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Art Books sorted by Bestselling .

Art
Pieces of My Heart: A Life
Published in Hardcover by HarperEntertainment (2008-10-01)
Authors: Robert J. Wagner and Scott Eyman
List price: $25.95
New price: $15.57
Used price: $42.94
Collectible price: $100.00

Average review score:

Pieces of "my" heart
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-05
I bought this book because I LOVED Natalie Wood. The day she was found dead was a dark one and I mourned her passing. When I fell in love I wanted it to be just like RJ and Natalie.
Mr. Wagner's book at first opening disappointed me. I was sure Natalie would be mentioned in his dedication. This perfect woman who changed his life, took his breath away. Wasn't she considered one of the women who he states, gave meaning to his life.
I found the book to have a lot of name dropping. He adored and was best friends with everyone it seemed. Clark Gable, "Coop", "Spence", "Greg" Peck, David Niven, "Niv" and my all time favorite Fred Astaire.

The story he tells about the night Natalie died makes no sense. Why would this tiny woman who was afraid of water and couldn't swim go out at 1:30 in the morning to tie back a dingy. She slips (he thinks) on a wet step, hits her head and falls into the water. The down jacket weighing her, she drowns and floats away. When she's found there are big bruses on her arms and legs. RJ was angry that night and so jealous he admits he was capable of shooting Warren Beatty.
He's devastated but in six months he is dating. Miss St John's name is dropped in the book from the beginning. I felt he was preparing the reader for this relationship that came out of no where. Do I think everything he stated through out was how it actually was, not so much.
There is so much more that was not written and will never be known, except to Mr. Wagner. Overall, a good read and I would recommend it.





The life of Robert Wagner
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-03
This book is a very interesting look at the life of Robert Wagner.

He started life in Detroit, but he moved to California when he was young. He knew he wanted to be an actor when he was a little boy and when he was a teenager was caddied for Clark Gable. He started acting when he was a teenager and by the time he was 20 he had made The Halls of Montezuma. During this time a 12 year old Natalie Wood would tell her mother after meeting him that she would marry him one day, and RJ met his second wife Marion Marshall.

During this period RJ's career took of. He got involved with Joan Crawford, and was with Barbara Stanwick for several years. In 1956 RJ and Natalie Wood became a couple and in December of 1957 married in Arizona.

During their marriage they both made movies, but for the most part Natalie's career was on an upswing compared to Wagner's. In 1962 they divorced and RJ moved to Italy start fresh.

While Wagner was in Italy he got re met Marion Marshall. They soon got married and moved to California where in May of 1964 they welcomed Katherine Wagner (named after Kate Hepburn.. During the marriage they had to fight Stanly Donan (Marion's ex husband and the father of her two boys) They ended up divorcing in 1970.

During this time Natalie had married Richard Gregson and had daughter Natasha. The Gregsons divorced in 1971 though. Shortly afterward Natalie and RJ got back together and remarried in 1972. Two years later they had daughter Courtney Brooke.

Natalie and RJ had a great second marriage, and spent a lot of time together on their boat The Splendor. In November of 1981 they went on it with Natalie's latest costar Christopher Walken. During that vacation though Natalie drowned in the water of Catalina Island.

RJ was inconsolable for several months, but his girls and the love of Jill St. John (whom he married in 1990) helped him heal.

Today he is a grandfather (Kate had a son Riley John in 2006) and periodic actor (recently appearing as Teddy in Two and a Half Men)


All in all a very interesting look at the life of Robert Wagner

Not your usual Hollywood memoir
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-02
In full disclosure, I admit that Robert Wagner was my first (and only major) movie/TV star crush. I fell madly in love with him when I was in my early teens during the run of "It Takes a Thief." Many years later, I was waiting at a traffic light on Sunset Boulevard and looked over at the Range Rover next to me. He was just as handsome in real life.

Robert Wagner has written a book that transcends the usual Hollywood memoir. He's honest and intelligent, and writes from the heart. Thankfully, he doesn't stoop to dissing his fellow actors. I was surprised to hear about his affair with Barbara Stanwyck. I would never have imagined that one!).

Anyway, RJ, if you're reading this, thanks and much love.

An inside view from an insider
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-02
What a worthwhile book! Mr. Wagner has mentally stored a mountain-full of memories that he now shares with us. Wonderful details spanning many years give insight and humanity to people who, for many of us, have always seemed to be on another planet. There are surprises, for sure. I came away from the book "liking" most of these folks, and Mr. Wagner's love and respect for his cohorts is obvious. For those few for which he held disdain, it was for very good reasons. The fame and fortune gleaned from a lifetime in the film business do not seem to be his most treasured prizes at all -- but rather the friendships he amassed.

I found the workings of the Hollywood studio system as well as his transition to television -- and the differences between the two, to be quite interesting. He certainly was well established in both arenas.

The telling of his life story indicates to me that Mr. Wagner is a man of principle, a man with admirable values and a man of deep emotion. I am definitely not star struck, a groupie, or an autograph collector. But I think I would just like to be Robert Wagner's next door neighbor.

I encourage you to read this book. It's the old "I couldn't put it down" thing.

Oh, RJ -- be still my heart.
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-01
I initially purchased Robert Wagner's autobiography because his late wife, Natalie Wood, is my favorite movie star. I wanted more insight into her personality. The book does have quite a bit about his two marriages with Natalie, and about the fading studio system in Hollywood in the fifties which brought them together. It also chronicles the devastation brought on by her untimely death by drowning. But this book is a surprisingly compelling portrait of a handsome, charismatic, approachable leading man who has been in the limelight for most of his life.

I really didn't know much about Robert Wagner when I started reading this book. I had seen most of his movies, and I liked his old television series "Hart to Hart" with Stefanie Powers. But I knew nothing of his personal life, or about his background. The depiction of his journey from young rebel to solid leading man to Hollywood icon is told here with great charm and in-depth self-examination.

Of course the big surprise is the revelation of his early romance with the much older Barbara Stanwyck when Wagner was first starting off in Hollywood -- she was twice his age and the relationship lasted four years! But there is fascinating information all through the book about Wagner's love affairs, his co-stars and his friendships with other Hollywood legends. He is especially lovely when writing about his current wife, Jill St. John, herself a sex symbol and Bond girl, who helped him get over Natalie Wood's death. I also like that he writes warmly about his close relationship with his children.

I recommend this book highly to film buffs and those who enjoy movie star biographies and memoirs. Robert Wagner comes across as a wonderful man, and one who is still sexy as all get-out.

UPDATE: This memoir mentions that Wagner and Wood travelled to London in 1976 to do Tennessee Williams' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" for Laurence Olivier. Natalie Wood played Maggie, Wagner played Brick and Olivier played Big Daddy. Wagner calls the production his "professional high point."

I just discovered that the production, along with four other plays directed by Olivier, is available on DVD in a collection called Laurence Olivier Presents. So for Natalie Wood fans who are longing to see her in something new, or for Wagner fans who would like to see him in a truly pithy dramatic role, here's your chance.


Art
A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity
Published in Hardcover by Broadway (2008-09-23)
Author: Bill O'Reilly
List price: $26.00
New price: $12.39
Used price: $14.00

Average review score:

Straightforward Wisdom from the Culture Warrior
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-03
In his latest book Bill pretty much keeps politics in the background. Front and center is his childhood and young adulthood and how the things he learned back then have made him into the man he is today. His biggest piece of advice is - fear holds you back from success. Baby Boomers will enjoy this book with his humorous tales about growing up in Levittown, New York in the fifties and his escapades in Catholic School. The book is full of plain talk and wisdom directed to 'the folks'. Not as thought-provoking as 'Culture Warrior', but an entertaining read.

MUST read! Another excellent book by Bill O'Reilly
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-02
This is a very informative book based on Bill's life. It helps to understand where he comes from and why he thinks the way he does. I highly recommend this book.

All these left wing loons attack Bill but never notice that he is trying to look out for the working Americans. He has the American people's interest at heart. The liberal commentators do nothing more then disgrace the image of American journalism and abuse their right to free speech.

Humor Falls Flat
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 28 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-01
The attempts at humor hit a real sour note for me and I just couldn't get into this. I'm from the era, but it didn't/doesn't look like this to me.

Not worth reading. I couldn't finish it. A bit biased.

Give Bill a Break
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-30
The one-star reviews must be pre-boomers, because I found the book entertaining to those of us who came of age in the 60s and 70s; so what if the guy has an ego? He deserves it, given his upbringing and sense of family. Much of his humor is self-deprecating; so he fights for the the "little guys and gals?" This was meant to be a memoir (Get It?), not a political commentary; Bill has three hours daily devoted to that; he wanted the public to see how his values were formed; his loyalty to family and friends is commendable; he doesn't forget "those who brung (sic) us," which is a famous Darrel Royal quote when playing James Street in the title game against Notre Dame on January 1, 1970. Put aside your own biases and read the book for what it is--entertainment.

Good Read, and in spite of the negative reviews, a good insight!
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-01
I guess you had to live the 50's, 60's and 70's to fully appreciate the references given, as well as the well-honed sense of (dry) humor... All in all, I was really looking forward to reading this book, and it did not disappoint me! A strikingly relevant window into a world that no longer exists in America, with lots of cultural references to set the stage (as it were). A great read that goes fast if you are not so biased when you pick the book up that all you see is negative. In that case, don't even bother. But for the rest of us who grew up with working-class "Depression Survivor" parents, this book is a MUST read!! Well worth the time and price!


Art
Loving Frank: A Novel
Published in Paperback by Ballantine Books (2008-04-08)
Author: Nancy Horan
List price: $14.00
New price: $7.22
Used price: $7.22

Average review score:

A sleeper at first.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-06
I picked up this book two times and tried to get into it, the third time, I made myself read it. About the middle of the book, I could not put it down, fabulous read.

A Fascinating Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-02
Having grown up knowing who Frank Lloyd Wright was (a famous architect), but knowing little about him personally, I was unprepared for the eagerness and antipation with which I devoured this novel once I began. I was intrigued by the great intellects Frank and Mamah are portrayed as having. Their fictionalized conversations are fascinating! All the while I was appalled by their affair and decision to leave their families--notably their children. This is a wholly engaging read with an ending that, if you are not already aware of the historical facts, will give you a shocking surprise.

Interesting glimpse into FLW's private life
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-02
The book is immensely readable, however I could not reconcile Mamah abandoning her children with the deeply thoughtful person Horan paints her to be. She had to be more self-absorbed than she appears on these pages. DO NOT make the mistake I did and reasearch the characters before finishing this book. I inadvertently discovered the shocking end to the story by reading on-line articles about FLW.
Mamah was woman born 100 years too early. FLW was, by Horan's account, irresponsible, a terrible money manager, and quite the narcissist.

Loving Frank
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-30
Loving Frank is a very well writte book bya first time author. She mixes fact with fiction very believably.
In the story itself, I grew a little weary of the main character;s whining about the situation that she herself had created.

Too little Too late Too long
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-02
My problem with the book was less with the writing than with the central character. That said, her half-hearted, directionless but still self-important quest to find herself went on for too many pages before she finally realized it was just an affair. Even that eventuality was lame as Mamah appeared more distressed about unpaid bills than she did about the effect of the sacrifices she'd been expecting from everyone all along. The book might not have been such a painful read if it had been simply shorter.


Art
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
Published in Paperback by Penguin (Non-Classics) (2002-12-31)
Author: David Allen
List price: $15.00
New price: $7.09
Used price: $6.74
Collectible price: $22.50

Average review score:

Helpful Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-04
This book was helpful when I read it with a few organizational items in my life. It's been a while since I've read it, and I can't exactly remember what I learned so I've given it a 3/5.

Absolutely phenomenal ways of managing yourself
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-02
Management begins with self! Start managing yourself and you would be able to manage everyone and everything around you. But there are times when you have lots of things to do and you are left with no choice but to get more and more confused.

The best ways I thought to manage everything starting from my desktop to the projects I was working in was (after I analyzed a lot and Googled around) to more and more equip myself with sophisticated gadgets, this is what they are meant for, isn't it?. Well after I installed good software, mindmaping applications, get good PDAs, I was, once more, to my surprise managing additional stuffs that what I already was previously. At least for few days I was feeling a little satisfied that my investment in one of the most updated software or a hand-held device is going to bring me peace. But after few weeks everything was back to square one.

I even saw this occasionally with other people, the more unorganized you feel the more devices, gadgets, etc you tend to buy, but no one was happy, eventually the more STUFF you get the more unorganized you become. Which ultimately leads to stress. That is NOT the solution. Basically, after getting myself acquainted with GTD I understood that the devices were actually built around GTD. So, once I know what the basis principles of personal productivity are I can accordingly arrange myself, my mailbox, gadgets etc.

The solution is to know and understand the CORE the basic principles that are essential to generate productivity and efficiency. You must be a person with great ideas and already very successful, however, if you are someone who is under stress of not being able to manage a lot of stuff then you need this book.

Know exactly what stress is? How your internal commintment, even when you think that you are not committing, to various things around you build more and more stress? How can you arrange, discard, delegate stuff.

This truly is, as coined by David, an Advanced Common Sense.

There is a lot of stuff about GTD over the internet including the 43 folders website. I suggest you surely visit the YouTube videos for Davids lectures at Google (authors@Google). Look at him when he is explaining things on video and then read the book.

This Book can Change Your Level of Productivity and Stress
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-30
Other than the Bible, this is probably the most impactful book I have ever read. I stumbled upon this book in a bookstore years ago and bought it on a lark. The ideas are so simple but also can change the game of how you interract with your work and life to get more important things done. While seeing David Allen in person (which I later did) is even better in the book, this is a great way to spend $10 and I often buy it for people who work for me.

Great Book! Even for the Over-Organizers!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-22
"Getting Things Done" is a great motivator, as it speaks volumes for the simplicity of how we individually require a set way of organization to really make it flow for our daily interruptions.
This book was a recommendation, and I would also recommend it for both people "on task" and those that are flailing to keep the paper tiger in order. I will use this book over and over to recalibrate both home, work, and electronic devices whenever I am once again needing to regroup and set new goals.

GTD is helpful for getting organized, less so for time management...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-22
There are some really good ideas on how to get more organized and less stressed out due to disorganization in this book.

However, I have to say that this book isn't going to really help you deal as effectively with time management or procrastination. It's more a book on how to get organized and stay that way.

For dealing with procrastination and perfectionism, I would highly recommend "The Now Habit" by Neil Fiore (rev. 2007 edition). It ultimately ended up being a much more useful book for me than GTD - although the systems described in both books can easily work together.


Art
Before You Do: Making Great Decisions That You Wont Regret
Published in Hardcover by Atria (2008-09-16)
Author: T.D. Jakes
List price: $25.00
New price: $15.68
Used price: $14.00

Average review score:

before you do think again
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-25
many of us are not as good as we can be because we make poor decisions. this book must be studied and absorbed so that you are equipped in the time of decision so that you can make the right choice that will yield you the right reward: not a simply a good one.

A Helpful Tool for Life's Tough Decisions
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-27
Bishop Jakes has created an excellent tool that can be used before making any serious life decisions. This book ranges in topics from business practices to choosing a life partner. The book is written in a conversational tone that allows the reader to absorb the wisdom that is being offered. I recommend this book to anyone who is in a time of transition in his or her life.


Art
My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands
Published in Paperback by Bloomsbury USA (2005-06-06)
Author: Chelsea Handler
List price: $14.95
New price: $8.84
Used price: $8.69

Average review score:

Highly Recommended
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-05
This is a laugh out loud funny book. I wish it were 700 pages. I highly recommend reading this book, it is soooooo funny. I personally liked this book better than "Are You There Vodka..." I think I had it read in about two days because I seriously didn't want to put it down.

Incredibly hilarious!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-03
I had seen Chelsea's show on E! several times, and figured that if she wrote about her one night stands, it was bound to incite a giggle or two. Boy did I underestimate! I actually brought this into work (shhhh!) and had to stifle my laughter....and I was not entirely successful. The way she describes things and the vernacular she uses are simply hilarious and I think most people who read this have a similar story or two. I also read her other boook (Are You There, Vodka?) but I prefer this one for its laugh-out-loudability. A must-read for anyone who is not uptight about one night stands or casual sex (or at least reading about them).

Not so Horizontal !
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-03
The humor is marginal and the chronicles of her sexual romps do not exist. There's NO funny "One Night Stands" whatsoever, A huge disappointment !
The funniest part of the book is the very beginning, when her sister dares her to take a picture of their parents having sex. After that it's pretty much benign tales of her being drunk and that's about it. I returned my copy for a full refund.

WHO KNEW CHELSEA WAS SO INTERESTING??!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-02
THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH...OUT LOUD! CHELSEA HANDLER IS HONEST AND RAW IN HER STORY TELLING. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT. EVEN AFTER FINISHING IT YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF SKIMMING THROUGH JUST TO READ SOME OF THE FUNNY STORIES FOR A GOOD LAUGH, FROM TIME TO TIME. HER LATEST BOOK "ARE YOU THERE VODKA" IS EQUALLY ENTERTAINING.
I HAVE ONE QUESTION...HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE??

HIGHlarious!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-29
Impossible not to call your friends in the middle of the night just to read your favorite bits of it... Chelsea Handler is probably the most hilarious comedian of the 2000's.


Art
Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea
Published in Hardcover by Simon Spotlight Entertainment (2008-04-22)
Author: Chelsea Handler
List price: $24.95
New price: $14.15
Used price: $14.21

Average review score:

This chick cracks me up!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-06
If you wanna laugh this is definately the book for you. I was laughing out loud through pretty much the whole thing. Chelsea Handler has a twisted sense of humor and I love it.

A Birthday Surprise OR I Don't Like To Read...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-06
I ran across this book a couple of months ago in an airport bookstore on a business trip. At the time I couldn't get the book, but I knew it would be PERFECT for a friend of mine. I made note of it and went on my way. I purchased the book a few days before my friend's birthday and accidentally dropped a hint that I bought a book for her. She immediately went into her usual rant of, "WHY did you get me a BOOK?! UGGHH!" You see, she is NOT a reader. Anytime I mention a book I am reading about any particular subject (usually a self help or learning something new book) she rolls her eyes and tells me she doesn't know why I keep reading that stuff. She just doesn't like reading AT ALL! But I KNEW that I had a book she would enjoy. This was based on the title alone, which absolutely cracked me up! I finally gave the book to her the day after it arrived about a week later. She looked at it and smiled. Still unsure about me giving her a BOOK! 2 days later, she told me that she only had a chapter left to read! She sped through the book laughing out loud and even quotes from this book now! She loves it so much that she is recommending it to some of our friends. I can't wait to get my hands on it and read it myself!

Fun Book to read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-03
This is my first review! I am on chapter 6 and just want to say that this is a fun book to read

Hilarious
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-02
So I was taking a 13hour flight to Australia, and decided I'd pick up some reading material. I love Chelsea on "girls behaving badly" and so I bought her book. After I paid, I noticed that I had spent $26 dollars on it - the most I'd paid for a book up to this point was 7.99. I thought about turning around and returning it, but I didn't. And I am soo glad! I was literally laughing until I was crying in the airport. everyone was staring at me doubled over with giggles. The guy next to me asked me if he could read it after me, since it looked like I was having a such a good time.
Still, to this day, I laugh when I think about some of the experiences Chelsea writes about. She is hilarious. This book is worth every penny! :)

A Great Book Through And Through
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-02
This book was great it made me laugh out loud and want to know more about chelsea and her crazy family.


Art
The Glass Castle: A Memoir
Published in Paperback by Scribner (2006-01-09)
Author: Jeannette Walls
List price: $15.00
New price: $3.96
Used price: $2.22
Collectible price: $15.00

Average review score:

BRILLIANT!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-06
I applaud all the five star reviews who actually "GOT IT", in stark contrast to the negative ones who were obviously too short-sighted and couldn't see the forest for the trees. The author's depth of character is to be admired for her insight and compassion to see the redeeming qualities in her parents. In spite of the parent's chosen path in life, obviously not to cherish a shallow life full of "fancy things",the parents instilled in the children independant thought, principles, values, pride, self-sufficiency, self-worth, and how to love. A good many of the wealthiest children in the world are sadly lacking in all these qualities. BRILLIANTLY DONE BY AN OBVIOUS BRILLIANT, SPECIAL HUMAN BEING!! BRAVO!!!

food for thoughts on food
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-06
an unexpected page turner for me. the glass castle caught me off guard in its honesty and reawakened my understanding of another world that lies beyond all the comforts of home. touching, that the author writes without judgment or resentment even though the story inspired both emotions in this reader.

Such shocking behavior, it's almost unbelievable
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-30
The Glass Castle was so good that I couldn't put it down.
I am a mother of two children and would do anything to keep them healthy and safe. It's shocking to me that some people who choose to have kids are incapable of taking care of themselves, let alone their children.
It's a must read, difficult at times due to the abuse. We read it for our book club and it was a big hit.

Glass Castle
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-30
Great narrator, fascinating story. A dysfunctional family at it's most bizarre and creative - had some very touching moments and some moments that make you angry. A fresh perspective on life, read by a terrific narrator.

A COMPELLING LOOK AT POVERTY, ADDICTION, & CHILD NEGLECT
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-28
If ever a person had the right to say they grew up in a dysfunctional family and had a bad childhood, it's Jeannette Walls, along with her siblings. They were raised in poverty so extreme that they had to dig through the trash at school to find something to eat. They lived in an unheated, uninsulated, termite-ravaged house with no indoor plumbing. Their parents were too busy with their own cares to concern themselves with the fate of their children. They were so filthy that other children, even poor ones, refused to play with or befriend them.

What makes this memoir really work is that the author doesn't sit around feeling sorry for herself. Instead, she presents the facts and lets them speak for themselves. And many of these facts are disturbing.

Each character lives his or her own personal tragedy. For me, the greatest tragedy was Jeannette's father, Rex Walls, who had a brilliant mind, remarkable creativity, and an enduring love for his family. His lost potential is heartbreaking. If he could have stayed sober, he had the capacity to be an incredible person and caregiver. But he was overcome by the addiction of alcoholism that prevented him from ever becoming the man and father he was meant to be. Instead, he was abusive of his wife, could not provide for the family (and in fact stole from the children), gave only broken promises, and used his daughter for his personal gain.

Rose Mary Walls was as aloof, selfish, and unmaternal as a mother could possibly be. Her focus, from beginning to end, was always on herself: her own wants, her own needs, her own suffering. She was so disturbingly self-absorbed and removed from reality that I had no choice but to assume she has an unnamed mental disorder.

The four siblings are wonderful together, and I was delighted when, one by one, they escaped their unsafe home and abnormal family environment. That they each made it out without being raped (there were close calls) and becoming a complete basket case is stunning. It is hinted that the youngest child, Maureen Walls, didn't fare as well as the others, but that three normal, intelligent, well-adjusted adults could result from such an environment is miraculous.

"The Glass Castle" is a great read -- but you need to be able to handle reading about child and animal cruelty, lack of parental supervision over young children, and parents who willingly put their children in dangerous situations.


Art
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Published in Hardcover by Harper (2008-05-01)
Author: Garth Stein
List price: $23.95
New price: $14.43
Used price: $13.50
Collectible price: $23.95

Average review score:

Like Discovering Gold...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-02
What a great book -- not in the sense of masterful literature but, rather, a satisfying "read" with a wonderful message. Check out the review by Jesse Kornbluth for a taste of what the book has in store for you that I wouldn't attempt to recreate. I read it 3 weeks ago during our vacation in Maine. Had occasion to describe it to a new-found friend we just met at dinner one night whom we learned happens to own a Doberman and gave the book to him (I don't want to disclose much about the ending except to say 'paying it forward' is a theme). So, why am I here? I'm buying another for my daughter who is about to get a "rescued" dog. Enjoy!

Even non-dog owners and non-race car fans will love this book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-01
I'm not a dog-owner and I have no interest in race-car driving (or watching), but I still loved this book. Enzo's musings on life apply to all of us. He has some laugh-out-loud comments and moments -- as well as of course many heart-wrenching ones. (In fact, at one reading, I had to put down the book, thinking, "Oh, no, I think I know what's coming and I don't want something bad to happen to these characters I care about!") Enzo gains a lot of insights from watching television. My husband and I don't watch much tv and now I'm wondering if we're shorting our two cats!
--Kathie Hightower, co-author of Help! I'm a Military Spouse -- I Get a Life Too! 2d Edition

Do not miss out on this story!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-28
I read a review for this book in our local newspaper, written by a high school journalist. Like her, I do not find "animal" stories on the top of my list, so a dog on the cover would never have intrigued me. Like her, also, I found this story to be a human story, seen through the eyes of an animal. I absolutely loved it. My daughter loved it,too, and recommended it to my college age son. I'm also recommending it to my book club. Ran the gamut of emotions, laugh-out-loud and cry really hard. Enjoy!

Wonderful story
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-27
This is a wonderful story whether you're a dog person or not. But it's especially meaningful if you've ever been adored by a dog like I have because you will understand and accept the deep bond between Enzo and Denny. It's Enzo's story to tell and quite simply, he adores Denny and the life he has with his family, and it's apparent in everything he does. Sometimes the story seems contrived but as a dog owner, I often think my own dogs express humanity, that they have a human 'voice", think human thoughts and would do human things if they just had those opposable thumbs.

Most of the story is about Denny's life, most of it rather tragic and rough, as observed by Enzo. The other characters - his wife Eve, daughter Zoe and his in-laws - are all superficial plot lines that allow Enzo to observe how other people interact with Denny. But in Enzo's center, it's always about Denny.

There's sadness from the beginning because you know that Enzo is dying so he deserves to tell HIS story HIS way. Enzo is satisfied that he lived a good life, one deserving of reincarnation to the next life which he fervently hopes is as a man. It's wonderful to believe that dogs can aspire to be more than what they are and this story makes you believe it's possible.

Keep tissues nearby. And read it with your dog.

wonderfully creative, poignant story
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-27
If you only read one book this year, make it The Art of Racing in the Rain. I can't recall ever having read a book like this one. I noticed the book while at the cash register at Barnes & Noble; the cashier strongly suggested I read the book, and I'm so glad she did!!

This novel is narrated by a very intelligent canine, Enzo, who tells the tale of a few very difficult years in the life of his master, Denny, who is a race car driver. Enzo does the best he can to support and protect his family during a difficult time, and imparts to the reader life lessons gleaned from racing, a passion he shares with Denny.

It is a page-turner, and you'll be teary at the end; both because of the story itself, and the fact that the book is over!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.


Art
sTORI Telling
Published in Hardcover by Simon Spotlight (2008-03-11)
Author: Tori Spelling
List price: $24.95
New price: $12.00
Used price: $14.00
Collectible price: $38.99

Average review score:

My mind has been changed
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-04
I was never a "Donna Martin" fan, and I truly thought that Daddy made a series for his little girl. However, I started to like Tori Spelling when I caught an episode of Tori and Dean: Inn Love. I have to admit that my opinion of her has changed completely.

This book is a very easy read and I found it hard to put down. I was interested from cover to cover. I guess it is nice to know that rich or poor the problems seem to be very much the same. Wow is this girls Mom a total, well you can read the book too.

I don't follow the stars and could not tell you the last time I even bought a People magazine. However, this book was tempting because of her show, and I'm glad I took the chance. I really thought it would be a book that I could put down, I was wrong. Worth the read.

An easy read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-02
This book was a really easy sit down and read book. I enjoyed it a lot.

Wow...what an intelligent, brave, woman
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-01
I read her story and felt ashamed for having bought into the media BS years ago that she was handed everything because of her father's name and connections. Not only is she down to earth, devoid of that current "diva" trend in Hollywoodland, but you can relate to her and her experiences - even if you didn't grow up in the manor or Beverly Hills.

As a fellow "nonconfrontationalist" - one who's daddy bought her a "summertime" Birthday pool party in mid-January in Buffalo by renting out the Marriot indoor pool for her 10th birthday...I could realte to a lot of what Tori went through, from her boyfriends to her many fallouts with her mother (for me they're ongoing as well)... If you can relate to her story, she is the best example of how you can overcome your shortcomings and get ahead in life - and most importantly BE HAPPY.

And Tori, if you ever read this...if the acting gigs fizzle out, like Carrie Fisher, you may just find yourself a highly-acclaimed writer...and there's NO shame in that!

Great read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-01
This book was a very enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down. It gave me a whole new perspective on Tori. She is bright and witty, not the dumb blonde that people want to make her out to be.

My thoughts about Stori Telling By Tori Spelling
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-30
I was surprised I recieved the book earlier then I thought but Im not complaining it just means that Amazon is on there toes in making sure the customer is satistfied and I am! I'm still reading the book, I am taking my time with this book.
The one thing I thought I was recieving an envelope to send in cell phones that are no longer needed but I never got that envelope.


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