Book Description

While the famous Osmond smile beamed for the camera, no one, not even Marie, fully realized the emptiness that loomed behind the smile. Marie is not alone; more than one out of ten new mothers experiences post-partum de-pression (PPD) after childbirth. The mother of seven, Marie became increasingly depressed after the birth of her youngest child. One night, she got in her car, leaving her family and husband, and drove north-with no intention of returning until she felt she had resolved this crisis. After she went public with her own experiences with PPD on Oprah and Larry King Live, the response was overwhelming. Now, Marie shares the fear and darkness of the depression she overcame, and with the doctor who helped her through her ordeal, offers the methods she learned for treating PPD. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Does anyone really have a clue about PPD?
If you have a question about how a mother could drown her 5 children (Houston, Tx, June 2001), this may give some insight.

When I first purchased the book, I thought I would more be able to relate to Marie's problems. During the book I couldn't help but think that if she only knew how people who were not famous or rich had to deal with some of her problems, she would be ashamed of complaining. Further into the book, however, she explains that she even knew that people would feel this way. I began to understand where she was coming from, and identify with her somewhat. The most valuable part of the book, I believe, are the doctor's recommendations and information at the end of the book. This, with Marie's detailed synopsis of PPD makes the book a very informative read. I have to ask, however, what part Marie's husband played in the PPD. It seemed like she insinuated that if he had been there to help, she might not have gone into depression.

Validated my feelings and gave me hope
As someone currently going through PPD, I found this book very comforting and helpful. OK, so Marie's an entertainer, not a writer--big deal. I applaud her for having the courage to "air (some of) her dirty laundry" in order to help other women who experience this horrible condition. I was extremely impressed by Dr. Judith Moore's section of the book and plan to try her recommendations. As someone else said, Dr. Moore's section alone is worth the price of the book. However, it is Marie who introduces us to Dr. Moore in the first place and Marie's "image" that's selling the book to many people, so Marie's contribution can't be discounted.

A Man's Point of View
First, as a fan, I willingly disclose that I purchased the book because it was about Marie. I did not realize that it would have such an impact.

I discovered that some of the PPD symptoms were similar to severe PMS symptoms my wife had been suffering from for 20 years. Because of the treatment options suggested by Dr. Moore I was able to make an appointment for my wife, and thanks to the treatment and supplements, the physical symptoms all but vanished.

I am now divorced, and on a recent re-read of the book, I was surprised to find myself relating to Marie's feelings of guilt and loss of self-esteem connected with her PPD. The poem at the end of her section of the book has had a profound effect on me as I work to deal with the effects of my divorce.

This book will always have a prominent place on my shelf. Thank you Marie and Dr. Judith.

PPD is real
I thank Marie Osmond for having the courage to write this book. I have been dealing with the shame, the pain, and other emotional obstacles due to PPD for the last 2 years. The tears rolled down my face as I read this book. The book validated all the emotions that I was feeling. Now that I know what it is I am dealing with I can get the help that I need to get out of this and move on with my life. Thanks Marie.

An answer to many prayers
I couldn't read this fast enough. I laughed and cried for so many reasons! Ahhh...to be feel not alone! The only bad thing is that the copy I read was a library book...now that it is returned, I can't refer to it like I need to. The medical advice is changing the way I think about what it means to be healthy. I am buying it and recommend it to everybody I talk to. She is an angel! She is my hero! You go, Marie! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Fresh, lively writing and colorful anecdotes
Surprisingly absorbing and lively recollections from Annette Funicello, one-time Mouseketeer and Disney darling who was the only teen-mouse to graduate to the big screen via the "Beach Party" and "Merlin Jones" comedies. Annette comes clean about being the only Mouseketeer kept on contract by Walt Disney after The MMC ran it's course, and she contemplates why that was and how her co-stars struggled without Disney's guidance. She is very upfront, but also a little indifferent to her own good fortune, embarrassed and innately shy about a career that just fell into her lap. She says she never aspired to fame, but got it regardless. The book continues its interesting narrative even after Annette marries and retires, cleaning the house the day she heard Walt Disney passed, and eventually realizing her marraige was out of gas. Fate dealt Annette(and all her fans)a bitter hand when she was diagnosed with MS, which she still continues to fight, but her inspiring conclusion to the book gives all of us hope.

Relatively engaging, but missing a lot
As a fan of the "pop" movies and music of the 1960's, I've had a long term interest in the author.So I opened up this book not just curious, but perhaps somewhat already knowlegable about Annette, particularly her "post-Mickey Mouse club" career and life.

And perhaps that's why I give this book at best 3 stars.Annette and Patricia Romanowski (perhaps the names should be the other way around, one gets the sense reading this -- given much of the vocabularily used and the quality of the writing -- that Romanowski, not Funicello wrote most of it; nothing against Annette, but I have a hard time believing a woman with just a high school education writes this well) really cherry-pick way you learn about.

Fine, I understand that's the nature of celebrity "autobiography," but this one goes too far.It over-focuses heavily on certain stories (her adolescent relationship with Paul Anka, making it out to be a lot more than it probably was) and completely ignores others.

As example, some of the messy "politics" that went on in the cast of the original Mickey Mouse club -- everything is warm and fuzzy in Annette's version -- remain unmentioned.

The book also glosses over Annettes entry into the American International Beach Party movies.In the book, Annette implies Walt Disney simply offered her a script one day for a film named "Beach Party."Well, the story isn't quite that simple:

Annette's entry in the series came partly because she and Walt Disney knew she desperately needed a change in career direction.By early 1963, Annette was 20 and had clearly grown out of her "kiddy" positioning as a Mouseketeer.Walt did his best, but could only find so many internal opportunities for a "grown up"" Annette.She'd appeared in a handful of live action movies for Disney, and still made occasional appearances on his Sunday TV show, but this wasn't leading to any starring role opportunities outside of his company.Also, a pop singing career that started in 1959 and produced a handful of hits had slowed down (by early 1963, Annette hadn't charted in almost 3 years).As a result, when AIP approached Walt, looking for an affordable, beautiful brand-name leading lady who could sing for their new, trendy "surfing" movie, he immediately saw an opportunity to fix his "what-do-I-do-with-Annette" problem.With his blessing (Annette was still under contract to Disney,) a deal with AIP was quickly finalized.

But you'll never hear about any of that in this book.

Also, Annette repeats an infamous "urban legend" about the Beach Party series.

Since she was still under contract with Disney while appearing in these movies, Annnete claims Walt Disney insisted in negotiations with AIP that she never be involved in any "suggestive" sequences.Specifically, she says Walt insisted she could not be filmed wearing anything that "showed her navel."Annette goes on to state that through the course of 6 Beach Party movies, she never wore anything that showed her navel "out of respect" for Mr. Disney.

Well, irrespective of what Walt supposedly requested/desired, Annette apparently forgot about the bathing suits she wore during early scenes in both Muscle Beach Party and Bikini Beach: in the former, a white supposedly "tummy-covering" two piece, and the latter an honest to goodness blue and white bikini. Both of these at times clearly left her navel 100% uncovered and readily viewable to anyone who isn't asleep (the "navel appearance" is brief and somewhat subtle in Muscle but obvious and extensive in Bikini, particularly in the scenes where Annette first gets involved with Avalon's "Potato Bug" character).As far as navels go, Annette's is nice, but hardly anything to get all hot and bothered over (particularly in the context of the distraction produced by all the other undulating, bikinied females floating around in those scenes).Frankly, one is really left wondering what all the fuss was about.

The book also completely ignores Annette's post Beach Party career at American International Pictures, an intriguing period that had a lot to do with her "retiring" from acting when she did.

Botttom line: one ends up respecting the author - she is indeed is the class act and lady you always presumed -but frustrated, knowing there's a lot more to her story.

I ACTUALLY WANT THE MOVIE ON TAPE OR DVD
I would really love it if someone has taped this movie when it came on tv; if they could get in touch with me...I'd like a copy. I am a fan of all movies based upon true stories...I am at ahunter at winston dot com

One Of The Best Books I Have Ever Read
Since I've been a fan of Annette ever since day one on the Mickey Mouse Club, how can I not rate it as number one. She's the best.

An Enjoyable Warm-Hearted Account of a Warm-Hearted Person
Obviously, I would not have sought out this book to read if there had not been something about Annette Funicello I had already found very much appealling.And I mean beyond her obvious good-looks and incredible smile.And reading it confirms what I always believed in my heart -and what I wanted to believe- to be true about Annette: she is an absolute sincere and caring person. Okay, if not for Annette's eventual battle with MS, the book doesn't contain any real human drama beyond what most of us might say we experience in our everyday lives (and she acknowledges that!!).And her's is a wonderful life. Annette is absolutely convincing that what she sees through her eyes and the emotions she feels throughout the events of her life are absolutely sincere.Call it sugar-coating if you want.I believe she is absolutely real. Annette always looks to see the best in people.And therefore, it just is not in her heart to pass judgement on people and tear them down - even when sometimes, she gets hurt.Imagine that.And she never "sold out" on her principles for more money or selfish career advancement.In fact, she really was ready to walk away from it completely for the sake of her children and a little privacy.So if you want dirt and drama, go somewhere else.MS or no MS, this book is sweet.But that's Annette.So it should be.And we can all stand to learn something from her, in one aspect or another...Or just enjoy her taking us on a trip back to an America, as she so describes "has sadly passed into history." ... Read more

Book Description

The Ramones' music has influenced nearly every power pop, punk, alternative, and metal band. Monte A. Melnick served as The Ramones tour manager from their early New York club days in the '70s to their farewell gigs in 1996. Filled with memorabilia including photographs and interviews collected along the way, this is his view of life on the road with the band as "babysitter to psychiatrist, booking agent to travel agent, paymaster to van driver." ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Monte is the fifth Ramone
This was such a fun read. I have been a diehard Ramones fan for almost 20 years, so much of the subject matter was not surprising to me. Although there are quite a few grammatical errors, the book is still well written. One thing that I appreciated was that Melnick includes interviews from Vera Ramone (Dee Dee's first wife). After reading Dee Dee's books, one would think that he was never married before Barbara (his wife until he met his untimely demise). Vera was married to Dee Dee for over eleven years, and it is wonderful and touching to read her insights about Dee Dee. The book also includes humorous anecdotes that will make you laugh out loud as you read ahout this crew of misfits who managed over 2,000 shows in their career. It was fascinating to learn about the many tasks a tour manager must undertake. Melnick was a true friend to the Ramones, and often underrated. If it weren't for his professionalism, I doubt that the band would be where they are today. Monte is truly the fifth Ramone.

Yes Melnicks!
Despite the fact that this book was written as a narrative, much like " Please Kill Me, " it was a pleasant and an easy read. This book is a tad more credible than most of the other Ramones books out there since one of its authors was none other than Monte A. Melnick, who not only worked as tour coordinator for The Ramones but who also was a friend and confidante to the band members. While Dee Dee's novels consisted of little more than inane, misspelled ramblings about which drugs he imbibed and how badly he was treated, Mr. Melnick's book is articulate and concise and one can surmise that he spent more time sober and that he had a better grip on reality. The book tells of the time spent on the road ( as the title suggests ), but it also gives a little more personal insight into the lives of the band members through interviews with those closest to them ( not least Mr. Melnick, himself ). This book is a must for any Ramones fan.

"It's Monte, Not Monty!"
Monte's book, "On The Road With The Ramones" tells it like it is and was.

Frank Meyer knows his punk rock.

This book is a MUST HAVE for any Ramones fan, and offers insight not only into rock 'n' roll and punk rock, but into the concept of bands themselves.

Monte is honest, sincere, and an all around nice guy. As much as I'd like to say this is my FAVORITE Ramones book, with all the infighting that goes on among these guys (and still does to this day), it's best I don't.

The pictures in here are priceless and I think Monte's pal, Shira, deserves lots of credit for helping him and Frank out with what is one of the best rock books ever written.

Buy this right away. No matter if you are a Ramones fan, or just heard of them. This book truely talks about the heart of rock n' roll. And sometimes that ain't pretty. But it sure is interesting.

-GT
June 2004

Great Book!
Just got through reading this book. Its cool that the Ramones tour manager wrote this book, so there is no bias towards making anyone look spotless. They were a great band but they didnt get along very well at all. Pretty much just tolerated each other. Alot of cool stories in the book. Johnny was a conservative, good work ethic, maybe a little condescending of other races, sports fanatic. Dee Dee was bipolar with a bad drug problem, genius. Tommy wasnt a great drummer but had great vision. Joey had a compulsive disorder but was the ultimate overachiever and brillant. But could never get the woman that Johnny stole out of his mind. Mark was a great drummer but an acoholic and unstable. Richie was good but underpaid. C.J. was probably the only person in the world who could replace Dee Dee on Bass. I have always liked the music but had no idea about the men. After reading this book I like them even more. To bad a couple of them are not around to see the much deserved respect that the Ramones get these days. Buy the book. Monte deserves it for all the stuff he had to deal with on a daily basis.

The Best ramones Book By Far, So Far!
I Eagerly Anticipated This Book. I was Not disappointed when I finally Found my Autographed Copy! Detailed, Funny, Exciting, Scary, & Full of New Insider Information! I Learned things I NEVER knew in All my Years of being a Ramones Fan. For example: I never heard a word about Joey's Compulsive disorders. Kinda More tragic on top of their Rock'n'Roll triumphs. The Book is ordered very well, like I would assume Monte was on All those Tours. I used to see him All the Time at Concerts & he was "familiar" but I never thought why. I could have been a Crazy Roadie myself!
Ramones Fans: Run out & get your Copies today! I laughed out loud Many Times & You will too. The Band's Music Now Means Even More to me after Reading about their obstacles & determination. We'll Never Forget 'em. Thanks to Monte & the Boys too. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Fantastic Book!!
Excellent Book for any fans of Scott's a well writen story about his life. Few pictures of himself and friends and family. Recommed to any one that likes to read. Ages around 12 and up.

A Great Read
This book tells the story of a man who showed the world that anything can be done with faith. I had a hard time putting this book down. I highly recommed this book for anyone.

A good read for fans of the "skate god for life"
Fans of Scott Hamilton will enjoy this book.It's a little on the saccharine side, but most of Scott Hamilton's fans would probably expect that, anyway.

COURAGE ON ICE!
Triples, flying sit-spins, axels, performances sprinkled with humor, strength, technical artistry, battling cancer, inspiring,motivating, showcasing legions of other skaters-- and still landing it with courage and grace is Scott Hamilton.I enjoyed this book which allows us to hear "his voice".Those who have faced cancer tend to look back at their life journey and re-evaluate their past behavior and decisions.So his apologiesare understandable, part of the healing process, and enhances his maturity as a human being and a mega talented person. The man is courage personified on and off the ice. The book is refreshing in its honesty and approach.

A maze of fragmented ramblings.
And I thought "Zero Tollerance" by Toller Cranston was bad!"Landing It" is basically one long apology cover to cover.Hamilton uses the book to apologize for anything he ever did to anyone in his life -- and as a way to say things that he obviously cannot or will not articulate face to face."Landing It" reads almost like a suicide note -- a vain effort to made amends and state reasons why he behaved a certain way toward a certain person.Extremely boring reading 80 percent of the time.Hamilton's insecurity as a skater and person came through loud and clear, and that is a somewhat surprising character trait that is perhaps subconsciously revealed by Hamilton in the book.With so much going for him, Hamilton by now should know he has made it and doesn't need to prove a thing to anyone.He's been good for the development of the sport of figure skating, but he should not leave his day job.As a story-teller and the subject of a 470+ page paperback, Hamilton just doesn't cut a good figure.Buy a copy of "Landing It" if you love Scott Hamilton and want to read a pointless book.Skip it otherwise; "Landing It" definitely was two-footed. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (16)

A POWERFULLY TALENTED ARTIST!
If Dusty Springfield was alive today, the road to fame might have been a little smoother. Today, life style no longer holds the barriers it did back in the 60's when the words "gay" and "lesbian" were only mentioned behind closed doors, and sometimes not even then. Regardless of Springfield's sexual orientation, she was by far one of the greatest superstars in her day.

Through the pages of this book, as written by her former manager and a close personal friend, the reader will come to understand this phenomenal artist in a way never before revealed. She did have many demons in her past to deal with, some imposed by others, many self-inflicted. For all the fame and glory she had in her "moment in the sun", the reader cannot help by feel that Springfield's life was such a tragedy filled with alcohol, drugs, self-mutiliation, insecurities and, finally, cancer which finally ended her tumultuous life. Springfield could belt out a song with such power and gusto, but how many fans really knew the tormented, insecure woman behind the voice. This is an excellent book written by two of the people who knew her best.

Dancing with Demons
This book was informative, funny, and a great glimpse of what it must have been like to be a friend of Dusty Springfield. The revealing of what it might have been like to be Dusty herself. It is a well written, poignant look at Dusty's career. Everyone assumes being famous is wonderful, however, this portrait shows both of fame's sides. If you enjoy Dusty's music, and want to know more about her as a person, this is the book for you. Several of those she worked with spoke to the authors. The authors' themselves provide a backstage glance into the career, personal life, and heartbreak of Dusty's life with complete honesty.

Gifed Singer... Troubled Soul...
"Dancing with Demons" is probably one of the most controversial accounts ever written on the late British songstress, Dusty Springfield. From her mediocre rise in Europe with "I Only Want To Be With You" to the tumultuous 70's, which saw her career evaporate and her songs disappear from the charts, and hitting an all-time low with drugs and alcohol. You will also read about Dusty's stormy, somewhat peculiar lesbian relationships, her struggles to get her career back on track, her moves from the UK to America and Toronto, then finally back to the UK.

A truly heartwarming account of this dearly missed lady who ruled 60's pop charts. Although Dusty may be gone in a physical sense, those of us who remember her will always treasure her memory and celebrate the days when she was one of the most glorious and talented singers who ever graced the stage. The magic she could do with a song endures today, and very few singers can evoke the same type of emotion with a song like she could. In summary, "Dancing with Demons" is a must for any true Dusty fan, and although the book might seem a little "gossipy" at times, it still should be read as it paints Dusty as a gifted, caring, beautiful, albeit troubled woman who was in conflict with herself, her music, her sexuality and the world around her. We miss you Dusty! Rest in Peace.

Dancing with Dummies
What I'd really like to know is exactly WHO authorized this book on Dusty Springfield, I seriously doubt that she did.

Additionally, I wonder what kind of beef the "authors," Vicky Wickham and Penny Valentine have with Dusty? If these women are her friends.... who needs enemies????

Read Lucy O'Brien's book, much better.

Interesting for hard core fans...but not representative
If you are just recently discovering Dusty Springfield,
I do not recommend this book, as it concentrates mainly
on her troubled personal life and does not really
talk about her musical achievements. The content
on her musical career is almost non existant and
when anything is mentioned its usually erroneus and
innacurate.

This however is an interesting book for hard core
fans that already know the musical genious of Dusty.
The book reveals what a trouble and horrific personal
life she had and how it obviously affected her
musical career. ... Read more

Book Description

The Andrews Sisters, the legendary singing trio of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s are the most successful female singing group in history and were the world’s top selling group until the Beatles arrived. Of the 605 songs they recorded, 113 charted. They also made 18 movies, appeared regularly onradio and television, and entertained three generations of GIs.

Based on extensive research, unpublished letters, and interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, this book documents not only the lives and work of the Andrews Sisters but also the popular culture spanned by their long careers. The book contains a complete discography of their released, unreleased, and solo recordings, including recording dates, record numbers, and accompaniment. Also included are a filmography and documentation of their radio and television appearances. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good, but lacking in some departments
The author has done an overall decent job in dissecting the Andrews Sisters rollercoaster career, however I was surprised that there were no photographs of sheet music or even a record album. Not even one. The singing trio released hundreds of albums over the decades, yet no photograph of an LP album cover in this book. I'd have liked to have seen what the first album cover looked like and even their final LP release.

This is the Book you've been looking for!
This terrific effort is jam-packed with details, information, sociology, chronology, scandal, reviews of performances and recordings from all stages of their career and an overall unabashed affection for the never-to-be-topped Andrews Sisters. To say that this author did his homework only begins to describe the vast accumulated data and the fun collage of material that is stuffed into this work. If this book is not definitive, it is about as close as any Andrews Sisters book is likely to get.
The only major missing element of this history is the lack of participation by the surviving Sister, Patty, who apparently did not respond to requests for an interview for this project. This lack of input from Patty is significant but the author provides key insights from many contemporaries close to the Sisters.
The price tag is a bargain for anyone interested in the best female vocalists of the 20th Century, their times, their struggles, their success and their joyous legacy of brassy, vibrant popular music. For Andrews Sisters collectors, this Book is the Dead Sea Scrolls! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Until Peter Guralnick came out with Last Train to Memphis in 1994, most biographies of Elvis Presley--especially those written by people with varying degrees of access to his "inner circle"--were filled with starstruck adulation, and those that weren't in awe of their subject invariably went out of their way to take potshots at the rock & roll pioneer (with Albert Goldman's 1981 Elvis reaching now-legendary levels of bile and condescension). Guralnick's exploration of Elvis's childhood and rise to fame was notable for its factual rigorousness and its intimate appreciation of Presley's musical agenda.

Picking up where the first volume left off, Guralnick sees Elvis through his tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Germany, where he first met--and was captivated by--a 14-year-old girl named Priscilla Beaulieu. We may think we know the story from this point: the return to America, the near-decade of B-movies, eventual marriage to Priscilla, a brief flash of glory with the '68 comeback, and the surrealism of "fat Elvis" decked out in bejeweled white jumpsuits, culminating in a bathroom death scene. And while that summary isn't exactly false, Guralnick's account shows how little perspective we've had on Elvis's life until now, how a gross caricature of the final years has come to stand for the life itself. He treats every aspect of Presley's life--including forays into spiritual mysticism and the growing dependency on prescription drugs--with dignity and critical distance. More importantly, Careless Love continues to show that Guralnick "gets" what Presley was trying to do as an artist: "I see him in the same way that I think he saw himself from the start," the introduction states, "as someone whose ambition it was to encompass every strand of the American musical tradition." From rock to blues to country to gospel, Guralnick discusses how, at his finest moments, Elvis was able to fulfill that dream. --Ron Hogan ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Brilliantly written, scholarly treatise
Few people have ever impacted American culture as did Elvis Presley; his contribution to rock music is immeasurable. Guralnick takes a scholarly approach and writes a carefully researched, detailed biography of The King. The first book deals with his meteoric rise from humble beginnings; the second deals with superstar Elvis and his sad decline. No doubt readers will wonder how they could have saved Elvis if only they'd known him; unfortunately, the only person who could have saved Elvis was himself. Forces and fate no doubt played a role which drove Elvis to use drugs as an escape from the stresses and abnormality of his life.
Both books by Guralnick stand alone as well-written biographies of the King. However, I recommend reading them both to get the full impact. It is refreshing to have available a serious, respectful book on Elvis Presley that's void of the usual sensationalistic, simplistic trash found in other, hastily-churned-out Presley biographies.

A poingant, depressing, and insightful look at Elvis...
First and foremost, this is a depressing book. There is a warning in the author's note that the book is about a tragedy, and this is an understatement. Elvis Presely's "fall" was a hard and bitter one. This book outlines events starting in 1960 up to Presely's death in 1977. Things start out looking pretty good for Elvis as he leaves the army and begins his career almost anew, but as the 1970s emerge, things start to cloud over, and the book follows the downward spiraling vortex that Presley and his somewhat bizarre and almost constantly fluctuating entourage followed up to the end. Along the way, Guralnick allows readers to draw their own conclusions about Presley. Mostly the book outlines details of certain events - sometimes so detailed one wonders if Guralnick was there himself - interspersed with commentary from people who lived through these same events. It is not an uplifting read. One gets the impression that Presley's fame isolated him from pretty much the human race, made him untouchable (reprisals were feared by anyone is his immediate "gang", and it didn't help matters that most of them were on his payroll) and ultimately put him beyond the help of his own family and the people who he thought were his friends. Presely's fame turns horrendously destructive in the 1970s, and some of the stories and anecdotes may make the sensitive reader wince. Some of the stories are just downright strange: Presley's religious enlightenment from seeing an image in the clouds of the face of Stalin turn into the face of Jesus; Presley's determination to secure himself a position of Narcotics officer from President Nixon; the pranks Preseley and his retinue play on each other, on audiences, and on themselves; the fact that, as record sales declined, Presely's revenue actually increased. Other anecdotes have a more disturbing undertow: Presley's manipulation and abject objectification of the women in his life, and the fact that many of them kept coming back even after being brusquely brushed off; Presley's fascination with guns, and his sometime not so comforting habit of pointing them at people when angry; Presely's wild, erratic, and irresponsible spending; Presley's inability to take advice from his wife, girlfriends, business manager, and even his own father on dire personal matters (e.g., his finances, his marriage, his health). It is a tragedy to read about someone who both cared about people but also put himself above others in a way that put him beyond their help or aid.

The figure of "the Colonel" lurks behind the entire story. He has Presley's business needs in mind, and, due to his business acumen, makes Presley (and himself) multi-millionaires beyond imagination. It's amazing to read how the Colonel is able to make more and more money from Movie studios, even as movies starring Presley are on a sharp decline in revenue and popularity. The whole story is mind boggling. In the end, the Colonel thought he was taking care of Elvis in the best way he knew how, but insatiable greed and insular attention to the bottom line and almost nothing else probably hurt Presley more than it helped him in the long run. Guralnick does not say this anywhere in the book. Again, the reader must draw moral conclusions based on the evidence. Guralnick does not moralize apart from calling the story a tragedy, and this makes this biography doubly interesting, as different readers will likely draw different conclusions based on their own interpretations of the delineated events. Who is to blame in the end? Is it fair to blame one or a few people? Is it fair to blame Presley? These questions are not answered (as they shouldn't be) but much food for thought is presented. As usual in life, the answer is far more complicated than mere finger pointing can accommodate. Guralnick handles this subject with eloquence and a distance that pull the reader in and allow for reflection upon what happened. This is not the usual shoddy rock biography that typically clutters the "Music" section of bookstores. This is a story to sink one's cognitive teeth into and reflect upon. Warning: this book will make you think; it will make you moralize; it will make you angry and frustrated at what happened, and it will make you ask "Why?" Regardless if you are an Elvis Presley fan or not (I'm really not; I was very young when Presley passed on) this is a book worth reading. It is a thick book, but a quick read (keep your dictionary handy nonetheless). Once you're in fifty pages or so, you'll probably find yourself stuck on it.

Well Written and Researched Tale of the King
There is one way to describe this book - wow, what a story.

The writing is just flat out good. Once you start reading be prepared to finish, except for those pesky breaks to sleep and work.

A very well written account of Elvis's life and actions in and out of the recording studio with lots of details, lots of hanky panky, road trips, recording sessions, flights, drugs, buying Cadillacs, the whole mess. Basically Elvis spent every cent he made. The colonel took each dollar and sent 50 cents to the IRS to keep Elvis out of trouble but Elvis and his "mafia" lived like kings where money was no object. If he was in the mood he would just pick up the phone and buy cars, trucks, land, food, whatever was his fancy. When he died Priscilla actually started to manage the finances and Graceland and then after he was dead, the money really increased.

With his love of music and his drive to create, he had hit after hit, a lull and then more hits, movies, hits, lulls, Las Vegas, and on and on. There were no limits until he came in collision with obesity and drugs. It all became very depressing and then it ended. Elvis came close to pulling back and recovering a few times but was unable or unwilling or not intelligent enough to see what was happening to himself. In that sense he was alone and in charge.

An enthralling and well written blockbuster that stays in your hands until the last page.

Jack in Toronto

Stirring...
I picked up the book Careless Love. At the time the title puzzled me. Who was guilty of Careless Love? Elvis? Umm. Go figure. But upon completion of the book, I now realize no other title would have suited. Elvis was guilty of careless love as was the people whom he surrounded himself with daily and most importantly the fans.
Now, I find no joy in his music and it is painful for me to look at smiling happy picture's of him when he was at the height of his career. Why? Because I know how it all ends. The man, who would burst on the scene and shred American culture, all the while rebuilding it, fascinates me. He was a pioneer, a rebel. Everyone knows the story. Poor boy makes good. But the trajectory his life took is painful to follow. How could a man whose vision changed the music world not have had enough foresight to see his own destructive and erratic behavior?
Paul Guralnick writes the only account of Elvis that I trust implicitly. Why? Because his regard for Elvis as an artist is woven between even the most heart wrenching accounts of his life. Mr. Guralnick does not try to persuade you to like or dislike Elvis. He merely gives Elvis life and places him in front of you saying, "Here he is...you make the decision on how you feel about him."
The book is a disturbing but respectful look at a man who was gifted beyond reason. Mr. Guralnick clearly demonstrates that the fame Elvis endured was even beyond him.

You want to know who Elvis really was? Read this book!
A wonderful achievement. Thoroughly researched, beautifully written. You'll learn everything about the King you always wanted to know - plus some facts of which you had rather remained ignorant. Careless Love is on par with the first volume of Guralnik's Elvis-biography, "Last Train to Memphis" (see also my review of that outstanding work). ... Read more

Book Description

The turbulent times of one of the world's most beautiful women.

Kate Moss entered the modeling scene with a force that belied her fragile frame. Discovered completely by chance at New York's JFK airport, Moss was propelled to international stardom with her waif-like figure and hauntingly seductive features, launching the infamous "heroin chic" look that dominated the modeling world of the nineties. But living the fast-paced life of an international sex symbol took its toll, and Moss spiraled down into the chaotic celebrity lifestyle of nonstop partying that landed her first in the tabloids, then in rehab. Here, for the first time, is the shocking true story of the passion and pain hiding behind one of the most famous faces in the world. ... Read more

Book Description

You know the name.You know the number.Now know the rest of the story.

Published to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Dr. No, the first James Bond film, James Bond: The Legacy is the official, definitive guide to the 007 phenomenon. Loaded with anecdotes, facts, and illustrations, the book provides features on the key actors, from Sean Connery to Pierce Brosnan, directors, costume and set designers, and others working behind the scenes. Without a doubt, this is the book of the Bond World.

James Bond: The Legacy takes readers through a comprehensive-and fun-history of the movies. The book places the films in the context of their times, showing how producers Albert "Cubby" Broccoli and Harry Saltzman drew inspiration from the Cold War and from suave, glamorous icons like Hugh Hefner and JFK, and how later world events shaped story lines-and even how closely the series presaged actual technological developments. As the films move into their fifth decade, the book traces the total Bond impact, through fashion, the Austin Powers films, the Robbie Williams video, and much more, on a whole new generation.

Illustrated with over 550 rare photographs, illustrations, and storyboards from the Bond archives, James Bond: The Legacy ties in with major events and promotions marking 007's 40th anniversary. This will be a must-have book for the 2002 holiday season. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

The #1 Biggest and Best James Bond 007 Book Ever!
There have been countless amount of book on the films, book, culture, politics, comics, toys and anything and everything about James Bond. But, let me tell you that this is the best 007 book ever! You will notice that when you first see it because of it's huge size! It is the largest 007 book I own. Written by two authors who researched their facts and are excellent on the subject of James Bond.

What makes this book so unique? Many, practically all 007 books explain about the movies and books alone. This book does that, but includes how what was going on in the world and popular culture influenced many of the decisions in the films and books. All of the films, including Die Another Day, Never Say Never Again and Casino Royale are reviewed in equal amounts. These two official films have always been a little more difficult to read about, but now because MGM has recently added them under their ownership, they are explained in great detail. The best part is how the author's include not only the focus of the film, but what was going on in the world at the time. A great example is the dangerous choice to expose African Americans as the villains in Live and Let Die. This is a great way to see what was the pop culture during each film. Learn all about the Bond Family, and how they made many changes to the series such as increasing the authority of women, how Bond acted, amount of humor in the films and the way they were presented to the public. A great way to look at all of the thousands of people that have contributed to the series, enhanced with hundres of rare photographs and pictures. The best book to look back at the history of James Bond over the 40 years it has been around. The end of the book features great text information on the films. And, finally there is a quote from people that have worked on or in a Bond film.

The definititve Bond book. The Best. That covers it all.

Licence to keep you up late!
This book has one big problem. It is too big! It is crammed with more info than most encyclopedias and loads of amazing pictures from the 40 years of Bond, James Bond. I just wish it was easier to hold and read. Alas, the pictures probably wouldn't look quite so good. If you have read other books on the Bond films, well, this one will give you a whole new perspective on the longest running, most successful series (until Lucas makes more Star Wars films) in movie history. While one reviewer here claimed that the book "re-invents the myth", considering the access the authors had to the filmmakers (there is a whole section of quotes from virtually everyone associated with the world of Bond), I would say this has to be the best word on the subject. Fortunately, we are spared rambling opinions and are given a great deal of depth, history and insight into how these films have stayed around for so long. Really enjoyed this book and if you are a Bond fan, I think you will, too.

The World is Not Enough
This is the most current difinitive volume on James Bond! You can't put it down once you've picked it up; you have to read something. There are pictures everywhere. You learn about Ian Fleming, each Bond star individually, and so much more. There is a section in the back that focuses on "The Numbers", how much a film rated when it was released, "The Adventures", which gives you a summary of the movie, and "The Filmmakers", which shows cast and crew of the series.

Best Bond Book EVER!
What a great book! I've read many Bond books and this one is by far the best. First of all, the book itself is gorgeous. It is HUGE and is jam-packed with great color photos. More importantly, though, this coffee table book contains a lot of great information. Not only does it go into detail about all the different Bond movies, but it also gives each film a historical context which makes it easier to understand why certain decisions were made. There are a lot of new Bond factoids that I learned from reading this book, even though I'm a big James Bond fan and thought I knew everything already! "James Bond: The Legacy" is a book that every Bond fan will treasure.

Best film book I've ever read!
The book is great. A goldmine for Bond fans and a surprisingly compelling read. This book covers not only Bond, but why Bond became popular and why 007 has stayed popular. To do that, the book's authors discuss the history of the Cold War and the changes in popular culture that have taken place over the past 50 years...which brings me to the reason I'm posting this review...

One reviewer ("Useless Commentary") claims the authors are pushing their "world view" and that they would rather 007 be working for the Soviets! I just read the book. I can't see any affection for the Soviets or any particular "World View". It appears the book is an official history of the films, loaded with great photos and quotes from the filmmakers, and I would be surprised if they were pushing a "world view." The whole book is a tribute to 007, not some book trashing him. As for the Soviets, I very much enjoyed the passages regarding the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of Communism, and the celebration of freedom that followed. Of course, the authors don't say anything nice about the Watergate burglers (except that they were Bond fans), so maybe someone here is a big G. Gordon Liddy listener. You never know. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (12)

Where's the Audio Version?
After hearing Cash Peters' hysterically funny radio bits on Marketplace and Savvy Traveler for some years, I thought I knew what to expect from his book: more of the same. Right. And wrong.

Hearing the essays in small doses is a lot different than reading a whole book of essays at once. What seems like witty sarcasm in a two-minute on-air reading, starts to seem like bitchiness after several chapters. Also, Peters' voice reminds me of British comedian Alexei Sayles (short, bald, mad), so when I saw Peters' photo on the book, I had to drastically revise my mental image. What had seemed funny coming from a short, bald, mad man, didn't seem as funny from a slim, handsome man.

Of course, I don't blame Peters for these complaints, and my only suggestion to the reader of Gullible's Travels (and I do recommend that you read it, especially the chapter on the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast) is to read it a chapter at a time, rather than all at once. And if it comes out in an audio version, choose that over the printed edition.

The best laugh-out-loud book EVER!
I bought this book pretty much randomly just looking for something to read and I was greatly pleased at my luck. I work in radio and understand Cash Peters' budget problems and I also love to travel, but have never really heard of travel like this. Cash Peters opens up a hilarious world of bizarre and sometimes just downright frightening obsessions, tourist "attractions", collections and museums. He brilliantly describes these interesting and somewhat atrocious attractions with a quick wit and sarcastic note that had me laughing out loud (and even in public!). I think what Peters has is some sort of museum masochism, but it sure is fun! This book is a must read.

NOT FUNNY
I guess there is room in the literary world for idiots, because they are the only people who would think this book is funny. It is sophomoric sarcasm and ridicule that is on the same level with a Jerry Springer show ridiculing the mentally challenged. If you really like that sort of thing, trite comments, and have the humor of a 7th grader, this is by all means your book.Otherwise it is truly awful!

Hilarious & inspirational (in a twisted way)
As someone who only reluctantly passed up the home of the 5-legged steer (or was it 6-legged?) and the World's Largest Prairie Dog while driving through Kansas, I knew I had to have this book when I saw its title. Happily, it delivered as much inanity, sheer ridiculousness, and cynicism as I could have hoped. I could not stop laughing...mostly aloud, like the other reviewers. Unfortunately, I did not have this book in time to prevent a visit to Graceland (with the excuse that it was during a family vacation when I was young); but on the other hand, I know I will have to stop the car at the Precious Moments Chapel and the Museum of Questionable Medical Devices on my next cross-country trip. If you enjoyed the Englishman-out-of-water aspect of this book, you may also like "Round Ireland with a Fridge" by Tony Hawk....it's a little gentler, but no less funny.

Not to be read in a quiet place...
you'll be laughing out loud and disturbing your neighbors! Very funny writer...wish I could find more books written by him. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This book is great....
....because I find so many information about the Trapp Familiy which I don't know. I saw the two german movies from 1956 und 1958 and the american from 1965, and I like all this films.

The pictures make it easy to read.

But there is something, that I don't like. Martina, who died in 1951. Maria Augusta wrote only one and a half sentences about her stepdaughter. Why had she done that ?

Good, that I've read "Yesterday, Today and Forever", so I know the tragedy of Martina's death.

...

Great book
This book is a really great behind-the-scenes type book about the real Von Trapp family. Fans of the movie may not like it as much, because there isn't very much stuff written about the making of the SOM. However, it really gives you a very clear picture of the way the story reall was without detracting from the magic of the movie. ... Read more

Book Description

It was the age of Streisand and Springsteen, Jagger and Jackson, and business was booming at CBS Records. From 1975 to 1990, CEO and President Walter Yetnikoff had taken revenues from $485 million to well over $2 billion. But life with this stable of superstars was far from harmonious, especially when Yetnikoff himself was doing much of the howling.

Revealing the complete star-studded story, Howling at the Moon gives center stage to a man who led one of the most remarkable runs of success—and self-destruction—ever seen in the entertainment industry. Yetnikoff writes candidly about coddling egoistic crooners, taming high-strung executives like Diller and Geffen, and succumbing to the addictions that defined the era. The more Yetnikoff fed his cravings for power, sex, and cocaine, the more profitable CBS became. Reflecting on the sinister cycle that left his career in tatters and CBS flush with cash, Yetnikoff emerges with a hunger for redemption and a new reverence for his working-class Brooklyn roots.

In the dishy tradition of You’ll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again and The Kid Stays in the Picture, Yetnikoff’s story turns up the volume on exposés about real American idols.

Reviews (9)

Walter Yetnikoff's amazing life story is one worth reading
Walter Yetnikoff's "Howling at the Moon" is a great read. The author is stone-cold honest about his history - morphing from a poor kid in Brooklyn to Columbia Law graduate to "Jimmy Olsen greenhorn" in the music business to master business builder to *the* out-of-control legendary wildman of the music business to abrupt sobriety to betrayal, fall, a period in the wilderness and redemption. What a tale.

Where else are you going to get insights on Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Marvin Gaye and Mick Jagger mixed with equally eye-opening passages on Tom Wyman, Norio Ohga, Akio Morita and Bill Paley?

The Paley passages are especially enlightening - the controlling, secretive builder of the Tiffany network and the wildman of CBS/Columbia records were as unlikely a pairing as you could imagine, but Paley appreciated Yetnikoff's undeniable ability to make money and, as Paley says upon taking his leave from CBS, "in this office, that did not go unnoticed."

Despite Yetnikoff's well-documented demons, his track record in the business is unassaible: when he left, CBS/Columbia was still pulling in $450 million a year in *net* profits. True, Yetnikoff's successors had to deal with a more vexing set of assaults on the recorded music business model, but you need to give the guy his due.

Borrrrrrrrrrrrring
The least interesting thing about this book is the author. Unfortunately, this is an autobiography. Considering CBS Records' remarkable talent roster during Yetnikoff's tenure, including the Stones, Springsteen, Dylan and Michael Jackson, he recounts only a few rather uninteresting anecdotes about Wacko Jacko, and virtually nothing about the others, instead taking gratuitous potshots at former close associates. Even if you enjoy books about bitter, washed up, egotisical, former drunken cokehead lawyers, this book will put you to sleep. I'm sure there's a very interesting story somewhere in Walter Yetnikoff's experience with CBS. It's not in this book.

Honesty and Self Appraisal
It is fitting that this book is not written in "perfect", smooth flowing format - because this is an accounting of a man who was swept up in excess and excitement without giving himself the time to truly "know himself", and thus his life did not unravel in "perfect" smooth flowing format. This is a great book because it relates what hundreds of thousands of people have experienced in the latter 21st century, only it does so in an exagerated and romantic way: an unrelenting climb and push to business success that moved so rapidly and excitedly that spiritual self-fulfillment was often remiss. This is an honest and direct chronicle of a very "hip" life. And now, at last, Yetnikoff is attempting to come to terms with himself, and - to his credit - with no lack of humour and a respectable but not overly synthetic underlying amount of remorse. You may not agree with his excesses and some of the decisions he has made in his life, but you have to admire the journey. The tidbits of info on the major music personalities emphasize the fact that no matter how famous (or infamous) people become - they share many of the same problems, needs, and desires we all have. Thanks, Walter - you produced a good, entertaining and honest read.

The Man Is Brilliant with a capital "B"
For people who live in the central part of the country, Walter's lack of moral compass may put you off. Setting that aside, this guy has bravado. You can't help but want him on your team. He reminds me of a racier David Geffen. I stayed up VERY late reading it...so be prepared to play hooky the next day.

The reader's challenge? Finish the book without howling
"There is the scum of the earth, and what lives under the scum of the earth, and under this we have music lawyers," fictional touring musician Vernon Shakely often remarked in Laurie Colwin's novel, "Goodbye Without Leaving."

Walter Yetnikoff might have been perversely proud to be included in the fictitious Shakely's asssessment of music industry lawyers. Unfortunately, his attempt to present himself as a formerly nice Jewish boy/Columbia Law grad turned baaaaaad example of Seventies excess keeps falling flat, despite the potential richness of material. Given that his co-author is the gifted David Ritz, whose other biography subjects include Marvin Gaye, B.B. King, and Aretha Franklin, one can only imagine how incoherent Yetnikoff's prose was before Ritz attempted to take it in hand. It appears that at some point, Ritz must have given up in despair.

The book begins with a detailed sexual fantasy about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis ("Jack was a powerful lover, Ari was a passionate man, but you, Walter... you're nothing short of astounding," she cooes), followed by a suspiciously well-organized three-page "recollection" of a business luncheon Yetnikoff holds, just the two of them, at "21" with Mrs. Onassis. There she recaps his entire career in highly flattering terms, and urges him to write a "highbrow" memoir.

Well, poor Mrs. Onassis is dead and can't defend herself. But putting those words--if indeed she said them--into her mouth demonstrates the size of Yetnikoff's ego, which overwhelms what could have been a fascinating book. It is sort of fascinating, but for all the wrong reasons.

Yetnikoff was certainly in a position to drop names, and some of the anecdotes keep this book from being a total waste of time and energy, though the best bits already have been skimmed off by newspapers and magazines. He details, clearly and convincingly, Michael Jackson's manipulativeness, as well as his arrested development. Just prior to introducing Jackson to a black-tie party after his album "Thriller" sold 25 million copies, for example, Jackson whispered in Yetnikoff's ear, "I have to tinkle. Can you take me to the potty?"

There's also an engaging tale of a dinner with Bob Dylan and his mother, at which Mrs. Zimmerman urges "Bobby" to eat more, and asks, "And have you thanked Mr. Yetnikoff for this lovely dinner?"

However, more often Yetnikoff's tales of his business life with CBS/Columbia Records are disorganized, retaliatory, and peevish. He has a fatal weakness for rude nicknames: the Japanese executives at Sony, who acquired Yetnikoff's unit, are referred to repeatedly as "Happy Japs." In addition, he makes numerous homophobic remarks about legendary music executives who are--natch--much more famous than Yetnikoff.

Yetnikoff spends nearly as much time talking about women as dropping stars' names and talking business, the difference being that women comprise only the succinct, gutter-mouthed sum total of their physical attributes. His long-suffering first wife, June, ends up consoling Walter for his business reverses as she lay dying of cancer ("You'll be okay, Walter, I know you've got a lot on your mind but you'll be okay").

When he remarries, his second wife ("a pretty shiksa with big t*ts") gets less attention than Yetnikoff's snappy patter or the guest list--"Barbra attended. So did People magazine. So did Bruce Springsteen, Christie Brinkley, Mick Jagger, James Taylor"... as well as some industry cronies, one of whom "was mad that his table was too far in the back."

In short, Yetnikoff's sex life gets four lines and 31 references (some of which spread over two pages) in the index. His two sons merit three brief remarks and a tiny photo each.

The self-proclaimed "monstrous" excesses of his alcohol and drug use (23 references) come off as pretty dull in Yetnikoff's sweaty hands. When he offers cocaine to an Anglican vicar ("Wanna bump?"), what makes the anecdote is not the cocaine or the vicar, but the fact that this incident took place at James Taylor's wedding to Kathryn Walker at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan. I mean, he doesn't just get loaded, he gets loaded with NAMES, in snazzy locations, in an effort to show us how far he's come from his unhappy multifamily house in Brooklyn. The text doesn't improve when he discusses the harrowing process of recovery (22 mentions). He says he's been clean and sober since 1989, noting, "Sobriety has saved, or at least extended, my life. On some levels, I became a better person; on many levels, I became worse." By this point, near the end of the book, the weary reader can accept this point on faith.

On the subject of faith, rarely have I seen so many references to Jewishness by someone who doesn't appear to have touched a Torah since his bar mitzvah, which he poormouths as "a bust, a strictly low-rent affair." He refers to himself interchangeably as Walter and as Velvel, his Yiddish name, and at the end, when he Finds God, he refers to Him repeatedly as "Heshie." Isn't that just adorable? It made this Jewish reader wince.

"Howling at the Moon" ultimately leaves the reader unconvinced that Walter Yetnikoff has made any kind of journey except the inevitable aging process, and his move from New York to California. Rather than being a lovably louche bad boy, he's just bad. And he commits the raconteur's worst sin: He may have a few moments to share, but overall, he's boring. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

a brother loves his sister
Well, Buddy Foster may or may not have written this book for the $$, but after reading it, despite the fact that he probably made his sister really mad at him for disclosing all the family foibles, secrets, etc., it so so apparent that this is a brother who geniunely loves his sister. I like seeing that. As a baby sister myself, I know how terrific it feels for your siblings to adore you. It's a sweet deal. I hope that by now (what is it? five years later; today is 2/14/03), Jodie fully realizes that and has forgiven Buddy. He seems like a pretty nice fellow despite his admitted faults.

pretty good
i thought the book was pretty good. i agree with what someone said earlier. we want to hear about jodie not about buddy and all of his complaints, but i thought he did a pretty good job. jodie seems like such an interesting person. its funny b/c everytime i see her, even in her recent movies, she will make some facial expression and it will remind me of freaky friday. i love that movie. anyway, this is the only "jodie" book that i have read but i'm reading another one so i'll have something to compare it to. i wish that she would write and autobiography. that would be cool.

transparently self-serving
Clearly Buddy Foster didn't inherit the brains in this family! This book is packed with internal inconsistencies, factual impossibilities and, more annoyingly, long rambling sections leading nowhere. Appallingly bad bio!!

A dual biography
The advantage of having a biography written by a close relative is that the author doesn't have to rely on interviews with strangers and be at the mercy of other people's agendas or outright lies.The disadvantage is thatthe author is usually much less famous and successful than the subject andthe book tends to try to increase the author's importance.This is thecase with "Foster Child".Along with all the childhoodstories, the first half of the book is a comparison of Buddy's childhoodcareer with Jodie's and no one is buying this book to read about BuddyFoster.The second half of the book is more on track. Its mainadvantage is that only someone who grew up with Jodie could go into thedetails of her more than unusual childhood, including the shockingexplanation of how someone named Alicia Christian Foster came to be knownas Jodie.I was under the impression from what I had read previously thatJodie's father was an evil cad who ran away from home never to be heardfrom again.Well, he may have been an evil cad, but the real story is muchmore complicated than that.The book is hardest of all, by far, on theirmother Brandy.From how she used her children to live off of (she spentevery penny of Buddy's several hundred thousand dollar acting nest eggbefore he was 21), to how she tried to shape the children's thinking andpoison them against their father, she is the underlying villain of thebook.The mother's attention follows the money.When it is clear thatJodie is the star of the family, and the main breadwinner, she gets hermother's attention to the detriment of the rest of the family.Other thansubject of their mother, this is not a particularly gossip filled book, sothose that are looking for that may want to look elsewhere.The one"controversial" element of Jodie's life: "Is she or isn'tshe?" is given short shrift.Has their man-hating lesbian motherturned Jodie into a man-hating lesbian?Even her brother isn't sure. What he is sure of is that Jodie has become a supremely successful personwith no one to share her life with (this book was written before Jodie hada baby) and he worries she will stay that way.What is also clear is thatJodie is a charter member of the "I took the part because I wanted toplay a strong woman" club.Generically, she will say "I look forgood stories" when choosing a movie, but when commenting individuallyon roles there is always a feminist agenda behind it.The real-life victimthat "The Accused" is based on may have committed suicide or beena basket case for the rest of her life but in the movie the men areprosecuted and convicted so that puts it in "The woman fights back andwins" category and makes it a "good story".AlthoughBuddy chronicles the family's interrelationships throughout the years,there is no description of his current relationship with Jodie nor herreaction to his writing of this book.When questioned about this, apublicist for the book said, "It's not accurate to characterize theirrelationship as estranged."It sounds like doubletalk to me.Buddydescribes Jodie as someone who wants to make movies her way and then beleft alone.If she's recognized on the street she will deny she is JodieFoster vociferously under all circumstances short of a DNA test.This isdue partly, of course, to the John Hinckley episode, which is explainedmore completely here than anywhere else I've seen, along with Hinckley'scopycat loonies.All in all, it is a description of an extremelyintelligent, secure and insecure, driven person who sacrifices her personallife for other people and what she considers a greater cause.Is it worthit?Only Jodie Foster knows and she's not telling.

well written biography
I know a lot of people came down on Buddy Foster for writing this book. However this biography is a much more mature piece of work than the usual celeb bio. A good read ... Read more

Book Description

The meteoric rise of "Killer Diller"

Barry Diller has been a major player in the entertainment industry for more than thirty years. Always on the cutting edge, he revolutionized television with such groundbreaking concepts as the movie-of-the-week and the miniseries. He greenlighted the megahits Raiders of the Lost Ark, 48 Hours, and Terms of Endearment. Now, industry insider George Mair takes you behind the scenes for a perceptive, penetrating, and completely captivating look at both the public persona and the private life of a legendary media mogul. Learn the truth about:

• The critical acclaim—and the controversy—behind The Simpsons and Married . . . With Children
• The abortive CBS-QVC merger: what went wrong and why
• Hardball and heartbreak on The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers
• Wheeling and dealing with Hollywood heavyhitters Rupert Murdoch, Sumner Redstone, Marvin Davis, Michael Eisner, and many, many more!

"He taught movie executives to put some passion into their jobs. The business is a better place because of Barry."—the late Dawn Steel studio head and onetime Barry Diller protégé at Paramount

"He really is the brightest of the bunch." —Julia Phillips Academy Award(r)-winning producer bestselling author of You'll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Ok for a Business History
Ok, for a business history of mergers, deals, movies, cable channels and so forth. It does give some glimpse into Diller's Jewish background and childhood, as well as, the vulgar and occasionally violent way he assaults his employees. However, it barely mentions his co-leadership of the notorious Velvet Mafia. Biographers of David Geffen, the long-time "associate" of Diller, are more forthcoming. Stephen Singular in "The Rise and Rise of David Geffen" discusses the Velvet Mafia and its bisexual media mogul leaders including Diller and Geffen. Tom King's "The Operator" flatly states the gay preference of Barry Diller. George Mair's book is well worth reading as is his biography of Si Newhouse, "Newhouse." ... Read more

Book Description

Suspense, excess, danger and exuberant fun come together in Chuck Barris' unlikely autobiography -- the tale of a wildly flamboyant 1970s television producer, better known as the infamous host of The Gong Show. What most people don't know is that Barris allegedly spent close to two decades as a decorated covert assassin for the CIA.

Barris, who achieved tremendous success as the creator and producer of hit TV game shows such as The Dating Game and The Newlywed Game, claims to have joined the CIA as an agent in the early 1960s, infiltrated the Civil Rights movement, met with militant Muslims in Harlem, and traveled abroad in order to kill enemies of the United States.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind is now a movie directed by and starring George Clooney, with Sam Rockwell as the author, but the original story is wild and gripping, spiced with intrigue, sex, bad behavior and plenty of great one-liners. It is destined to become a classic. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Who Cares About Whether It's All True?
We can spend a lot of time arguing about whether or not the CIA ever hired Chuck Barris to kills Soviet Spies throughout the world. We will probably never know the truth and maybe it's best we never find out.

Still, there are a few facts about this book that you can't argue. First off, Chuck Barris is a very funny person. If you don't find yourself rolling with laughter at a few passages in this book then you have no sense of humor. Even if you thought the Dating Game and the Newlywed Game were affronts to civil behavior, you will laugh at some of his recollections about those shows. The same is true for some of his memories about the Gong Show.

Another fact about this book is that Barris is very self-centered and narcisstic at times. For that reason, you might come away after the reading this book with a negative opinion about Chuck Barris the person. Still, you will do so with some fun because he can spin quite a yarn. Even if you don't believe any of his CIA stories, you will