Biography Books

First, I'd like to state that my favorite books are autobiographies about musicians. That being said, this is probably the best one I have ever read.

I bought this book along with three others, and it was the one I was the least excited about reading. But, from the very beginning, this one just grabs you. It's one of those books that you never want to put down.

If secrets were left untold, I couldn't tell. These guys reveal things about themselves that you know they wish had never happened. After reading this book, I almost felt like I was part of the band.

Highly recommended.

I have read this book 20 times! Growing up a BIG Aerosmith fan, this book, like many of the other Rock n Roll tell all books, was a true eye opener. It fills in all the pieces that the likes of Circus and Hit Parader in the 70's/80's left out. If you know any Aerosmith Fan, and I mean Old School Aerosmith Fan, that has not read this book, I suggest you present them with a copy. I have given the book to many Aerosmith friends, and they are always blown away.

I always liked their music. But I've read about quite a few 70's rock bands and this group sounds like a bunch of out of control babies with a wierd sexual fiend. I would not have wanted to hang out with them.

This is a great read for any fan of rock n' roll though it's definitely geared more towards Aerosmith fans themselves. It provides a very in-depth look at their drug-filled beginnings and how they progressed to a more sobered-up version. But it definitely focuses on their drug years. As a hard-core Aerosmith fan myself, it's all I could want and more. But for casual fans, it almost has too much. It provides very detailed descriptions of how songs were thought up, where the band toured, etc. Things that casual fans don't especially care about. However, it provides a great look at how a rock band functioned and really portrayed the rise, fall, and resurrection of Aerosmith well. Highly recommended.

Excellent reading. Great to hear about life on the road. The ups and downs etc.

Dean is amazing! He writes is a relaxed, conversational manner that makes you feel like he's talking to you directly. His experiences and the way he presents them make you never want to put the book down! Give us more, Dean!!! Your inspirational and we'll follow you anywhere.

This book is just as inspiring after reading it for the second time. Dean Karnazes shows the world that with hard work and determination you can accomplish what you want. It's a wonderful story.

As a fellow endurance athlete, I thoroughly enjoyed Dean's book. He has inspired me to further my journey and continually test my own limits.

At more than a few points in the book I wasn't sure if I should be laughing at the absurdity and the physical pain Dean would inflict on himself, but the truth be told, it was inspirational. The notion of pushing beyond any imaginable limits is a powerful message, and it rubbed off. I'm happy to say that Dean has transformed running, which I often used as a form of self-punishment, into an event I truly look forward to: "Competition with yourself is the ultimate test." For best effect, next time you go for a run, load "Ultramarathon Man" onto your player - you wont regret it.

Coming from a person who dabbled in ultra marathons a decade ago, Dean has motivated me to make the jump from the mundane marathon to the longer races again. This book would not let me put it down, and I ended up reading it in one long session (and I'm not a fast reader). I have a fear of jumping from the 100K to the 100 mile race due to running at night and Dean told the story of how difficult it is to achieve the 100 mile limit and beyond. I'm amazed that you can make money doing what you love and admire him for doing it. Now there is a role model (not your role of the mill).

Bought this book as a gift for a friend who is a history teacher. She gave me a 3 hour personal tour through the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC and commented that she had not read this book.

This is a must read - for everyone! A real, raw and riviting account of Ellie Wiesel's personal experience during the Holocaust. Starting when no one believed the pending danger of war... to the formation of ghettos and finally life in a concentration camp. His Nobel Peace Price Acceptance Speech at the end of the book is an important bonus! We must NEVER FORGET... Ellie's account will help.

My father-in-law received an advanced copy of Baghdad at Sunrise as a gift from the author. I began reading it with many questions about the handling of the Iraq War mixed with extreme respect for our nation's armed services. I am a lifetime civilian with very little exposure to military history and tactics, yet couldn't put the book down while learning a ton about what are servicemen and women have accomplished in their time in Iraq.

Col. Mansoor's book is a great mixture of military theory, Islamic history and cultural anthropology, all thrown into a personal account of his personal goals and associated challenges. I can't began to list off everything I learned and truthfully believe it would be great for everyone from military historians to those with no knowledge of military tactics and jargon (like yours truly).

On a separate note, I just finished two years of business school with a number of former officers who served in our nation's War on Terror. Reading this book left me with a clear picture of what life on the frontlines is really like, as well as a new appreciation for their hard work and sacrifice. I will hopefully be at the USMA in a few weeks to see a classmate and close friend of mine who is now a West Point professor. Although it may embarrass him in front of new colleagues, he will be getting a hug and a sincere 'thank you' from a friend whose freedom and safety he risked so much for.

Colonel Mansoor, thank you for such an enlightening read. My best for you and your family (Jana, the children and even the dogs) in the future.

I am an Army historian who has accessed many, if not most, of the existing (and they are relatively few) records pertaining to the Ready First Brigade Combat Team's operations in Iraq during the period discussed in this book. Therefore, I can set the "bar" a bit higher when it comes to informed analysis of the book's value. I am also acquainted with an extremely candid and capable senior non-commissioned officer from Colonel Mansoor's Brigade Reconnaissance Troop who interacted with the author on a daily basis during the 1st BCT's deployment in Iraq. If my friend did not believe that Colonel Mansoor was an effective combat leader, he would have told me so in no uncertain terms. Quite the contrary, Colonel Mansoor was a well-respected and credible leader who "figured out" what was happening long before other commanders.

All professional affilitations aside, this review represents my personal opinion. That said, I believe Colonel Mansoor has produced a forthright, factual, and valuable narrative of his experiences in the tumultuous months following the fall of Sadaam Hussein's regime in Iraq.

A respected historian prior to assuming brigade command, Colonel Mansoor took it upon himself to record each day's events in a notebook for posterity's sake. He does not rely solely on his memory, media reports, or the recollections of others. This fact alone sets his account apart from other OIF related personal accounts. His book is even more important given the relative lack of historical material, when compared to later OIF deployments, on the operations conducted by 1st Armored Division during the period 2003 - 2004.

If Mansoor has an unstated agenda, it is a subtle one focused on educating our nation's future political and military leadership. He is not trying to rehabilitate the public's perceptions of his actions in Iraq. Indeed, his candor and objectivity are very refreshing in comparison to other books covering that same period which I have recently read.

I had this book read through twice with in two days. I loved the photography first and foremost. She really inspires to be glamorous no matter where you go and what you do. She also encourages people to realize they are not alone in some of their more intimate practices. This was an amazing biography/ inspirational piece. Well worth the purchase price.

I Bought this book in January... (with another 2 books)

AND SINCE THIS DAY AMAZON SAY TO ME THAT HAD SENT MY PACK 5 TIMES,

BUT NEVER ARRIVED...

So, a book, and a website NEVER stressed me so MUCH....

I loved this! Dita Von Teese is beautiful, and she is very knowledgeable in her field. The pictures are sassy and lavish and the writing is confident and glamorous! It was very well put-together. It is so seductive and sexy without being garish.

Highly recommended.

This is a great book. The pictures are beautiful and the reading is quite entertaining.

As usual, the elegant and enchanting Dita Von Teese manages to dazzle the senses and delight the eyes. Not only is the book a burlesque fan's dream, with page after page of gorgeous Dita playing dress-up, but she also manages to fill it with nuggets of history and how-to. The fetish side is equally satisfying, and a must for any fan of S&M. The dichotomy of the book, one side she's a sweet, sex kitten and the other, a smoldering, spanking temptress, showcases Dita's dual nature. I LOVE THIS BOOK!

I've been teaching in depth for over 20 years and this book brought new insights. This study is detailed and from credible, documented sources. Mr. Bailey brings a fresh look at material that until recently seemed pretty familiar.
This book is worth your time.

This book deals with the influence of cultural studies on the New Testament text. It was refreshing to read a book about Jesus from a scholarly point of view without the author constantly questioning the miracle accounts and the divinity of Jesus. The author does a superb job in informing the reader of the cultural background of the text. The text seems to come alive as the scenes in the Gospels are brought to life through the culture interaction. The accounts in the gospel are powerful as Jesus is seen in his original context. It is really amazing how the 21st century church has read some of the parables and stories about Jesus. A lot of times the modern reader has missed the point of the teaching because of looking at Jesus through modern eyes. The author deals with the birth story, the beatitudes, the Lord's Prayers, dynamic stories, Jesus and women, and the parables. The book is a great read, not a short read (426 pages). The book will give you a renewed respect and love for Jesus Christ. He was truly the master teacher, the Son of God, and warrior for the downcast and trodden. If you are looking to see your Master as he was, and not how we have made him, this is a great book.

Kenneth E. Bailey does it again! The insights in this book are as precious and worthwhile as his insights in Poet and Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes. No matter how much I were to study the Biblical text, there are certain aspects that I can't figure out on my own because I don't have a Middle Eastern cultural worldview. Bailey presents this worldview and offers astounding insights into the biblical texts.

Gold...absolute gold.

The information in Part 1: "The Birth of Jesus" is worth the price of this book. Previous commentators had remarked that Luke has the Greek word katalyma in Luke 2:7 and again in Luke 22: 11. In the first instance it is commonly translated "inn". In the second instance it is commonly translated as "guest room" or "upper room". Bailey states, "it is 'an upper room' which is clearly a guest room in a private house. This precise meaning makes perfect sense when applied to the birth story." p.33 This explanation then includes the clarifying diagram of a typical village home in Palestine showing the stable, steps leading from the family living room to the stable, the mangers and finally the Guest Room "kataluma". Bailey goes on to expand on the Christmas story. But he states, "Looking at the story in this light strips away layers of interpretive mythology that have built up around it." Bailey's lived knowledge of the Middle East, rhetorical patterns, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek and acquaintance with commentaries by Arabic speaking Christian theologians and exegetes makes this book truly unique. Examples could easily be multiplied. A summary glance of the Index section reveals the scope of this book: Early Jewish Sources, Middle Eastern Arabic and Syrian Christian Authors, Arabic, Armenian, Coptic and Syrian Versions of the Gospels, Greek and Latin Authors. One must read the book to see how masterfully these sources enrich the interpretation. Lastly the author does not hesitate to apply his exegesis to present day attitudes, issues and problems.

Kenneth Bailey's "Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes" gives the reader a rich feast of information about Jesus' times and teachings. Drawing on his own background of life in the Middle East, as well as expert knowledge of the literary structures and conventions of Biblical times, Bailey brings new excitement to passages that had perhaps become dulled through over-familiarity.
I highly recommend this book to students who are interested in the culturally relevant shades of meaning that actually reside in the parables and stories of Jesus.

Having read only Palahniuk's "Fight Club" (2 years before the film) previously and enjoyed it, I thought this book too would be found to be a breath of fresh air. Instead I came away from it feeling like Palahniuk is a one trick pony...He seems to seek to shock the reader with differing gross out scenarios and behaviors...Yet numbed by films like SAW 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, etc., etc., and seeing and hearing worse than Palahniuk's creations every night on the evening news, his prose no longer brings anything new to light...A sad reflection on our society it is but Palahniuk's worlds have become the everyday mundane...

The oral history style of the book is its best part, only seeing the protagonist from a distance, we never get inside his head, only hearing how others observed him...The plot itself reads like JG Ballard's Crash mixed with leftovers of Fight Club and a dozen other "shocking" novels...nothing new or earthbreaking here and you don't really get involved with the novel, merely skipping from page to page waiting for a character or event to care about...neither of which ever arrive...

This story is written in a very unusual format, as if you are listening in on snippets of conversations. But as you remain, the pieces begin to weave together and form a story so odd and yet so compelling, that you can not put it down.

I picked this book up because I'm tired of reading the typical Grisham novel and wanted something well written and odd. Rant fit the bill. I've never read any of his other books and I was suprised at how much I liked it. The story is strange and beautiful and at the same time it can be very confusing if you don't pay close attention to everythings thats going on, but if you do I think the ending is rewarding. There were several times that I felt like I was going to just put it down, but then there would be a twist in the story that would intrigue me and pull me in for more. If you like dark, imaginative, mysterious, fairy-tales, with a sci-fi bent, then rant is the book for you.

This is hands down the absolute worst book I have wasted my time on. I only read about 3/4 of it before I decided I simply could not read another word. I'll use it as a doorstop.

I thought it was excellent. Ye sit took awhile to get rolling and it was a touch confusing trying to see where it would lead. But the last 1/4 of the book was impossible to put down. Palanhiuk's standard twists and turns are all there.
Well worth the read.

This is a very enjoyable and most importantly, readable book. Who would have thought Dylan could write so well, be such a good story teller in straight forward language? After spending years listening to his lyrics I have to admit that I was surprised by how well this is written. Surely songwriting and penning an autobiography are very different arts, but Dylan does it. Apparently sans the ghost writer.

This book is full of the early years in NY, sleeping in other peoples places, working his way into the in-crowd, meeting his hero, Woody Guthrie. Be sure to pick up this gem as well! Bound for Glory (Penguin Modern Classics) Great stuff. He does get a little off-track with the making of a particular LP, "Oh Mercy" but works his way back round to the before time.

Was he really asked to join Peter, Paul and Mary?
We got a look at girlfriend Suzy that appeared on an album cover, very interesting.
And between the lines you can sense the pressure of being the spokesman for a generation.

If you're not very familiar with Bob Dylan and want to learn more about the man this is really not the book for you. I suggest you read Clinton Heylin's tome, "Behind The Shades, Take 2" which compiles just about every known fact about Dylan from the people who have known him - an excellent book in every way. Chronicles is a different animal. I think you are more likely to appreciate it if you are a fan of Dylan's work. I'm in the process of going through it for the second time and have realized that I am enjoying it more after I have cast aside all notions of what I want the book to be. WHAT THIS BOOK IS NOT: 1. It's not a tell all biography. You won't find out much information that's not out there already. There are no intimate revelations of Bob's love affairs or anything sensational. 2. It doesn't cover Bob's whole career, just 3 brief periods. 3. It's not necessarily all true. Dylan often paints himself in the best light, as a normal guy. I have my doubts. 40 years of unabated idolatry will screw anyone up to some extent. You'll read about the pressure he's under, but don't expect specific revelations about a dysfunctional Dylan. WHAT THE BOOK IS: A fascinating discourse on specific times in Bob's life. I don't know why it was such a surprise to me but Bob is a great writer. Whatever percentage is BS I don't care; I enjoy it anyway. He has an amazing attention to detail and I was able to lose myself in descriptions of places and situations. Plus he does reveal his thoughts on songwriting and many things. When I stopped hoping for him to discuss something specific I was able to sit back and enjoy whatever he gave me. Again I shouldn't be surprised; it's always been that way with his music also. I hope he does continue this series and give us another book or two, whatever he chooses to write about. I will surely go along for the ride.

Bob Dylan takes his prodigious talents for language and turns out one of the most remarkably honest rambles of raggle-taggle prose since Jack Kerouac. From the first few pages, describing an ambitious but reserved young man whose future role had not yet been defined, I was willing led down memory alley. The artistic subworlds of New York, with its hanger-onners and would-bes. invoke countless anecdotes about the creative lives of others. Remarkably sketched, and poignantly personal, I never felt the usual strain that often comes with more self-important memoirs. Dylan's voice remains remarkably rough and earnest, glissing between gorgeous metaphors and cowboy expletives . . . but always uniquely his own. His own assessment of his artistry, usually inferred than described in achingly obvious detail, lure the reader into a smoky area in between the lines. Simply one of the best autobiographies I've ever read . . . by no means intended only Dylan mavens, this work will readily appeal to anyone who knows that the music industry involves a lot more than what 'American Idol' has led us to believe. Here's a real damn American Idol, from what I think at least. This book packed more punches than five years worth of New Yorker short stories.

Skipping all over the place, definitely not a chronological account of Dylan's rise, but more of a stream of consciousness series of the highlights, lowlights, or significant moments in the life of a true artist. Chronicles volume 1 is accessible and an interesting read to anyone who loves to read, the flow of words very easy. They just pull you along. I for one wasn't sure how good a writer Dylan is, but he's pretty good. I recommend this book to all Dylan fans, and anyone who likes to read a good autobiography.

Count me as one of the skeptics who felt positive that they wouldn't like this memoir. And, please, now feel free to point out how snotty and wrong I was for feeling like that.

To say Bob Dylan has written something great is not an unusual thing to do in most situations, but to say he wrote a great book, about himself no less, does seem surprising. It is surprising because of both the candidness Dylan shows in this book and the right level of self-examination that doesn't cross the line into plain ol' weirdness or didactic ramblings. What comes through is that Robert Zimmerman seems to know exactly who Bob Dylan is, and he appears to have a more measured respect for the complications of his inseparable doppelganger than any of his cultish fanbase could ever hope to have.

There are two other things that really delighted me about this book. The first is how Dylan is a very accomplished writer...not just of lyrics, but of prose. From reading his vivid descriptions of something as simple as the snow falling, I realize that in another time, had his life pointed him in another direction, this guy would have been a top-notch novelist, right up there with the best. The other thing that I loved, and perhaps the thing I would most expect from him, is the non-linear approach he took to telling his story. Chapters jump around in time, and large portions, decades even, are left out of the story. With a lesser writer this would have been a real distracting way to go about business, but in Dylan's capable hands it becomes stylistic, mirroring the way the mind works, in which connections aren't always made from one moment to the next, but, rather, from one moment in time to another moment years earlier...or later.

Even if you are, like me, not a major Dylan fan, I still suspect you would be hard pressed not to admire the writing here, or the manner in which the story is told like scattered scenes from a disorganized scrapbook that suddenly come to life so as to show the fleeting facets of one unknowable person. Very recommended.

This Tanach is just right for my purposes. It contains the Hebrew text and a Jewish translation into English. The Torah portion is divided up into the traditional Parshiot with running heads. I use it for reference when studying Talmud or other texts. It's compact enough to be portable, but set in clear and legible typefaces.

Best English Translation with almost flawless Hebrew and fits neatly into a big coat pocket.

Type much too small for mature eyes. If you are price conscious and have good eyes--great deal

All I suggest is this: If you have a difficult time reading very small text, DO NOT BUY THIS.
Also, I was a bit put off by the bar-code printed in the inner cover.
Other than that, this is a fine translation, the book is well made.

This is a lovely book... beuatifully put together, a pleasure to hold and read, and with a limpid English translation. I had never seen a Jewish version of the scriptures before and this is a revelation.
Also, coming from Europe and buying this while on vacation in the US, I found the price amazingly low