Entertainment Books

At first I was hesitant to purchase this book because I thought it consisted of nothing but photographs. It's not that I have anything against that, but I also like to have text accompanying the pictures. For a few months, I kept contemplating purchasing it when it saw it in various bookstores. When I actually made the opportunity to flip through the book, I discovered the author also conducted interviews with people who worked with Elliott and were in his life. I was also highly encouraged by another fan to purchase the book because he said it was spectacular, so I did just that. As soon as I purchased it, I went home and started looking at the photographs, which are exquisite. I also really enjoyed reading the interviews. An extra bonus included a CD consisting of five live tracks, one of them being a cover of a famous country song. I urge any fan of Elliott Smith to purchase this book, especially those who think they already have "everything" in their collection. "Elliott Smith" by Autumn de Wilde is a delight!

The pictures in the book are so incredible and definitely bring you back to XO times. It took me awhile to finally buy it, but I would not hesitate. This is a great purchase!

Coming from Autumn De Wilde, This book gets as close as it gets to Elliott Smith's photographical side. There are a lot of formal dedications including a foreword by Beck. I also enjoyed the 4 song live CD that was included with the book. I wish the CD had more tracks on it.

This Elliot Smith book is really cool. It has tons and tons of pictures, but not a whole lot of text. It also comes with a awesome live cd with around five songs.

Elliott Smith was perhaps the greatest Indie singer/songwriter of his generation. His unresolved murder/suicide at the age of 34 in 2003 catapulted him into iconic status. It abruptly ended a career that had begun to take off. Autumn DeWilde shared a personal friendship as well as a professional working relationship with Smith, released Elliott Smith, which is basically a series of intimate and touching conversations between Elliott's close friends and family that we have the privilege to listen(read) in on. Many speaking for the first time since his death. Because DeWilde was a personal friend of Elliott's, I think that we have to respect the fact that this is her book, not ours. It is going to read more like she is relating to Elliott because she knew him, and not just an informal biography about Elliott. After understanding that it is easier to appreciate and understand the book's perspective. Complementing the text are glossy black and white and color photographs that DeWilde shot of Smith throughout his career. Extremely fascinating and revealing, this book provides a unique perspective into the man whose music many have come to appreciate and love. DeWilde directed Smith's Son of Sam music video, and shot the cover art for his fifth album Figure 8. For a man many know only too well through his music, this book brings a fascinating "behind the scenes" perspective to his life. Besides his music, this is perhaps as close to the man that we will come to know. Reading about his friends and family talk about Smith, you begin to feel like you knew him as well, that you're sharing stories with old friends reminiscing about the night before he appeared on national television for the Oscars, the stories behind the music, or specific conversations that you had. Like his music, this book is a collection of memories, priceless memories. For those unfamiliar with his work, this book will not be as powerful or interesting as it will be for fans. Smith was a complex artist and human being, his personal life and music were not separate, they were one. This is not a biography on Smith, it is a series of conversations and interviews between Smith's closest friends and family. For fans familiar with his music, this book is a must have. I walked away after reading this book with a ton of information that I didn't know before. Considering that I never knew him personally, I even felt like I understood him a (little) better. The beautiful photographs alone are worth the price of the book, containing never before seen images of Smith. Haunting portraits that capture the man in all his glory; the photo shoot from the Figure 8 cover shooting; even handwritten lyrics on the backs of receipts. Yet we also get a series of revealing interviews and conversations that begin to flesh out the man and gives deeper insight into the life of this deeply troubled and gifted artist. The book is a celebration of their friendship and perhaps brings some closure to their relationship as well. I respect that, and I think we are fortunate DeWilde chose to share these at all. Thanks. DeWilde lets us in on this event. Looking at the haunting and beautiful images of Smith, there are many images that come to mind. Silently looking at Smith, you can hear his music playing in the background. This book because it leaves you with a tasted wanting more. Among those interviewed are: Beck Hanson, Ben Gibbard, Chris Walla, Autumn De Wilde, Joanna Bolme, Sam Coomes, Neil Gust, Ashley Welch, Margaret Middleman, Larry Crane. It is no secret that Elliott Smith lived a troubled life. I feel that this book gives you just enough without getting overly personal with respect to Elliott Smith and his family and the problems that he had in regards to drug abuse/depression. I think that this book could have gone a certain way in violating his privacy and instead it shows a tremendous amount of respect. I know that it is the gritty details that are the most fascinating, but I think that there is a fine line to respecting what someone else would like and what people are comfortable talking about. This book balances that perfectly. Contained within the book is a previously unreleased compact disc recording of Elliott Smith "Live at Largo" in Los Angeles. Contains four tracks: Angeles, Between The Bars, Clementine, Clouds(Quasi cover), All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down(Hank Williams Jr. cover). Intimate, touching, fascinating, and perhaps like his music- timeless. Recommended.

Reading (or more accurately, experiencing) this elegant volume of memorabilia recalls dead ideals, not just of decorous celebrity behavior, but of the quiet conviction of deeds rather than publicized pronouncements from Hollywood's movie stars. This book captures a sense of a life lived in the limelight, but never blinded by it, and conveys an archetypal and emotional journey through a minefield of tempting superficialities, all the way to self-discovery and meaning.

It's moving to see and feel how Audrey Hepburn's roles reflected her best selves at every turn -- resolutely alert, attuned, engaged, yearning, striving, feminine, human -- and be reminded of how a life can really be exemplary, after all.

This is a wonderful collector's item for Audrey Hepburn fans. I opened the box, and, after looking through the pages, had no other words but "wow". There are 34 removable items of memorabilia. These include a partial script from Breakfast at Tiffany's, many letters to and from Ms. Hepburn herself, postcards, pictures, photo albums, tickets of movies and programs of plays she's done, and many many other items.

The book is done in a scrapbook format, and beside all of the removable items, has countless photographs with many of them having never been published or from her friends and family's private collections.

This book could have easily cost over $100, and I thank the ones who have put it together for allowing the fans to be a part of such intimate moments and items.

this is a very cute and amazing book about audrey hepburn.. it is a treasure,must have item.

With nearly thirty films tackled and under her belt, Audrey Hepburn is no doubt a household name, but how many really understood what went on inside of the personal life of Audrey Hepburn?

This stunning compolation of extrodinary copies of documents, family photos, playbills, and ticket stubs is a credit to her name. It shows her eloquence, style, grace, poise, and even some mystique as we get to experience a sliver of her private life, without invading the caverns of her mind.

Although not written from an autobiographical standpoint, it is easy to immerse yourself in her thoughts, because of the personal letters and dictations. Erwin writes about her beautifully, and lets the reader experience her life in the best way possible.

As a fan of Audrey Hepburn's, I read the information about this book and anticipated it's arrival. However, it arrived in a shrink-wrapped package with the corners dented badly. Since it is a type of scrapbook, the corners dramatically took away the beauty and quality of the book. The content of the book includes life-long pictures and memorabilia of Audrey's life and are a good representation of her experiences and choices. And so I would recommend the book without the mishandling.

This is a sweet remembrance of the author's friendship with Fred Rogers. But it also gives an interesting insight into the spiritual side of the "Mr. Rogers" so many of us grew up with. Most of us know that Fred Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister, but this book shares correspondences and conversations that reveal just how deeply spiritual Fred Rogers was.

This book is about a relationship between two friends. I often give this book to friends who have lost a parent. In this world where so few people encourage and lift each other up, are able to have a heart-to-heart talk with a friend, this book is an excellent example of how to do just that! "I'm Proud of You" is one of my favorite books. I would highly recommend it and preferred it so much more than "Tuesdays with Morie"(spelling?)since the story seemed so much more heartfelt.

This book made both my wife and I cry at times as it covered the sensitive topic of a son's relationship with his father and a man's relationship with a mentor. This is a must read for all father's, son's, and mentors.

I like all of Tim Madigan's writings, for he reveals his heart. I felt 'I'm Proud of You' showed the time a busy person took to share his love and concern with others. Mr. Rogers never stopped sharing, never spoke of himself even when he was terminally ill. Mr. Rogers did not brush off someone with troubles, Tim described as the 'furies', claiming he did not have time; expertise or knowledge, but shared himself. I thought the book was very well written.
It came in a few days after being ordered and in good condition.

I had no appreciation for Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers) until I read this book.
He is an incredible human being.
And this book carries along that incredibleness so people like us who have never met the man can learn and bask in his example of perfect friendship.
Truly an inspiration.

No extra junk, just new interesting ways to voice chords. I love this book.

Fabulous gem of a book - all the things you thought you knew/learned/mastered.... Pithy, humorous, witty AND to the point, these tips are organized in a great form that's suitable for flipping through for ideas to set that next rehearsal on fire, hold more useful auditions, give clearer notes, or get through opening night.... Jory covers all the bases in this worthy companion to Tips for Actors, which every actor(and director!) should own.

This book is everything I thought it would be! I had a hard time putting it down.

This one is a fun dark ride along with Laura as she looks for the killer's of her family. It's exciting, makes you think, and satisfying. It was a great place to escape to. Wish there was a sequel.

After being contacted by the author on myspace, I bought the book. I read it all the way through and was confused half the time. It was a very weird plot, if you could call it a plot. I just think Aleman had a really good idea and it did not come out the way it was meant to. I did not like it.

Cold Streak is darker than what I'm use to reading but it's characters are what pulled me into it. They're realistic and they stay with you even after finishing the book. The writing is great. Some descriptions are gory and others are beautiful. The ending is amazing. Haven;t been abel to stop thinking about it.

This is easily the best book I've read this year, and I read thrillers, horror, classics, biographies, and just about anything else that grabs my interest. Cold Streak starts off with a bang and keeps a fast pace all the way to the last line. It's very well written with lots of vivid descriptions that bring the scenes to life. The characters are awesome. Laura is the main character chasing after the murderers of her husband and two daughters. She gets pulled between her obsession to catch the killers and trying to keep herself from becoming just as bad as they are. The two detectives Paul and Irene are after the murderers of Laura's family and herself. Their relationship is the most realistic love story I've read inside of a thriller.

I loved the metaphors and comparisons in this book. This has to be the most literary thriller story that I've come across, and I'm a bit ashamed to admit it sent me to a dictionary once or twice.

As an insomniac myself I related to Paul a lot. As a musician I loved the scenes that took place at the local concerts. Those are exactly what it's like to play a local show in a rough bar. Brought back a lot of memories of my own gigs.

If you like Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, or literary books, check out Cold Streak. Can't recommend this one highly enough.

Although this book was originally scheduled for publication on 8-22, I received mine today, 8-19, a testament to Amazon.com's speedy delivery service. It's difficult to categorize this volume, falling somewhere between a coffee table picture book and a personal photo album. Bernstein's brother apparently came up with the idea, this in his brother's 90th year. There are articles and remembrances from mostly his years with the NYP, written by Alan Rich, Paul Boyer and others with Burton Bernstein commenting on each. There is a good amount of new black and white photos strewn among the 207 pages with lots of newspaper reproductions, sidebars and fancy graphics that I found a bit distracting and, again, make me want to put it on a coffee table rather than store more formally on a book shelf. But for those of us who cannot get enough of Bernstein and continue to re-read Humphrey Burton's masterful biography, this is a nice adjunct. It makes us miss him all over again.

I recently read "My Life In France" about Julia Child's years in France, her marraige and learning to cook in Paris and the many years of writing her first cookbook. It was so interesting I wanted to know about her and ordered this book. Although there is some repetition it is keeping me thoroughly entertained. I am more than half way through it and keep trying to find time each day to read more. I have been calling my brother (another Julia fan) when I find one of her remarks or something she did that I know he would love to hear about. She is one of the most interesting people of her generation and the current events of that era are brought to life - from the low expectations for women to the McCarthy Witch Hunt to the change in the American lifestyles of a black and white television in the living room and Swanson frozen dinners. She lived a very colorful life and it is greatly detailed in this book. After the first few chapters I also ordered the two volumes she wrote in the 60's - "Mastering The Art of French Cooking". Now I want to find dvd's of her PBS series "Th French Chef" to add to my Julia collection.

If you are a Julia fan, you will love the book and find yourself quoting her as you cook - just make sure there aren't children in the room!

I love Julia Child, have and use her cookbooks, have read the autobiography/memoir written with her nephew(?) and was thrilled to come upon this book in a local bookstore, marked down to $6 nonetheless...The first paragraph was convoluted and not catchy, but still, anything Julia...

However, you get what you pay for in this case. This has to be one of the sloppier books I've read, it seems to me as if the author got through the first draft, couldn't stand to look at it again, and it was somehow published without ever being edited. It is full of parenthetical asides, long uninteresting descriptions, and flat out mistakes. At one point the author writes how it was easier for the young Julia and her friend to steal cigarettes from a parent than cigars, and says 'therefore they smoked more cigars'. Hmm? I wish it was some statement that they loved the challenge, but it is obviously simply an error.

As a Julia fan, I am reading it just for the info, but I would rather just have the primary source material. One of the wonderful things about biography is that often the author is able to weave the history into the incredible pattern that is the finished life. In this one, the author just seems to be pointing out one thing after the other, giving no weight to anything, and showing no discernment. Disappointing.

If you think this is a well written biography, read Titan. Then compare.

Julia Child was a lovely person with an interesting life but this book as written is unreadable. Poor sentence structure and continual,unecessary use of parenthesis. Try My Life in France. Much better!

Someone with such a zest for living deserves a much better biography written about her! Julia Child's life as seen through the words of this author lacks a lot of spice. You trudge through this book rather than read it. It's filled with random asides that distract and detract from the text and really reads more like an obituary than a biography.

I'm only on page 30 of this biography, and I've already found a number of small, but annoying errors--annoying to me because I live within five miles of Pasadena, California, where Julia Child grew up. For example: Fitch writes of the "snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains." They are almost never capped with snow. She misspells Fremont Street as Freemont. She says that Neighborhood Church no longer exists. It does. All that leads me to believe that I will surely find other mistakes that reflect a lack of thorough research. Also, Fitch's style is somewhat disjointed, with a certain lack of cohesiveness. I will, nevertheless, probably read the book to the end because Julia Child somehow manages to shine through the sometimes sloppy writing.