Entertainment Books

This edition lits the hits that most people forgot! I was looking for info on one it wonders and other fun trivia that we could enjoy at work. This book was it!

This is a great book for laying musical artists and song arguments to rest.It is also very informative and fun to read.

For some reason this book is very hard to get in the UK (a bit like a good train or bus service). Hence the need to purchase it from the international site of Amazon. Once obtained it is very useful.
It now also seems difficult to get the UK version, so good luck if you are hunting for either.

An excellent reference for any music enthusiast wishing to narrow his or her research. Well written, informative and accurate. Another typical Whitburn product worth every penny. The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits (Billboard Book of Top Forty Hits) 8th Edition

Supplement this one with his Billboard Hot 100 Charts (The Sixties) Billboard Hot 100 Charts - The Sixties. And lastly, while we're still in the 60's music Era, don't forget Whitburn's Bubbling Under The Billboard Hot 100, 1959-2004.Bubbling Under the Billboard Hot 100: 1959-2004: Joel Whitburn Presents

You can't go wrong here. The research he's done in these references to ensure accuracy and simplicity is incredible.

The 8th Edition of "The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits" is another winner. Those familiar with this series already know that this book will be an outstanding research tool for radio stations and music collectors. The 8th Edition, written by Joel Whitburn, is another "must have" for anyone serious about music chart performance. Joel's reputation for compiling and publishing chart data in an interesting and useful format is well recognized, and this edition covers the entire time span of 1955-2003. Whitburn's books can get so much use as valuable reference tools, that it's easy to wear out the binders. Can't wait for the 9th edition!

This book was a dreadful read, confusing, bias and with no cited sources to back up startling allegations. I was disappointed and turned off!

If you are a Anna Nicole Smith fan this is a book for you. I read the book in one sitting. This is a book that you can't put down. You will definitely enjoy it. It's worth the money

Excellent condition, everything you say is true. I will be purchasing more. Prompt and courteous service. Thanks :) Jan

I am a firm believer that Larry Birkhead is a good Dad to this baby.
I somehow have doubts in the "sex act" that supposedly took place with Larry and Howard. The obvious disdain that the two men have/had for one another make this unbelievable.
I believe it to be true that Howard is sneaky, dangerous man who liked to control and manipulate, and not to be trusted. He very well could have been the one to take the lives of Daniel and Ana Nichole. Sad for this baby who now has no Mother to grow up with, nor Brother.
Sad Book, Too bad they could not have had the intervention that they needed to save their lives.
I think Rita did a good job writing this book. It does hold the readers interest, and moves pretty smoothly and quickly.

You know I really don't follow any of the tabloids or the television shows devoted to celebrity culture, but when I saw Rita Crosby interviewed on Fox I thought I'd give Blond Ambition a leafing. Somewhat comically, the anchor said to Crosby during the segment, "I saw the title and thought it was about you." In a way he was right because this is a most subjective account of Anna Nicole Smith and her death. I usually don't mention much about an author's style as I'm no Hemingway myself, but I found the writing here to be quite poor. It was a brief text but I kept putting it down due to how ponderous it was. I don't see Smith as having been a bad person so much as I consider her as an individual who could not control her impulses. Oh, I do think that charade with Mr. Marshall was reprehensible but I would never expect honor from a Hollywood star.

The narrator seems to have a high amount of respect for Smith which amazed me. The corresponding vilification of Howard K. Stern and Larry Birkhead also made no sense. Personally, I would not want to associate with either of those two guys, but they strike me as being no different in their qualities from Smith. They are scammers and societal free-riders who associate who other scammers and societal free-riders. Isn't this to be anticipated? Should this discombobulate us? Further, Crosby's take on her subject's addictions was absurd. She blamed Stern for the drugs Smith did which is fallacious. Smith was an independent, autonomous human being who was responsible for her own actions. Even if Stern obtained them for her (and whether he did or not I have no way of knowing) she still had a choice before taking them. Being addicted to a substance is both debilitating and a challenge, but even low will-power fellows like me managed to quit smoking. It was not easy but preserving your life is worth the suffering it entails. Of course, survival was a priority for me, but, as we see here, it isn't for everyone. The thing that puzzles me most is why anybody admires celebrities in the first place. I'd be no more likely to look up to them than I would a grouper or a mockingbird. I'll never comprehend the allure these rich folks have but this book will not add to anyone else's collective understanding of that phenomenon either.

I have this story on DVD and thoroughly enjoyed it so I decided to buy the book. It closely mirrors the DVD's, and had lots of pictures. Needless to say, I would highly recommend both. I've just started reading, "Long Way Down", and within a few pages have become as captivated as before. These adventures are the type of thing I would have loved to do 20 years ago, I can kinda get a feeling of what it must be like through Ewan and Charlie's travels. Thanks, Guys, for a really good time!!

The photos are great and compliment the journey and the text. A must have for any touring motorcyclist.

Long Way Round chronicles the around-the-world motorcycle adventure of Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor. It's unlikely I'll ever do anything like that in my life, but the book gave me an idea of what it's like. Both of them are entertaining writers and it was a really inspiring book. A great tale of taking an adventure and making it a dream come true; of friendship; and of overcoming obstacles. A great companion to the dvd set.

What an awesome book, recording an awesome experience. As a biker myself, I was attracted to the book just to read about a trip that is beyond my means and abilities, but the book ended up meaning much more than that to me. It showed me, yet again, that wherever you go in the world (And I've travelled a fair bit of it myself in my work as a seafarer !) people everywhere are just people like you and I, when you get past the religious, political and economic differences that can so often divide us. It also highlights the fact that people who make a living in the film industry are not necessarily unapproachable, self centred and addicted to adulation. They can be warm, human and prone to the same joys, fears and desires as the rest of us. In short, they are human beings who just happen to have a good job. This is not just a good read about a motor bike trip of a lifetime, it is a book that rekindles hope that the world, and its varied people, is a beautiful place after all, and not half as dangerous as some would have us believe. Whether you're a biker, an armchair traveller or just someone looking for an exciting and inspiring read, then this book is for you. I can't praise it highly enough.

I couldn't wait to get this book. It sounded like a great story of adventure across several continents. After the first chapter I deeply regreted my purchase. What had great potential turned out to be two guys boasting about their popularity and how it was going to be difficult being celebrities. Maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't know them at all, despite their numerous references to the movies they've been in. I thought I was getting a book about the challenges of travel abroad and pictures of these places. What I got was a book with too many pictures of the authors, weak stories of the places they stayed in and the food they ate.

Lewis Black is at his very best. Truly, "nothing is sacred" from Lew's uniquely hilarious brand of critique. I found my self laughing out-loud at portions of the book. Lew also shows his softer side when writing about his late brother, Ron. Overall, a tremendous read. I would highly recommend. It's kind of a "Chicken Soup for the Thinking Person's Soul."

Mr. Black mixes the story of his childhood through college years with his classic rants on everyday subject. He has lived an interesting life coming from the suburbs of Washington D.C. I learned a lot about the man behind the yelling and had a few laughs on the way. If you want to know more about Lewis Black, this is the book to buy.

In a Lewis Black style rant......

OF COURSE ITS NOT WHAT MOST PEOPLE EXPECT!
This book is more of his own autobiography, not so much a comedic book. The thing is that his autobiography just happens to BE comedic. Since alot of his views and routines are based on his own past experiences, of course certain things will overlapped. If you specifically want comedic books - I suggest George Carlin's Brain Droppings, Napalm and Silly Putty, and When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops... But then again, the negative reviewers here probably won't like them either because they're "recycled content".

Jon Stewart (The Daily Show) said it best. "...he yells in print!".
A quick and entertaining read.

Well Done! This book had people in airports staring at me, wondering why I was laughing histerically!

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.

This book is a great gift, especially to those enterring new exciting chapters in their lives. It could as a result of death, illness, or just starting a new chapter. Life is hard but enjoy gain strengh from that around you.

This book is very inspirational and can be used a a motivator for young people embarking on their life journey. The accompanying cd is excellent as well.

I felt so connected to this and cried , I gave it to my daughter , who had just found out she had cancer . goldenyrs43

Leeann Womack does a fantastic job at describing how the song came about and how to apply it to every day life.

Being a lover of this song and of gift books, I naturally couldn't resist ordering this book the minute I saw it in a store. The lyrics of Leann Womack's classic song is featured throughout the book, along with inspirational messages and beautiful photography from those who put the book together.

I did dock a star because the messages in the book that accompanied the song occasionally came off as a little too..mushy. I'm really not that harsh a critic, not of books like these, but the beautiful words of inspiration were, a couple of times, replaced by words that were definetly too syrupy for my taste. I prefer truly moving messages and stories to speak for themselves, but it occassionally seemed like the authors wanted to hammer the point home, overdo the sentimentality, and even make their message serious and cheerfully bouncy at the exact same time (trust me, that doesn't work.) For ex: throughout the book, the lyrics of the song are printed in large bold letters in order to differentiate them from the authors' separate words of inspiration. Usually, the pages featuring the lyrics had no other words on them, but at one point, right above the words of Womack's moving song, the authors' placed a bulletin that said, "Attention! This is BIG stuff!" Considering the fact that Leann's song more than speaks for itself and doesn't need any extra emotional boosting, I found those additional words annoying and almost jarring to the flow of the song and its message.

Elsewhere in the book, as I mentioned before, the sentimentality goes into overdrive. One page is dedicated entirely to love and begins with the words, "Love, love, love. You have to love." Again, I got that idea the first time. It's nice to compliment the song with additional words of motivation, but we don't need an interpretive page with every selection of the song. In another part of the book, while speaking of youth, the narrator says, "Ah, youth..new skin, wide smiles, clear eyes..the future so bright. If only we could bottle it up, sip it now and again.." This sounded more to me like a bad commercial for a fountain of youth than a motivational speech. I don't mean to sound cynical, I usually love gift books, but the tone in this one was sometimes just too sweet for my taste.

I also didn't particularly care for the version of the song in the bonus CD. There's a mainstream version with soft rock music and female voices in the background (which I prefer) and there's a country version with male voices in the background and the occassional awful twangy instruments; this one's the latter. If you like country music, good for you, but I don't like the country version of this song.

There are plenty of good points of this book to make up for the disappointments, of course. The song is wonderful, whether you hear it or read it, and some of the separate words in the book were lovely to read. My favorite part of the book's text, other than the song, was a beautiful little haiku that the authors wrote called "You", celebrating every individual. The photographs are also gorgeous, from grinning children to nature scenery. A beautiful package, altogether.

Now, if they'd only make a gift book celebrating the beautiful song "Private Malone"..

Against All Odds is a short read but very enjoyable. I can relate to some of the experiences in his life. His love for family and his belief in God was touching and left me with a feeling of personally knowing him. His is down to earth, a caring man of virtue. If you have enjoyed his movies, TV series or followed his martial arts career then this is a must read book.

A must read. Very inspirational. Shows that in this life you should never give up. You must always believe and have faith. Eventually you will succeed. I would recommend this to all those who are serious about life, serious about achievement, serious about helping others.

A good book, espically if your a Chuck Norris fan. Easy read, went through very quickly. Truly enjoyable.

* Minor Spoilers Ahead *

I thought this book was great. It starts off with Chuck's early life at home with his mother and father. The story gets interesting to read since Chuck lived a very poor life as a child and on top of that, his father was an alcoholic. He talks about his time with his brothers, and his mother, and his relationship with God. At the next stage in the book, Chuck talks about his development as a martial artist and his career as a America's top martial artist champion. Then he gets into his acting career as well as his political career (although he never ran for anything, he has a very good relationship with many former and current president, Bush).

I was disappointed with the ending of the book though. It seems Chuck spent a great deal in the first half of the book explaining his outlook on life, his relationship with God, his family, and his career choices. In the ending though, Chuck seem to trail off that road, and get more into his relationship with his new wife, her children, and their new born twins. Although that was interesting, I think he left many details of his life in question. For example, his relationship with his father ended with his father death, and it seems like there was more to the story and I'm guessing perhaps it is too personal to tell. Another example is his relationship with God. He said many times that he didn't follow God fully. What prompted him to change his outlook in life? Did he have some type of moment where he suddenly realized that his relationship in the Lord was all that mattered? Also, in the end he didn't fully explain what his future plans are. He indicates that he plans to be a full time parent, and on top of that get his martial arts in public school program going, and doing business roles in his school.

Overall, I was pleased with the book. I feel in the end he left many things in question. Perhaps it's too personal or maybe he doesn't know what he wants to do or his thoughts. I liked the book and recommend it to anyone interested in Chuck.

I admire Chuck Norris very much. I think he sets a fine example for young and old alike. Personally, I would have liked to have read more about the personal side of his life and just a little less of his martial arts story. The segment of "Walker, Texas Ranger" was way too, too short. Still, I'd like to read more of his material. Now, Chuck, in my opinion, is a real man!

A fascinating figure in history deserves a book as good as this. Immoral butcher, and defender of most Holy Christian Europe, murderer of the poor and upholder of absolute justice, war criminal and heroic defender of his people.

One could perhaps describe Dracula in simple terms as the Dr. Doom of his day. A horrible villain to some, yet a hero to his people and one who followed for the most part his own code of twisted, and very literal honor. In fact, half of the fun of reading this book is the way Vlad consistently deals out the most extreme punishments for minor and major infractions (and they are infractions make no mistake). Yet the way it is done is both so brilliant and logical to the extreme you can't help but applaud him for him being such a magnificent bastard.

Disrespectful envoys not taking off their hats? Nail their caps to their heads so they won't break their own rules by *accident*. Islamic armies oppressing your land and taking your kids to raise as their shock troops? Impale their prisoners of war and make a forest of them to send their greatest general a message. Poor masses and criminals dragging down your country? Give them a *banquet*, and then mercifully send them to God's kingdom by locking them in and burning them alive. Traitorous nobles kill your father and brother? Work them to death building YOUR fortress and then bury them alive. A visiting merchant robbed in your kingdom? Threaten to burn down the town unless the money is returned... and then give extra gold back to the merchant to see if he's just as bad as the thief (with equal punishments for both if guilty). Disgusted seeing a peasant with shoddy clothes? Impale the wife responsible and get the poor guy a new one (Good help is so hard to find).

Even Vlad's own people eventually tired of his reign towards the end of his life. But after the fact, it's amazing how many people thought he did far more good than harm in his life, saving his country from being humiliated and enslaved from outside powers and decayed from within from crime and lawlessness.

Of course, a modern prejudiced mind that thinks putting a rapist or murderer in jail for a few years before cutting them loose is a 'just' punishment, will instantly peg Vlad as yet another two bit Hitler or Stalin or warlord of your choice. This is an unfair depiction in my view, especially considering most of Vlad's bad press came from his enemies who were rightly terrified of him. Vlad comes off in these accounts as having far more courage, class and cunning than these hack jobs. If you consider Vlad a villain, at least give credit where its due.

Best said in the words of the author, Vlad was only occasionally guilty of bouts of random murder. His extreme killings were directed at three main groups, the Turks invading his country, the merchants squeezing the life out of his country, and the vagrants and the poor.

Dracula was by no means a nice person, but his contributions to history are really much more positive than most common histories (i.e. dumbed down garbage) would have you think. If you can be as bad mother as Vlad was, and STILL have your face on your country's currency and be regarded as a national hero, my hat's off to you.

It just goes to show that history is far more interesting than fiction. Highly recommended.

Florescu and McNally boldly proclaimed that the historical Dracula is far more interesting than the fictional vampiric version. They proved it in this extraordinary book. I hold tightly to the adage that "life is too short to read a book twice" but made an exception here and have read it 3 times and counting. I have been fascinated with the fictional Dracula since childhood and now have had new life (unlife?) breathed into the subject -the catalyst was this book.

The book is exhaustive although not ponderous -they place the story in its proper historical context and discuss the political volatility of the region, the dying crusading spirit, the anxiety of the Roman pontiff, as well as the rich and fascinating context of Sultan Mehmed II's world. And make no mistake, it almost was his world. Dracula, betrayed by a father who was himself betrayed by his subjects, forced to spend most of his developing years under the heel of his Ottoman captors, and soon thrust into a position of authority in his native land where he will be torn between two competing, greater powers, must always have his back to the wall. While still in his twenties, Dracula casts aside all ambiguity and chooses a side in the conflict between the east and the west, becoming a nemesis of Mehmed the Conqueror and actually making a fight of it -with virtually no support...

Rome sings of this Crusader on the eastern hinterlands who defends the Cross with such heroic virtue...

But there is a dark and sinister strain in this prince. His techniques against Mehmed are, shall we say, extreme, even by the measure of that brutal period. Wait until you get a load of the "Forest of the Impaled" -you won't forget it. It was said that Mehmed himself took one look at that ghoulish spectacle and said "see ya". Dracula is not your average Christian knight. The Turks scare their children with stories of "Kaziglu Bey" -the "Devil Impaler". German merchants in Wallachia are terrorized by Dracula who has vendettas that won't end... As they trickle back to their homeland, Gutenberg is printing the Bible on his new invention in the 1450s -and soon enough, Dracula gets bad press as the first horror stories are printed and circulated.

Cast aside the horror and the terrorism that he undeniably committed against foe and countryman alike, and you may see what I saw by the end of your study: Dracula could very well have been the veiled model for Machiavelli's "The Prince".

This book is an educational read not only to learn about Vlad Dracula but also the history of the surrounding area at the time. If your just interested in Dracula alone this book will probably not be of interest to you. It explains the legend well and goes into the whole life of Vlad.

This book was incredible. I have been a fan of Vlads for quite some time and am of Hungarian descent myself. Its very difficult to find history books about eastern european history. This book is graphic and accurate. Well worth the read if you want to know what life was like in dark europe during Vlads reign.

Long ago I read the first book of Mr. Florescu on the subject, and so I threw myself eagerly to read this one. What a huge disappointment! To start, there are three things that are made clear with this book: 1.- Mr. Florescu will take ANY given chance to put his name and his family in the highlight, as if you bought to book to know about the nobility and long ancestry of his family tree. 2.- Oh, he HATES Hungarians, so he will take WHATEVER chance, real or fabricated to just expose his biased views about what a bunch of "traitors" and "spineless people" they are. 3.- Books will be SPOILED! So, if you just bought "Dracula" from Bram Stoker, read that one first or you will know the end of that book in the first chapter of Mr. Florescu and Mr.McNally's self-glorifying book. Oh, and another book is SPOILED the same way- no, even worse in the last chapter. Basically: "oh yes, there's this book about this that ends like this." Yep.

More in detail, the dates are scrambled, so do not read it without pen and paper next to you to unscrable the timelines and get a better view of the actions. It doesn't happen once in the book, but quite regularly. You will find interesting also, how the last chapter, after all you read, comes and states the exact opposite to what has been exposed in the rest of the book. Dracula's childhood, his younger brother's "encounter with the sultan", their opinion on the accuracy of Stoker's book and it's worth, and even the way Romanian people feel about Dracula. My advise is, if you are going to read this book, purchase a large stock of other books as crossreference. Among them, please do include the first book on the subject by Mr. Florescu himself. At the end, you are left with the feeling of having read the speech of a politician: you are just no longer sure whether it's true or a bunch of self-promoting lies.