Book Description

For the millions of fans of Jimmy Buffett's music as well as his bestselling books, Tales from Margaritaville and Where Is Joe Merchant?, here is the ultimate Jimmy Buffett philosophy on life and how to live it.As hard as it is to believe, the irrepressible Jimmy Buffett has hit the half-century mark and, in A Pirate Looks at 50, he brings us along on the remarkable journey which he took through the Southern hemisphere to celebrate this landmark birthday.
        
Jimmy takes us from the legendary pirate coves of the Florida Keys to the ruins of ancient Cartegena.Along the way, we hear a tale or two of how he got his start in New Orleans, how he discovered his passion for flying planes, and how he almost died in a watery crash in Nantucket harbor.We follow Jimmy to jungle outposts in Costa Rica and on a meandering trip down the Amazon, through hair-raising negotiations with gun-toting customsofficials and a 3-year-old aspiring copilot.And he is the inimitable Jimmy Buffett through it all.
        
For Parrotheads, for armchair adventurers, and for anyone who appreciates a good yarn and a hearty laugh, here is the ultimate backstage pass--you'll read the kind of stories Jimmy usually reserves for his closest friends and you'll see a wonderful, wacky life through eyes of the man who's lived it. A Pirate Looks at 50 is a breath of fresh air and a ingenious manual for getting to 50 ... and beyond. ... Read more

Reviews (224)

I gotta go where it's warm!
This is an unassuming book that sneaks up to you with a warm enjoyable feeling. I've always wanted to know what Jimmy Buffett is like when he's not on stage, and I'm happy to find out that he's a genuine person with enough flaws to make him interesting.

I was particularly pleased to see that Jimmy didn't do a Jerry Springer spill yer guts kind of tale, but instead just related stories as they came to mind. Jimmy comes across as a man who's found his niche. You have to have respect for a guy who hasn't had more than 1 or 2 top ten records and still manages to sell out every concert.

Some people may not enjoy all the fly fishing stories and the flying descriptions. I did, but I'm one of those types who reads everything including the back of cereal boxes. (Sick I know, but hey there's probably a 12-step program for it somewhere!).

This book is like a comfortable afternoon in the hammock...not much gets accomplished, but it's a wonderful way to spend the day.

A Typically Unique Buffett Experience!
This was a typically unique Jimmy Buffett experience whereby he weaves his personal "songline" into an entertaining narrative to be enjoyed by Parrotheads, fishermen, "flying boat captains", and anybody with an adventurous spirit! I gave this 5 stars for the sheer entertainment value...it may not be a literary masterpiece, but it's a lot of fun!

I especially enjoyed the vivid explanations of Caribbean history. As a high school social studies teacher, I think some of Jimmy's descriptions would be very motivating for some of my students and I plan to incorporate some of them into my Global Studies lesson plans.

In an earlier review, I read that this is more of a man's book since most women wouldn't be interested in fishing or seaplanes. As a woman, I found these sections very interesting. Granted, flying planes and fishing aren't my hobbies, but learning something new is always fun. I don't think gender should influence one's decision to read this book - just keep an open mind!

A big kid's fantasy
Each time I read this book, I pick up previously missed "words of wisdom", and am transported along with him to all the adventures he describes so intimately, all over the world. Here is a man who went for his dreams, freely admits when he screwed up, and made it in a way we can only imagine. I absolutely loved this book.

Another Caribbean Soul
I first read this book on my honeymoon on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and it has truly inspired me. A fellow sailor from childhood, I had lost touch with my ties to Mother Ocean as I pursued a career in engineering that was successful by conventional standards but left me feeling like something was missing. This book reminded me what it was. Jimmy Buffett is an incredible storyteller, and has lived a life many (like me) only dream of. He makes you want to visit each and every place he describes. Some may claim that this book does not deserve 5 stars because it is not a literary masterpiece, and if you want a literary masterpiece, this book is not for you. If you are looking for an enjoyable vacation read, or for inspiration to truly live life instead of following the status quo, then this is a 5-star book for you!

The man behind Margaritaville
Playing on his classic song "A Pirate Turns Forty", Jimmy Buffett weaves an autobiographical tale that takes you to that mystical place in our minds called Margaritaville.

The book is long on facts, going through Jimmy's life as a youngster, covering the famous story of how he picked up the guitar to meet girls, and through the life as a family man and musician.

An interesting point that comes across is that Jimmy Buffett is not just this carefree guy who sings on stage all day long. He has his own nuances, such as a need to overpack. How does that fit into the life of the troubador? It doesn't, and that peek behind the illusion makes this journey a personal one.

The one downside is that if you're not a Parrothead, the book is probably not for you. If you are a Parrothead, get out the blender, set the chair just right on the deck, and enjoy the book on a lazy sunny afternoon. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Three years ago, Carnie Wilson was 300 pounds, unemployed, depressed, and sitting in a doctor’s office being told that she probably wouldn’t live much longer. At night, she had terrible dreams of her mother getting a phone call from the police saying, "We’re very sorry, but someone found your daughter in bed, and she’s gone." Knowing she had to do something to save herself, Carnie opted to have gastric bypass surgery. She woke up the next day in the hospital determined that she wouldn’t just work on having a new body, but also a new life.

That’s the story we’ve already heard. In I’m Still Hungry, Wilson picks up where she left off in her 2001 book Gut Feelings. She takes readers step by step on her weight loss journey, which wasn’t just a road to reaching 125 pounds. It was a mental trip where she had to conquer all of her fears and insecurities, including issues with her father, Beach Boy Brian Wilson—which made her gain the weight in the first place.

This book offers a unique way of showing the progression of weight loss, with one section serving as a diary of sorts. It details Carnie’s weight at specific times so that readers can use this part of the book to find their own weight and see how Carnie’s life lessons got her head in the right place so the pounds could keep falling off.

Wilson also offers a humorous look at her own weight loss, asking: What’s better—sex or chocolate? (Answer: "Sex followed by chocolate.") She also discusses re-establishing her career as an actress and singer in Hollywood. It wasn’t easy when the National Enquirer was practically staking out her house to catch her on "a fat day," or when fans e-mailed her to chastise her for flashing "some arm flab" on Entertainment Tonight.

And, of course, the book includes Carnie’s minute-by-minute description of posing for the June 2003 issue of Playboy magazine, with the inevitable questions: Can I eat breakfast before posing nude? Why do I have my period this week of all weeks? and Do I look fat? Carnie also gives readers a glimpse of what spurred on the much awaited 2004 regrouping of the Wilson Phillips band and how she is in perfect harmony again with her partners, sister, Wendy Wilson; and bandmate, Chynna Phillips.

Finally, the last part of the book reveals the specific weight-loss plan that Carnie still uses to keep slim—and anyone can follow this plan to lose weight whether they’ve had weight-loss surgery or not. Carnie even includes a few of her favorite desserts.

Wilson is still hungry for knowledge, love, acceptance, and yes, a chocolate chip cookie or two. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Carnie does it again!
I just finished this book. Her first book was great but this one was awesome! I had gastric bypass surgery in Aug of 2001. Carnie truly is an inspiration! This book talks about how losing all the weight does not magically fix all our personal problems. She tells it like it is and doesn't hold back. I think it is awesome that she decided to accept Playboy's offer to pose. You go girl!

Mixed Views
As a nutritionist for a bariatric surgical program, I empathize with Carnie Wilson. She nicely depicts the personal struggle for self-identity in people who lose a great deal of weight through bariatric surgery. The style of writing is enjoyable and funny. She has a sense of humor that makes for lighter, enjoyable reading.

However, from a nutritional standpoint some of her diet information is completely inaccurate, and I'm wondering how false nutritional information is permitted to be printed. For example, on page 172, she describes diet sodas as having "tons on sodium." Diet sodas have approximately 25-50 mg of sodium per serving, amounts that fall under the category "very low sodium" as defined by the Food and Drug Administration. Also, fruit, as she described as being "loaded with sugar", has approximately 15 gms of carbohydrate per serving, and can easily fit into a meal plan designed for a patient who has had WLS.

Carnie does a great job of describing how she confronted the battle of weight loss; however, she should leave the nutritional recommendations up to a professional.

Is This Empowerment?
I was interested to read Ms. Wilson's story and I certainly appreciate her sharing at such a deep level. However, I think the whole substance of this book can be summed up in this quote from page 118 of the current edition: "...Maybe posing [for Playboy] was just what I needed to finally free and completedly liberated. Some women run marathons, some climb mountains, or kayak across the deep blue sea, some jump out of planes and live to tell the story...I was going to jump out of my fears and pose nude for Playboy..."

Um, there's a difference between the things Carnie listed and posing for Playboy...one is about your pushing yourself to achieve a physical feat, the other is about changing yourself to what the dominant culture wants. Based on what she says in this book, Carnie is happy because she is attractive in a Playboy kind of way. But no matter how much plastic surgery you have, you can't maintain this kind of body forever. If this is where Carnie is getting her happiness, no wonder she is STILL HUNGRY.

I also have had WLS and have lost over 150#...and I know it's a struggle to not be defined by externals. But I would NOT recommend this book to anyone considering WLS because it is much more about fitting yourself into a mold and much less about reestablishing physical and mental health .

She did it again!!!!!!!
I enjoyed reading this book, as I did the first. She is talented and funny. She has a way with words, pulling you right into her world and relating your world to her's. I just love her determination, she is an inspiration that lightens my future.
I have purchased several and given them to friends, so the inspiration will continue.

Humorous, Uplifiting, Exciting, Heartfelt....
Especially for someone who has gone through WLS, this book is a wonderful read. Carnie Wilson's writing style is down to earth, never too technical, and always heartfelt. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even for people who have merely struggled with weight and not had WLS, I highly suggest reading this book!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Chairman of the Board has inspired a great many emotions--from hero-worship to withering contempt--and you'll find most of them documented in this intelligent compendium. The editors have dredged up some wonderful relics, like Bruce Bliven's 1944 rumination on what makes the Voice so magical in the first place ("Undoubtedly, just plain sex has a great deal to do with the whole matter"). But the essays, reviews, and memoirs cover every segment of Sinatra's career, including the end-game triumph (or travesty) of the best-selling "Duets." ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Inside View of the #1 Megastar of them all!!
From Bobby Sox fave to Sultan of Swoon to the Fall and Great Comeback, it is just about all here, except for the very last years from the mid-1990's to the end. This volume is a collection of essays surveying the vast realm of an incredible career. The clear links between his peerless Capitol recordings,and his own life are explained,as are the demanding sessions themselves, his always being in charge with a lot of help from his friends. Every piece here is worthwhile, my favorite being Gay Talese's FRANK SINATRA HAS A COLD (1966)To quote:"Sinatra with a cold is Picasso without paint,Ferrari without fuel..A Sinatra with a cold can, in a small way,send vibrations through the entertainment industry and beyond as surely as a President can, suddenly sick, shake the national economy." A great fun of a read! Not for Frank fanatics only.

A must for anyone who loves Ole Blue Eyes
This book is like an almanac of information on Frankie. I had the pleasure of reading it at a friends house, and it was just great. I highly recommend it. Another good one, is "Why Sinatra Matters." Both give a glimpse into a man that we all love. ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Worth borrowing, not buying.
After reading the other reviews saying how it gave a greater insight into what Britney is really like, I thought it might be interesting consideirng all the rumours about her, seeing if they're true and how she's coping with them. If that's what you're looking for, I would recommend you borrow this. Not that it isn't good value for money, but it's not the kind of thing that either leaves you satisfied, or that you can enjoy over and over again.

The actual book is a nice collector's item, and it's a lot bigger than I expected. It's got loads of high quality pictures from her performances and some 'arty-model' type pictures which are also nice. There are also a few pages with some brief comments from her family and friends. All in all, I'd definitely say the book is a good buy for the more hardcore fans.

The DVD definitely wasn't as good as I had hoped. Throughout the whole thing, Britney VERY rarely talks directly to the camera, so it's more like you're watching what's going on which can be boring at times. It's all about the 3 days leading up to 'that' concert in Mexico, and what exactly happened. In terms of seeing more what Britney is like, you see more of what she is like with other people rather than what she is like herself.

So, I'd recommend the book and the DVD to any Britney fan, even if you just like her music, but unless you're the kind of "I-slept-outside-her-hotel-to-see-her-for-5-seconds" type fan, borrow it from a friend.

The DVD is the best part
I bought this book mainly for the accompanying DVD, "3 Days In Mexico," which is great. For 3 days in Mexico, a camera follows Britney documentary-style as she prepares to give and gives the last 2 concerts from her "Dream Within A Dream" tour. The viewer gets to see Britney as she really is(a nice, normal girl!). It's a little sad, though, since the DVD ends with a still of Britney as she realizes she must end her final concert abruptly due to dangerous weather conditions.
I did not like the book as much as the DVD, mainly because most of the pictures in the book are of the "Dream Within A Dream" tour concert, which is the exact same concert as is on the "Live In Las Vegas" DVD, which I already owned. I'd rather watch the concert on DVD than look at pictures of it in a book.
The best parts of the book itself are the first several pages, which is art featuring Britney, and the sections in which she and her mom, sister, aunt and best friend talk about each other. The DVD, however, is what makes Stages worth the purchase.

Britney on tour.
The book is cool , the DVD is better. Over a hundred pages of pictures of Britney on tour from performing live to the stress of the road. The DVD does a great job of showcasing the ups and downs of being a young superstar on the road. A cool bonus poster is included. A must for any fans of Britney Spears. The only complaint is should have been a few more [attractive] pictures of Britney.

It's amazing
STAGES is the latest show book of Britney Spears. This book is fabulous! There¡¦re so many colorful and beautiful pictures inside the book. I can¡¦t tell how fabulous and wonderful this book is, I think fans of Britney Spears should not miss this fabulous book!!
Although this book do not have a story, but it still got some words that Britney wanted to tell her parents and family members. The best part of the book is the free bonus DVD with a title called ¡§Three days in Mexico¡¨. The DVD shows you what happened to Britney before her final 2 concerts in her DREAM WITHIN A DREM tour, during the concert, during rehearsal the concert and what happened during the FINAL concert. And the book also came with a beautiful poster! By the way, I was surprised about the shape of that book! It¡¦s huge!
I can also tell that this is the best book in all my collections. If you¡¦re fans of Britney Spears, what are you waiting for? But this book RIGHT NOW !!!

britneyspearsfan
Britney Spears stages book tells us about the life of Britney and it includes her music videos from Baby One More Time, Oops I Did It Again and Britney. It has also pictures of her Dream Within A Dream Tour. If you are a Britney Spears fan, then this book is defitinly a must. ... Read more

Book Description

It must be a part of human nature to love drama. We never would have sold as many records -- and we never would have been this popular -- if our member changes did not happen. Up until that point, we were squeaky-clean nice girls who couldn't get on the cover of any magazines. --Beyoncé Knowles

They're beautiful, they're talented, they're bootylicious . . .

From first kisses and broken hearts to pillow fights and legal battles to losing friends and finding strength in God, Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams share it all. Their example of survival has made Destiny's Child one of the most beloved, bestselling female groups ever.

Here for the first time, the three share the struggles that have made them stronger, from Beyoncé's battles with weight loss and shyness, Kelly's coming to terms with growing up without a dad, and Michelle's triumph over grade-school bullies. They've grown up under the media microscope, and have had to deal with lineup changes and media rumors. Now they set the record straight.

The demands and drama, the schedules and scrutiny -- from the tour bus to the dressing rooms to backstage at awards shows, Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle talk about what it takes to be successful. Whether it's changing outfits in the rain, changing their hair color, or changing a name, they've done it.

Don't be mistaken, they're not a prefab group of young girls -- they're smart, independent women with a lot of soul. When these ladies had only minutes of studio time to work with Wyclef Jean to remix one of their songs, they didn't stress, they just started singing faster -- and the result was a unique sound that put them on the map. Everyone has caught on to the Destiny's Child groove -- Whitney Houston, Bono, and Michael Jackson have all given them props, and the King of Pop himself serenaded them with a rendition of “Bootylicious.”

Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle take you behind the scenes of a video rehearsal at which Aaliyah rewound their practice music, to the set of Austin Powers 3, where a starstruck Beyoncé felt anything but foxy before auditioning for the part of Foxxy Cleopatra, and backstage at the Grammys, where a last-minute costume change fiasco nearly kept Michelle from going onstage.

With total honesty, these soul survivors not only dish the details of their past, but share their hopes, plans, and dreams for the future. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

It is a very good book, just not enough dirty secrets.
I felt they touched on some things but didn't go deep enough. I wanted to read about their personal ... lives; the things that we REALLY wanted to know about. What about all these guys Beyonce have been romantically linked to such as Kobe Bryant, Jay-Z, Eminem, Mos Def, just to name a few. And what about that rumor about Beyonce being pregnant and having an abortion last year and who got her pregnant? What about ex-member Farrah Franklin saying in a magazine that Michelle is really miserable and unhappy being in that group but tolerates it for the fame and fortune and because she wont like herself if she is not in Destiny's Child. She also said the only reason Kelly gets treated half way decent is because she is a realtive. Also, when disucssing the drama with ex-members Toya and Tavia they never made themselves look like the bad guys in any situation. Beyonce mentions her parents brief separation but didn't really go into detail about what led to it. They call themselves survivors but that is a strong word to use to describe these young, rich and famous glamour girls that have survived nothing worse than than acne, weight gain(Beyonce), bullies (Michelle), losing friends (group members), dead beat dad (Kelly), criticism, and jealousy; it hardly qualifies you as a SURVIVOR. No one in the group has suffered any kind of real abuse, life threatening illneses, immediate family deaths, being homeless or hungry, trying to make a comeback after a failed career. Those are things TRUE suvivors go through. Don't be fooled, these girls didn't have it too badly. Beyonce grew up in a two parent home with a dad that adores her, a mother who loves her and aint never had to go without anything even before the fame. Her parents dropped their lives to help her pursue her dreams which paid off for all of them. Either the title of the book is too heavy or maybe they held back on the real pain and heartache they have survived, who knows. My review was a little harsh but I really love these girls and wish them all the success in the world. I think Beyonce is has a lot of soul within herself and in her voice that has been hidden to gain pop appeal. I think she should sing more songs that have that deep soul feeling, more like Aretha or Patti. she has a beautiful soulful voice and can really sing. Kelly seems free sprited and care free, sort of like a wild but fun girl. Michelle seems like the sweet one who will go witht he flow to avoid drama. Yeah, these ladies make me proud.

They are truly "Soul Survivors"
I am loving the Official Autobiography. The ladies have given us something that no other person can give us. They tell us the up and down sides of their life. How they grew up just like the normal human beings. Also Kelly Rowland tells us about the absent father in her life. I must say if you want the truth you need to get the book. I will not give away any secrets to the book. You just have to read it for yourself. I am so proud of the ladies and they are truly "Soul Survivors" in my opinion!
God Bless Destiny's Child :)

very good book
the book is very good i want to read over and over again and i like how they put pictures in the middle of the book and they talk about their child hood but they talk to much about the break up but not the future and what they have accomplished as a group with out the other members but i would recomend this book

So-So...
I was at a book store, and I found it for six dollars in hardback condition. Me, being the Destiny's Child freak that I am, jumped at the chance to buy it for such an inexspesive cost. There was NO WAY that I was going to pass this offer up! It is a really easy book to read. The only part that I didn't like about it, was that the book was mostly about the break-up and make-up of Destiny's Child. It is a great book, but I just wish they would have told us a little bit more. I reccomend this for the collector, but not too much for the reader!

It's Pretty Good
I enjoy Destiny's Child, and I thought it would be interesting ot read about them. It was a good book mostly, and you learn a lot about these three members, like their childhood, early life, school years, how they joined Destiny's Child, and more. What was strange to me was the title of this book. I really am not sure that these three rich woman who are famous all around the world are really "soul survivors". What did they survive? Sure, they lost three group members but that's about it. Another thing that bothered me was that the book was mostly Beyonce this, Beyonce that. She did most of the writing, or should I say talking because they just told their story to James Patrick Herman, who actually wrote it. Also, it seems like the book is mainly about her. So what, she writes their songs and is their (Destiny's Child) lead singer. It dosn't mean she should always get all of the attention! Overall, the book is great, but I think big Destiny's Child fans would like it the most. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (12)

Wanting More
While this is an interesting read - giving readers a long listing of events in this short,tragic life. There is almost no "feel" for what made Gram tick -or how he came posess the unique powers and vision to be a pioneer in his musical genre. The events of his life are detailed - but without a feeling for how or why the events affected him the way they did. I still don't really know why he was so tormented or how it was such a tortured soul could feel his way clear to writing a song like Hickory Wind. I intuit that he was so much more than a "trust fund" hippie- A person such as this who had the vision to meld rock and country music and have a feel for the true essence of country - must have had a strong feeling for the essential purity of it - but this book offers very little insight. I still recommend the book for what I assume is an accurate telling of the facts.

ahem, there are no facts
this is not so much a review as a query/commentary on Michele Parker's review: morphine is a analgesic or pain killer, and i dont think it can have any theraputic or curative effect on heart trouble; in fact morohine (all opiates) suppress normal respiratory function, causing asthma and other ailments. however i am not very worldly, and it may be the case that a person, specifically a celebrity could be prescribed morphine for a eczema.
anyways, the book is informative and interesting. buy it and then buy some other stuff, then destroy it and buy it again.

Great subject matter, unfocused writing
Gram was a fascinating character, but this book didn't really hook me the way the music does, and that's a let down. While not worthless, the writing seems extremely well researched but carelessly assembled, almost as if it were a string of magazine articles. Facts are introduced and re-introduced in an inelegant fashion, the author descends to first person unnecessarily, and jarringly illogical metaphors are stretched to the breaking point. Even more disappointing, the well collected facts and perspectives surrounding Gram's death are hard to follow and make drawing conclusions an academic exercise.
Gram Parsons was a singer of rare quality and luminosity. It's a shame that such a well-researched book turns out to be so devoid of luster.

Lived fast, died young, left some great music
While there's a lot of his music that I've enjoyed, I've always been a little wary of the cult-of-personality that's surrounded Gram Parsons and his music. Ben Fong-Torres' biography about Parsons only reinforces this wariness; he had talent, sure, but he was also a grandmaster at screwing up the good things in his life. He had an enormous ego and an appetite for chemical recreation that seems upon reading to have been limitless. Who knows what could've happened if he'd partied a little less and moved music to the forefront of his life a little more? Fong-Torres may hold Parsons in high regard, but this doesn't prevent him from showing his subject's less admirable sides.

It also doesn't prevent him from showing that when Parsons really worked at it, what resulted was some of the best music that still resonates today. "Brass Buttons," "She" and the song that gives the title for this biography are today considered to be country ballad standards of the first stripe by many, and they deserve that honor. And if he wasn't necessarily the "father" of "country rock," Parsons certainly was one of the first to show that country with a rock attitude made for some great music. All you have to do is listen to his posthumous "Grievious Angel" collection for proof of that.

Fong-Torres spends less time on Parson's music than on his personal travails, but that's probably because the latter managed to undermine the former more often than not. That said, HICKORY WIND effectively displays the life of a guy who could've been a contender and, as it is, remains a lasting presence in the world of music.

good info of minor star
Biography of minor rock star Gram Parsons who influences many more past his death than while he was living The book does include alot of information and is not exactly focused he led an interesting life and his circumstances such as his "trust fund" being around the Stones and Emmylou Harris are interesting ... Read more

Amazon.com

A blend of rambling biography and encouraging success story, Gut Feelings will take you right into the nitty-gritty of Carnie Wilson's life and the mysteries of gastric bypass surgery. If you think a similar surgery may be in your future, there is a lot to learn from this book--Wilson presents the gory details unflinchingly, and separate appendices from four specialists address more general questions and answers. Wilson's casual tone and conversational asides will make you feel like you're getting to know a new friend; that is, a new friend with a roller-coaster life and a habit of using curses as adjectives. She's frank and animated, with no real illusions about her strengths and weaknesses, but the repeat discussions of matter-of-fact drug use may distract some readers from the real story. Ultimately, the surgery is an interesting success, and professionals in health-related fields, as well as prospective patients, may find the specifics of one person's experience useful. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (35)

A great book for patients and caregivers
Most of us know the plight of Carnie Wilson's weight. Now she has finally written the book we all have been waiting for. Her book tells about her successful journey, warts and all. As a mental health counselor, I applaud her and Spotlight Health with presenting a most informative book which includes interviews with both a bariatric surgeon, nutritionist, endocrinologist and psychologist. Some people see gastric bypass as an easy way out to loose weight. Believe me, as a patient, it is not. She avidly describes this and how life will change for the patient and their loved ones. I greatly appreciate the important emphasis on the psychological aspects. They go hand in hand. Also, this book gives your support and caregivers an idea of what you will be going to go through and how they can better support you. I would like to see every doctor, patient, and candidate for surgery to read her book before either making the decision for surgery or as a guideline for post-op conditions that may come up. It is even indexed for ease of looking up something. A trendsetting book and a wonderful read .

very interesting autobiography
I don't usually read autobiographies, but this is one I couldn't put down. Carnie was so open and honest about her life.
Some people may find her language offensive, but if you aren't bothered by a certain 4 letter word, then you should be okay.
This book will open your eyes to what Carnie and millions of other overweight individuals have to deal with every day. Her surgery was certainly not the easy way out. After the surgery it takes hard work and dedication to acheive the goal of weight loss. My only drawback in rating this book is that there is more of Carnie's story to tell. And since I am not interested in the surgery I found the Q&A section to be something I didn't need to read. If Carnie writes a follow up to this book, I will certainly take the time to read it.
Buy this book if you are interested in Carnie, and/or interested in bypass surgery!

Loved It !
Funny, intelligent. Carnie is a true inspiration. Creative, and wonderfully written.

Uplifting, Humorous & Heartfelt Book
Especially for someone who has gone through WLS, this book is a wonderful read. Carnie Wilson's writing style is down to earth, never too technical, and always heartfelt. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even for people who have merely struggled with weight and not had WLS, I highly suggest reading this book!!

Wow! A look into Carnie's life is very intriguing!
The instant I got this book, I began to read it, and I finished it in less than a day. This is a great autobiography because she doesn't really censor or edit, and that's what I loved about it! It's a great read!! look into it! ... Read more

Book Description

After skyrocketing to fame with their hit single "Uh Huh," B2K seemed to have it all. But barely two years later the four friends succumbed to a rift so deep that three of them stopped showing up for sold-out shows. Lead singer Omari Grandberry was left with the intimidating prospect of facing their fans alone.

In this intimate memoir, Omarion chronicles his Los Angeles childhood, how B2K came together, the ups and downs of instant brotherhood, the struggles of making it in entertainment, what really happened in the final days of B2K, and what's next for him -- including starring inthe Fat Albert movie, and more. Here is the story of a boy with the gift of song and dance raised in some of L.A.'s toughest neighborhoods, and how he ditched his "underage thug" complex topursue his dream. Along the way, Omarion shares a more personal side, including his deep respect for the women who raised him and the roots of his spiritual foundation.

In O, he once again takes center stage, revealing himself to be a thoughtful, funny, multifaceted artist with the talent and drive to make it on his own. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

CRAPOLA
OMG!

This is the worst piece of crap I have ever read...It's obvious that he had someone write this for him because he's not very intelligent, and it comes off as being too deep which he is not....I am sick of hearing how talented he is....how many instruments does he play??????? Personally I think he is a menace to all teenagers, who, because of him will think they too can become famous without any talent, just have good engineers in the studio to make you sound good.....

He needs to stick to one thing and try to do it as best as hecan....he wouldn't make it the first day on American Idol.

This book should go to all the homeless shelters to be used as toilet paper!

Omarion Is soooooooo Hotttttttttttttt
roses are red Violets are blue this Cd is hot and u need to buy it to

tHiS Cd Is oN FIRE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ROSES ARE RED VIOLETS ARE BLUE THIS CD IS HOT AND YOU NEED TO BUY IT TO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IF THEIR WERE MORE STARS TO RATE IT I WOULD PUT 10

Very Good
Reading this book makes you help understand what happened between Omarion and B2K.The book shows the struggles he made through life and the struggles with B2K.It also shows how B2K met, and what his goals were before B2K.The experiences he writes about is real interesting to read about.The book is a must read if you are an Omarion or B2K fan.Also, there are many nice pictures in the book, along with some surveys and questions.

i love omarion
i absolutely love omarion he is my world he wrote this book from the heart and i feel everyone should read it i will continue to support omarion in everything he does.


love omarions1fan ... Read more

Amazon.com

Clay Aiken, the undeniably talented American Idol runner up and self-proclaimed "nerdy, geeky, momma's boy" (and boy, does he love to talk about his momma), has written a strange hybrid of memoir, self-help and religious testimony--and in spite of it being so slight that it feels like it will float right out of your hands--he almost pulls it off. Learning to Sing is a book only his most rabid fans (and admittedly, there are millions of 'em) will be able to fully embrace.Anyone looking for American Idol dirt will have to go elsewhere, as Aiken always takes the high road,whether discussing his Idol experience (given surprisingly short shrift), the torment and damage done by the bullies of his youth, or his fractious, difficult relationship and ultimate estrangement from both his birth father and stepfather.When recounting the origin and progression of his true passion--teaching special needs children--his sincerity and dedication feels real and admirable.Towards the end of Learning to Sing, Aiken's writing teeters from subtly spiritual to zealously polemic, but surely there are worse things for young people (and some adults) to be exposed to than a wildly successful entertainer advising them to embrace their inner nerd, find and follow their passion and treat others with respect and kindness. We should all be so nerdy. --Terry Goodman ... Read more

Reviews (45)

A slice of Southern history
This is one of those rare biographies that transcend its subject. The rise of Elvis is fascinating and true Elvis fans will find a wealth of information in the book, but there is also much more to take from this well researched tome. The discussion of the music of Memphis, the sources that influenced Elvis and the rise of rock and roll make this book a terrific addition to anyone's library who is interested in music or the south.

The relationship between Presley and his many women is discussed here and so is the complex interaction between him and his family. Perhaps his most interesting relationship is with his manager, Colonel Parker. How that relationship shaped his career certainly makes for an interesting read. The author does as fine a job as I have ever seen of documenting his sources and treating his subject with respect, but not awe. This is one of the best bio's I have ever read. I highly recommend this book to students of Elvis, pop music, the south or to anyone looking to be exposed to a world that no longer exists.

Elvis 101
"Last Train to Memphis" and its sequel, "Careless Love", make a deeply engrossing, carefully researched, finely written biography of Elvis Presley.

Author Peter Guralnick took eleven years to exhaustively research sources and interview people who knew Elvis personally and would tell their firsthand experiences. Guralnick's scholarly approach automatically eschews any hint of the fan adoration that can taint celebrity biographies. Guralnick might even have erred on the dry side rather than the juicy or dishy side of the story. This is all to the good, because Elvis' life story, a fantastic, zany, epic arc through American pop culture, is one that needs no embellishment and is served well by a measure of journalistic restraint.

Guralnick made a wise choice with the two-book format, because in Elvis' life there was a distinct "Rise and Fall." "Last Train to Memphis" is the rise: "Careless Love" is the fall. In each volume, Guralnick reveals much not just about Elvis, but about the people who were his family and closest friends and how their actions and relationships to him and to each other shaped Elvis into the man he became.

Accounts of his school days, his early days as a musician, his early girlfriends, and his family life all flesh him out as a human being and penetrate the shell of celebrity to offer a three-dimesional glimpse of the individual and his own ideas and aspirations and insecurities. The first volume ends with the death of Elvis' mother, a loss that sent him into the first tailspin of many, from which he never seemed to recover.

After reading this volume, you will be hooked on the story and will want to immediately begin the second volume, which is much darker and sadder as the King's world starts to unwind, chronicling his spiraling drug habit and his battles both public and personal. The second volume is catalogued and reported as dispassionately as the first, so that the same unblinking honesty that gave "Last Train" such sparkle and joy reveals the true depth of Elvis' isolation without having to resort to hyperbole.

Guralnick said it himself; that the rise to fame and the person were larger than life, and so too was the decline larger than life. It's an ending that leaves you feeling sad that what began so brightly should end so awfully.

I read these books because I knew very little about Elvis and wanted to know his life story, and they are a deeply satisfying and very credible account of the King's life. I can't imagine that there is a better bio out there for anyone who wants to study Elvis 101.

Guralnick Gives Us Back the Music!
Peter Guralnick -- with both love and meticulous scholarship -- has written a supremely ethical work of cultural archaeology.

With meticulous care and fairness -- but with no sugarcoating whatsoever -- he excavates Elvis out of the layers of rumor, innuendo, and mystery that have conspired over the years to make him a caricature and a joke rather than a human being.

Gurlanick gives us back the artist (who first thrilled me on 78s) and exorcizes so much of the snobby and dismissive trashy gossip (Goldman) that has obscured Elvis for almost 40 years.

I don't mean that a saint emerges. No way. But in Guralnick's telling, a brilliant musician and excruciatingly vulnerable human being pushes aside the fat guy in the gold Vegas suit.

The result? The music -- in all its glory and raw excitement -- returns to take its rightful and deserved place.

The best books (with Guralnick's 2nd volume) about rock and roll ever written.

Fascinating History
This is a book for those who love American music, not those looking for lurid scandal. Guralnick's respectful yet honest history of Elvis's rise to fame is endlessly engrossing. Not only do we meet Elvis, Gladys, and Vernon in the years before the myths took over, we meet lesser-known yet facsinating characters as Sam Phillips, the idealistic founder of Sun Records, and Dewey Phillips, the eccentric DJ who first played Elvis on the air. As Guralnick presents Memphis in the 50's, it seems so real one almost feels as though it could be visited today.

You don't have to be an Elvis fan to enjoy this biography.

Outstanding - as if the author and Elvis were Siamese twins
One of the best biographies I have ever read. Detailed, sensitive, written with just the right mix of empathy and detachment a biographer needs. I know two people who are about Elvis' age and grew up with him. Both of them say that the chapters dealing with the King's upbringing in Tupelo and his years at the Lauderdale Courts read like they have been written by someone who grew up with him. If you have only the slightest interest in Elvis, Memphis, Southern history, or American popular culture, buy this book. ... 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 fascinating life of an Italian American icon.

The mob couldn't live with Jimmy Roselli and it couldn't live without him. Roselli is Hoboken's other great singer, and to a greater degree than Frank Sinatra, Roselli maintained his ties to his old neighborhood and its people--indeed, he made a career of those ties. He's their link to their cultural heritage and Italy, and continues to sing a good half of his repertoire in Italian. But this didn't stop his wiseguy following from getting angry at him from time to time.

"When I started singing big," Roselli told biographer David Evanier, "the tough guys were in the front row with the big cigars. They loved me so much they wanted to kill me. But their mothers and sisters and their wives wouldn't allow it." Roselli sang his best-loved song, "Little Pal," at John Gotti, Jr.'s wedding reception. Mobster Larry Gallo was buried with a Roselli record in his hands. "Hell of a guy," Roselli says of Gallo. "Nice, warm individual."

Hoboken's unsung singer feuded with Sinatra, stood up to shakedown artists, befriended godfathers, and now has thirty-six recordings in print. A captivating story of a brilliant entertainer, Making the Wiseguys Weep is also a colorful portrait of Italian American culture from the 240 saloons that lined Hoboken's streets to the bright lights of New York City. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

The author speaks
I am the author of "Making the Wiseguys Weep." The reactions to my book have been extremely gratifying. Probably the most moving tribute came from the reader who called me the "Dante of the Italian-American community." I think that anyone interested in the Mafia or who loves "The Sopranos" would want to read my accounts of Gyp de Carlo, Carlo Gambino, Sam Giancana and John Gotti, among many others. Jimmy Roselli is not only the "sweetheart of the mob" but an amazing singer who is considered the soul of the Italian-American community. Martin Scorsese featured his voice in "Mean Streets." After writing the book I was told by a disc jockey in New Oreleans that Norjo's, the Italian grocery in New Orleans, features behind its counter pictures of the Pope, Sinatra and Jimmy, and CD's of Roselli and Sinatra. In addition, it's important to note that Frank Sinatra had only one true rival in terms of a great voice, and that was--and is--Jimmy Roselli. It was a joy to discover a great singer, someone who deserved far greater recognition, and who, thanks to my book and the movie planned about it, is finally receiving it. There are many great Italian-American singers: Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Louis Prima, Bobby Darin and Jerry Vale among them. No one is more unique than Jimmy Roselli. No one has more passion. Check out "Making the Wiseguys Weep" and some of Roselli's truly great albums: "3 A.M.," "The Best of Neapolitan Songs," "The Italian Album," "Jimmy Roselli," "When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New," and "What is A Song." You will never, ever, forget them. Vincent Patrick, critic of the book for the "New York Times," Sammy Cahn, Joe Pesci, who loves Roselli and wants to play him, Chazz Palmintieri, and John Gotti, among others, will attest to that.

I am the author of "Making the Wiseguys Weep"
I'm the author of "Making the Wiseguys Weep." The reactions to my book have been extremely gratifying. Probably the most moving tribute came from the reader who called me the "Dante of the Italian-American community." I think that anyone interested in the Mafia and loves "The Sopranos" would want to read my accounts of Gyp the Collar, Carlo Gambino, Sam Giancana and John Gotti. Jimmy Roselli is not only the "sweetheart of the mob" but an amazing singer who is considered the soul of the Italian-American community. After writing the book, I was told by a disc jockey in New Orleans that Norjo's, the Italian grocery in that city, features behind its counter pictures of the Pope, Sinatra and Jimmy, and, beside the olive oil from Italy, CD's of Roselli and Sinatra. In addition, it is important to note that Frank Sinatra had only one true rival in terms of a great voice, and that was--and is--Jimmy Roselli. It was a joy to discover a great singer, someone who deserved a far greater recognition, and who, thanks to my book and the movie planned about it, is finally receiving it. CNN's "Newstand" and ABC's "Good Morning America" have featured the book with profiles of Jimmy. Check out "Making the Wiseguys Weep" and some of Roselli's great albums: "3 A.M.," "Best of Neapolitan Songs," "The Italian Album," "Jimmy Roselli," "When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New," and "What Is A Song." You will never, ever, forget them. Sammy Cahn, Joe Pesci, who loves Jimmy and wants to play him in the movie, Chazz Palminteri, and John Gotti, among others, will attest to that.

Where's the movie?!
I read Making The Wiseguys Weep 4 times. It had me captivated from beginning to end. I was not aware of Jimmy Roselli's music before reading it, but picked it because I am Italian-American and wanted a compelling mafia story. This book paints a picture so vivid of Italian-American culture, the life and times of the "good ol' days" and the amazing experiences of Jimmy Roselli. It made me track down some Roselli albums for his talent is amazing.
I read that this would be adapted into a movie starring John Travolta called Standing Room Only directed by Gus Van Sant. As of now, it has not been made, and I read an interview with Mr. Van Sant from mid-2003 saying that it is a possibility that the film will indeed be made. I want to know any information about this movie! I am unaware of it being in production and if it is, I absoloutly cannot wait to see it! Travolta would be terrific as Mr. Roselli.

like casino profits, best used by skimming
This book has much to recommend it. It provides insight into the aftermath of the profliferation of rock in the '60s---the virtual banishing to the wilderness of talented performers committed to, in my opinion, songs on a much higher level than those penned and sung by many of the musically less-than-literate '60s icons. Both songs crafted by Berlin, Porter, et al and the performers who delivered them with depth of feeling and well-honed craft were suddenly visciously shunted aside by both kids caught up in rebellion (somewhat understandable given the times, hell, I was one of them) and profit-driven record companies (sickening and unforgiveable). Gifted singers like Tony Bennett, Roselli, and many others were pretty much hung out to dry as American culture took a nose dive it has yet to recover from ... . This phenomenom, the steamrolling of America's great song book and its interpreters, is well documented in chapter 6 here.

Evanier also casts the light well on Roselli's sentimentality toward wiseguys as family that supplanted that of his biological family, and does a good job of explaining why Roselli kept coming back for more punishment, exposing and analyzing his frailties and rationalizations. He also does manage to take us into the Copa or other saloons and relive the excitement, the raw emotional power, the connection with his audience which made Roselli special. All commendable.

But I must confess disappointment. ... In the book ... the reminiscences of his wife and running buddies get repetitive and old awful fast. The key points are made, and made well early in the book, and after that there's some coasting and page filling. It goes on longer than it has to. As for Roselli himself, what at first reads like admirable [bravery] in standing up to the "boys", blowing off Ed Sullivan, etc., soon turns into tiresome tirades of self-justification and egotism. Ironically, he comes off as petty, mean, and self-important at times as his purported hated arch-rival, Sinatra. (This is not, of course, Evanier's fault) ... I have to hear Roselli sing (which the book did make me want to, a definite plus).

Pay close attention up to chapter 6, then skim like you were a boss controlling the slots in a classy joint in Atlantic City.

Great Book
Five more stars to David Evanier for writing a great story on Jimmy Roselli. After reading the reviews, some people feel that Jimmy is not the greatest person in the world, but I think we can all agree that he is one of the best singers who's story is a story of interest and it was superbly told by David Evanier. ... Read more

Amazon.com

On the heels of Peter Guralnick's acclaimed two-volume study of the rise and fall of Elvis Presley (Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love) comes a book that chronicles the same epic tale in a manner that's far less weighty than the preceding tomes, but almost as telling. For this quick-hit chronology of the Elvis story, Guralnick and his collaborator, archivist/record producer Ernst Jorgensen, were given access to 35 tons of Presley flotsam that included everything from his first income tax return to a mother lode of unpublished candids. Freed from a narrative structure, the authors chronicle the cultural icon through snippets that capture the mundane (Elvis gets his first Tupelo Public Library card, February 13, 1948) and remarkable (Elvis enlists in the battle against drugs when meeting President Nixon in the White House, December 21, 1970). Little by little, the fragments fit together to form the picture of a man hurtling toward the precipice (March 24, 1977: "Elvis's stage wardrobe is limited to two jumpsuits that he can fit into"). In this sense, Day by Day's scrapbook appearance is deceiving; this is serious business, indeed. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (8)

How information for book was obtained
A previous reviewer questioned how the writers could know what Elvis was doing from day-to-day. Just a clarification...the authors had full access to the Elvis archives that house artifacts from the entertainer's life, including 60,000 photographs, 4,000 pieces of wardrobe, stacks of furniture, and more than a MILLION pieces of paper.

The archives are located in 5 warehouses not open to the public and the authors were granted rare access to the archives.

The public usually only sees the "hot" items such as the flashy outfits and gold records. But the housed artifacts include items such as grocery receipts from Tupelo, Army leave papers for some R&R in Paris, casual notes, canceled checks, furniture invoices from when Elvis decorated Graceland and other odds and ends.

Obviously, no one person is going to know exactly what Elvis did everyday of his life but with as many items that have been archived, the authors give a more fuller picture of Elvis' life than you might expect.

Discover all 16,217 days of Elvis Presley's life.
Ernst Jorgensen and Peter Guralnick have really out done themselves. Thanks should go to the Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. for being cooperative and allowing this precious book to be made. You can almost literally follow all the living days of Elvis. This book covers his family history, and from the day of his birth a day by day listing (like a diary) of what Elvis did in his personal life leading to his destined professional life. Whom he made friends with, movies he would stay up to see all night, when a certain song was recorded and released, what TV shows he appeared on and where he performed before making it big, his movie deals, it's all here. Every account of his life. Now you can follow the 16,217 days of his life. 42 years and 220 days of his wonderful life and the entertainment he gave to us. There are 487 photos inside this book with 337 of Elvis Presley. The two most interesting "unknown" facts in this diary that I enjoyed reading and certainly raised an eyebrow were the two dates of April 17, 1963 and November 22, 1963. On April 17, 1963, for a party at Graceland, what did Elvis order for food and beverage? On November 22, 1963, who was Elvis with and what were they doing on that tragic, historic day? Read this book to find out and buy it for your very own home personal library.

My Favorite B-S book of all time
Aahhhhh finally my favorite!
A wonderful personal daily diary on Elvis!

I have just a few questions:
Just how would these two "Elvis wonders" know what went on EVERYDAY of Elvis life?
Were they there with Elvis every moment?
Were they a fly on the wall in a past life?
Did a psychic tell them EXACTLY what happened to Elvis and when?
Maybe they were Elvis reincarnated?

If these men knew Elvis' daily happenings, they would have to be at least 10 years old in 1935, to remember anything ... and that would make both men around 76 in age, right?

ONLY ELVIS CAN WRITE HIS DIARY --- NOT THE MASTERS OF THE ELVIS UNIVERSE!

Elvis is....Elvis
Elvis Day By Day is not perfect. The depth of the book doesn't match say, The Beatles Anthology and it could have. It doesn't have the striking pictures that other books in the genre do. But let's not get to critical. Ernst Jorgensen has almost singlehandedly revitalized the music of Elvis into mainstream America and Guralnick, while not always perfect has presented an accurate image of Elvis. Many little things add interest to this book. These include the many photos of documents that Elvis signed. Also, some unreleased and rare photos.I could have suggested more quality photos and experiences from the 68-72 era. The day by day in these years could have been better chronicled, in my opinion. I thought the picture of Elvis on stage live with Tom Jones was quite neat and worth the price of the book. Overall this book is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed it and any fan will be delighted to have it on their coffee table. Kevin Hogan, ...

The 'Definitive' Elvis history book.
I initially bought this as a gift, but ended up keeping it myself. This is not your typical rock star coffee book with the same rehashed Elvis tidbits regurgitated over and over again.

From the very 1st pages you will learn more about Elvis's family that has ever been told. The records are more than just accurate, their are TONS of factual pictures and documents that have been scoured up from all of the Presley family and elsewhere. It is outsatnding! For the devout Elvis fan, I guarantee you will learn new tidbits, especially his early life in highschool, how many times they moved, and ALL the odd jobs he had.

The day-to-day history is simple to read, and full of very amazing trivia. Short enough to keep you interested, yet very detailed. The only con I have with this book is that it lists many of his early booking dates, with no more than the location and those get a bit tedious after a while.

The pictures throughout the book are amazing. Never have I seen a collection of Elvis pictures, and I'm sure many of them have never been in print before. The occasional full page 'splash' pictures capture The King in all his splendor from different periods of his life, whereas this book can almost be considered an art/photography book. (I really liked his judo poses throughout the years in his different costumes backstage-amusing)

In addition to the life of Elvis, we see the corresponding day by day accounts of Col. Tom Parker, Priscilla, Vernon, Gladys, and tons of other characters that somehow would come to touch Elvis's life. Truly a treasure, you will not be disapointed with this book at this price! Now I gotta buy another one as the first gift I intended it to be. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Photos Alone Make This an Excellent Book to Own!
Mary Anne Cassata has compiled a true fan's book about one of America's most interesting and endearing popular culture icon: Cher. It contains more than 200 pages of Cher images over the years and that in itself is a trip down memory lane. From the early days to the release of "Living Proof" the book is a plethora of information and fun tidbits. My only gripe is the factual errors, or opinions stated as fact that appear in the book. However, let's not quibble. All is well-intentioned, and overall it is a Cher fan MUST HAVE!

Kudos to a job well done and now everyone should rush to order it.

- Thomas

A must have for all Cher fans !
I admit that I was a bit skeptical when I bought this book but to my surprise this was a fantastic book. It is filled with tons of pictures and information about Cher's life and career. I have been a fan since the Sonny and Cher show, collecting all kinds of memorbelia and this had information in it that I never knew before. It is a true must have for any Cher fan !

A great Testamony
A Great Testamony to Chers Awesome Career! A must have.

Great Photos, Great Stories, and CHER GREAT OVERALL
This book was great. Going over the life of one of world's favorite people...CHER. The collection of photos and stories of the icon was awesome. I love the book and I can't put it down, cause it's so good.

"Cant Put It Down" !!!
Finally die hard Cher fans can now own a book with all the answers to the qu