Average customer rating:
- Inspiring
- Jeannette Walls
- A Disturbing but Positive Memoir
- THANK YOU JEANETTE and your entire family for sharing your life!
- Absolutely amazing!
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The Glass Castle: A Memoir
Jeannette Walls
Manufacturer: Scribner
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ASIN: 074324754X |
Amazon.com
Jeannette Walls's father always called her "Mountain Goat" and there's perhaps no more apt nickname for a girl who navigated a sheer and towering cliff of childhood both daily and stoically. In The Glass Castle, Walls chronicles her upbringing at the hands of eccentric, nomadic parents--Rose Mary, her frustrated-artist mother, and Rex, her brilliant, alcoholic father. To call the elder Walls's childrearing style laissez faire would be putting it mildly. As Rose Mary and Rex, motivated by whims and paranoia, uprooted their kids time and again, the youngsters (Walls, her brother and two sisters) were left largely to their own devices. But while Rex and Rose Mary firmly believed children learned best from their own mistakes, they themselves never seemed to do so, repeating the same disastrous patterns that eventually landed them on the streets. Walls describes in fascinating detail what it was to be a child in this family, from the embarrassing (wearing shoes held together with safety pins; using markers to color her skin in an effort to camouflage holes in her pants) to the horrific (being told, after a creepy uncle pleasured himself in close proximity, that sexual assault is a crime of perception; and being pimped by her father at a bar). Though Walls has well earned the right to complain, at no point does she play the victim. In fact, Walls' removed, nonjudgmental stance is initially startling, since many of the circumstances she describes could be categorized as abusive (and unquestioningly neglectful). But on the contrary, Walls respects her parents' knack for making hardships feel like adventures, and her love for them--despite their overwhelming self-absorption--resonates from cover to cover. --Brangien Davis
Book Description
Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose Mary Walls had four children. In the beginning, they lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all, how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, who painted and wrote and couldn't stand the responsibility of providing for her family, called herself an "excitement addict." Cooking a meal that would be consumed in fifteen minutes had no appeal when she could make a painting that might last forever.
Later, when the money ran out, or the romance of the wandering life faded, the Walls retreated to the dismal West Virginia mining town -- and the family -- Rex Walls had done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents' betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home.
What is so astonishing about Jeannette Walls is not just that she had the guts and tenacity and intelligence to get out, but that she describes her parents with such deep affection and generosity. Hers is a story of triumph against all odds, but also a tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a family that despite its profound flaws gave her the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on her own terms.
For two decades, Jeannette Walls hid her roots. Now she tells her own story. A regular contributor to MSNBC.com, she lives in New York and Long Island and is married to the writer John Taylor.
TO INQUIRE ABOUT SCHEDULING JEANNETTE WALLS FOR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS PLEASE CONTACT:
Keppler Speakers
Dustin L. Jones
Associate, College & University Division
703.516.4000 (P)
703.516.4819 (F)
Customer Reviews:
Inspiring.......2007-10-05
Absolutely inspirational and motivational for anyone who has lived such a life and still come out on top. It is indicative of a child who has much more intuitiveness than most adults, as well as a lesson in forgiveness.
Jeannette Walls.......2007-10-04
Thank you for visiting our school, Ms. Jeannette.
I figured you'll probably see this, since you said you like Amazon.
Your book has truly touched me. I just wanted to say I admire you more than anyone in this world.
I feel very fortunate to have had to opportunity to meet you ... at the school paper (Grits) meeting, the service leader meeting, in the Science & Technology lobby, and at the Senior Girls Lunch.
I admit, I also feel a little guilty because I mean ... PG "educates" the most spoiled Charleston kids who spend most of their time partying, drinking, and wasting time. It's a phenomenal school with a brilliant faculty, but the majority of the student body takes their gifts for granted. I hope your story and your truths have gotten through to some of them.
I'm so glad you are where you are now and I'm so glad you're happy.
For anyone else reading this review, go out and buy the book right now. It will change you forever.
For anyone who has written reviews accusing Ms. Walls of lying, please open your minds. If you ever meet her, or even hear her speak, you'll know immediately that every word is true.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Alice Phillips, Senior, PGS (Charleston).
PS: You're right - everyone has something.
A Disturbing but Positive Memoir.......2007-10-04
What an eye opener. I'd like to believe every parent does the best they can, but as I read "The Glass Castle" I really had to ask myself, "Is this the best they could do?" I found myself wincing at times as I read the memoir. However, I couldn't put the book down, and the love Jeannette Walls has for her parents despite the neglect and disregard she endured, shows the incredible strength of the human spirit. To a society in which some people blame their lack of stability on a bad childhood, this book is a gift and a must read.
THANK YOU JEANETTE and your entire family for sharing your life!.......2007-10-03
An excellent book so engrossing I could not put it down. I love to read, but this book has moved me and stayed with me longer than any other. This book shows that you can break the chains that bind when you are focused. I've been in recovery many years and I appreciate the work involved in writing, along with courage in sharing, such intimate details of a family history. I will be recommending this book for years to come. Thanks again.
Absolutely amazing!.......2007-10-02
An amazing account of how one can overcome her/his circumstances instead of "blaming" the parents. A real page turner and so well written. I had put off reading this book for many months (thinking it would be too depressing to read) until a co-worker said, "It's really a good book."
Book Description
The extraordinary saga of Mother Angelica, founder of the multimillion-dollar Eternal Word Television Network and “the most influential Catholic woman in America” according to Time magazine
In 1981, the year after Ted Turner founded CNN, a simple nun, using merely her entrepreneurial instincts and $200, launched what would become the world’s largest religious media empire in the garage of a Birmingham, Alabama, monastery. Under her guidance, the Eternal Word Television Network grew at a staggering pace, both in viewership and in influence, to where it now reaches over a hundred million viewers in hundreds of countries around the globe.
Born Rita Rizzo in Canton, Ohio, in 1923, Mother Angelica was abandoned by her father and raised in poverty by a mother who suffered from suicidal depressions. As a young woman, Rita developed severe abdominal pain that doctors dismissed as a “nervous condition,” but when she sought the prayers of a local mystic, her symptoms disappeared. Awakened to the power of prayer, she vowed to dedicate her life to God and became a cloistered nun, expecting to spend her life hidden from the world. But Rita’s faith soon compelled her to unlikely endeavors, from establishing a monastery in Alabama to starting the world’s first Catholic cable network. Relying solely on “God’s providence,” Mother Angelica built an empire without concern for budgets or fund-raising campaigns, achieving what even the highest levels of the Catholic Church had been unable to do.
Raymond Arroyo combines his journalist’s objectivity and eye for detail with more than five years of exclusive interviews with Mother Angelica. He traces Mother Angelica’s tortured rise to success and exposes for the first time the fierce opposition she faced, both inside and outside of her church. It is an inspiring story of survival and proof that one woman’s faith can move more than mountains.
Customer Reviews:
Mother Angelica saved me from the depths........2007-09-07
Seven years ago a very rare disease put me in bed for 6 months. I could not stand up on my own. I could walk with a cane once I got up on my feet. Mother Angelica via EWTN saved me from the depths of depression and helped me with my anger about being ill. This book tells her story about how she faced and overcame many illnesses and hardships. Yet, Mother Angelica always loves the people around her. Well written and an excellent read.
See what Trust in God can do in just one life..........2007-07-12
If you want to see what radical love of God can do in a life - this is the book to read. It does not matter if you are Catholic, Orthodox, or of any Christian denomination - this book is a road map of how to "work for God."
The book is written by someone who not only loves her, but acknowledges her faults - and just like all of us, she has many. This is a REAL living breathing human being who encounters the same difficulties we all face. The same emotions, hurts, fears, ailments. And yet, maybe it is because of all this that she could talk to anyone (rich man, poor man, beggar, thief) and help them to see that life is never hopeless.
You'll need to be careful though, one reading of this book will have you pondering a big question -- "Do I really trust God enough to find out his will, and do it?"
I highly, highly recommend this book.
Once you start you won't be able to stop!.......2007-07-04
I meant to listen to the audio CDs over weeks in my car during my commute. Over the first weekend I took all the CDs back into my home and listened to the rest of the book while painting a room. The wonderful thing about the audio is Raymond Arroyo's PERFECT imitation of Mother.
The book is so hopeful - even among the many physical and spiritual trials. Her faithfulness is stunning; it calls all of us to the same faithfulness.
Thank-you Mother.......2007-06-07
I really enjoyed this book and found Mother Angelica to be quite a complex and interesting person. I think Raymond Arroyo did a remarkable job in telling her story without getting in the way. Thank-you Mother Angelica for your passion and the fruits prove your source.. and Thank-you Raymond for a job well done!
messenger of hope.......2007-05-25
It was an easy read, written by a dowm to earth person. You can laugh at some of her witty wisdom and sympathize with her burdens. It gives me a lift to know that special people like Mother Angelica are praying for us all everday.
Book Description
Courtney B. Vance met Angela Bassett….
They ran for years as friends in the same small circles. They had some hits, but mostly misses with other partners, and they shared one spectacularly dreadful first date together. And then, Courtney and Angela connected.
Experience the up-close-and-personal, real-life love story of this inspirational African-American celebrity couple. Learn how they navigate the fickle tides of fame, while keeping their relationship fresh and true. See how they've carved a meaningful life together in spite of humble beginnings, family tragedy and the ups and downs of stardom with love, faith and determination.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book!.......2007-10-02
Bravo Courtney for evolving into the man that you are. It took great strength and courage to defy the many evils of today. I hope many males read this book and imitate you and your union with Angela. Congratulations on a job well done.
Awesome love story .......2007-09-17
This book was well written think it was wonderful for Courtney/Angela to share their lives with readers. Points of interest: the lessons Angela/Courtney gives about being a God fearing wife and husband. This will help anyone who takes the time to read/apply it to your life. Please write another book soon.
WONDERFUL!.......2007-08-23
This book was such a joy to read. As a young single lady in my 40's, it was a joy to learn of the forces that lead Angela and Courtney to each other. If you believe there is someone waiting for you, then this is the book to read. I am so glad they made the decision to share their story with us. Thanks for sharing!
Just Wonderful.......2007-07-28
This Book was just Wonderful.
The first book in a long time that I couldn't put down!!
Read It In One Sitting.......2007-07-17
This book was fun to read. I was able to identify with both characters - especially having grown-up in Detroit. But the couple definitely got a little bit too "holier than thou" at the end with all the Bible thumping.
In all fairness, the couple warned the reader that they were only giving their opinion of what's important in marriage - and that the reader could take it or leave it. If you like J. California Cooper there's a good chance you'll like this book also.
I've seen many celebrity marriages put in the spot-light as the "perfect union". They mostly breakup just like everyone else. I really hope and pray that Angela and Courtney stay together and continue living as a happy, loving husband, wife, and family.
Average customer rating:
- David Cassidy is truly a legend
- A great insight
- Nicely co-written and edited
- Bit of a fantasist in parts
- Revealing and endearing
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Could It Be Forever?: My Story
David Cassidy
Manufacturer: Headline Book Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0755315790 |
Book Description
In the early 1970s, when he was just 20 years old, David Cassidy achieved the sort of teen idol fame that is rarely seen. He was mobbed everywhere he went. His clothes were regularly ripped off by adoring fans. He sold records the world over. He was bigger than Elvis. And all thanks to a hit TV show called The Partridge Family. David Cassiday, in his own words, gives a brutally frank account of those mindblowing days of stardom in which being David Cassidy played second fiddle to being Keith Partridge. Including stories of sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll that explode the myth of Cassidy as squeaky clean, it is also the story of how to keep on living life and loving yourself when the fickle fans fall away. David Cassidy is also the author of C'mon, Get Happy: Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus.
Customer Reviews:
David Cassidy is truly a legend.......2007-09-16
When this book came out I just had to have it! Like all young girls in the early 70's I was crazy about this guy! My sister and I would be glued to the tv to watch the Partridge Family and fight over which one of us would marry David when we grew up. While in my early teens I discovered David Bowie and have followed his career for over 30 years. In August of 2006 I re-discovered David Cassidy. His music makes you feel happy and your troubles seem to disappear. Since August of 2006 I have had the pleasure of meeting him backstage 3 times. What a thrill! I have so much respect for this man and the life that he has led. The second time I met him I told him he is my hero. He couldn't thank me enough and I could tell he meant it. I highly recommend this book. It is very well written and David's honesty shines thru. His story is truly amazing. He even mentions David Bowie in it!! lol When I started reading this book I honestly couldn't put it down and will re-read it again soon. For those of you who have never seen him live I highly recommend you catch one of shows. He is an incredible performer and sounds awesome. I was very pleasantly surprised the first time I saw him in 2006. You will walk away happy and very entertained. Now I just need to get back stage again so he can autograph my book! Read and enjoy! and yes...I still want to marry him! hehehe
A great insight.......2007-08-25
Most of the early part of the hard-cover was a repeat of the first book, so I skipped ahead, starting with coverage of the Rolling Stone issue. From then, until the last pages, it was all new material. He covers the RCA recording sessions, why he chose the songs, & includes interviews with Kim & Dave, Bruce Johnson, & songwriters Bill House & Gerry Beckley. Even Shaun gives his opinions. This was the sort of subject matter I wish had been in the first book.
The new material also covers Katie & her career, the Vegas years, the new recordings, & the "Brothers' Tour" of Florida. It touches briefly on Evelyn's declining health, & Meryl Tanz.
It dismays me that he seems to be using prescription medicine more frequently, with the advent of hurting his legs during the Blood Brothers tour, until his foot surgery after "EFX", but I appreciate his honesty in showing how he is dealing with his mental health problems (I never want to see him ending up like Jack).
Shaun, Patrick, Ryan, & Sue all give their sensitive opinions of their relationship with David through the years and Beau writes his own chapter of what it's like to be David's son.
One of the most interesting passages I could relate to was on page 344, where his friend, Jerry Bilinski, writes of his dedication to his horses, especially Myan King. He says that even though the horse didn't do well in a race in Kentucky, David was able to perform on stage in Connecticut. I was at that concert- it was my first time at Mohegan Sun!
I would recommend this new book to any David Cassidy fan, just for the new additions (but if you're an American who is financially impaired, I would wait until June, when it is released n Canadathe exchange rate is a bit more reasonable).
Nicely co-written and edited .......2007-07-03
This new updated version of a 1994 publication, was co-written and edited by music author Ken Sharp. He also arranged and conducted the interviews with family members and friends. These updates gave this 2007 edition a better feel. Some parts of the orig. 1994 edition, which was co-written at that time by music author Chip Deffae, were also left intact.
Bit of a fantasist in parts.......2007-06-16
Whereas this is a pretty good autobiography as they go, in places, it just does not stick. Cassidy's story about 'being personally invited to have tea with the Queen of England', during his first ever trip to the UK, well frankly, my dear, it would NOT have happened. THAT particular privilege is reserved for visiting presidents, diplomats and dignitaries in groups, and other visiting royalty. For a start, the Queen does NOT issue personal invitations to pop stars or anyone else for that matter, they are issued by the Foreign Office, via Embassies. She does NOT ring people in their hotels and therefore, David Cassidy would never have had the opportunity to 'turn her down' to have dinner with a girlfriend. The Queen never has one-to-one meals with anyone, not even her own children, they are usually invited to full meals such as banquets, so tea with a pop star would never have happened, Mr. Cassidy, not even in your wildest imaginings, and no, it did NOT make the papers and there was no fuss and believe me, I'd have remembered. The nearest he got to Buckingham Palace, was to pose for the press in the Mall, outside it. The Queen DOES meet pop stars, however. Usually when she is forced by the Prime Minister to give them undeserved knighthoods or some such nonesense.
As for his friends 'sneaking onto a Royal Navy destroyer moored near his luxury yacht in the Thames on the second visit made to the UK to 'steal a few trophies in revenge' for the sailors insulting Cassidy, well, how was this little fiasco possible? No one 'sneaks aboard' a Royal Navy ship of any description, not with the amount of sailors on duty at all times and the radar and security aboard and no, that didn't make the papers either, and any items taken belong to the Crown and the Navy. Had this fantasy happened, they would have been caught and arrested and most certainly deported and diplomatic links would have been severed temporarily.
Whatever else David Cassidy has in his mind, let's hope he doesn't decide on a volume 2. If he does, perhaps it will be a more truthful volume, without the fantasy and without the need to draw into question our country's good name. However, it should be required reading for any youngsters feeling the need to become popstars, as it is a good read and provides a good lesson in how not to choose a career. Maybe it will make any youngsters think twice before they embark on a life of sex 'n' drink 'n' rock 'n' roll because it really isn't all it's cracked up to be. I did feel sorry for Cassidy, having been a fan for so many years, I had no idea how idol worship could affect a person. Yes, I still buy the albums, yes, I bought this book, but I was rather disappointed. It's written for an American readership and doesn't obviously credit the original ghost writer (yes, I have the original book too, of which, this is an extended version). I was also disappointed with the picture content, which promised to be a lot more, but didn't deliver.
Revealing and endearing.......2007-06-16
I grew up in Arabia, Germany, and Africa through the 1960s and first few years of the 1970s. TV was non-existent and popular radio featured light jazz or nightclub-style piano music plus a smattering of recycled 1950s BBC radio programs. So I missed almost the entire David Cassidy phenomenon. As a teenager I caught him once only, on a BBC TV program called Top of the Pops. David had just arrived at London's Heathrow Airport and he performed a song on the tarmac before rushing off to some engagement. I remember thinking the song was weak, but the performer was phenomenal. Back in those days in which everyone and their dog seemed to be dressing up and playing "let's pretend" (and yes, I do mean you, among many others, Mr. Bowie...) here was a young man who had the ability to communicate directly and whose singing voice, even after a transatlantic flight, was highly personal and very professional.
My family then went to Spain so I never saw David Cassidy after that; by the time we returned his star had faded and my future lay peripherally in the orbit of people like Jeff Beck. Years later I came across a David Cassidy album and played a few songs. I was impressed by the artistry and one song, "I Am A Clown" had a haunting quality about it that stuck in my mind. But I wasn't really his target market, and besides I was moving into madrigals, Bach cantatas, fourteenth-century polyphony, and eventually 20th century composers like Shostakovitch and Prokofiev.
But... Fast forward to earlier this month. A friend of mine in the UK happened to mention that she'd just read a book written by a teen idol she'd had a crush on back in the early 1970s. His name was David Cassidy. I looked on the 'net and there it was and there he was - now in his fifties but still with that direct, optimistic look that I remembered from the one and only time I'd seen him on television when he sung his song on the tarmac at Heathrow. Gambling a few dollars, I bought the book.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about David Cassidy is that he seems to be the kind of person most people would really enjoy having in their lives. No doubt he has omitted the less salubrious aspects of this life, and no doubt he has his quirks and imperfections. But all in all he comes across as painfully honest, decent, and - dare I say it - nice. He describes his roller-coaster life without settling scores or whining. And his life really has been an astonishing journey. A young man, with no intellectual foundation and a painful family background, was thrown into the maelstrom of super-stardom and then, at the height of his fame, he left the stage of his own volition and over the coming years descended into a personal hell.
In a way, the David Cassidy of this book is an archetype. Take every rock-n-roller fantasy you've ever imagined and then turbo-charge it and you still wouldn't get close to what he experienced. Amazingly, the David Cassidy who shines through in this book is now a reasonably well-balanced, thoughtful, and basically good person. Not many of us would fare so well in the face of the experiences he went through, and very few of us would escape the insidious corruption of the soul that comes from such fame and its attendant power, all experienced at a very young age. I ended up greatly admiring both the young and naive David Cassidy and also the mature man who wrote this book. Of course part of it is self-justification, self-portrayal. He's eager for us to know that he has real talent. If this were a book by someone else, much of the references to his talent would result in the reader becoming irritated; but in this book I think we end up sympathizing. And listening to some of those old songs confirms the claim: he really is a talented performer. It's this talent than enabled him to exert force of will to recover from the ultimate in "Career Over" post-idol job death.
I finished the book knowing that while I'll never meet David Cassidy, the world is just a little bit of a better place for his presence in it. I imagine he will continue to bring pleasure to his many fans for years to come, and I would also imagine that most people who read this book - even if, like me, they aren't David Cassidy fans - will feel the same way. The book may not be literature and its style of writing may be simplistic, but it's a genuine and genuinely touching account of an astonishing life and a decent human being. It's also an excellent "what to avoid" manual for any aspiring performer.
Book Description
Anna Nicole Smith went from being a small town country girl to being Playboy's Playmate of the Year, exploited by national tabloids for her controversial marriage to one of the richest men in America. In this indulgent biography, authors reveal all of the salacious details of her meteoric rise to fame, now with a new introduction, concluding chapter, and even more never-before-seen photos. The authors reveal all of the salacious details of her meteoric rise to fame from her childhood in tiny Mexia, Texas to her very public struggle with her weight. It includes the details of her Supreme Court battle to hold onto the fabulous fortune left to her in her husband's will.
Customer Reviews:
can i say gold digger?!!.......2007-10-01
thought the book was very well written. it makes me wonder who can really be a fan of anna nicole. she absolutely seem to be out of control her whole life and used people(yes male and female) for what she could get out of them and step on them on her way to the next. poor daniel didnt have a chance. she exposed this young man to things he should have never seen or known about from a very young age. this story covers her life from about junior high until her death. exposes her lifestyle and the spend spend ways she lived her life.if someone gave her 100,000 she spent 1,000.000. out of control! it is a wonder she lived as long as she did, since she drank and took drugs from 16 till the end. reveals to what lengths she would go to get her hands on money....married men, single men, good men,bad men without ONE BIT OF GUILT!! shocking what depths she would go to. very good read....to bad it is a true story!!!
Great Big Beautiful Doll: The Anna Nicole Smith Story.......2007-06-27
I thought this book was well written but thought there were parts that didn't need to be in the book. I didn't think the nude pictures needed to be in the book to sell it.
The book gave a good sense of how Anna Nicole lived and what a weak person she was. She let herself be lead around by people just because she wasn't educated and she loved money and fame. It is worth reading if you were a Anna Nicole fan.
A 'must' acquisition for any general lending library.......2007-06-17
GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL DOLL: THE ANNA NICOLE SMITH STORY couldn't be more timely: it's released in a newly updated edition to provide a biography of Smith's rise to fame and her glitzy, bright life. The authors aren't outsiders to her life, either: Redding is the photographer who helped launch her career with his Polaroid's; his life was Smith's hairstylist. Their personal relationship with Smith spices her biography and the inclusion of many rare photos makes for a 'must' acquisition for any general lending library; especially those where biographies of celebrities are in demand.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Read it in one night!.......2007-06-17
I liked this book. It was a simple read for a Small Town Girl(who was actually pretty complicated). I new alot of the info, but it put it together nicely and respectfully. I had read part of this book before and lent it out. Admittedly, I bought a second copy after the tragic passing of Anna Nicloe. I am glad I did. It is a Good read, if you want to know how her life unfolded. The pictures featured are a great choice and worth getting the book just for that! If your a fan it's a must.
If you're a Anna Nicole Sith Fan !!!!!.......2007-05-18
If you're an Anna Nicole Smith fan this books for you. This book tells you all about her from beginning to end. There was alot of stuff about her I never knew.
Book Description
The definitive biography of one of the most revered guitarists of his generation. Duane Allman brought white-hot intensity to his life, onstage, in the studio, and beyond. Skydog reveals the complete story of Duane Allman, from his early struggles and his session days, to the formation of the Allman Brothers Band and his tragic early death at age 24. Skydog also includes a comprehensive discography, a meticulously researched roundup of his studio and stage instruments, and a look at the continuing lives and careers of Allman's friends and bandmates.
Customer Reviews:
Nothing New.......2007-05-27
I'd already read Freeman's "Midnight Riders" and there is nothing new here.
Add a star if your a Guitar Gearhead - the history of Duane's axes is well done.
Greatest guitar player,good book!.......2007-05-13
I enjoyed the history of Duane and the Brothers and how he impacted the music and musicians he came in contact with.It was well written and showed both the genius of Duane and also some of his human flaws which all of us can relate to,all this at a very young age!The only real problem I have with the book(and it is more a question why or why not)is the lack of peers such as Clapton,Winter,Vaughn,King etc, paying homage or at least being asked by the author to give Duane a pat on the back to Skydog, in my opinion the Greatest!!!
Great Book On A Great Artist.......2007-05-12
This book is very enjoyable to read and gives a lot of information about Duane Allman. One thing that satands out as you read this book is that Duane was a visionary musician and the true leader of the Allman Brothers Band. The band has struggled to survive ever since his death on October 29, 1971. If Duane had not died and was still with us today, I believe there would have been more concentration on making great music, and less energy spent on fighting each other in the band and abusing drugs. Though Duane indulged in drugs himself, I'm sure he would have put that into perspective before too long, and he definately would not have allowed his band to be torn apart by in-fighting among the band members. The book shows how he really was the inspiration and glue that held them together. It's no wonder the others had to struggle so much after his demise.
Powerfully Written.......2007-04-12
I was reading this on the bus the other day and found myself getting a little choked up during the part covering Duane's and Berry's deaths. Powerful writing; thanks Randy. Skydog lives.
Where the music comes from.......2007-03-30
Based on some of the other reviews here, I expected to enjoy "Skydog" more than I did.
For those who can't remember where they were when they learned that Duane Allman had died, for those who didn't read the bio that accompanied the release of the first Anthology album, and for others who are new to the stories, Randy Poe's book is both informative and insightful. I was happy to find that I still wanted to listen to "Live at the Filmore," after reading it. (Freeman's book on the ABB a decade ago made it hard to listen to the band's work for a while.)
The sections of Poe's book on Allman's brief tenure in Alabama was the best part of the book.
But the book I want to read about Duane Allman and the Allman Brothers Band has yet to be written. I want to know where the music came from. Not the psychological sources, in the hard times that each band member suffered (which can be said to have been covered at this point), but in the recordings and live musicians they listened to, the experiments they tried.
One door that Poe opened, but didn't go through deeply enough, is the possibility (rather, the strong likelihood), that drugs altered the way that Allman heard what he was playing, and that he may have processed changes in style and technique to amplify tune he was hearing -- and what he wanted to hear.
That said, I would like to know a lot more about all of the sources that Allman brought to the sound and the individual compositions (and I'd like the same for Dickey's tunes, too). I want to know how solos changed over time, and what each musician was "quoting." I don't need to hear once more about the band's late night "sessions" at Rose Hill. I want to know what songs they played for each other at Rose Hill.
The stories about the Allman Brothers Band are interesting, sad, even tragic at times. But they aren't what makes the band worth writing about. What matters is the music.
Book Description
With nearly 1,500 Broadway performances, six Tony Awards, more than three million albums sold, and five Academy Awards, The Sound of Music, based on the lives of Maria, the baron, and their singing children, is as familiar to most of us as our own family history. But much about the real-life woman and her family was left untold.
Here, Baroness Maria Augusta Trapp tells in her own beautiful, simple words the extraordinary story of her romance with the baron, their escape from Nazi-occupied Austria, and their life in America.
Now with photographs from the original edition.
Customer Reviews:
Story of the Trapp Family Singers.......2007-05-08
Excellent writing--My mother has enjoying reading the book. I have enjoying reading it also.
Inspirational family.......2006-11-06
You will enjoy this true story of the "Sound of Music" family. It is both historical and charming. The family's adventures and trials will keep you turning the pages.
wholesome and heartwarming.......2006-08-18
I smile whenever I see this book on my shelf...
Picture a large, creative, talented family seated around a fireplace in the evenings--playing with dolls or whittling--while the mother reads aloud. Later, they sing together...imagine that...a family singing together for fun!
German occupied Austria in 1938...I can only envision what it would have been like. Its intriguing to see it through Maria's eyes. One of my favorite quotes in this book is: "you can't say no three times to Hitler." My second favorite quote is: "The Americans never seemed to ask, "Who are you?" but "How good are you? Let's see."
I've read this book several times, and I always enjoy it!
A Refreshing, Straightforward Story.......2006-07-01
Okay, "War and Peace" it ain't, but what it is is a charming rendering of the Trapp Family history. Told in an almost childlike voice, it was refreshing to learn about this amazing woman and her struggles to keep her family afloat during a turbulent time in the world. After hearing so much about Paris Hilton and Tori Spelling these days it was refreshing to come back to reality and see how insipid today's youth can be. Maria was a strong woman who didn't flinch in the face of adversity. I enjoyed hearing about her faith, as well, being a rather lax Catholic, my interest in my own faith has been inspired by reading her book. I enjoyed her exuberance over the simplest things and it made me appreciate everything I have. I would recommend this book to everyone...young, old, religious, atheists, etc. There is something to learn from Maria von Trapp and this delightful book now goes on my short list of "All Time Favorites". Read this book and share it with someone you love, or better yet, share it with someone you hate.
A pleasure to read and learn of the real Trapp family.......2006-04-29
The book was a joy to read, one filled with hope, love, struggle and triumph through faith and hard work. The true value is in learning how different the Trapp family's life was from the Sound of Music and quite different indeed it was.
I was unaware of just how musically gifted the family really was, how much of a struggle their early years in America were and just how deep their faith in God was throughout their lives.
I would have given it 5 stars but the tale of the romance between the Captain and Maria and their escape from Austria were brief to non-existent . I would have liked to have heard more from Maria on those chapters of their life.
On the plus side, her writing is from the heart, and filled with wonder on her part on the goodness of people wherever she went.
The path of a family who succeeded by faith, hard work and personal responsibility was a real inspiration.
Pick up this book, read their true story, and be inspired.
Book Description
From the first time David Cross and Bob Odenkirk's cocreation aired on late-night TV in 1995, Mr. Show began developing a cult-like following, which has only grown since the series end. This lavishly-illustrated book features original, never-before-seen material — plus a complete episode guide — making it a rich, unique retrospective.
Customer Reviews:
A must for any Mr. Show fan..........2006-02-19
I'm usually not one for writing these reviews, but I thought i would spread the wonderfulness that is Mr. Show. If you haven't seen it, check it out, you'll love it, and then you'll want to pick up this book. It's an amazing account of how the show started, and it comes with an episode guide, and what Bob and David thought about doing each particular show. Pick it up, you won't regret it.
This book is very tall.......2005-08-25
The pages literally dwarf my fingers. The book is printed on massive, slick paper hotglued into the spine, where sit strategically-placed ball bearings, all to make reading this monster a chore--well, unless you're reading it while lying on your stomach. Then it's easy. Plus, I must admit that I've lost 72 pounds turning the heavy pages, and all the ladies comment on my abs (the paper cuts finally healed). So, Bob, Dave, Naomi, thanks for that. You probably saved my life.
On the serious side, WHAT HAPPENED?! is strongest when the author, Naomi Odenkirk, steps back and allows the writers/performers/guest stars/hangers-on to speak, using an oral storytelling format pioneered by Legs McNeil and Gillian Gaar's PLEASE KILL ME. Its failings are more evident in Naomi's prose, which is passable and at times amusing, but could've benefitted tremendously from a more strident editor, as well as another cutthroat round of proofreading--this sleek little volume is riddled with errors, leading/font issues and consistency, and misprints.
Despite all that it lacks, it's great to have Bob and Dave on paper, and WHAT HAPPENED?! does a serviceable job chronicling the sturm and DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN of HBO's finest comedy. Recommended, but with a slow exhalation.
On an unrelated subject, I would like to take this opportunity to announce my intent to become Amazon's top reviewer. I will stop at nothing to reach this goal. Over the next few weeks I will be conducting full-scale investigations into the lives of all who precede me, and am willing to challenge even the heftiest of scribes to fistfights near the corner of Sunset and Vine in Hollywood. I have the wind of passion and hunger at my back, propelling me to stardom like Clubber Lang doing chin-ups; you folks in the Top 10 had better watch your backs. You've been complacent too long. You will taste the silver of my rapier scallawag.
Satisfying "before," disappointing "after".......2005-02-16
If you're a big Mr. Show geek like I am, you're going to buy this book no matter what any review says, so you might as well quit reading and start spending. But your satisfaction with your purchase will depend upon how you interpret the "What Happened" in this book's title. If you take it to mean "what happened in each of the episodes," you'll get exactly what you want and be thrilled to fondle its ever-stickier pages. But if you assume, as I did, that the more pressing question facing Mr. Show fans is, "what happened to cause this brilliant show to be taken off the air, thus rendering my life meaningless," you'll be sorely disappointed.
There is no discussion whatsoever about the show's cancellation, its aftermath, etc. I can imagine many political reasons for omitting this information/carping but doing so does not increase my satisfaction with this book. Perhaps the Odenkirks are prepping us for a sequel, leaving us hungry for more, but somehow I don't think so.
The strong suit of this book is the information on how Mr. Show came into being, how the cast members met, their work before the series. Some tidbits that were new to me: Bob Odenkirk wrote that SNL Chris Farley sketch about "living in a VAN down by the RIVER;" Bill Odenkirk has a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry.
The only way I can satisfy my craving for more fantastic newness is by watching all of my Mr. Show DVDs, obliterating my memory with drugs, then repeating the process again and again. I recommend it highly.
Inspirational.......2004-10-25
If you're a serious fan of Mr.Show and a serious fan of comedy then you'll definately dig this book. It gives great insight into the actors themselves as well as the creation of each eposide from the early writing process to the final completed show. And for anyone wanting to get into comedy writing themselves it is truly inspirational and a must read.
I Licked This Buk.......2004-07-12
I licked this buk, I licked this buk very much. Straynge howe the two projecks released by the genyuses... sorry, the geniuses behind Mr. Show, the funniest sketch show of them all (while it lasted), both turned out to be horrendously shoddy productions. I mean, Run, Ronnie, Run? Why, boys, why?! Why center your one shot at a feature film around a character who amounts to just another typical parody of just another TV show, and Cops, to boot! Sure, David's song was sweet, but one good bit does not a movie make. The entire "let's parody Cops" comedy idea was DONE on the Ben Stiller Show 10+ years ago, NO MORE WAS NEEDED! Anyway, so that movie sucked, quality-wise (oh, but their heart was in the right place and they were only screwed by the Big Conglomorate Boys! How many times they gonna use that excuse?!) and so does this book, production quality wise. Anyway, so what. Like many of the fans have said, at least it gathers in one place all the geeky info the fans like to have, the fact that it's at a xeroxed fanzine level doesn't matter... that much, or should I say "mutch". Only complaint I have is that I felt a little like the Mr. Show creators, or "The Genius Squad," as I like to call them, were, through the half-baked premise and execution of their "film" and this "book," all excuses revolving around supposedly nefarious dealings aside, kind of thumbing their noses at the fans, as if we should all just "be cool, man" and not retain any rabid interest in this show, this "Mister Show," which we found so damn funny, so mind-breakingly inventive, and, yes, so cool that we just had to have a little more. Then again, I may be (I am) paranoid. For all the flaws the show may have had, Mr. Show is still the best thing any of these guys have been involved in to date. So, buy this book but be prepared to cringe. Oh yesss, and regarding the controversy over the short mention of Mary Lynn Rajskub. Yes, she was only on the show because she was sleeping with David. Heck, even I have had Ms. Mary Lynn Rajskub!
Book Description
After just two seasons, Deadwood® has become one of cable’s highest rated series, a symbol of how great television can be when pushed to its limits. From the masterful acting to the surprisingly credible re-creation of a Western gold-rush town to the grippingly profane dialogue, Deadwood® is television made at the highest level of craft.
Deadwood® is a vividly illustrated and comprehensive companion volume that brings fans behind the scenes to get the full story of HBO®’s award-winning drama—from Custer’s opening of the Black Hills (and defeat by the Sioux), to the compelling story of the frontier Chinese and how they braved racism and formed a shadowy society in the west. With unprecedented access, the book gives readers in-depth interviews with cast, crew, writers, designers, and historians. Original, specially commissioned photography provides a fresh look at the people and places of Deadwood®, with new portraits of the lead characters (based on actual persons), detailed depictions of the set (including the Gem Saloon and Jack Langrishe’s theater), and images revealing how the show is made, from costuming and makeup to the mixing of Deadwood® mud. A provocative, entertaining, and always evocative portrait of an era.
Customer Reviews:
History and Movie comparison: Deadwood.......2007-08-27
Great book! Showed and compared the real history of Deadwood to the movie. Went behind the scenes to talk about the movie. Enjoyed it tremendously!
Deadwood .......2007-08-24
What you would never hear in school or any other way. A fascinating piece of history ignored by main stream, but typically American.
Deadwood;Stories of the Black Hills.......2007-07-18
My husband Loved the book. He hated to see the HBO series end . This book gave him so much more insight to the charactors and the real life people they portrayed. He didn't want the book to end cause then it would be over!
Great Book.......2007-07-16
As a fan of Deadwood from day 1, I couldn't wait to dig into this book and see what it's all about. First off, the quality of the binding, paper and photos is exceptional. As expected, David Milch's text is very informative and well written. The bonus for me were the two page inserts written by the actors describing their character, and the process. Very good reading if you are even a minor fan of the show.
insights for the fans.......2007-07-13
I had to use the publishers link to find this book on Amazon but it was worth the work. Great bargain, photos, inside info, and American history from the actors and Milch. Fans will love this book.
Book Description
"George," he said, "I don't know if you'd be interested, but there's a chap who's come in with a tape of a group he runs. They haven't got a recording contract, and I wonder if you'd like to see him and listen to what he's got?""Certainly," I said, "I'm willing to listen to anything. Ask him to come and see me." "O.K., I will. His name's Brian Epstein...."All You Need Is Ears is the story of George Martin, the man who spotted the Beatles' talent, who recorded and produced them from the start, and who brought their musical ideas to life. In this witty and charming autobiography, he describes exactly what it was like to work in the studio with the Beatles--from the first audition (and his decision to scrap Pete Best on drums) to the wild experimentation of Sgt. Pepper (complete with sound effects, animal noises and full orchestras in evening dress at the direct request of Paul McCartney).This is a singular look at the most important musical group of all time, and how they made the music that changed the world: No other book can provide George Martin's inside look at their creative process, at the play of genius and practical improvisation that gave them their sound; it is an indispensable read for Beatle lovers and anyone interested in the music world.
Customer Reviews:
Posted Bio.......2007-04-04
Just to point out --
The biography posted is for George Martin, the sci-fi writer,
who isn't the same person (as far as I know!) as the Beatles'
producer. FYI.
A good book that should have been great.......2007-03-05
George Martin was the 5th Beatle. He gave them their first break after they had been turned down by all the labels. Without the break he gave them, Martin muses that the Beatles may have just given it up and gone their separate ways. Apparently George Martin was the only one around that was willing to take a chance on these scruffs from Liverpool that would chane the world.
It seems that Paul was the one Beatle that could have made it on his own, but if not as on of The Beatles, then as what? Could he have been a backup for Tony Sheridan, or a bass player for Little Richard? Thankfully, we will never know. Would the other Beatles have likely gotten working class jobs, and/or just self-destructed? As always, the whole was greater than the sum of its parts.
It is hard to imagine a world without the Beatles, but that just underscores the importance of George Martin in giving them their lucky break. George Martin played all positions with the Beatles, except for vocalist. He produced, directed, arranged, and even played piano and harpsichord on many records. He brought that classical influence of strings and horns into the Beatles music, starting with Yesterday. Any die-hard fan will want to read this book, however, beware: it is diluted a bit with stories about other recording artists that have little relation to the reason why I bought the book in the first place, i.e., The Beatles. Nevertheless, it does have a few anecdotes that have not been seen elsewhere, so yes, it is worth buying and reading. You can always skip the parts that you don't care about.
George Martin is very informative on the evolution of multitrack recording technology, so that should be of interest to anybody that wonders how they got all those "layer cakes" out of the primitive equipment of the day.
I enjoyed the book immensely, but I think George Martin could have done better given his intimate knowledge of one of the greatest cultural phenomena of all time. Sometimes he seems a little aloof in the book, as if he hardly cares, but it is probably just old-school English understatement at its best, or maybe a futile attempt to downplay that he is probably their biggest fan, if not one of their oldest.
On a side note, it is too bad that George Martin was never rewarded financially (at least up to 1979 when this book was published) on a level that would have been commensurate with the important role he played in not only discovering, but also developing the greatest band of all time. As always, the Beatles come off as cheap, uncharitable and self-indulgent on this score. As the book explains, Martin was offered some royalties under the table, (as a kickback from an unscrupulous publisher) but he never compromised his ethics. Eventually I'm sure he made a nice living through his long association with the Fab 4, but not what one might expect, according to the book, at least up to 1979. A lot has happened in the financial world of The Beatles since this book was written, including the huge Vegas production of Love, in which Martin played an integral role along with his son, Giles. It's nice to see a music producer that is more driven by quality and innovation than the lowest common demoniators. I wish we had more like him.
My rating says 3 stars, but that was a mistake. I really gave it a 4.
Beatles.......2007-01-18
A must read for anyone involved in the making of music as it pertains to production and recording. It however exhibits George Martins conservative nature and is someone bias from his perspective. A much superior book is Here,There, and Everywhere by Geoff Emerick. It is the same subject matter but much more detailed and objective.
Okay but not all that I wanted.......2007-01-05
I wish there were more technical specifics in the descriptions of various sessions. Sir George gets you into Abbey Road studio #2 and lets you know about his experiences with various artists.
George Martin REVEALED!.......2006-09-03
This is a truly amazing book. I had just finished reading "Here, There and Everywhere" by Geoff Emerick (the Beatles recording engineer) and decided I wanted to know more about George Martin, their producer. It was a great decision because the introspect gained from reading both of these books together tells a big picture that I before could only guess at.
George's personality really comes out in this book and it makes it far easier to understand what went on during the Beatles many many recording sessions. It has been said that the producer is a major contributer to the outcome of any project and this book definately confirms and educates about that process.
It is an easy read and the edition that I purchased has fairly decent sized type and makes it easy on the eyes. It is a paperback and tucks easily into your daybag or briefcase for those times when you can read a few minutes - but if you are like I am - you may devour the whole thing in one seating!
The early life of George Martin is also detailed in this book with it's different perspective of growing up in Britain. I had no idea that George Martin was in pop music groups as he was growing up and that came as a terrific surprise. I might have known, though.
The classical side of George Martin comes out strong also. This came into very significant play as he produced the Beatles.
Great book. Don't hesitate to buy this!
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- The Long Hard Road Out of Hell
- The Media Handbook: A Complete Guide to Advertising Media Selection, Planning, Research, and Buying (Volume in Lea's Communication Series)
- The Sibley Guide to Birds
- The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success
- The Witch Hunter's Handbook: The doctrines and methodology of the Templars of Sigmar (Warhammer S.)
- The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir
- The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir
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