameshow "Tic Tac Dough". But there is a lot more to this very talented and gifted man.

There are also A LOT of photos and a nice collection of color photos in the center of the book.

I give this book 5 stars, because of the many autobiographies that I have read lately, this one is not only informative, but also heartwarming and entertaining.

Customer Reviews:

The best of the best in figure modeling.......2006-06-03

This is a fantastic catalog of painted and finished miniature figures from some of the greatest modelers in the United States. Inside you'll find photos of ancient, Medieval, Napoleonic, Civil War, twentieth-century, and even a few fantasy figures--something to please just about anyone. What you will not find is a single demonstration of how these techniques are achieved, nor any instructions, nor any in-progress photos. In other words, this is not a how-to book, and should never be confused with one. Still, if you have ever squinted at a three-inch pewter figure and even clumsily stabbed at it with a 000, you'll be able to learn something from this collection of the work of masters.

LIFE ON THE HOT SEAT: HOW I MATCHED WITS WITH CHUCK, ALEX, DICK AND YES...... REGIS!! *: * and still managed to laugh all the way to the bank: The ... of one man's american game show odyssey

Average customer rating:

LIFE ON THE HOT SEAT: HOW I MATCHED WITS WITH CHUCK, ALEX, DICK AND YES...... REGIS!! *: * and still managed to laugh all the way to the bank: The ... of one man's american game show odyssey
Lawrence Caplan
Manufacturer: 1st Books Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1403313113

Average customer rating:

Positive thinking in action!

Life's a game show
Gloria Hahn Tinsley
Manufacturer: Providence House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Popular Culture | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1881576949

Customer Reviews:

Positive thinking in action!.......1998-07-15

Gloria's book is a great example of what anyone can do with a good attitude. So many people give up, daunted too easily, before they even try to win. I know the author and have seen her winnings. Good book!

THE PSEUDO PEOPLE: The Addict; The Show Must Go On; Geever's Flight; The Fasterfaster Affair; Changeling; Those Among Us; The Life Game; Evidence; The Fires of Night; Steel; Badinage; Juke Doll; Last Rites; The Joy of Living

Average customer rating:

THE PSEUDO PEOPLE: The Addict; The Show Must Go On; Geever's Flight; The Fasterfaster Affair; Changeling; Those Among Us; The Life Game; Evidence; The Fires of Night; Steel; Badinage; Juke Doll; Last Rites; The Joy of Living
William F. (editor) (Shelly Lowenkopf; James Causey; Charles E. Fritch; Frank Anmar; A. E. van Vogt; Ray Bradbury; Henry Kuttner; Chad Oliver; Isaac Asimov; Dennis Etchison; Richard Matheson; Ron Goulart; Robert F. Young; Charles Beaumont) Nolan
Manufacturer: Berkley Medallion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GVZ1BQ

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