Book Description

Lea como es que el animador y periodista Guillermo Descalzi sobrepaso su guerra contra las drogas y el alcohol.Un libro realmente imapactante. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Up and downs of Descalzi
I bought this book out of curiosity after hearing and learning that Guillermo Descalzi was living as a homeless person in Washington DC, but unfortunately this book is more about Guillermo's carreer as a TV Journalist, the world events he covered while working for SIN and Telemundo and his personal view about where God should be in our life. I did not particular enjoy the last section of the book where he goes into an extensive explanation of the relationship between God and Man and the way how he feels a person should live in relation to God.

I was hoping to get more of an insight of his experiences while he was living as a drug addict and homeless person and how he was able to overcome his addiction.

This book is Okay if you are interested in learning the world events and the person Descalsi interviewed and his personal opinion about religion.

El Principe de los Mendigos
El Principe de los Mendios (Prince of Paupers)is really like two stories. Imagine "Fisher King" meets "Broadcast News". This is the true-life memoris of Guillermo Descalzi. This story appeals to those that wish to know the behind the scenes story of world events. This story appeals to those that wish to know more about drug addiction, alcoholism and the plight of the homeless. This story appeals to those that wish to know how better to survive ones own demonds. This story appeals to those that wish help in finding happiness within themselves. Descalzi is the gracious host of Telemundo's Spanish TV newsmagazine show "Ocurrio Asi". His autobiographical story is one of trials, tributes, tribulations and ulitmat redemption. For many years he was a top rated TV journalist traveling the world and interviewing presidents, dictators, terrorists and victims of disaster. His fall from grace due to drugs, alcoholism, and depression eventually landed him on the tough streets of Washington DC, as a panhandler for almost two year. Like the Prodigal Son, he has triumphantly returned to us at last. We are most greatful for knowing him better through his book. I cant wait for it to be published in English, so that I may share it with my American friends.

El Principe de los Mendigos
Since meeting Guillermo in 1987, I've been his hairdresser, spent time with him in coffee shops and low key bars -- known for their ambiance. Not a single meeting took place without discussions of mind-blowing intensity. It was as if, so consumed were we in our quest, that we would self-destruct -- in our effort to remain true, committed to the fight and free of hypocrasy.

He covered the Gulf War and broke protocol by crossing over into "no-man's land" where he encountered thousands upon thousands of Iraqi's - mostly women and children fleeing the bombing. The effect of this left him totally shattered; unable to function - not only as an objective journalist; but a man in control of his emotions. He ended up as a drunkard, marijuana and cocaine addict -- living in squalour on the streets of Adams Morgan/Mount Pleasant, Washington, DC.

Even for that lifestyle; he still had it in him - the wherewithal to take care of some of his less capable comrades; even to the point of raising money to give one of them a decent burial; thus his arriving late for his scheduled interview with 60 Minutes.

He has since -- with the undying support of Enrique Gratas and others, turned his life around and is back in broadcast television conducting his own show Occurro Asi on Telemundo. This week, March 30, 2000 (last night) Guillermo retured to Washington, DC to promote his memoirs - El Principe de los Mendigos -- The Prince of the Beggars/street-people. I have never seen so many people attend a book reading at any bookstore before. Apparently 250 books were ordered and well over three hundred were called for . . . So many people felt cheated -- but not by Guillermo's captivating story-telling elloquence . . .

(When I asked him at the bookreading if he had mentioned that meeting with 60 Minutes in his book, he sadly reflected that he had not -- for it was uinlike any interview they had ever attempted to conduct before. He showed them up for the ratings hungry hypocrtical wolves they made themselves out to be; ultimately refusing them the interview . . .)

owen

Heroismo,digno de nuestra gente pujante .
Felicitaciones a este gran maestro de nuestros hijos y personas;que nos ayudan a ser mejores seres humanos aprendiendo de nuestras debilidades, convirtiendonos en fuertes luchadores con expiritu de triumfo.

GRAN HISTORIA.

DIEGO FELIPE.

EL GRAN VALOR DE COMPARTIR UNA GRAN LECCION!
El Príncipe de los Mendigos, es un testimonio personal, emotivo, llevado con tal maestría al papel, que sólo un gran periodista lo puede lograr. La novela nos deja muchas enseñanzas, tantas que, es imposible ennumerarlas. Confieso que compré el libro por curiosidad, y me llevé una sorpresa. Guillermo, es un ejemplo en mil sentidos, tanto positivos como negativos, y sobre todo ha tenido la valentía de compartir sus experiencias con nosotros. De revelar sus errores, sus vicios, sus caídas. Eso tiene mucho valor y solo se puede admirar y agradecer. Estoy segura que después de la lectura del libro, de alguna manera u otra, todos nos encontraremos reflejados en sus hojas. Es muy impresionante su historia ,hay que leerla, es la única forma de vivirla un poquito. FELICITACIONES GUILLERMO! Y a seguir adelante! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

316 Pages of America
This 316 pages of America isn't the America of the media or of Hollywood or of the headlines of shootings and money-grubbing, cheating and robbing, but of the REAL America. Of honest people and real places, of pride and honor and values that really count.

Here you'll meet the men who built the Golden Gate Bridge and a doctor who charges whatever his patients can afford. You'll learn about a woman who spends every day of her life cooking and feeding her neighbors because she wants to be a friend to man. These are the true nobility of our country, the real success stories of lives worthy of note and respect. In comparison to these, Bill Gates, Lee Iacocca, Ted Turner pale in significance.

These are lives fully lived, the promise of the individuals completely realized. They are the human evidence of what happens when a person does unto others as they would have others do unto themselves.

Sunnye Tiedemann (aka Ruth F. Tiedemann)

Wonderful summer read
Kuralt has a wonderful sense of humor. His wit shines through in every page of this book as he tells stories of Americana and his experiences while covering the news in Cuba, South America, Russia... His simple and descriptive style of writing flows by fast and I could vividly imagine his experiences. What were these experiences? Pick up the book. Suffice to say it spans from the story of a simple brick layer he met in rural america to a proud, grumpy soviet ex-pow who had been waiting 40 years to send a message to an old friend in America.

I put this book down with a great faith in humanity and a deep admiration for Charles Kuralt. He leaves you feeling that this world is filled with thousands and thousands of remarkable stories that are waiting to be discovered and that life is full of opportunities around every corner.

One of the best books I have ever read!
The genius of Charles Kuralt--and what makes this book great--is his ability to find insights from the smallest of things, which the rest of us would pass over on the way to more "important" matters. In some ways his life was extraordinary. But in other ways he led a rather conventional life, going from one greased pig competition to the next hoe-down on his rickety bus. He never walked on the moon, or cured a disease, or broke a batting record, or played at Carnegie Hall. But his insights into the simple experiences in life, from a field of wildflowers to the beauty of an autumn day, make A Life On The Road a book to cherish, and return to again and again. I can't recommend this book enough. America lost a true artist when Mr. Kuralt died. He probably never would have been so presumptuous to claim the title for himself, but that's what he was.

Enjoy taking the road with Charles Kuralt
If you ever liked Charles Kuralt's "On The Road" segments, you'll love this book. It's at times humorous, at times serious but always interesting and written with a measure of charm, wit and humility. I've gone back and re-read many chapters several times just for the joy of it.

Humorous and entertaining.
This book is outside my usual genre, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Although not an autobiography, the book does reveal how the late Charles Kuralt got started as a journalist, then moved to doing biographies of average Americans. Entertaining and witty, the book is fast paced and moving. The reader will be right there next to Kuralt and company as he has adventures in Cuba, South America, Asia, and finally right here in the United States. --James D. Umbach, Student (Government), CSU Sacramento ... Read more

Book Description

Meet Delta Burke--beloved star of Designing Women, accomplished actress, founding partner of Delta Burke Design, a sassy, glamorous actress for whom learning to live as a "real-size" woman has presented all kinds of opportunities.A beauty-pageant winner, Delta had a much-publicized weight gain during Designing Women and was the subject of press speculation and gossip.But as she started to come to terms with the fact that her body would always be full-figured, she found her fans loved her all the more, and the outpouring of support began to compensate for the emotional strain.

With wit, honesty, and directness, she discusses the pain she felt, her agonizing efforts to achieve a size 6 body, and her own journey to self-acceptance, which led her to found Delta Burke Design, a clothing company for the real-size woman.

Filled with inspirational, motivational advice, humorous anecdotes, and style tips from this nationally adored celebrity, Delta Style shows how positive thinking can transform your state of mind and give you the confidence to live up to your own--and only your own--expectations.

Beautiful Delta is a perfect role model for the millions of women who find coping with a real-size body requires strategy and acceptance, as well as for those captivated by her screen presence and smart, upbeat approach to life. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Enjoyable read
I thoroughly enjoyed Delta's book. While I normally would've been anything but interested in a woman who spent so many years in beauty pageants, I've always liked this actress. She was talented and hilarious on "Designing Women," and there was always something about her that let you know she was interesting, quirky, good-hearted, and strong. (She herself says she always knew pageants were a means to an end.) I was one of the people who sent her a letter of support when that ridiculous obession with her weight gain began. (And she sent back a lovely card of thanks.) Delta sort of had to go through it for all of us full-figured women first - through her experience, the media and U.S. as a whole seemed to realize for the first time that most women in this country are not a Hollywood size 0 (duh). I appreciate how she stuck out the difficult times and has stayed a beautiful person. Her book was a great mix of autobiography and style, makeup and clothing tips. I read it just after reading Carnie Wilson's homage to getting drastic surgery as a way to slim down, and while I realize that Delta was never as dangerously heavy as Carnie, it's such a relief to read about a full-figured woman who accepts herself as she is and is helping others do the same. Go Delta!

Want an enjoyable evening - read this book!
Great pictures - easy read.

Like Delta, I was a thin person for many years. I never knew the struggles of needing to shop in the "oh my god sizes" until I was about 35. What misery! Suddenly, there were no trendy, sexy, feel good clothes. At department stores I was told to go upstairs or to the basement to find my size. If I was lucky and the "women's sizes" were on the main floor they were usually right next to petites. And, once I located the department I was ALWAYS disappointed with the dowdy ugly merchandise! Delta acknowledges all of this because she lived it too.

After reading her book, which I did in one evening, I grew to appreciate her more for her heart than for her acting ability (which is great). This woman is a go getter and I'm glad she's out there designing clothing. What's really wonderful is that she's asking for our input. Finally, there is someone to listen to what we want in size 14 and up.

Just be yourself, big, small, or in between
Delta Burke has been a favorite of mine since I saw her on the HBO series 1st and 10. She has such a beauty about her, regardless of size. Her book tells about her life and struggles to meet everyone else's expectations. She didn't become comfortable with herself until she learned to accept herself for who she is. The first part of the book is dedicated to that search. I laughed and I cried along with her. To me, it took a lot for her to tell this story. I am not into the tabloids nor tabloid tv programming. I would much rather read about these things from the people involved.

She gives a lot of beauty advice and style advice in the second part. I did not always find her home formulas to be the best. Her tips, on style, however, I really enjoyed.

The thrid part, is a resource section that gives a lot of web sites. I really enjoyed surfing the sites listed.

The pictures of her family and throughout her career were enjoyable to me. Some of us can relate to these people and places. They are throughout the entire book.

Delta's way should be the way for all of us. Just be who we are, love ourselves for that, and let our inner beauty shine through. This book was really needed. Thank you, Ms Burke.

A book as great as the lady!
Ever since the 80s when Designing Women hit its peek I have adored Delta Burke. I have even had the pleasure of meeting her a time or two. Why it took me so long to get around to reading this book, I do not know. Even as an admirer of Ms. Burke I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I reads more like she's sitting in your living room telling her stories than stiff pages of an autobiography. Her personal style and sweetness come shining through in the pages. I could have lived without the beauty tips & dressing tips in lieu of more personal stories, but her shopping guide was a nice touch. There are lots of great pictures spanning her entire life. She is a true southern lady and a steel magnolia to boot.

Be yourself
I loved the book. I have always been heavy. I tried to lose weight for someone else not myself. At one time I did lose 50 pounds but I have put it back on and then some. Delta taught me to be myself and love myself for whom I am not how much I weigh. Her beauty tips were great also. I usually don't were make-up because I really don't now how to apply it. But Delta showed me how to be beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside. I have been wearing make-up and now I feel pretty. Thanks for always being there for the big girls. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A "Must Have" For Avid Autry Fans
This book is a "must have" for any Gene Autry Fan. It has great pictures from his movies and personal appearances. You also have a list and plot summary of all the movies, tv shows and a listing of all the songs he recorded. If you are into learning about America Favorite Cowboy, the trivia questions and answers are great. I highly recommend this book if you love Gene Autry. As the author says in his introduction, "chances are that you are an avid Autry Fan if you purchased this book". A Fitting Tribute to the Legendary Singing Cowboy.

The greatest book on Autry ever written!
This book is an absolute masterpiece. It is filled with thrilling insight, and I have read at least ten times through. It is great for film fans both young and old. There is no collection that is complete without it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Pufnstuf, Witchiepoo, Bugaloo, Hoo Doo--nonsense words to all but the initiated. And who are the initiated? Let's just say they're adults of a certain age who may harbor a secret nostalgia for a... land of living hats. Lidsville, that is, a "groove, groove, grooviest" place where everyone has flipped their lid and hats have come alive. Such was the wacky world that television impresarios Sid and Marty Krofft unleashed on a generation of schoolchildren in the early to mid 1970s. Likely there is many a corporate executive today who, under times of stress, may be heard to hum a little jingle to themselves: "H.R. Pufnstuff / Who's your friend when things get rough? / H.R. Pufnstuff / Can't do a little 'cuz he can't do enough!"

H.R. Pufnstuf, Lidsville, The Bugaloos, Land of the Lost, Far Out Space Nuts, and several others were Saturday morning television shows for children. All were colorfully populated by recognizable humans as well as actors in elaborate makeup, costumed fantasy characters, and outlandish puppets. Pufnstuf & Other Stuff takes a fond look back at these shows and evening programs, such as the Donny & Marie show, that also emerged from the prolific Krofft studios. Author David Martindale, who fits squarely into the age-group demographic for Krofft devotees, answers such potent questions as "Was Pufnstuf filled with double-entendre and punning drug references, even in the show's title, H.R. Pufnstuf?"(You'll have to read the book to find out.) Nostalgic grownups are the obvious audience for this book, but television and social historians will enjoy it, too. --Brenda Pittsley ... Read more

Reviews (15)

It's Puf-errific!
As a life long devoted fan to the works of Sid & Marty Krofft and creator of the "Unofficial Sid & Marty Krofft Web Site, I cannot image a more entertaining and in-depth book on their lives and their work. I was truly amazed at the amount of great information that I found in this book. The interviews with Sid Krofft are some of the best reading I have done in a long time. Quotes from Sid are found throughout the book and are always enlightening and fun to read. The behind-the-scenes insight that author David Martindale was able to achieve could not have been better. The list of Krofft-show alumni that David Martindale was able to interview while writing this book is an impressive list to say the least.

David Martindale has taken on the very ambitious task of detailing the colorful works of these '70s Saturday morning icons and has exceeded my wildest expectations. This is a *must read* for anyone who watched kids TV shows in the '70s! For even the casual Krofft fan I cannot recommend this book more highly. You absolutely will not be disappointed in this one!

Too cool for words
My sisters and I grew up watching Puf, Sigmund, Land of the Lost, and I could not contain my excitement when I found out there was a book about these shows. I read it in record time, and want to read it again, but I have to fight my sisters to get my copy back! I'm impressed by all the Krofft actors (and even behind-the-scenes people) who were interviewed for this book. Chuck McCann and Bob Denver talk about "Far Out Space Nuts", Ruth Buzzi on "The Lost Saucer," Bradys, Osmonds, Dr. Shrinker, ... I can't even count the number of times I laughed out loud. If you grew up on these shows like I did, this book will bring back lots of great and wacky memories!

Great little insights, author sounds like a jerk
I haven't finished reading it yet, but so far it's a good little coffee table book. Why I think the author sounds like a jerk: when he describes the Bugaloos, he says she's pretty and the blonde and brunette ones are handsome. What does he say about the the only Bugaloo you can tell what he is supposed to BEE? That he was black and that it's obvious by his brown and yellow stripes, he must be a bee. It was very disappointing for he deserved to be described as handsome too. So, if you can get by Martindale's biased descriptions, then you'll enjoy the non-descriminating facts.

Re-live your childhood
If you were a fan of any of these shows, like LAND OF THE LOST, BUGALOOS, SIGMUND & THE SEAMONSTERS or HR PUFF'N'STUFF, you will love this book. It goes into detail on how each show was made. Including EVERY SHOW Sid & Marty Kroft ever made. Some shows I was not a fan of, but I was even interested in reading those. It was written very well, and there are lots of cool pics. Also there is a listing of every episode of every show they made. VERY COOL!...

Tough sledding
Missed opportunity. Filled with restatements, self-serving quotes, warm and fuzzy verbiage, etc. Could have been condensed down to a 75 page book by a sharp editor. ... Read more

Amazon.com

You've got to give this to former CBS golf analyst Ben Wright: he can sure tell a story, and the further he shoves his soft-spiked foot into his mouth, the better the stories. His anecdotal autobiography flits back and forth between idolatry and wickedness, and at times his pen has no governor at all. Case in point: Wright idolized Ben Hogan. He even went AWOL from the British army in 1953 "shamelessly, though without a trace of guilt," he admits, because it was the only way he could get off base to see Hogan win the Open at Carnoustie. (It's hard to quarrel with that.) After teeing up several tales that firmly ensconce Hogan on his pedestal, Wright finally veers off this way: "These stories illustrate the kind of perfection, dedication and respect with which Gary McCord"--Wright's fellow CBS analyst, and a pretty funny guy in his own right--"was wholly unfamiliar." Fore! Wright then proceeds to launch into a tale of introducing McCord to Hogan, Hogan humiliating McCord when he finds out McCord's been on tour for 17 years and has no victories, and Wright, who clearly detests McCord, getting to gloat, "I told you so."

Wright likes to gloat; he does a lot of it in Good Bounces, and he's awfully entertaining--if somewhat small--when he does. He's also entertaining on the intricacies and personalities of CBS's golf broadcasts, and what an analyst must go through when he criticizes a player. When Wright kept chastising Peter Jacobsen's atrocious putting, Jacobsen claimed he'd exorcised those woes by mentally imaging Wright being hoisted from the TV tower by a helicopter and flown into outer space. Which is about where Wright ultimately wound up when he hooked his career into the drink with some out-of-bounds comments about women golfers, breasts, and lesbianism in 1995. He still offers a bagful of excuses for the incident that badly tarnished him, but he does treat it with appropriate seriousness and contrition. He makes no excuses, though, for the alcoholism that actually sunk him. Given the public nature of his disgrace, Good Bounces is something of a mulligan for Wright. As both raconteur and provocateur, he's made a pretty good shot of it. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Reviews (32)

No secret is sacred - no one is spared
Wright's book basically, after he gets through some obligatory stories about golf in England when he was young, is a tell all about most of the peole he has worked with at CBS Sports. If it is not a tell all, it will do 'til one comes around. Most of the problem is with alcohol...we hear of interventions, wild partys, stupid episodes of behavior...yet through it all...even after an intervention which sent him to Betty Ford...one of the staff told him before he left that he was not an alcoholic but an abuser of alcohol. What that distinction is remains lost to me but was understood by Ben. No matter. You wonder how CBS managed to produce a cohesive telecast of the Masters or any other tournament they were assigned to based on Ben's recollections. He also ran into some world travelers that he thought behaved badly. It is a "tell all" from one who is still in the dog house for telling all about his opinion of women's golf and the difference betwen the men's game and theirs. No matter that he had that just right,,,he was PC'd out and the world of golf broadcasting is the worse for it. I miss him behind the microphone, but the book goes a bit long.

All the bounces were good
Ben Wright does a superb job in taking mere golfing mortals behind the scenes of some famous, and some not so famous, tournaments to give an insight into LIFE in the golfing world. It is a page turner that had me howling with laughter as he strips bare the mystique behind both golf broadcasting and some of the peripheral characters that add to the colour of the sport. Of course in the true style that has endeared him to so many he also takes a few swipes at some brighter lights in the business of golf. Wright has an obvious deep love for the game but he does not let sentimentality get in the way of a good story. I am sure that he must have a stock of untold tales waiting to be let out of the closet and I look forward to the next installment from this very funny, very English and very lovable raconteur.

A GREAT Read
CBS, BRING THIS GUY BACK!If you want a good read that will absolutely make you CRY with laughter.This is the book for you...And you don't have to be a Golf fan to enjoy it.I always figured that stranged things happened behind the camera, but his stories will absolutely crack you up.It is definitely a MUST buy.

Intimate sharing of a life in golf
Wright is as witty and colorful as his broadcasts were.Gives an image of broadcasting which most of us aren't aware of.We sense the morals and ethics of these public individuals are different.Appreciated even more his love for the game and extreme pain the LPGA comments have brought upon him.Image is everything!

If you love golf, you will love this book
I am a fan of Mr. Wright's and I now have a deeper appreciation of what goes on behind those infamous telecasts. The sections on the Masters and the Ryder Cup shows all of us what it means to play for God and Country.Thanks for the great book Ben. ... Read more

Book Description

Biting the head off a bat, peeing on the Alamo, snorting a line of live ants... That's yesterday's news. Get the real dirt on Ozzy and his thermonuclear family in The Osbournes.The Osbournes: The Unauthorized !@#$-ing True Story of the Osbourne Family by David Katz and Michael Robin (Andrews McMeel Publishing, August 2002) is an account of Ozzy's impoverished childhood and adolescence, the birth of his musical career, the rise of Black Sabbath, his marriage to his first wife Thelma, his downward spiral into self-destruction and despair after being thrown out of Black Sabbath, and the unlikely intervention-and salvation-by Sharon Arden, the woman who loathed him at first sight but became the love of his life.The Osbournes also documents the genesis of the MTV series and places it in historical context with insightful observations on its predecessors in the realm of reality and "mockumentary" film and television genres. And of course, The Osbournes includes such vital Ozzy data as:Ozzy's Black Sabbath discography; Ozzy's solo discography; A head-to-foot "thinking man's guide to Ozzy's tattoos"; A "bleeped word count"-by episode-of the first season of MTV's The Osbournes.MTV's smash hit show The Osbournes is just the tip of the iceberg: this book will tell you what Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly, and Jack were doing before we started watching. The story of the Osbournes before they were The Osbournes is more outrageous and unbelievable than anything you've seen on TV. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Very informative !
Well put together and very informative. I have watched The Osbournes maybe a half dozen times and I have listened to Qzzy in my youth. It was very nice learning the little details that could only be found in book form.

(mumble) ozzy (mumble)
The world has been inundated with Ozzy books. This one is the best-looking of the bunch, and the funniest. It treats the Osbourne family as they seem to want to be treated: with humor and (albeit irreverent) respect.

Best Ozzy book
Of all the Ozzy books that have come out with the success of his TV show, this book is easily the best. It is the best written, the funniest, and the authors knew what parts of Ozzy's life would be most interesting to readers. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Portraits of Guilt has all the ingredients that fascinate and enthrall: there are tales of kidnapping, terrorism, and death, portraits of innocent victims, and manhunts for dangerous criminals. Add in the psychology of trauma, a crumbling marriage, and the fact that all the stories are true, and you have a book that's both edifying and mesmerizing. Once opened, it's nearly impossible to set back down.

Jeanne Boylan draws sketches of killers, and her talent is so rare that she's been called in on most every high-profile manhunt in the last couple of decades, from the Unabomber and the Polly Klaas kidnapping to the Susan Smith child drownings, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the murder of Ennis Cosby. What makes her unique has little to do with her artistic talent, however, and everything to do with her understanding of trauma and her interview technique. She talks to crime victims for hours, interspersing nonleading questions into easygoing conversations, teasing out true memories of the perpetrator's face and producing a picture that looks much more like the sought-after party than the usual police sketch. She reaches under the layers of pain and past the tainting photographs the police have shown to get at the pure image of the face that was seared into the brain of the witness at the moment of trauma.

Honest, sensitive, and engaging, Boylan narrates her own story--how she got started, why she feels driven to accept every case the FBI launches her way, the slow disintegration of her marriage, and the parallel progress of her career and personal growth. The focus of her book is not on herself, however, but on the cases she helped solve and the people she helped heal. Her sketches helpedcatch the man who kidnapped Polly Klaas; put behind bars the man who killed Justin Jones; and save the life of Ruth Mayer (the kidnappers had dug her grave and were about to kill her when they saw on the news how accurate the sketch was and released her). Boylan is slowly (very slowly) influencing the way police departments interview crime victims. And now she has written a first book that will glue you to your seat, lost in the world she so knowingly portrays. --Stephanie Gold ... Read more

Reviews (87)

The Elizabeth Smart case. Payment for patience.
I became interested in this author after seeing her speak about eyewitness memory on the Oprah Winfrey Show. I found the book, read it and then noticed a composite drawing in the Elizabeth Smart case that seemed to bear no likeness to the man arrested for the kidnapping. Jeanne Boylan's name was periodically associated with the case and I felt let down that she'd so badly erred in doing the less than stellar drawing. (Though now we know that the man was caught because the Smart family realized his religious name, announced it to the public and then were given real photos by the man's own family that were aired on TV which then resulted in his subsequent identification and quick arrest.)

Now, in more recent news reports, I found out that Jeanne Boylan actually interviewed the younger sister of Elizabeth about her memory of the abduction night and that the poor suspect drawing the media was showing was not from her interviews, but was from a local portrait person and was not taken from the little sister's sighting the night of the abduction but rather was taken from the family who knew the man and had spent many hours with him. Now I understood why the descrepancy.

I felt relief. I momentarily thought Jeanne Boylan had lost her skills. Now I understand the difference between her interview and the drawing that is now linked to the case but does not look like the kidnapper.

I look forward to the sequel of 'Portraits of Guilt' and to reading more about what happens to eyewitness's memories when the sightings are endured during moments of fright and fear and how that forces their vision very deep into the recesses of their mind as it did for Elizabeth's little sister.

Praise the Lord that with help and encouragement, Elizabeth's little sister finally remembered the religious name with the help of the loving Smart family, the apparently astute police and Jeanne Boylan who all had fiercely guarded the young child'sevolving memory while it was gradually surfacing so that the kidnapper was finally caught. Good things come to those who wait!

Excellent book about trauma and memory
I've read a lot of good books about healing from trauma and the effects trauma has upon memory.I've also read a lot of books about the fallibility of memory that do not correctly take into account the actual experience of the trauma.Jeanne Boylan has succeeded in writing the first book that accurately addresses both sides of the understanding of memory.She clearly illustrates the way that traumatic memory can be malleable in the presence of suggestion.It is through the insight of Jeanne Boylan's work that we can keep the innocent people out of jail and the guilty people can be handled accordingly.

She succeeds at what she does because she has both a natural ability and a deep understanding of trauma and memory.She also succeeds because she knows how to reach the heart.She works from her intuition as well as her logical understanding.Her kind and gentle nature is a true asset in the work that she does, and she could not achieve what she has achieved without it.In addition to all of this she has the added gift of being an incredible artist.Jeanne Boylan was born to do the work that she does; it is an inborn gift, which was further honed by her own personal experience of trauma and surviving a crime.

Jeanne Boylan describes traumatic memory as being like a fifty-cent piece that has been tossed below eight feet of water.The memory gets buried by the intense emotional trauma, but at the same time is locked into memory.As the emotions arise our minds protect us by blurring the image, like the movement of water.We can still see it, but it is distorted.With the right approach the memory of the trauma can be brought back to the eyewitness's conscious memory in it's original condition, just as the fifty-cent piece can be retrieved from the water fully intact.

Jeanne Boylan works with survivors to draw near perfect portraits of the criminals.Her technique is the art form.She says, "The answers to uncovering memory reside in understanding the powerful inner workings of the human mind-- and more importantly, in the power of the human heart. (p. 11)"She says "The higher the degree of personal trauma, the harder the mind works to discard or bury the image, but, also, the more likely it will have been encoded into memory in the first place, even if it is housed at a much deeper level of recall...Sometimes if we can coach the conscious mind to move aside we can still access the original untainted image--if there is reason enough for it to have been retained in memory. (p.13)" It is the release of emotions, no matter what form, that helps reach the image.She uses an interview technique, which brings the person into a safe space in order to access the memory without the emotions blocking it, and she uses carefully worded questions to prevent suggestions from distorting the original memory.

During her chapters about the devastating kidnap and murder of twelve year old Polly Klass, she provides new insight into how to recognize the veracity of an eyewitness account. She explains that when witnesses remember the trauma or the attacker differently that this is actually a sign that they are telling the truth because no two people remember an experience identically.The discrepancies help to validate and preserve the images and details of the memory for later needs (as long as suggestion has not been introduced).There is usually one stronger witness, however that witness will often have a degree of self-doubt that can be increased when she/he encounters discrepancies among the other witnesses. Jeanne Boylan was the first person on the case of Polly Klass to treat the witnesses (also twelve years old) with the validation and support that they needed.

The chapter about the abduction and torture of Sister Dianna Ortiz was the most powerful aspect of the book, for me.Anyone who has experienced a similar trauma will find a lot of healing and peace in reading this chapter.We watch Sister Dianna Ortiz work through the intense PTSD, become empowered, speak out and overcome the accusations that her experiences were a figment of her imagination.Sister Dianna Ortiz speaks of her healing, "Healing comes in many forms.I know I will always carry the memory of what happened to me on November second, 1989.For more than six and one-half years I have allowed my Guatemalan torturers and Alejandro to haunt me.Many times, I've felt like they danced within me.Many times I've felt that if I got close to anyone, I was going to contaminate them with the evilness that they left inside me.But today, I can sit here and say that that evil does not exist inside me anymore, and that is because of the work that I was able to accomplish with Jeanne Boylan. (p.282)...The images of my torturers and Alejandro have always stayed within me, and I have held myself responsible for the horrible things that happened on that November day, but today, because I was able, with the help of Jeanne Boylan, to put a face to these monsters, I can put them away from me.They no longer live in my soul.Until I faced them, I could never be free. (p283)"

In the next chapter called Awakenings Jeanne Boylan says, "Though I knew instinctively the importance of freeing a victim of the evil left from an attack, never before had I realized so clearly the emotional power that floods the soul when the residual grip of an assailant is finally loosened, and gently removed from the heart. (p. 286)"

Jeannie Boylan ends the book with the conclusion she left us wanting to hear since the Prologue.She weaves in her own experience, and powerfully does for herself what she has already done for so many others.

Found this book in "Oprah's Books"
I found this book on Oprah's website under "Oprah's Books" and think highly of her choices so ordered it. I'm happy I did. It was a fast moving, compelling read and gave me a view into a world I knew nothing about. I feel entertained, educated and wiser from reading it. What more could you ask... I endorse the book, author and Oprah's good taste.

Ahead of her time
I am a reseacher in the area of human memory.My university studies and thesis are in the area of crime victim recall and memory malleability.I was given Miss Boylan's book by a fellow doctoral student who said simply, "Read this.This woman gets it."

To my astonishment, this was true and to know that there is a woman struggling essentially all alone to enlighten police about the seriousness of memory malleability made me want to jump into the pages of this book and yell to the police she works with that there is scientific data backing up every word she says about this topic.

Miss Boylan unfortunately writes in too kind a fashion, seemingly concerned about offending the masses, but sometimes creating change requires the proverbial 2 X 4 to create the desired impact. Although I appreciate Miss Boylan's subtle and politemanner, my only complaint about this book and her story is that she should and could have been much more hard hitting in her critique of what has historically gone wrong in criminal investigations. With what she's experienced, she is entitled to be direct.

With the knowledge we in the academic world have now of how memory works, there is no excuse for the mistakes made in past cases to continue to take place. Jeanne Boylan should scream her message and take her lumps. I'd rather see her save lives than to worry about winning a popularity contest. She can speak from inside the world of police, whereas "us" in our ivory towers, don't have access to the real world as she does.

Boylan relied on us to give her the foundation for her work and my predecessor's findings of three decades now, but those of us doing the empirical research have to rely on people like her to deliver our findings to the point of practical application in the police world. She can be the go-between from our world to inside real life criminal investigations.

Overall, Portraits of Guilt is a great book, great 'on the mark' insights into crime victim memory and some lessons in Boylan's stories that had better be paid attention to before we lose more lives such as Polly Klaas. (Her book is dedicated to the Klaas girl's memory.)

I give this book a five star rating for it's general level of readibility and for her stunning insights into trauma victim memory malleability, but Miss Boylan, if you write a second book, and I hope you do, next time, take the gloves off and try to come out swinging.

O Magazine was right
Oprah was right. This is a story of a strong woman in a corrupt world who still possesses the idealism to fight back. I found the book to be well written and a very enlightening read. I am ordering several copies for my neices to read. I think Jeanne Boylan is an excellent role model for teenagers. ... Read more

Book Description

The king of late-night television and America's hardest-working comedian delivers the monologue of his life.

Against the odds Jay Leno has emerged as the undisputed king of late night television as host of the # 1 -rated The Tonight Show. His twenty-year stand-up career; working alongside the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Carry Shandling, and David Letterman, was a long, hard, and laugh-filled battle to the top. In this entertaining, anecdote-filled book, Leno delivers the monologue of his life, leaving readers admiring his unstoppable wit and tenacity. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

What a guy!!!!
I may only be a sophomore in college, but I have loved Jay Leno for years now. :o) I read his book and when I finished it I wanted to cry, simply because there weren't any more wonderful stories left to read. I didn't cry though--I just flipped it back to the beginning and read it again. This book really lets people into his life. He doesn't back-stab anybody or put anybody down, and his stories aren't "And that's why I'm perfect" He shows us the more human side of him, and his style of writing makes you feel as if you were actually having a conversation with him, and these were the stories he was telling you. These are stories that nobody will ever get tired of reading. They are no doubt stories that, if Jay were a father, his children would beg him to tell over and over again. This is my new favorite book! Way to go Jay!!! :o

Entertaining, Sincere, Funny and Genuine!
Jay Leno has let us into his life thru this book. The good times, funny times, trying times and truly personal times. He's as entertaining on paper as he is in person! I have learned to like Jay Leno and enjoy his style of comedy. It took me a while, but this book actually put the finishing touches on my feelings. A really good book, full of fun, laughs, thoughfulness and honesty. Easy to read and most enjoyable. Get to know Jay

hillarious
im in the process of reading "leading with my chin" by jay leno, and so far i am astonished at how increadably funny it is! my teacher assigned us to read a biography or bibliography of our choice, and last minute i was in frantic search for a book. a friend of mine handed me the bio and told me, "read it. its funny, and it goes fast!" to my surprise, she was right. the book is a joy to read, even to those who dont like reading much *caugh* *caugh*. "leading with my chin" is no less than a 5 star book.

FICTION??
After reading this book, some of the stories seem fabricated. I have heard these "stories" from other people. Like your monologue. Old and borrowed.

Gives Background on His Career
Hard work pays off in any field, including entertainment. This book chronicles Jay's "dues paying" days in Massachusetts before he made it big. It contains wit, but goes beyond funny anecdotes. It gives insight into his career struggles. Jay seems to remain approachable due to the hard years he faced as an up and coming comic. Leno is, in a sense, a "working man's comedian" in that he had to earn the right to the position he currently holds. This book is instructive in that it teaches the principle of creative persistence by default, i.e., Leno did it and describes the process.
A few photos add to the story telling in the book.
He is honest about not being an ideal student during his college days. Leno's story has elements of interest to a general audience in that his story is a niche version of the American success story of rising from obscurity to national fame. ... Read more

Book Description

A biography of the professional wrestler, Terry Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, or Hollywood Hogan, from his childhood in Florida through his early wrestling career to his show business success. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The true Hulk Hogan!
When you read this book you'll understand more about the man, Hollywood, and of course WWF.

I found the book fantastic as far as Biography's go, that is?

But remember, you have to like Biography's to enjoy them. Me on the other hand, would have enjoyed it more if Hulk Hogan had written it himself.

I do very much enjoy reading from the begining of ones career to the token pole of Hulk Hogans career, from what he was to what he became, one of Hollywood's Greats to WWF Stardom. ...

Give it a read and if you don't like it, you can always burn it.

HULK HOGAN IS WRESTLING
HEY LET'S TALK ABOUT THE HULKSTER,THE MAN WHO PUT THE WWF ON THE WORLD MAP.IT WAS JUST SOME LOCAL NORTHEAST REGIONAL WRESTLING PROMOTION BEFORE HE ARRIVED. HOGAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR VINCE MCMAHON'S SUCCESS. HOGAN IS WRESTLING LIKE IT OR NOT,HE MADE A SAGGING WCW RISE ABOVE IN 1994 TO 1998,THE NWO WAS A FORCE IN WRESTLING.THIS BOOK TELLS IT ALL AND MORE. I ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH. HULK WILL REIGN AGAIN IN THE 2000'S.

Self Serving Individual
A book about how you can make it with minimal talent and personality, Hogan fans will love it, I hated it.

Hulkamania rools sucka!
Me and my tag team partner hulk hallgan think this book is our cup of tea! If u do not like this book our 24" inch pythons we aint talkin bout our arms and our little hulkamaniacs will run wild on you! POO POO POO POO POO POO POO POO POO POO POO POO IM A REAL AMERICAN FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS OF EVERY MAN I AM A REAL AMERICAN FIGHT FOR MY RIGHTS FIGHT FOR MY LIFE!

i like hulck!
THis buk iS kule. it haded a lotta big wUrds and it wus hARt to rede, bUT it siaded a LOT about mey heArO, hlucK hOgin!

u shuWd reed thIs bUK! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

And Now For Something Completely Useless, Part 2
Alright, this has gone a little too far. Perhaps the reason why 3 Pythons have endorsed the book is because they *ACTUALLY LIKED IT*. Mr. Frankenstein, or whatever his name is who wrote that lousy review probably right above this one, has not a clue what humor is. Probably the best way to write about a topic is to know it firsthand, and the second best way is to be objective. To leave writing Python books to the Pythons themselves would probably leave us with a bunch of books to be reviewed badly by uninformed persons such as Mr. Frankenstein, or whatever his name is. I have read through the book and have found nothing but pure Python emerging from its pages, pure humor, comprehensive and complete, and pretty well written. To give it one star is a lousy show of action. The only people who would give the Monty Python Encyclopedia ONE LOUSY STAR would be people who don't appreciate British humor for what it's worth. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, even though it's paperback and doesn't have many pictures. It's got everything else, what's wrong with it?

Not a lot of pictures
This encyclopedia is filled with information not just on Monty Python, but on the individual members as well. What I mean is, not only do we read about things like "Life of Brian" and "The Meaning of Life," but we also hear about "Silverado" and "Splitting Heirs."

The book provides a chronology starting with John Cleese's birthday in 1939 to 1997. There is also a list of videos and books as well as addresses for the British and American fan clubs.

The focus for the entries is on the Monty Python cast. For instance, not a lot of information is given on the movie "Silverado," but there is quite a bit of information about John Cleese's role in the movie.

Unfortunately, there are not a lot of pictures in the book. Personally, I think that would be a grand addition to this work.

I would recommend this for diehard fans of Monty Python.

Utterly Useless To Real Pythophiles!
The back cover alone,should be the biggest tip off,to this gigantic rip-off! Mr.Ross is payed to write books about British television shows. Besides Python,he has written books on The Avengers,and The Saint. ( Heaven help their fans as well! ).He doesn't have to be a fan of the show,just a flunky who collects information. It's easy enough to get a Python endorsement as well,since a book about them,obviously generates intrest in their own projects.

One thing I wonder about is this: why do the authors of books about funny people,naturally assume they themselves are the comic event of the decade? ( Please,leave the comedy to the professionals.). Mr.Ross is no more a comedian,than Geoffrey Guiliano is a musician. Mr.Ross's overly long decriptions of every Python episode,are like being trapped in a pub with a drunken neo-Python fan,intent on retelling every joke to you until you laugh at it.

Frankly,if you wanted a run down of cast and crew for any Python film,you could run it down on the Internet Movie Data Base.( And more than likely see the information spelled correctly as well.).Obviously all Mr.Ross had to do,was pay someone to surf for the information,and copy it down for his book.

This book would benefit from being,simply,the facts. Most "encylopedias" tend to state facts,rather than personal opinions. As a Python fan,I frankly don't care if Mr.Ross laughs at the same jokes I do,or "gets" the social ramifications of certain subjects.We all laugh differently,and Python offers much to laugh about.

Instead of having every film,ruined by a full out synopsis that kills every joke,why not give just a general overview? Instead of merely listing the albums,why not list the variants? ( And yes,original Python vinyl came with extras!). Instead of going over every episode with a fine tooth comb,why not give just a season intro?

Mr.Ross wants too hard to be Kim Johnson,and fails.

How did this get such good reviews?
I found this book somewhat informative as far is just raw data is concerned but poorly written. The author seems more intent at getting his opinions across than providing information. Specifically I refer to his occasional remarks about how British comedy is far superior to anything that the United States could produce (I was actually waiting for him to refer to the States as "the colonies").

LUCKILY I received this book free for purchasing the complete set of Python videos. Had I paid money for it I would have been very disappointed.

The ONLY reason I gave this two stars instead of one is because it does have good information. However reading through the author's comments are just too frustrating. At some point in the future it will provide me with kindling for a nice warm fire. I haven't touched it since my first and only reading.

Not quite what it professes to be
I find this flawed effort nevertheless very enjoyable; but I am of two minds about its not quite beign what it professes to be. An encyclopedia should (as Sgt. Friday used to insist) just give the facts. Almost every sentence here is concerned with Mr. Ross's personal opinion about the facts--opinion, by the way, stated as fact. When he says, for example, that episode 7 of the lst series of MP's Flying Circus is "one of the most unfunny," this can scarcely be accepted as fact (it is the one about the transformation into Scotsmen). The format is also inconsistent. A complete treatment of an Avengers episode is offered because John Cleese makes a brief appearance but another episode in which Carol Cleveland plays a major role is not featured and barely mentioned in her own write up. Also--and this is a Good Thing--Ross includes any film or tv show in which even a single Pythonite has had a hand. So with an eye open for typos and occasional inaccuracies, I will continue to peruse this book but always careful to separate fact from opinion. And all the more so now that the MPFC tapes and DVDs are being made available by A&E! ... Read more

Book Description

Rosie O'Donnell's New York Times bestselling memoir reveals the amazing experience that changed her life forever. Part memoir, part mystery, FIND ME is a compelling tale that will break readers' hearts even as it heals them. Told in Rosie's candid, moving voice, it is the true story of a friendship between a troubled young woman and a celebrity obsessed with helping her. As this bizarre relationship unfolds--and unravels--so, too, does Rosie's history, forcing powerful acts of remembering and reckoning. Through it all, we come to know the author on a deeply personal--and sometimes shocking--level as Rosie reveals not only the way the past transforms the present, but how a single stranger can spark irrational longings, profound obsession and, finally, the opportunity to put these forces to work in a healing way. ... Read more

Reviews (163)

Ministry, Mystery, and Spingles
As the author of a memoir that has to do with cancer I set out to suck up to Rosie in order to get on her show. I subscribed to her magazine, I even wrote something for her magazine once, and then I bought this book, expecting the usual celeb "it all started in a tiny 5,000 watt radio station in Iron Mountain, Michigan" thing...only with lesbians. Instead I was drawn -- and drawn hard -- into the vortex of an entirely unexpected story about the human need to be needed. People looking for the ol' red carpet name-dropping/dirt-dishing (or the racy True Confessions that Ro in no way owes the world) might be disappointed, but open hearts and minds will come away reflecting on the nature of their own ministry in this world. It might be uncomfortable for some to see The Queen of Nice as a real human being -- a hurting child, an obsessive grown-up, a regular mom, a gifted performer who dared to wipe off her makeup and expose herself to the proverbial slings and arrows. Others (whom I suspect were hoping for wacky same sex misadventures/dykes on parade) complain that she didn't "share enough of herself". But she shares exactly what is needed to tell this story, and this story speaks volumes about who she is. I came away from this book with great respect for the gifted author, compassionate friend, and loving mother revealed in its pages. And to prove my sincerity, I'd like to state for the record, Ro -- while I invite you to call me in the unlikely event I can ever do anything for you, I shall suck up no more. This book contains particular gifts for those of us who dwell in the foothills just south of that treacherous territory called fame. And those gifts were not lost on me.

Surprised...disappointed
Being a big Rosie fan, I was excited about reading this book and perhaps learning a bit more about her as a private person. I was surprised to read a book more about an obsession of hers...about a severely troubled girl who Rosie barely knew, but to whom she communicated, knowing full well the girl was in therapy and could be volatile. Against the advice of many of her close friends, she got involved with something that could have been dangerous, not only for Rosie, but the girl she was 'helping.' The other side of Rosie, the side we don't see on camera, came through in this book as a woman who dramatizes too much and is living with the 'poor little me' syndrome. We would be glad to sympathize with her childhood tramas, but the story should be in how she is overcoming them to find love, children, a nice life...not in a weird story about this girl she is e-mailing. This book is a surprisingly sad, self-absorbed explanation to the generosity she has always displayed. Too bad. I thought she was more level-headed than this. The book is a fast, simplistic read, but don't read it unless you're prepared to be disillusioned about Rosie and the motives behind her good deeds.

Good but...
It a eassy and interesting book to read. Rosie is a good story teller, she make you care about the person in the book, make you want to know more about them. She relate funny and sad memories. It start good but become very confusing and very hard to believe but has life is strange sometime truth is more strange then movie and this time this story is very strange. The book left me wondering why to some questions I have. How come Melissa said she was pregnant, how could she make it beleive to Rosie. It's pretty hard to believe that Rosie had fall for all this, that story is very strange but surely can be true.

give snaps for writing but...
I bought the book for my ex girlfriend when it came out... I bought it from an antique shop for 5 dollars, right after it came out. That should've been a bad sign from the get-go, but i bought it anyways because my at the time girlfriend was a big a fan of Rosie.

I read it in the car on the way to Houston and it was no where close to what I expected. I was greatly disappointed. I was setup for a great book and instead of caviar, i got some bad tuna.

The book goes on and on about a girl named Stacie, and then zaps you into O'Donnell's childhood. Iit made it slightly difficult to follow.

The media set the book up as if it was a wonderful coming out story (seeing how at the time she had just recently come out of the closet), but no, the story was about Stacie.

I was very disappointed. Had the story been advertised for what it is, I probably would have enjoyed it.

Find Me Review by Molly D
The book I read is called Find Me by Rosie O' Donnell. This book tells about Rosie's life as a child and her life when she was older. This book focused mainly on a character named Stacie. It talked a lot about finding yourself and trusting people. It makes you think about how by trusting someone you could be helping them and helping yourself.
The book starts off talking about Rosie's childhood. In the book Rosie uses flashes back a lot. Rosie lived at home with her mom, dad and four brothers and sisters. When Rosie was young her mother got breast cancer. No one told Rosie what her mother had, Rosie never knew until her mother died. Rosie was a strong child and very smart. She wanted to know everything in life and she found everything out on her own. When Rosie's mother died it forced her to be independent. Rosie took everything her mother said and brought it to her life. She was a determined child with a big heart.
When Rosie got older she became an actress and comedian. After becoming a comedian she got her own show, The Rosie O' Donnell Show. Rosie also opened and owns an adoption center. Rosie meets a girl named Stacie through her adoption center. The impact of meeting Stacie was so great that Rosie's life was never the same. One day a woman named Barbra called Rosie's Adoption center and told her about her 14-year old daughter. Barbra's daughter, Stacie, was raped by a minister and she was now pregnant. Barbra wanted to talk to Rosie about having the baby adopted after it was born. For some reason Rosie felt a connection to Stacie and wanted to help in anyway she could. Stacie and Rosie began talking on the phone every once and a while. Then they began to talk all the time, at least 3 times a day. Rosie's friends were worried about Rosie being so obsessed with this young girl; they didn't think Rosie should trust someone she had never met. They thought Stacie and her family were going to scam Rosie for her money. Rosie trusted Stacie. One day Stacie got sick and was in the hospital. Rosie called everyday to check up on her. Soon Stacie was physically better but mentally worse. She was sent to the psych ward. Rosie sent gifts hoping they would help Stacie feel better. Once Stacie had improved she tells Rosie she hasn't felt the baby move. It ends up the baby had died but Stacie still had to deliver it. Rosie calls the social worker who was working with the adoptive parents for Stacie's baby. The social worker tells Rosie there is no baby. Rosie tells her she knows the baby died. The social worker explains to Rosie she looked up Barbra, Doug and Stacie and there are no such people. There was no 14-year old girl in the hospital that they said Stacie had been in. Stacie was just a hoax.
Once Rosie finds out there is no Stacie she wants to get to the bottom of things. She calls the local police in the town where Stacie said she lived. The police couldn't give Rosie too much information, but they told Rosie the house that was said to be Stacie's was owned by a Melissa Star. Rosie calls Melissa and Melissa has no clue who Rosie is. Melissa does give Rosie her therapist's number. After talking to Tina, the therapist, Rosie discovers that Melissa has Multiple Personality Disorder and Stacie, Barb and Doug are some of her Personalities. This doesn't stop Rosie from being attached to Stacie. She becomes friends with Melissa. Rosie buys Melissa a new computer and an internet connection so they can e-mail each other. As Rosie receives the e-mails she meets different personalities. She meets Nancy, who is the writer of the group. She also meets Kate who is very mean. Kate burns Melissa body and causes the most pain to the body. Rosie becomes more obsessed with reading her e-mail and other things in her real life become less important to her.
Rosie decides she wants to meet Melissa. So Rosie arranges for Melissa and Tina to come to her show and stay at a nearby hotel for the weekend. When Rosie meets Melissa, she realizes she is just a normal woman even though she has Multiple Personality Disorder. Melissa never changes personality during their visit but she does have lots of burns on her. When Melissa leaves Rosie says, "She took my obsession with her in her carry on bag." After Rosie meets Melissa her suspicions were gone and she was able to get back to her real life, with her real friends and family. Rosie never heard from Stacie again, but she keeps in touch with Melissa. Rosie always says "Nothing happens by chance."
This book had many strengths. One of its strengths are the characters. The way Rosie described the people in this book made you feel as though you knew them. She explained them well. The way she talks about the characters makes you almost as obsessed with them as she was. The plot of the book was very good. It keeps you very interested and you never know what is going to happen next. It is not a predictable book, which makes you want to keep reading to see what will come next.
This book also had some weaknesses. One thing I didn't like about this book was there was not much information on Melissa different personalities. I think it would have been more interesting to meet more personalities or have more detail of some of them. The ending of the book felt a little abrupt. The book was so good I think it should have gone on a little longer and given the reader a little more information.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It has mystery in it and makes you want to keep reading. It also has a lot of life lessons. The book really makes you think about life and yourself. Would you trust a stranger? Do you trust yourself? Most of all does everything happen by chance? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

More Than Nausea
This hodgepodge of anecdotes will undoubtedly prove fascinating to the legion of Carson worshippers, but for those who are somewhat less enamored of Carson, it will serve to confirm that most of Carson's guests were as stale, uninteresting, and boorish as the great Carson himself - this one is for rabid Carson groupies only.

For Carson Fans
"More Than Laughter" gives an insider's look at how guests were lined up in the early days of The Tonight Show. The author, Sy Kasoff, was the Head Talent Coordinator, and later Associate Producer for the first four years of Johnny Carson's reign, starting in 1962.

Kasoff's book is a collection of anecdotes of booking various guests and what they were really like. Henny Youngman was a nice guy, Bob Hope did not have an entourage, Tommy Smothers worked without a net, Buddy Hackett was surprisingly professional, and so on. Along the way, there are enough stories and reactions of Carson and McMahon as to provide personal perspectives on these men the drier ones offered by other biographies out there.

Why the three star rating? First, the book needs the help of an editor, as some things we may say verbally just don't work in print as sentence fragments. Second, it is of most interest to Carson fans and less so to outsiders. While it is not a deep, analytical work, it is a pleasant light read, and I do recommend to Carson/Tonight Show fans. ... Read more

Book Description

Five million people watch her every week. She's the star of the biggest show on the WB network. She's a camp hit with high-school and college students across North America. Sarah Michelle Gellar is only twenty-one, but she's already got five films, two soap operas, two theatre credits, and a cult-hit television show to her credit. As Buffy the Vampire Slayer, she has become an Internet icon and an example of the increasingly popular portrayal of strong women on television. Bite Me! Sarah Michelle Gellar and Buffy the Vampire Slayer takes a close look at the woman and the show.

Buffy fans thirst for details about Gellar's life. This bio will answer their questions. It's filled with dozens of exclusive photos, and original information on every aspect of Gellar's career, including her first acting experience at the age of four; her award-winning role on All My Children; her work in the box-office hits Scream 2 and I Know What You Did Last Summer; and, of course, her double-sided persona as a high-school student by day and vampire slayer by night.

Bite Me! spotlights Sarah's role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and features entertaining commentary on each episode of the show, as well as background information about the myths that have influenced the storylines. It also includes short bios of the actors who play the other characters in the series - Xander, Willow, Cordelia, and Angel. Fan-oriented, Bite Me! also provides information about how to join the best Buffy clubs and mailing lists, plus other information about how to get into Buffy's latest act. A must-have for all Buffy and Sarah Michelle Gellar fans.

25 color and 18 b&w illustrations ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Thorough, but written quickly...
This book has an excellent collection of info regarding the first two seasons as well as some wonderful little trivia games to play that challenge even the most hardcore Buffy fans. However, little things such as the author's reference to Sarah Michelle Gellar's appearance in a Burger King commercial failed to prove accurate research or validity to the the book. For example: 'Sarah did 30 spots in total for Burger King, and the fast food chain followed up her commercials with their now infamous "Where's the Beef?" campaign...', when in fact, we all know that belongs to WENDY'S. I know I'm nitpicking, but that brings up another issue. The book features nitpicks in its episode guide section that are (most, but not all) hardly worth mentioning. It's TV, not reality. In all, the book does a good job of explaining the Buffy phenomenon, but fails to decide whether the book is about Sarah Michelle Gellar or the Buffy TV show (i.e. The cover is pretty misleading). This isn't the best book in the world, but definitely a wealth of information and mostly up-to-date covering just about everything but the thrid season -- there is something to say about getting a book on the shelves ASAP. A good guide for newcomers to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but definitely not satisfying for a seasoned watcher (fan).

The best book about the Buffyverse
This is the best all-round book on the most underappreciated series on television. I wonder how many people channel-surf through Buffy without realizing how witty the dialogue and how profound the symbolism; there is so much here that goes beyond a scantily clad teenager fighting mythical creatures.

In its 425 pages, Nikki Stafford's guide includes 86 pages of cast biographies, 188 pages of Buffy episode commentaries (through Season Six, to May 2002), and 52 pages of Angel episode commentaries (through Season Three, to May 2002). I enjoy the author's opinions about which episodes are better than others, plot inconsistencies, and character development (or lack thereof). The author is unduly harsh toward the characters of Dawn and Joyce (the mother), but then again the author's personal spin is part of the charm of the book. Some reviewers were unhappy about this book because the author highlights plot inconsistencies, but this is all done in the spirit of fan-dom, and I think the people behind the series would find the book flattering. All that's missing are examples of the witty dialogue, but I'm guessing that copyright issues prevented the author from quoting actual scripts. The weak spot of the book is the pages devoted to fan parties and 'famous fans' - hardly of interest to the rest of us.

The Best Buffy Companion Out There
This is the absolute best Buffy guide out there. The book includes DETAILED episode synopsises through the sixth seaons of Buffy and the third season of Angel. Unlike the Watcher's Guide's, these synopsis's are very thorough, as are each actors profile. The book also chronicles the show from its movie beginnings, through each season, to the show's move to UPN. Each episode guide includes the writer's personal favorite moment of the episode, interesting facts, Did you notice moments, Nitpicks, and bloopers from each episode that are fun to scope out.

The book also has an incredibly challenging trivia section, which prompts one to go back and watch the episodes over and over again. Also included are each actors personal websites, as well as good fansites, are included. Having bought many companion guides to this show, I personally say this is the best, for any looking to wise up on Buffy, or maybe simply to extend their Buffy collection.

Best Buffy guide out there
Yes, I admit it, I've become a Buffy addict - not normally a TV watcher, I became sucked in by its blend of great writing, humor, drama, and honest portrayal of emotions. In addition to all the seasons on DVD, I've picked up quite a bit of the buffy literature - guides, essays, etc. - and this is the one I keep coming back to. I much prefer it to the more often-cited Watcher's Guides. What some reviewers criticize - the emphasis on Stafford's reviews and opinions - are what i consider the book's strength. None of the other guides offer such a personal take on the series or episodes - and it's a series people relate to in a highly personal way. I don't always agree with the author, and even disagree that a few of the "nitpicks" she found were actual errors, but her opionated views make for much more interesting reading.