Entertainment Books

For anyone who wasn't lucky enough to live through the 60's and 70's music scene but wanted to- read this. It isn't easy to find a first hand account of things from a groupies point of view. Pamela Des Barres is amazing as far as writing and life experiences go. That is for sure.

The follow-up to "I'm With the Band, Confessions of the Groupie" is another addition to the Pamela Des Barres collection of page turners.

Written impeccably, Pamela takes us into the intimate lives of other groupies other than herself. The stories are interesting, captivating, and take you back to the days of when rock and roll ruled America.

I highly recommend for any music fan, entertainer, or someone looking for a fun read.

"Let's Spend the Night Together-Backstage Secrets of Rock Muses and Supergroupies" by the lovely Pamela DesBarres promises what it delivers. She gleams all the juicy tidbits from famous and infamous groupies alike. She engages the reader as a best friend/cheerleader for these women and their delioiously colorful lives. As a music lover/fan I was delighted by their tales and Ms DesBarres obvious good time in being privy to their secrets. A very good time from a down-to earth , trailblazing, and engaging author!

This Book is Really Great. I enjoyed "I'm With The Band" the Most, but this has the opinion of other Women & Includes Many Other Bands. No One can Compare to "The Original" Miss Pamela!

Pamela Des Barres is the world's premier guide to the swinging 60's, sizzling 70's and glam 80's rock and roll underbelly. More than anything, this book makes me wish for simpler times in the arms of my own Rock God.

Thanks be to Miss Pamela for laying her world before us and bringing us in to glimpse just a little of the golden era of music.

While I'm normally a person who can ramble on almost on cue, I find myself almost speechless about this book. I can not emphasize enough how much this book is a must read, it's truly a unique combination of humour intertwined with a wisdom that's only Lewis Black seems to have. And for all of this he still doesn't take himself too seriously making this a book you won't be able to put down.

All that being said, I would advise that if you are easily offended in the context of your faith and spirituality you should avoid this book; however if you aren't, enjoy the ride.

Lewis Black is a great comedian and I've enjoyed his other books. This book, however, is a disjointed, meaningless compilation of random thoughts which are neither funny nor insightful.

In my opinion, Lewis Black is the funniest comedian on the planet, and this book confirms it. The real world situations that he describes hit home numerous times. It is a no-holds-barred review of religion in today's world. Buy it!!

This book was wonderful. I laughed out loud a number of times. I expected it to be more irreverent, but was surprised to find it an idealogical exploration of a number of religions and philosophies while being extremely funny at the same time. I've sent it to a number of people, particularly my friends in the clergy who have good senses of humor.

Can't beat Lewis Black for great humor - We own all his comedy CD's and this book was a great addition.

The subtitle "The making of America's first superhero" really doesn't hold up very well. I would say George Washington or Daniel Boone fit that bill long before Houdini was born and a few others probably could be named as well. The authors also pursue a questionable line of research when they try to put Houdini in the position of master spy with very little research to back it up; mainly supposition and conjecture derived from a few sources. I guess they were trying to add a bit more spice to a figure who has had more than a few biographies written about him, but I didn't find all the "bells and whistles" necessary to enjoy this well-written look at one of the few individuals whose name has become part of our lexicon. Houdini's life is a marvelous combination of hard work and ego; in his quest to be famous he achieved a kind of immortality, his life filled with all the human failings of hubris and weakness, but he was always supplemented by a tremendous will to overcome whatever he was confronted with. .The later chapters, dealing with Houdini's battles with spiritualists, like Margery, are particularly telling. These attacks on spiritualists, who seemed to have really earned his enmity by having the temerity to try to trick the master of deception, are fascinating examples of how Houdini was able to combine his personal feelings with commerce as he was able to tour and lecture on their fraudulent practices. These chapters are truly the most intriguing, as the gradual decay of Houdini's friendship with Arthur Conan Doyle is mixed with Houdini's valiant attempt to enlighten people to the deceit of the spiritualist movement. Once again the author's attempt to "gild the lily" by suggesting Houdini was killed as a payback from the "spiritualist movement" with little evidence. It's not that I don't believe the possibilities of this "assassination" or the book's earlier contentions of Houdini's "spying" but I would expect them to be better supported by evidence before giving them as much credence as this book does. Despite these attempts to add another dimension to Houdini's biography, the book still stands as a valiant effort to bring Houdini's life and legend to a new generation.

This book must be ranked as the best biography on Houdini. It is so well written that I literally could not put it down.

I knew only Houdini the master magician, but he was so much more--possible spy for the US and Britain, inspiration for countries to develop an Air Force for the coming conflict (WWI), and even devulging some of his secrets in order to teach soldiers how they might escape from enemy prisons, etc. But of course the biggest story of all is his intense fight against fake mediums and their bilking the grieving of both their money and playing with their emotions.

Of particular interest is the conflict between Conan-Doyle and his band consisting of, among others, Dr. Crandon and his "medium" wife Margery. It is amazing how the creator of the world's greatest fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, could drop all reason when it came to these con artists. Doyle was obviously emotionally wrought over the death of his son, and it made him abandon the very aspects of rationality. His fictional character would have quickly proven that there was not just a million dollar industry based on fraud, but also there existed an equally strong possibility that Houdini was murdered. Doyle was not a fuzzy, warm guy when it came to another who challenged his irrational belief system, and it is unfortunate that one who is justly admired for his writing became so intertwined with the fake "religion" of spiritualism .

After reading this book, which dispels many of the myths and unlocks the real story not told by the media, I myself believe there is enough circumstantial evidence that Houdini was at the very least a victim of people who wanted to injure him enough that he would give up his anti-medium crusade. It is also possible that certain people intended for him to die--they certainly had the money and influence to have it done. Houdini himself towards the end of his life acted as though he knew he was doomed, realizing that the people against him were powerful enough to accomplish his end.

I now have a totally different view of this wonderful man and believe he was a martyr to the cause of exposing these predators of grieving people who used conjuring tricks to pull off their "schtick". He was truly a "Superhero" and this book brings the man back to life. The sad part is that he did not succeed and we are still plagued with these cruel charlatans. I recommend this book 100% without any hesitation.

A stirring account of Harry Houdini not only as a great magician but as a great human being. Should be read by all those who aspire to be the best that they can be amidst the pitfalls of the human condition.

Harry Houdini was quite an extraordinary man. He could escape from almost any type of restraint, pick cell door locks with ease, and toward the end of his life, battle to expose phony mediums. This book tells it all, but in a rather odd way. Often there are disconnects between sections of the book, and it doesn't flow chronologically, which can get somewhat confusing. Also, many times the authors discuss something, but don't pin it down in time, which definitely is confusing. One of the main aims of the book, according to the authors, was to reveal that Houdini worked as a "secret agent" for various governments. While they cobble together suppositions and snippets of writings, to my mind they don't get anywhere near proving their case. Read the book for the story of an amazing man, and let it go at that!

This book delighted me and disappointed me. It delighted me because of all the rich details it gives about Houdini's career. He was a far more versatile and complex man than I had ever imagined, and the physical control he had over his body would have put any yogi to shame. Although the details sometimes get out of control, for the most part I couldn't put this book down. But, alas, three faults bugged me: 1. The authors provide no analysis of the man, they merely tell us what he said and did. Many of his actions cry out for interpretation and explanation, but the authors--if they say anything--speak in generalities. How does Houdini compare to other magicians and escape artists? (For instance, how good was his brother Hardeen compared to Houdini?) What are the tricks that still baffle magicians today? What medical explanation is there for his apparent ability to slow down his breathing and heart rate to the point where he would appear to be dead--and could survive in an airtight coffin for an hour and a half when the medical experts said he'd be dead in minutes? 2. The authors are unwilling (or unable) to look critically at Houdini. His statements and actions lead me to believe he was an egomaniac, desperate for attention, viciously defensive, suffering from a constant sense of inadequacy. But the authors blind themselves to these traits and assure the reader he did it all for the sake of keeping a promise to his dead father. Houdini is always praised, never criticized, by the authors. (For instance, for all their comprehensive detail, the authors somehow manage to leave out the fact (that I saw in a PBS documentary) that Houdini had a mordid curiosity--desiring to gaze upon the bodies of those who had suffered a gruesome death.) 3. The authors pathetically fall for conspiracy theories when it comes to explaining Houdini's demise. Were there lots of people who wished Houdini dead? Yes. Is there any evidence he was murdered? No. Just from the information the author's provide (which has a lot of holes in it), it is obvious that Houdini died from complications of a burst appendix. Surgery on Houdini pretty much proves this. As in science, the simplest explanation is to be prefered.

This book is a good introductory book, but it should have probably been called "Beginning OpenGL". The Gaming part is mentioned only briefly, and for any detail you'll have to go to what's on the CD. The CD literally makes this a decent book to buy; without the CD the OpenGL Red Book is probably money better spent. The other fault of this book is that the images are sub-par; it looks like the authors themselves did the images instead of a professional graphics house.

If you need to get 3D graphics into your application OpenGL is a wonderful alternative. If you want to get up to speed with OpenGL this book is one of the best alternatives.
It's good to know a little about 3D math, and have a familiarity with terms like unit vector, transformation, and dot product, but it's definitely not necessary.

I'd recommend this to anyone.

On comparing this text to other OpenGL textbooks, I would like to point out that the explanations of graphical techniques in this text are very well done. The CD bundled with the book have excellent code examples of things like using height maps and input from DirectX. There are bonus chapters that cover advanced topics like curves and surfaces that obviously weren't in the actual book, and thus kept the final press cost down.

If you are starting out with OpenGL, then this book is the best I have seen to get you up and running.

If you are interested in cross-platform OpenGL programming then DO NOT buy this book, it is M$ Windows Dependant. The title should have been "Beginning OpenGL Windows Game Programming".

Overall this book was an excellent resource for getting on your feet with OpenGL.

It covers pretty much every basic topic conceivable along with touching on the some advanced uses of basic concepts. One thing that I found particularly annoying, however, was that the book claims to go into "much greater detail" concerning models later in the book, but after that line I found nary a reference to them. The author just uses the MD2 file format in the concluding "End Game" sample on the CD without ever having mentioned it in the book. Writing any useful graphics application requires using a model format, and it irks me very much that the book didn't cover it.

One other problem with the book is its age - it covers version 1.5 of OpenGL, while 2.0 has been out for a while now. But like I have already stated, it's a great book to jump into GL with.

I thought Montel's book was contradictory. On one hand, Montel talks about his growth and empowerment as a result of having MS, while at the same time he comes off as whiny, negative and bitter. I've got MS and although it's not always easy, focusing on the positives in life is extremely important in order to stay as healthy as possible (true in general)!.

I do agree with the other reviews talking of Montel's candor and honesty, which is the book's strongest statement. Overall, a rather boring "all about me" celebrity memoir. Disappointing from a man of Montel's stature and influence.

Very easy book to read and kept my interest, however, I found it a little too self-serving at times. Having been diagnosed with MS 4 years ago, I could relate to some of the experiences Montel went through, and the frustrations and fears he felt at the time of his diagnosis. I appreciated the appendix which included various questions asked of several different doctors regarding the diagnosis and treatment of MS. There were times when he just came across as a bit arrogant and aloof. This may be more a result of his style of writing and his choice of words when describing certain situations and experiences, rather than the reality of who Montel is. I appreciate his candor and honesty when describing various events in his life, but I just had a feeling that he's still removed from the majority of people with MS. Truly, how many of us can fly to Sweden or other places around the world to get a 2nd opinion? How many of us can travel all around the world snowboarding the winter months away? I just found it hard to relate to him at times.

I absolutely love this book. It shows a new side to Montel and shows that no matter what we are facing, we can overcome. It has changed my life and opened my eyes to MS and the symptoms. Thanks Montel for writing this book and getting MS into the mainstream.

I have known for many years bits and pieces of Montel's story. I find his battle interesting. He gives me inspiration with all he struggles with daily. Since I facilatate a Support Group for MS I am always looking for inspiration and like to learn from others. I shared the book with my group.

I liked this book the BEST out of all Montel William's books!! It was a very personal story that can help a lot of people.

I recommend this book, especially if you love Montel.

Really cool book -- we are or aspire to be like those who never existed. Been passing this book around and talking about it. People don't realize how influenced (or biased) they are especially in thought by those who never existed. Great Read.

I gave this to my 17. y.o. sister for her birthday. She is impossible to shop for but lovedThe 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived: How Characters of Fiction, Myth, Legends, Television, and Movies Have Shaped Our Society, Changed Our Behavior, and Set the Course of History. The Marlboro Man, Barbie, Santa Clause, Joe Came, the Wandering Jew and Mamie are a few of the many fascinating inclusions. The book is divided by category and easily read in chunks. The list is completely subjective of course, but it makes it no less interesting for debate, discussion and your reading pleasure. This is one of the those books you'll find yourself asking: "Why didn't I write this first?"

When I got this book, I expected to find educated views about the historical/cultural significance of each of the "people" that never lived. Why and how would they consider these particular characters the most influential? Amazingly, this book doesn't even discuss the influence of the characters on society throughout history or why they have so much staying power in our hearts and imaginations. Instead, the authors provide boring summaries of what the characters "did," or how they were created and by whom. Then they proceed to give self-righteous and condescending opinions about whether the message(s) in the story or the actions of the character(s) are appropriate in today's times. Gee, I thought that's what readers/viewers were supposed to do for themselves!!

For example, we shouldn't read Cinderella to our little girls because it creates a sense of false hope that you don't have to do anything to solve your problems (fairy godmother), and that men will only want to marry you if you're beautiful. Perhaps that's true, but last time I read the story, Cinderella was hard-working, lived a difficult life without complaint, and did not resort to treating people badly even when that was the way she herself was being treated. The problem with these compilation-type books is that they can so easily oversimplify and fall into the trite.

Of course I was not expected objectivity. The very nature of a book of this type is one person's biased viewpoint (or in this case two people). I did, however, expect a literary and cultural analysis, as well as perhaps some humor or interesting perspectives. NOT!

This book seemed to me like a brazen attempt for the authors to cash in on the success of books like the 1001 series. My advice: save your money on this one.

I gave this book 3 stars because I think the concept is great. The title is right up my alley. That being said, I read about 5 characters, and then started skipping around because I was bored. I was bored not by the choices, but because I think they summarized what we already know more than they showed the connection between the characters and today. For instance, all of the greek/roman myth selections basically retold the myth, and then left maybe a paragraph to show why it matters. I am familiar with myths, and enjoy them a great deal, but I found myself saying, "Ok....I already know this." Of course, some of their choices had me saying, "What?", but it's hard to choose ONLY 101 when there are so many. For that, I give the writers credit. I wish more had been done with showing the influential impact versus retelling what we know.

As a person with a long and meaningful relationship with fiction, I was excited to read a book based on the effects of fictional persons on a societal level.
However, most of the book is dedicated to introducing you to these characters, their history and introduction, and very little time (almost no time) is spent talking about the cultural impact. For instance, Superman (#64) is introduced as a creation in comics and later discussed how he differs from conventional heroes, followed by a discussion of a few later incarnations. There is no discussion about the hero mentality, the usage of Superman in language to embody the exceptional. There isn't even a note about the irony with the Nazi "superman" concept.

The book is broken up into a series of individual character vignettes of about 2 pages each. They offer a brief history of the character with some relatively mediocre quips of humor. The information offered is not a discussion of the impact of fictional characters, so much, as a simple introduction to each character in turn.

Even at the beginning of the book with their self proclaimed "subjective" ranking, they fail to offer any kind of metric or ideal on how they rated each character. They may have, for all I know, picked the names out of a hat, which would be why Buffy the Vampire Slayer is listed as MORE influential than Helen of Troy, Batman, and Atticus Finch.

The writing is ok, and the content is amusing. The book is a simple overview of 101 fictional characters in a quick and relatively enjoyable fashion. Their influence and impact remain pretty much unmentioned.

Probably a decent bathroom book, since each character has an isolated area that can be read in any order. However, I can't recommend it for more than that.

My wife and I have been buying this book annually since the early/mid 90's. It's been a rare moment that it has disappointed, and believe it or not, the reviews are intelligently written and, in this movie nut's opinion much more fair and helpful to the would-be viewer than many of the top US newspaper's and web site's highly paid guns-for-hire. I don't want to put across the impression that all "big-time" critics aren't really that great, but more and more often these folks seem to think they're in a competition with their counterparts to see who can find and use the most obscure phraseology and biting criticism that it's like trying to follow a Dennis Miller routine if you haven't read every major newspaper in the country that day! These folks seem to understand the critics job in more of an everyman way, sure they're witty, and they can bite with the biggest dogs out there, but we find that the reviews are very often right on the money. It rates on a system of dog bones, 1 bone (actually they have a no-bone rating, simply stated as "woof") through 4 bones, and when they give a movie 4 bones, I think you would really have to try very hard to find that particular movie unlikable. We have rented or purchased a "4-boner" on those criteria alone. Just my opinion, but they just seem to tell it like it is, but still have a little fun with it. After all, it is a MOVIE, right? You laugh, you cry, yada, yada. Of course, it has to get bigger every year, (2008's has 1800+ pages, but it's also a blast just to scan thru...because as well as reviewing almost every movie made, the reviews give exhaustively complete credits, i.e., cinematography, music score, screenplay, based on a book by ___, etc., etc., you also get, after the movie section, a cross-referencing group of sections that defies you to try and play "stump the Hound". If you cannot find out information on, say, Bud Cort's first film appearance, (M.A.S.H.) or maybe a disturbing filmography of David Lynch, this is where you look. I would say it could satisfy (at least to a certain extent!), the very freakishly obsessed with movies and movie-making trivia. Just stroll through the section on actors, and you'll soon learn that many of your favorite star's went through a relatively inauspicious beginning, and that's just one of the many categories that are almost voyeuristic in their "completeness"...directors, with their bodies of work just lying there chronologically for you to pick at, lol, the category list, which contains genre, sub-genre, thematic, even significant scene selections, and a "kibbles and series" list, actually a bunch of off the wall indexes rolled into one index...you would look here to find out what your favorite movie's genesis really was...literary, theatrical, cartoon, television adaptations, plus there's a quality check with categories like "woofs", "4 bones" top grossing, jeez, I'm getting carpal tunnel while trying (woefully unsuccessfully) to keep this somewhat short. If you like movies check it out, if you love them, just buy it. My wife and I started calling it the "boner book" from the second week we found our first one. BTW...you can pre-order the '09 edition right now, you sicko!

Every movie ever made. With summary, IDs of actors, writer, Director. What more can I say?

Couldn't wait to receive this tome of video nuggets, but the first movie I looked up, one of my favorites, had a short, lame, synopsis that didn't even touch one iota on the uniqueness, humor or twists involved in the plot. (It's a cult classic, Rustler's Rhapsody, with Tom Berenger and Andy Griffith; hilarious). It is more than obvious that the editor and staff didn't see the movie, nor talked to anyone that had. Guess I'll relegate it to the use as a door-stop or grandchild booster at the dinner table. There are worse fates, I guess.

This is my fourth VH book. Because of the price, I limit my purchase to one every three years.... Personally I love being able to pull out the book and find the name of some movie I can't remember simply by looking up the director, actor, genre, etc or even better, comparing MY opinion to theirs (which is usually pretty spot on). BUT HEY, VH guys, why not show us some loyalty/compassion and put out One book every five years and sell (at a much cheaper price) yearly adendums? just a thought.

Video Hound is a trusted resource in checking out movies before viewing--the reviews are usually right on the money and are often humorous to read. I use this guide book and cross reference the reviews with Leonard Maltin-- using both books, you cannot go wrong.

Another great book in the series. There are so many reviews here already - I'll just toss in my short one for the star average. These books are a great getaway when you just want to escape in some entertainment for a little while. Lots of laugh-out-loud wit and intelligence without the deep brooding conspiracy and blood and gore of many best sellers. Fun sexual tension without the anatomy lessons. Oh- the taxidermy scenes? OK - I love animals and all (yay Rex and Bob!), but the entire taxidermy thread had me practically in tears from laughter every time it appeared. I saw mention of a screenplay once. I actually hope these books don't go to screen. Most of the laughs come from Stephanie's internal wit and I enjoy every outrageous moment of it!

Okay fellow bounty hunter fans, here it is! Lean Mean Thirteen just doesn't have the "punch" that the other Stephanie Plum books had. I am an ardent fan and hate to admit it! I did like the book, but it is time for just a little bit more. The ruined car scenarios and empty Ranger/Morelli relationships are getting "tired". Again, the book is the usual which is good. But how about something to catch the readers attention? Looking forward to fourteen.

Greatly enjoyed this book as I have all of the numbered Plum Books.
I get the greatest laughs from all of the books.

I love Janet E.! Could not wait until this one was availble to read. I found it a little lean on the entertainment value vs. previous numbers books in the series (#8 being hilarious). Still love the characters and scenarios that seem so far out, but very funny.

Another great book about my two favorite guys. Joe and Ranger. Waiting on the next book Janet..

Hey, my name is Carina Henzel, I am 23 and I teach English in Brazil. I bought and read Cancer Schmancer in 2002. As I loved it so much, I decided to get some my students to read it this year. So I ordered eight books from amazon.com and got them delivered quickly and in fine state.

I totally recommend the book. It's great, informative and fun. It makes you laugh, cry and fall in love with the person Fran Drescher is. Amazing author, amazing text. I honestly loved it and my students are enjoying it a lot. Two thumbs up!

I had just been diagnosed with endometrial cancer when a friend mentioned that Fran Drescher had a book out about her experience. I'm not a 'celebrity' follower at all but i just wanted to hear a non-medical run through of what to expect. Which was very much in line with what she wrote...the frustration of not being heard when you know something isn't right and trying to find someone who listens and checks it all out just to make sure..and when you finally get the diagnosis....going through what you have to deal with in your own head and everyone elses...she was up front and open about the whole process and very fortunate that it hadn't spread....and that she had the money for good insurance and a good support system....so many in this country don't.

It was very interesting, I could not put it down!! I just love Fran! This is an educational and funny read!

Very helpful to women. Whether they have been diagnosed with uterine cancer or not, all women should treat themselves to this book so that should the time come when they experience the symptoms Fran had or know someone who has, they will be educated. And a word of caution: EVEN IF a D & C shows no cancer cells, you STILL can have uterine cancer. I know firsthand of someone who did. The cancer was hidden in the muscle of the uterus, Stage 1-C, undetectable by a D & C. If symptoms persist, a good doctor will recommend a hysterectomy. Don't settle for a "wait & see" attitude. The doc of the person I know said he had not had a case like my friend's in his entire career & made the right decision by recommending a total hysterectomy.

A sad commentary on one of the areas of medicine in the United States. It deals with OBGYN and women health. It demonstrated the inadequacy of the OBGYN specialty in dealing with the reproductive-endocrine system of the female. It exemplifies the difficulty for a surgical specialty to deal with a nonsurgical disturbances of an organ systems (reproductive) in the female and the tragedy that results from this inadequacy. The author describes the consequences of almpost "comical proportions" when the various other specialists, outside of OBGYN, attempt to take over and correct the problems. A funy, through tears, look at the the tragedy and the role of the OBGYN specialty in it.

What a fun book this was! A rolicking ride inside the life of a truly remarkable individual. Joy, melancholy, exasperation, flair and fight, darkness, and more - I was sad to see it end. I'm still processing... an E-ticket ride!

ALL YOU YOUNG MEN BOW YOUR HEADS IN SHAME,THIS IS A LEGEND OF A MAN WHO IS AN ICON ,A SHINEING EXAMPLE OF GOOD TIMES AND BAD TIMES,AND YET HE IS WHAT ,MANY WISH TO BE,HIS TESTICULER FORTITUDE IS ADMIRABLE AS IS HIS LUST
FOR LIFE AND WOMEN.
IT SAYS AT THE TEMPLE OF THE APOLLO (KNOW THY SELF)I SAY KNOW ERROL FLYNN FOR HE IS WHAT WE AS MEN SHOULD BE FREE SPIRITED SOULS DISCOVERING LIFE AND OURSELVES.
READ THIS BOOK FOR SADLY IT MAY BE THE CLOSEST MANY OF US EVER GET TO A GREAT ADENTURE,MR FLYNN I SALUTE YOU SIR!

My Wicked Wicked Ways was every bit as entertaining as Flynn's on screen adventures. Amazingly handsome, a lady's man, highly intelligent and a natural athlete, his meteoric rise in Hollywood provided the money and resources to be a true Tasmanian Devil (he was born in Tasmania). Today's tabloids would have a field day with this guy!

This is the story of a man with an insatiable curiosity, but with a devil may care attitude. Flynn had a difficult time grasping the consequences of his actions. A heavy drinker and womanizer he lived by his rules and couldn't care less about his Hollywood image.

Catapulting to super stardom over night in the film Captain Blood there was no looking back. Robin Hood and The Sea Haw are arguably his finest roles where this swashbuckler takes over the big screen. With a spring in his step and a glimmer in his eye Errol Flynn captivated audiences and imaginations everywhere. I was fortunate to see a Flynn's movie years ago on the big screen and he was absolutely captivating.

Flynn tired as his role of swashbuckler and yearned for more serious roles. He became depressed when Hollywood continually cast him in the roles of adventurer. He could never quite break into serious roles except for a few movies such as Elizabeth and Essex He almost made it to the top with Gone with the Wind, but alas, it wasn't meant to be.

My Wicked Wicked Ways is told in the first person but is written by the ghost writer Earl Conrad. Conrad works effectively at keeping the tone of the book in Flynn's voice.

There are some great stories in this book. One story tells of Flynn and a companion fishing with dynamite. A shark grabbed the dynamite and swam towards their boat as a living torpedo!

In another amazing story Flynn was caught in one of the most heartless pranks in Hollywood. So called friends of Flynn stole John Barrymore's corpse from the morgue and set it up in a chair at Flynn's house with a lit cigarette. Flynn walked in after a hard night of drinking and reminiscing about Barrymore (they were friends). It scared him half to death.

Are all these stories true...some are true, some exaggerated and some may be totally false...but they are still enormously entertaining and there are enough threads of truth to make the book extremely engaging.

I read this book back in the 1970s when my mother mentioned that Errol Flynn messed up his life. He had great looks, fame, fortune and women. Then, he died relatively young as an alcoholic. I was fascinated and interested in learning more about this interesting human and what made him tick.

What I found was that Flynn was born with a many talents, but had an unbridled curiosity, the morals of a tomcat and had difficulty envisioning the consequences of his actions...and many times just didn't care! Flynn may wasn't an upstanding citizen, but he is sure fun to read about and see in the all the great movies he made!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is one of my all time favorite books about an adventurer, a scoundrel and ladies man. It is packed with fascinating and hilarious stories. Highly recommended!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

Great book! Didn't realize the remarkable lifestyle he lead before his acting career. It's a book where you take your time to read. WJR

Errol Flynn dictated "My Wicked, Wicked Ways" to ghostwriter Earl Conrad in 1958. By the time the book was published, Flynn would be dead. But he left an entertaining memoir that seems emotionally honest, if it is not always factual. Flynn said, "If I have any genius it is a genius for living", and this chronicle bears it out. Flynn's great lust for life, curiosity, individualism, and love of the sea are present in nearly every word and deed. He was also gullible, alcoholic, and tended toward self-pity when he felt confined. As Jeffrey Meyers, one of Flynn's biographers, points out, Flynn sometimes exaggerated his misdeeds to leave no doubt as to his rakish reputation. Nevertheless, Flynn seems like a charismatic man whose good looks and iconoclastic lifestyle made him all the more irresistible.

Oddly, Flynn starts the story off with his nadir, the 4 1/2 years in the 1950s he spent vagabonding around the world, broke, unable to find work after he left Warner Brothers. These are not the years anyone would have best wanted to know Errol Flynn. Then Flynn takes us back to his childhood in Tasmania, son of a prominent biologist and hateful mother. Expelled from however many schools, the 17-year-old Flynn headed to New Guinea to find his fortune in the gold rush. If he is to be believed, in 5 years on the island he had the most extraordinary variety of occupations: a civil servant, manager of a coconut plantation, gold prospector, bird hunter, fish dynamiter, bottle-smeller (!), recruiter of indentured servants (i.e. slave trader), and charter boat captain, which brought his first taste of acting.

Flynn is never long between amorous adventures. His enjoyment of women and of all physical engagement in life are enduring themes. Though more than half of the book recalls his professional and social life as a Hollywood star, it doesn't seem to be the happiest time in his life, and he takes the opportunity to lambaste his first wife, the French actress Lili Damita, who hounded him for money until the end. Flynn talks about filming some movies, comments on co-stars, love scenes, and on his contentious relationship with Jack Warner, but this is more his personal take on his experiences than it is a catalog of events or gossip. He recounts his trial for statutory rape, of which he was acquitted, but he seems to feel wounded by the implication that he had injured a woman.

I haven't read any other biography of Errol Flynn, so I don't know how much of what he writes is fanciful. Some of his exploits seem improbable, if only because of their serial nature. In other cases, he doesn't exonerate himself from false accusations when he could. The man had a love-hate relationship with his public image, the need to maintain or exaggerate the truth of his wild ways, and disgust at the presumptive and unrelenting press and public. But, for its time, this was a candid memoir. Its style is that of a raconteur, conversational, colorful tales of a life lived fully and with little regret. This has some disadvantages, such as a lack of dates and chapters. The book is divided into five long parts. But Flynn's personality, perspective, and sense of adventure come across strongly.