Entertainment Books

A very entertaining book, the author did a commendable job putting together a series of mini biographies for not just the famous/infamous Mitford girls, but also their men, parents, and close friends/families. I recommend this book as a guide to anyone who's interested in the Mitford clan but doesn't know where to start.

A word of caution though: if you are interested in Diana Mosely, Unity or Jessica Mitford, I'd take what this book presents with a grain of salt....This book is not, like a previous reviewer said "a little bias" - this book is extremely bias when it comes to Diana Mosely. Almost all quoted comments comes with a footnote listing special comments or conflicting info; but most of Diana's comments were quoted as is, especially when it comes to conflict amongst Jessica, Unity and Diana.

I read a lot of biographies and found this one increasingly dull and difficult to get through. Past halfway, it turned into a chore to finish. The writing is uninspired; attempts to prove characters' wit often fall flat; the book is filled with questionable judgments; and there is a huge gap in the author's conception of the book. Hitler held such sway over a good part of the family (even at the end of the war Tom Mitford praised him) that you wish the author had asked herself: How could such educated or sophisticated people have been taken in by Hitler? It's not that others weren't, but that's not an excuse. What about this family's psychology turned many of them into admirers of a man so widely reviled. The author keeps making excuses for them, and it becomes tiresome, and you feel the book is just skating across the surface of homes and pullulating cousins, nieces and nephews. It's not that there aren't some bright moments, but I got much more enjoyment and learned more about Nancy Mitford from her letters with Evelyn Waugh.

i just found out about the midford familt recently so i got this book.what a strange family of sisters.mixed with love hate and loyality disloyality with nazism fasist communist through in.the book will captive you.you will not be able to put it down.

Just read this for my book club and OY, OY, OY, did I ever hate it. I really did not find any of the sisters to be sympathetic. They were so spoiled and out of touch with reality. Furthermore, they were so mean to each other. I also had a hard time keeping them straight with all of their stupid nicknames. The biographer's apologetic yet pedantic tone bugged the hell out of me. Lady, we all get the peerage system and the nanny system. Oh and BTW, hobnobbing with Nazis does not make one fascinating; it makes one despicable, even if you are the most classically beautiful woman to grace the world. How bout another OY for good measure... OY!

A biography clearly more sympathetic with some sisters more than others, but overall a comprehensive look at the sisters and the time and world in which they lived.

I thought for awhile about this manga series till I finally decided to get Volume 1 and then had to order every one available. It is a story of mystery, intrigue, love and peer pressure. There is a bit of horror to it but to me not very much.

To not spoil the story itself it is basically a story of finding oneself and your place in the world. I highly recommend this manga series. IF there is an anime as well I would purchase as well. Although it appears to be light yaoi, but is it really?

Ron J is a porn star. Famous for being hairy and (of course) well built in the tackle dept. And not a pretty geezer, although arguably, he was when he was a young 'un. Jeremy is, by his own account, extremly talented - he says he's a classical musician (and provides scant evidence) - and this books is more of less a litany of minor mishaps and pratfalls for somebody wanting to break into the mainstream of acting who never succeeds. He knows everybody, but this is due entirely to his curiosity status as a pron legend, not to his acting ability, and in the end, you both envy him for his wonderful freedom and liberty in his sex life - it is apparent that having made it in porn early, he has absolutely no idea about conventional relationships at all - and for his utter lack of success on any other level, but about which he is painfully and honourably honest. He thinks he is a stand up comedian but never makes us laugh once, although we smile with and at him frequently for he is not a man to stand on a high horse. And so, through it all, you really do like him. He's trying to punch above the odds. He's had a good life. He's self-depreciating. He's not arrogant. He's a porn star who wanted more and grazed the surface. Basically he popularised porn as an icon. That is probably all he should have aimed for. At that level, Mr J is the best thing the industry ever produced. Not bad going, and it's a fun read. A tiny bit sad for his foiled ambitions - but he did not have to tell us about those - so in a way, we get the truth about who he is and what he wanted. I'd not swap his [...] for my brains even if many women I've met would, and maybe that makes him a happier man than many - its worth a read if you are open minded and curious. Possibly one of the most accessible works on the industry you'll ever be able to read.

More or less a tongue in cheek look at a life that is a surreal one to say the least.
He has never had the responsibilities of most of us, and is certainly not one to be giving sex advice.
For anyone that knows some old 80's porn flicks, there are a few laughs here and some behind the scenes look at some other individuals.
Ron is obviously an intelligent man, but is somewhat deluded in his outlook on life and what standing he has in the general community.
A good read, but not to be taken too seriously.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the porn industry and more, told by a witty and charming person, Ron Jeremy himself, the King Of Porn. You see or think of Ron Jeremy you think of adult entertainment, but surprisingly he's also a classical pianist and violinist, does stand up comedy, has a Masters degree in Special Education, was a teacher at the Crystal Run School For The Mentally Challenged, holds a brown belt in Kung Fu, and was honored by PETA as an Ambassador Of Goodwill. Surprise. He was also a boy scout.

Growing up in a normal and supportive family, Ron Jeremy Hyatt wanted to be an actor, a real one. He stumbled into the porn industry by submitting a photo of himself to Playgirl magazine. His career took off from there, but he always tries for (and treasures) getting cameo and bit roles in legitimate movies. He's managed to spend his lengthy career staying away from the drugs and excessive alcohol linked to the occupation.

This book is an explicit look at the porn industry, not holding back in describing scenes or use of language, so its not for the squeamish in that area. There's a 17 page black-and-white photo spread and a 16 page color photo spread included, plus black-and-white photos throughout the book and at the beginning of each chapter. No "naughty bits" are shown except upper torso. The color photos are of Ron with a surprising array of famous people. He's like a who's who of Hollywood. It was also Ron Jeremy who directed (and acted in) both of the movies made with John Wayne Bobbitt and his revamped equipment after his wife cut it off.

While graphically describing scenes such as filming on a yacht where all the actors and actresses were seasick, a "swingers club" (basically a $ex club) in New York, and after hours antics at celebrity houses, Ron still manages to come across as romantic and sentimental. Plus, he has an amazing sense of humor. Another surprise.

If you're not shy of delving into a sleazy industry, then I highly recommend this book. It's funny, informative, and entertaining. I'm not a fan of the porn industry, nor do I own any (though I've rented a few in my lifetime) and perhaps because of that I found the book interesting. It's easy to not put faces to such a faceless occupation, but Jeremy opens up the world and slaps us in the face with it.

This book is a very fast read, even at 360 pages. The content is graphic but told in a humorous tone. It takes us from the 1970's through current day in the industry, and Ron even waxes nostalgic for the "good ol days". Make sure to read the prologue too. I highly recommend this book as long as your not offended by the content. Enjoy!

To me, Ron Jeremy epitomized the role of everyman, he's not in shape, not very good looking, yet he gets boat loads of tail and gets paid for it! Going into this book I thought it would be filled with sorded tales of celebrity sexcapades and "behind closed doors" type stories. Instead what I got was chapters filled with relentless name dropping and Ron's sob story about trying to break into mainstream acting. Here's a hint Ronny, Porn stars NEVER break into mainstream acting roles unless you count cameos or comic relief. Instead of choosing roles wisely like most actors with any talent do, Ron just goes through life accepting every low level, piece of garbage role he was offered. In a way I still admire him for getting paid to do what every man dreams of, but on the other hand I feel sorry for him because he is basically pigeon-holed in the fat porn star role for life.

Its nice to see the other side of porn and hear the behind the scenes stories. Ron is obviously a legend, and a great story teller as well. He has many stories to tell. Like I said, a fun read. A great biography of a great person mislabeled for his role in pornography. I recommend it!

Great book. I've learned so much about Maya Angelou and am fascinated by her life.

I am not African American, not African, not American, and this book was such an eye opener. It is so rich in humanity, it is a pleasure to read. Each one of the 6 books is written with a distinctive voice as a person is maturing. Maya has a way of writing that is refreshing, intimate and profound.

Through her eyes we become aware of the distinctive culture and values that her characters share or challenge. We see the need that every person has to live life fully and the questions we all need to answer about who we are and what are we here for.

I particularly liked the "All God's chhildren need traveling shoes" best. this book is a must for people who seek to accept that we can be different, yet valued.

It is a distinctive book because it is written in a way that lifts the spirits and intrigues the intelect. .... "to the determination to be no victim of any kind".

I happened to hear her speak at a lecture series. She spoke for an hour and I was interested to read more about her life. I am only on page 280 but this woman is amazing and her writing style is so crisp and clear, it is as captivating as she was as a speaker. I enthusiatically recommend this book.

I purchased this book after reading, "I know why the caged bird sings", I found myself captivated by the spellbounding aura of maya angelou and in a thirst for her story purchased this book. I have drank her words readily and my only regret is that like all great things, the pages shall run out and my feast shall come to an end. This is a wonderful gift for any Maya Angelou fan, it branches outside of her poetry and makes the goddess of words appear a little more human.

Other than Maya's poems, I have never read her autobiographies. WOW barely describes what I read and felt. I always thought of Maya to be just what she is....a poet, an author. To read how her early life was, I see how her life's experiences brought her to where she is today. Not only does she speak honestly, her style of writing makes one feel they are her in the books. The size of the book may seem intimidating, but I could not put it down. I had to schedule myself to study for my class and read this book!

Reading this book made me realize how malignant a place Hollywood is to a black widow -who eat and abuse their young- this is the mother of Sandra Dee. It's amazing her son Dodd-who wrote the book-turned out as normal as he did. Bobbie Darin while talented was a self absorbed narcissist-who care nothing for others, but the real tragedy was Sandra Dee. Raised by a mother who was as sick and selfish to literally give her 8 year old daughter to her new husband sexually-for financial profit-and who is may have also slept with her son in law-Bobbie Darin. It is no wonder that Sandra Dee degenerated into the pathetic anorexic falling down drunk. Such a pretty women-such an awful putrid-sordid life. Hollywood...her mother is too often the type of stage mother it attracts and also the projected image of Sandra Dee -the Hollywood manufactured myth was just smoke and mirrors-hiding human misery.

It must be so hard for some of the offspring of Stars to front their demons. I do believe these two stars loved greatly but coming from different backgrounds was always going to be difficult.Their working days were completely opposite which had to cause friction. However I have passed this book around for others to enjoy. Unfortunately Sandra's addiction to alcohol would have been difficult for Bobby as he did not like this scene. His problems lay elsewhere. Nonetheless two great talents produced a loving son. Great read.

This book is a touching recollection of the glorious, yet shattered lives of Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin, the Dream Lovers of the title who were entertainment superstars during the late 50s and 60s. Their son Dodd along with his co-writer Maxine Paetro did a terrific job in telling his family's heartbreaking story by getting input from many of the people closest to his parents. I would also recommend picking up the DVD of Bobby's last TV show in 73 "Mack is Back" along with reading Dream Lovers. They go well together.

I read this book cover to cover in a day. From a son's perspective, it was hard to see the progressive decline in his parent's lives through his eyes. Still, I believe it was told with as much objectivity as he could muster. I'm still fascinated with the Darrin/Dee relationship after all these years.

Dodd Darin has written a very tragic and truthful story of both of his parents. I felt he captured their inner feelings of joy and of heartbreak. He also wrote of his love for both. I have and would recommend this book to others

This was delivered quickly and in good condition. Keep up the good service.

This edition is beautiful and nicely laid out (for singing and studying).
It is an eclectic song list and a great introduction to the French Melodie.

One of my biggest problems with Amazon is that often you cannot see which specific songs and/or composers are featured in a collection. So, I take it upon myself to provide this information to you:

Hector Berlioz - Villanelle

Georges Bizet - Chanson d'avril; Guitare; Ouvre ton coeur

Emmanuel Chabrier - Les cigales; Villanelle des petits canards

Ernest Chausson - Hebe; Le charme; Le colibri; Le temps des lilas

Claude Debussy - Beau soir; Les cloches; Mandoline; Noel des enfants qui n'ont plus de maisons

Henri Duparc - Chanson triste; La vie anterieure; Lamento

Gabriel Faure - Apres un reve; Automne; Chanson d'amour; Clair de lune; Lydia; Mandoline; Notre amour

Cesar Frank - Nocturne

Charles Gounod - L'absent; O ma belle rebelle; Venise

Reynaldo Hahn - A Chloris; Offrande; Si mes vers avaient des ailes

Vincent d'Indy - Madrigal

Charles Koechlin - Si tu le veux

Franz Liszt - Oh! quand je dors

Johann-Paul Martini - Plasir d'amour

Jules Massenet - Nuit d'Espagne; Si tu veux, Mignonne

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Dans un bois solitaire

Emile Paladilhe - Psyche

Francis Poulenc - Le Bestiaire (song cycle): Le dromadaire; Le chevre du Thibet; La sauterelle; Le dauphin; L'ecrevisse; La carpe

Maurice Ravel - Sainte; Cinq melodies populares grecques (song cycle): Le reveil de la mariee; La-bas, vers l'eglise; Quel galant m'est comparable?; Chanson des cueilleuses de lentisques; Tout gai!

Albert Roussel - Le bachelier de Salamanque; Sarabande

Camille Saint-Saens - Aimons-nous; L'attente

Erik Satie - Je te veux; La statue de bronze

Deodat de Severac - Les hiboux; Philis

Pauline Viardot - Fleur dessechee

From the fairly simple (but beautiful) songs of Hahn (Si mes vers avaient des ailes) and Martini (Plasir d'amour), to the increasing difficulty of Liszt (Oh! quand je dors) and Paiadilhe (Psyche), the suprising and technically specific Mozart piece (Dans un bois solitaire), to the outright difficult pieces of Debussy (Mandoline) and the complete song cycles of Poulenc and Ravel, this book will allow for years of French art song repertoire to be learned and enjoyed.

Each piece is preceded by a paragraph or two on the origin of the song and it's author(s), as well as a word-by-word translation. These useful additions assist the serious voice student in the full understanding of their new repertoire.

The selection of songs in this book is good, but it would be helpful to have the IPA pronunciation for them also.

It's got the basics, but if you want a good selection of French music I've discovered that you have to buy it by composer. If you bought a book of Faure then you would have half of this book anyway.

Overall a good book, with good ideas and greatt explanations for the project. However I found a problem with Solar Powered WiFi repeater.

He is showing you to use a Power Inverter for the two WiFi devices you will use. That does not make sense. They are both 12 volt devices. Why not just connect them straight to the batteries, getting more usage time out of the batteries instead of wasting power on a worthless inverter?

There is nothing valuable about this book any more except that the table of contents might stimulate you with some topics you never considered before.

The details and steps inside this book are rudimentary and long since outdated. Just Google what you are seeking and there will be better, newer information readily available for FREE !!!!

Want to extend your router's range...want to build a cantennae...want to create a VPN between routers...

GOOGLE IT.

More up-to-date info is on the web for free.

Bought the book with higher expectations; it only does an introductory job into the field of WiFi, containing and gathering info you can readily find over the net, and does it half way. Would only recommend it to someone with no particular knowledge in the field, who knows what Wifi is, but has no clue after that. Could make a nice gift for a 12 yr old tecky

This book is excellent, a must have. This book gives you the all the basic theory you are going to need to undertand wireless, and of course Cool Proyects.

My daughter now wants to learn guitar so she can play these songs. It's a good book for those who know how to read music as it is ONLY the sheet music to their songs.

Buyer beware! This is a piano music book, not a Jonas Brothers paperback as advertised. I am very disappointed in the way this item is presented online - you would be too!

We picked the authorized Jonas Brothers book. How wrong we were! WE paid double the price for a songbook!

This is a music songbook not a book about the Jonas Brothers. It is very nice but misleading as I thought I was buying a book about them and was surprised when I got it. Luckily my kids read music and love the Jonas Brothers so they are determined to learn how to play the songs.

This book is great for anyone learning to play guitar,piano, and sing or can do all that stuff... I'm learning how to play Australia on my guitar and its awesome.. this is my 2nd lesson or like time playig and im already half way through the song :. this is also a great book if you are in love with the JONAS BROTHERS just as much as i am.....