Movies Books

This is a great way to learn about Woody Allen, his craft, and his films. Organized thematically and chronologically, you see what films Allen really cares about and what he did just to fill the time. Some of his films were clearly throwaways for him. He made them because he's always working, but hardly remembers them and doesn't care to (Scoop, Small Time Crooks, Sleeper). Others are passions, like The Purple Rose of Cairo or Husbands and Wives. Allen is also, not surprisingly, self-depreciating, believing that his career is mostly self-indulgence that only a small audience appreciates. Of course, this underestimates himself and how impressive it is that he can have a regular output of one or two movies a year that, regardless of whether they are one of his best, are always well made, well acted, and interesting. The insights into how Allen works and how quickly, are interesting for fans. It also makes those of us who fancied ourselves writers realize what a true talent is. The best part of this book, there is no diversion into Allen's personal life which may be of interest to some, but not this reader. This is a great way to read about Allen's career, his collaborators, and his methods.

If you are a die hard Woody Allen fan you will love this book. It's a ringside seat to what goes on in his brain from writing to casting to directing to when the film is released. If you aren't a die hard fan, but simply like some of his movies you will appreciate him as a writer and a filmmaker. It's a really interesting book about Woody and his movies over a 30 year period!!

This is one of those rare books where we actually get a clear insight into the creative process of a great filmmaker. Techniques, style, philosophy and approach are covered in great detail. Gives awesome insight into the man and the movies he made. I really enjoyed it.

For sheer inventiveness and variety of films, the work of writer and director Woody Allen is unmatched. Their number, also, is impressive, almost forty movies since his first one, the hilarious fake documentary (it was made before anyone had coined the word "mockumentary") _Take the Money and Run_ in 1969. Not every one is a classic, but some certainly are, whether comedy (_Annie Hall_), comedy with a dramatic edge (_Manhattan_), fables (_The Purple Rose of Cairo_), comic intimations of the godlessness of our universe (_Crimes and Misdemeanors_), or drama (the recent _Match Point_). So if you are familiar with the movies, you will be fascinated with _Conversations With Woody Allen: His Films, the Movies, and Moviemaking_ (Knopf) by Eric Lax. Lax was a reporter in 1971 when he was assigned to check out the new director. The conversation didn't turn into an article, with Allen replying just "Yes" or "No" too often, but Lax tried again, this time for just a chat, which grew into more formal interviews, and as the years went by, discussions about his projects as Allen was working on them. Allen has participated in recent conversations with Lax just to make this book current, and has clarified and added to the text, so that the work is a unique look into the mind of one of America's great filmmakers. Because the conversations are with Woody Allen, too, they are funny and self-deprecating, but also generous in giving credit to others.

It is fun to learn where he gets his ideas. "When I go to sleep at night, put my head on the pillow, or walk down the street, I like to be thinking of story ideas. I'm always thinking about new plots. I would do anything to avoid that horrible moment of What do I do next?" It is a fruitful method; he knows he will have more story ideas than he can ever get done (he is now almost 72). It is part of his work, and it keeps the existential despair away: "To _practice_ the clarinet, to _get_ on the treadmill, to _get_ in the room and write - all that stuff helps. It helps militate against giving oneself over to the horrid gloom of reality." Allen has much to say about himself as an actor. He knows he has a narrow range: "I can play some versions of what I am, a New York character." He may be modest about his own acting talents, but over and over he praises the actors he has worked with. There have been many great ones, often repeatedly, and they must love working for him, since with his budgets (around $15 million a movie) they cannot expect star wages. "You hire Ian Holm and Gena Rowlands, what does it take to get superb performances out of them? Nothing. You just have to tell them what time to show up and provide the coffee and doughnuts." He praises his audiences, too, and frets about over-explaining: "You think the audience is not going to get it, so you explain it, clarify it, but the truth of the matter is, they're _always_ far ahead of you. [_He smiles._]"

There is so much here about the making of specific films and specific techniques. It is a revelation, for instance, that a climactic scene within _Manhattan_, in a classroom where he chastises a buddy over moral issues and makes references to mortality based on the display skeletons in the room, that the skeletons just happened to be there in the classroom for the filming. "I would not have thought to write them in." Here is his one-word explanation for why he so often uses long master shots: "Laziness". Shooting over and over again from different angles to be combined in the editing room is not (usually) for him: "We'll be here all day today and all day tomorrow doing this scene. I don't have the patience or concentration... I design a shot and will get all the information in and we'll finish it and move on." Long master shots are not from any artistic need, and he doesn't think of himself as any sort of artist. "I see myself as a working filmmaker who chose to go the route of working all the time rather than making my films into some special red carpet event every three years. I'm not cynical and I'm far from an artist. I'm a lucky working stiff." I don't agree, but I do think his audiences are lucky to have such a great body of work to enjoy and to think about, and that they are lucky to have this book as a guide to his own interpretation of a long and successful career.

Ok I don't like Mr. Allen...I simply thrive upon his presence in this universe.

I never just saw a Woody Allen movie, read a Woody Allen short story or listened to a Woody Allen monologue...I was a participant in them. No I don't think I am psycotic, maybe a semi-adjusted bipolar person, who is cynical and overly critical about most things in this life, however swimming in the wake of Mr. Allen I somehow manage to smile at the "awful grace" of this existance. I do feel guilty since he does the heavy lifting and I benefit from it.

Recalling his movies is like recalling my first kiss, scoring my first touchdown, pineing my first broken heart or noticing death for the first time.

I recall each flick; when, where, who I saw it with, and the state of mind I left the theater to pursue the endless nuances of the adventure.

To the book. I hesitated picking it up as it is four hundred pages and did I really want to be mesmerized by Mr. Alllen and Mr. Lax during this very busy time. I resisted for almost four days then I was seduced, trapped and on my way to an intellectual orgasm that seems to continue when I turn each page.

These two guys are like friends you wish you had who made you totally comfortable hearing them talk and thilled that you are allowed to just be in the room and honored to be listening.

If you are an educator you must study it, if you are a doctor you must examine it, if you are performing artist you must value it, if you are a writer you must consume it and if you are, like myself an everyday person you gotta love it.

Bravo guys you gave me a great holiday gift.

My 3 year old loves the Backyardigans and really likes this book. The story is about a good and bad switch on the robots. The flaps are fun for him to open. The show is successful because of the music but this book works well. At the end I always make sure to flip the good switch on on my son, it cracks him up!

Our two year old grandson LOVES "Cops and Robots". Not only does he share it with anyone who will read it to him again, but, he will also just sit by himself for long periods of time going through the pages and lifting all the little windows.

What a wonderful book to have for my grandaughter age 16 months. She loves the colors, she recognizes the t.v. characters & the pages are easy for her to flip.

My grandson loved this book. It is nice and colorful.

The other day we were in a large chain bookstore and my son kept saying he wanted the Backyardigans book with "bad robots". I couldn't figure out what he was talking about! He must have seen it elsewhere before...

So I asked an employee, and she helped me track down the book on the computer. As soon as my son saw the cover, he exclaimed "That's it! That's it!" Fortunately for me, they had a copy in stock!

I haven't seen my son this enthused about a book since I can't tell you when. Normally, board books are for babies and toddlers--so I thought he might be disappointed. However, once we flipped through it, I realize that it was not only age appropriate, but that he'd likely love Cops and Robots--especially with the cool foil and holographic flaps!

Although Cops and Robots has only 14 pages (7 actual "board" pages), there's quite a bit of text in this book...so it's great for beginner readers. The story is that Tasha and Pablo are "Bad Bots" because their robot switches are set to BAD..and they formulate an evil plot to turn all the robots in the factory into Bad Bots.

The neat thing is that the factory is in outer space! Of course, Sergeant Tyrone and Officer Uniqua can't allow those Bad Bots to infiltrate the factory--so they set off in hot pursuit after Tasha and Pablo.

There are 20 flaps in this book, as well as shiny foil accents--many which are colored and look almost holographic. The presentation is very engaging, as is the story. My son LOVES it!

Cops and Robots is a unique, well-made addition to the Backyardigans book. Quite frankly, I've not seen anything like it in children's books (and we own dozens!)

Lauri Maerov went straight to work writing the novel Copycat. Any suspense fan with a strong stomach will love this book. With as many twists and turns as an amusement park ride, this book will entertain any reader. With a beautifully described San Francisco background, in depth character descriptions and haunting images paint the picture of Maerov's adaptation of the movie.
Agoraphobic criminologists, tough cops and deranged serial killers are only a sample of the characters of Copycat. Helen Hudson is an intriguing character, balancing her fear and depression with solitude and prescription drugs. Stalking Helen are two relentless psychopathic killers, Daryll Lee and Peter Foley, who will stop at nothing to take her life. Rueben and M.J. are the two cops assigned to catch the murderers. In this game of cat and mouse, Helen, Rueben and M.J. follow a trail of clues, followed by Helen's obsessed fan.
Beginning and ending at Berkeley University, Copycat takes readers throughout the streets of San Francisco, into Helen's apartment and at the Festival of Love. "Once in the stairwell, M.J. knew something didn't feel right (Maerov, 270)" thought M.J., following her cop instincts, which probably had kept her alive. Throughout the book, the messages of knowing who to trust and watching your back are stressed.
Up until the final showdown on the roof of Berkeley University, Copycat keeps the reader's attention glued to the pages. A bit graphic at some points, the book still manages to provide a vivid scene it the reader's mind. Never the less, this novel is a page turner that must be on any suspense fan's "to read" list.

Lauri Maerov went straight to work writing the novel Copycat. Any suspense fan with a strong stomach will love this book. With as many twists and turns as an amusement park ride, this book will entertain any reader. With a beautifully described San Francisco background, in depth character descriptions and haunting images paint the picture of Maerov's adaptation of the movie.
Agoraphobic criminologists, tough cops and deranged serial killers are only a sample of the characters of Copycat. Helen Hudson is an intriguing character, balancing her fear and depression with solitude and prescription drugs. Stalking Helen are two relentless psychopathic killers, Daryll Lee and Peter Foley, who will stop at nothing to take her life. Rueben and M.J. are the two cops assigned to catch the murderers. In this game of cat and mouse, Helen, Rueben and M.J. follow a trail of clues, followed by Helen's obsessed fan.
Beginning and ending at Berkeley University, Copycat takes readers throughout the streets of San Francisco, into Helen's apartment and at the Festival of Love. "Once in the stairwell, M.J. knew something didn't feel right (Maerov, 270)" thought M.J., following her cop instincts, which probably had kept her alive. Throughout the book, the messages of knowing who to trust and watching your back are stressed.
Up until the final showdown on the roof of Berkeley University, Copycat keeps the reader's attention glued to the pages. A bit graphic at some points, the book still manages to provide a vivid scene it the reader's mind. Never the less, this novel is a page turner that must be on any suspense fan's "to read" list.

I have read many adaptations for movies but this one was REALLY EXCELLENT!! If you haven't seen the movie? Not a Problem, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. the discripitions used to show Dr. Hudsons Agoraphobia is right on, and I should know...Having been housebound for 18 months myself. This is REALLY a great story and a great read. This story will do to Public Bathrooms what Psycho did to Showers!

I thought Copycat was a well written book, full of suspense and imaginitive characters...I enjoyed this book to the max, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading high intense thrillers!

I loved it! That's all I can say! It was gory! But then my book got wet and I never really got to know if the killer died! I hate the way the killer did the stuff he did. The killer from SCREAM is cooler! It's a good book...But has a bad killer! I wanted to kill the killer for being so BAD

CRIMSON TIDE is an exciting story that takes place during a possible nuclear war with Russia. A nuclear submarine captain and his second in command dispute an unconcluded radio transmission that could have said, "Fire your missiles on Russia" or "Come back to base, Russia has surrendered". As each of them tries to do what he thinks is right, you wait for the suspenseful conclusion. This book was worthy of becoming a blockbuster movie. If you like militaristic and exciting books, put CRIMSON TIDE on your book list.

This story is still the king of the techno-thrillers. Finally got around to reading CRIMSON TIDE's book version, and just like the film, it's simply amazing the amount of action that's contained within these pages. I liked the detailed character analysis of the Russian enemy, something the movie was lacking, and the nuclear launch protocol is right there to read over and over. Is a sequel in the works?

CRIMSON TIDE was one of the best submarine warfare books that I have ever read. With it's non-stop action from beginning to end I would recomend this book to anyone. I was expecting a good book but I finished it in 2 days. I got more than I expected to get and I will read more of Henrick's books in the near future!

I loved the movie version, and was surprised to find that the novel had an incredible amount of new story material. The book helped clear up the motivation of the Russians responsible for the coup. Because of the complexity of the plot, this book is a must, and I find myself reading it over and over, learning new details w/ each study. I rank this story right up there w/ the great classics, and applaud Mr. Henrick on another job well done.

This book (and movie) is talking about leadership, decision making, conflicts of role, conflicts of policy. Ramsey (the captain) and Hunter (the executive officer) were all good soldiers, they both executed what they thought were correct. But different leadership style, different belief and grey area of policy made them confronted each other.

A good book (and movie), an interesting story that can make you think a lot. A lecturer of an university in Hong Kong even suggested his students to use this movie for leadership & organizational behavior analysis.

Saying my daughter loves CyberChase is an understatement. She is a walking salesperson for the show. Every friend gets asked if they watch. She has a number of episodes on DVD that get watched all the time.

So this book was going to be hard not to love. It lives up to the writing on the show. She has read it three or four times since she got it for her birthday in late October.

Just wish there had been more titles. By the way, I have no idea why one of the resellers was selling this book, which only came out in paperback, for $1300. It's good, but not that good.

In the past I have not missed a single Cyberchase show, now it's going to be a book!!! I'm really excited.

My 5 and 7 year old sons can't get enough of this book. They've had me reading it to them nightly for the last week. Cyberchase is their favorite show and they learn a wealth of math watching it. (My five year old now uses the phrase "counter example" and understands it!)

Cyberchase is my favorite TV show, and I was so excited to see a book of it. The author either works on the show, or has seen all the episodes, because he knows the charaters. Speaking of the charaters, I like them all, even the bad guy is kind of funny. By the way, I really really really like the bad guy's helpers, Buzz and Delete. All of this book was funny and really WEIRD! (So is the show.)I really hope they write another one. Hope this review helps!
- Cyberchase's #1 Fan

I'm a huge fan of Cyberchase, so when I heard that the book was coming out of course I had to purchase a copy. And I was quite satisfied, too--the book was long, and, like the show, was written intelligently and had a strong usage of vocabulary. Anyway, I've read the book over about three times, now, and I can't wait for more Cyberchase merchandise.

As for response to the other reviewers, the author--Adam Rudman--is actually one of the writers for the show itself. He's assisted in quite a few episodes to date, so it's no wonder that he'd get the book into the perfect format for an episode of Cyberchase. Although I kinda wished there would be more Buzz and Delete--those two are so CUTE!!! (Oh, and, you haven't even SEEN #1 Cyberchase fan until you've seen the things I've conjunctured in the past.)

I grew up near Detroit in the 1940's when those dazzling movie theatres exerted a magical allure on the streets, and inside were often a better show than what was on their screens. Authors Hauser and Weldon have done a wonderful job bringing it all back and I truly got lost in this book. Many thanks for this labor of love.

For some of Downtown Detroit's old theatres, thunderous applause is just a memory. For others, the ones which have been restored, it is still a reality. Also a reality is my applause for this book, and no, not just because I know co-author Mike Hauser personally. It is a thickly illustrated delightful read, a fun and informative way to spend an evening, and invites repeated referring-to. Having visited a number of these theatres myself in 1995, I may have an advantage, but even if you're not from Detroit or have never visited, here is a tasty introduction to one of the finest locations for surviving classic theatres anywhere.

When I reflect back on my years as a child growing up in marvelous Detroit, some of the strongest images are of the movie houses I used to frequent downtowm. This book evokes many of those sweet memories as it is loeaded with pictures, and written histories of those fabulous palaces. When it came to grandiouse movie houses Detroit was second to none. This book helps you trace the history of each theater from its building to - in some cases - it deomltion. Some of these grandious auditoriums were actually built by motion picture companies such as the Fox (Twentieth Century Fox) and the Untied Artist (United Artists), Many were not merely theaters but also were part of large office building housing industry related businesses such as booking agents and the likes. Many were build as vaudeville houses and later converted to movie theaters. Some have survived and hosts different venues today. Few are still showing first run movies as the characterless multi screen matchboxes of suburbia have taken over that venue.

This book is a joy. Before the '67 riot Detroit was always a big movie town. In the 40s there were more than 50 theatres in the city. A few of the neighbourhood theatres were quite extrodinary such as the Rivera or the Algiers but the downtown theatres were wonderful places to be. Back in the 40s, 50s & 60s just to go downtown was exciting with Hudson's & all the wonderful stores & restaurants & to top off the trip with a movie in one of the downtown theatres was, indeed, a treat. If the movie didn't please the theatre always did. The Fox, State, Music Hall, United Artist & Opera House (formerly Broadway Capitol/Grand Circus among other names) still stand. Some just barely. So it's wonderful to see photos of those that are gone. Photos which show just how lovely & unique they were. Each theatre had it's own character & aptmosphere. Most of all it's wonderful to see the Michigan Theatre in all its glory. She was the undisputed queen of the downtown movie theatres. She was the only place in Detroit where you could sit & actually feel you were in a real palace. It's lovely to have this book.

This book reviews the history of the movie palaces that have graced downtown Detroit since the late nineteenth century. I found it hard to put this book down once I started to read it. The photographs are wonderful and are often one of a kind dating back over a century. The narration ties together the history of films, architecture and the story of formal entertainment in Detroit for over one hundred years. Although it is of particular interest to people interested in Detroit's past, it is equally significant for non-Detroiters who will find that Detroit's story parallels that of most other cities in North America. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and often find myself browsing through it.

Discovering The Maltese Falcon And Sam Spade is a tribute to the novel by Dashiell Hammett featuring the hardboiled detective Sam Spade and his involvement in the doomed quest for a mysterious artifact, as well as the three film noir movies based from it including the classic that made Humphrey Bogart a star. Chapters tell of Hammett's days as a detective, his publication in pulps, the making of the classic novel, critical views of the movies, the reverberations of The Maltese Falcon in popular culture, and much more. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs, selections of Hammett's pre-publication material, copies of news articles and other primary sources, and much more, Discovering The Maltese Falcon And Sam Spade is a "must-read" for mystery movie trivia buffs and anyone else curious about the history behind a legendary 'hard boiled PI" adventure story.

DISCOVERING THE MALTESE FALCON AND SAM SPADE is the complete book for the fan of Sam Spade in both film and fiction. Fortunately, a very detailed index is provided which allows the reader to choose from among an array of tantalizing topics.The latter includes an account of Dashiell Hammett's days as a Pinkerton detective as well as his work for BLACK MASK. The author also gives us much information about THE MALTESE FALCON in the movies and on stage and radio.The book represents an admirable effort by Layman and it will be enjoyed by anyone captivated by the lure of this enduring tale.

I love the story of THE MALTESE FALCON, not only as it is told in Hammett's novel but also as it is portrayed in John Huston's movie. I can never read enough about Dashiell Hammett, Joseph Shaw, Humphrey Bogart, Peter Lorre, Gladys George, Sydney Greenstreet, Elisha Cook Jr., Mary Astor, Barton MacLane, Robert and William Pinkerton, John Huston, Lillian Hellman, the Knights of Malta, BLACK MASK, San Francisco after World War I and Raymond Chandler.

This book has enough anecdotes and background material to satisfy even the most ardent enthusiast. My own favorite piece is an account by Mary Astor of her experiences while filming for her role as Brigid O'Shaughnessy in the 1941 version of THE MALTESE FALCON.

Dashiel Hammett is one of my favorite authors, I have all of his stories, including a couple of biographies. I'm also a fan of Noir stories and movies. This is a great book to add to my collection.

"Discovering the Maltese Falcon and Sam Spade" is an amazing collection of materials related to Dashiell Hammett, his greatest novel "The Maltese Falcon", the film adaptations of the book, and other spin-offs assembled by Hammett biographer Richard Layman. Layman states in his introduction, "The purpose of this volume is to provide researchers basic materials useful in studying 'The Maltese Falcon'." Not everything ever written about "The Maltese Falcon" is here, but the contents of this book are remarkably varied. The collection is probably too dense for casual fans of "The Maltese Falcon", but it's indispensable for Hammett scholars and aficionados. The only fault I find is that reproductions of newspaper and other type-written materials are sometimes poor and would have benefited from enhancement.

The book is organized into five parts. The first part, "Detective Days", provides biographical information on Dashiell Hammett, a history of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, an interview with a colleague of Hammett's at Pinkerton, excerpts from books on criminal investigation that Hammett studied, and some non-fiction pieces that Hammett wrote about his detective days. The second section, "The Pulps and the Making of the Novel", includes a history of "Black Mask" magazine, the historical basis for the Maltese Falcon statuette, comments by "Black Mask" editor Joseph T. Shaw, some reviews of Hammett's mystery fiction, and many excerpts from Hammett's stories that later inspired characters and events in "The Maltese Falcon".

"Magazine and Book Publication" begins with a copy of Hammett's book contract with Knopf and correspondence with publisher Harry Block. There are covers of "Black Mask" issues that serialized "The Maltese Falcon", examples of text that was revised between magazine publication and book publication, early book jackets, many favorable reviews of the book, Dorothy Parker's tepid review of "The Glass Key", articles about Cecil Henderson's plagiarism, and sales data for the novel. The forth section, "Critical Views of 'The Maltese Falcon'", is seven pieces of relatively recent literary criticism that explore American individualism, Sam Spade's vernacular, the novel as introverted romance, as allegory of international politics between the wars, and the pursuit of tangible wealth, among other themes.

The last section, "Movies, Stage, and Radio: Hammett's Novel in Popular Culture", follows Hammett's life after the publication of the novel, followed by discussions of the script, budget, and reviews for the first film adaptation at Warner Brothers in 1931. More letters from Warner Brothers, title suggestions, correspondence with the Breen Office, and reviews of the second movie adaptation, "Satan Met a Lady", in 1936. For John Huston's 1941 adaptation, there is a letter from Joseph Breen citing Production Code violations in the script, a budget, letters about filming, Mary Astor's recollections of the film, 3 movie reviews, and 4 critical analyses. There is a bit about an abortive stage play and the legal challenges over "The Adventures of Sam Spade" radio show. There is a list of selected publications of "The Maltese Falcon" in the back of the book as well as an index.

Ijust have to say that I love this book!! Also the movie is Awesome!!!!

DragonHeart was a great movie, and this book is even more! It is about a dragon, Draco, but it is also about morals, codes, ethics, choices, and it was a story that makes you think. It also adds onto the movie, because the book goes much more into depth about the characters and their histories, thoughts, and dreams in a way I think the movie only touched on. I recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, dragons, or the stars.

When I first saw Dragonheart in the theatre my first thought was "I want the soundtrack!" My second was "I wonder if it's a book?" Many things from the movie are more thoroughly explained in the book(like what the things on Bowen's shield are) and at an earlier point in the story. Sometimes its hard to make things clear in a movie without getting too graphic! This book provided me with a lot of good reading because I was able to read it many times over without getting bored. I just hope Mr. Pogue does more work of this calibre in the future

I read this book because of an article I read in which Charles Edward Pogue claimed that his screenplays for Dragonheart & Kull were savaged by their Directors. To give the man a fair shake, I read his Dragonheart Novel. I can see why he was so upset! Wherever the film takes a wrong turn, the Novel goes in the right direction. Everything that is wrong about the film is RIGHT in the Novel. The writing, while now and then a little spare [which is better than overwriting] and a little too modern, is, overall, exceedingly literate [some of the dialogue is close to Tad Williams level]. The characters are believable and involving. The story explains itself and it's world. I HIGHLY recommend buying a copy of Dragonheart!

I am a hugely ardent fan of the movie... and I think I have to admit that is even better. It goes into a lot more depth, and it is darker - this is apparently what Pogue really wanted to do with the screenplay but couldn't. You get tons more about character here too and the whole story is filled out. There are some very funny bits (Gilbert's first encounter with Draco par example...), and some haunting dark passages - a lot of Einon's thoughts... It's just a beautifully written, very emotional story. In the end it's good vs evil, but heroism is never simplistic here. The main characters are incredibly strong, memorable... not to mention working wonderfully as dramatic foils for each other :)

And everything describing Draco and his thoughts is just beautiful. There's a bit near the end where he wants a last flight and sunshine which breaks my heart every time.

I used to get this book out of the library on a regular basis until I finally tracked down a second-hand copy. The sort of book I will gladly stay up all night reading, and have done.

(Note: this review was written about the book, not audio cassette edition...)

The appeal of Andy Mac is simple: he's down-to-earth, amiable, ambitious, and loves skateboarding for the natural high it gives him. This autobiographical book makes me believe he would still be skateboarding even if his sponsorships had been cut off and he was working in a greasy spoon flipping burgers. Andy is the consummate competitor: focused, extremely hard-working, and dedicated to a sport he loves. The beauty of skateboarding as presented here is that the athletes compete against themselves as well as the other participants. Seeing rivals competing with a respectful comraderie is refreshing. I can relate. Playing basketball all my life has made me realize that part of the love of the sport comes from pushing yourself to exceed your limits. It's a blast competing, but it's more fulfilling when you respect your opponent and his skills. Laughing in admiration when someone knocks down a three-pointer in your face (even though you did your best defensively) or completes a perfect 360 spin off the vert ramp is what makes the sport endearing. Andy Mac is a fierce talent, but he also learns from his peers. He sets a good example for aspiring young skateboarders and makes me want to learn a kick-flip, even though I'd probably snap my coccyx in the process. This book is loaded with personal anecdotes and insights into this exciting, acrobatic, and often punishing sport. Professional sports would be more appealing if all the athletes were as good-natured as Andy. Instead of thinking about the next thousand-dollar bling jewelry he will purchase after winning an XGames competition, he's happy he can fill his cupboard with jumbo boxes of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. That says it all.

There are many great things about this book. It's humorous, gripping, and you just do not want to put it down. I rely enjoyed this book. I give it our stars. It is a must read . Even if you do not like sports you will like this book.

My 9 year old son loved this book. He learned a lot of good values from someone he really admires. I highly recommend this book.

Dropping in with Andy Mac is a really good book. It is about Andy Macs life. If you dont like skateboarding dont read this book because every page mentions skateboarding at least twice.

Here's an awesome book that will have you reading non-stop from beginning to end. Have you ever had the dream of becoming a professional skateboarder? Andy MacDonald has fulfilled such a dream. Dropping in with Andy Mac The Life of a Pro Skateboarder, is by far the greatest cant stop autobiography ever! I fell in love with this book from he start. It's a quick fun book to read.

The book tells you about the life of Andy Mac with great detail, starts with Little Andy getting constantly poisoned, I'm sure you are wondering what I mean but I guess you are going to have to read it to believe it! From the day he started skating his life was changed forever, when he got better he began to discover new places to skate, such as his buddies back yard which had a 9 foot half pipe.

There are plenty of reasons why anyone would enjoy this book. The book has less than 200 pages, but the font is decently sized. Not only is the story short but also there are plenty of pictures to give you a good idea of what he is talking about.

Expanded and updated edition of his original that came out in 2000. There are now entries on cases that have been solved since the first edition was released. Examples: Gary Leon Ridgway, the Green River Killer and Dennis Rader, the BTK Strangler. Other cases have been expanded. Some that were only listed in the appendixes now have entries in the main section.
The author uses the definition of a serial killer as someone who murders 2 or more persons, done as separate events. This leads to inclusion of some killers that most people would not consider serial killers. I understand the author going for a more inclusive approach than otherwise. If he didn't go this route, there would inevitably be complaints about killers left out.
I spotted very few errors and none that I would categorize as major.
I would like to see a much more comprehensive index. Trying to find an entry if all you remember is a victim name or an odd location is difficult.
The entries range from a few paragraphs to several pages. Still, if you want a detailed read on a specific case, you will need to get a book devoted to that killer. There are entries on some killers that there hasn't been a book written about, such as Melvin Rees.
Of the three SK Encyclopedias I've read, this is the best, in my opinion.
The reviews for the first edition are still mostly applicable here. I recommend reading them for other viewpoints.

This is a fascinating read for true crime buffs. The author's stated purpose is to "demystify, as far as possible, those predators in human form who have been with us since the dawn of history..." Serial killers at large are so frightening that they end up touching all of our lives--most especially in the United States, where 84% of all known serial killers have committed their crimes since 1980. I first became aware of this type of human predator when I was a student at the University of Michigan, and John Norman Collins was murdering coeds with pierced ears and long brown hair.

California native Michael Newton has published 181 books since 1977, including 147 novels but he is best known for his true crime and reference works. I have to say that I assumed this author was British because of his concise, witty style and also for his tendency to critique other true crime authors who failed to get their facts straight, including the names of a serial killer's victims. One of his special peeves is the term 'spree killer,' and he also doesn't seem to think much of profilers.

Most of the entries in this encyclopedia are concerned with the serial killers themselves, whether they acted alone, in twosomes, or in packs. One of the biggest surprises for me was the large number of serial killers who are or were women. Something like 12% of all serial killers are female, and Hungarian women seem especially prone to this behavior, starting with Countess Erzsebet Bthory in the sixteenth century whose final body count was somewhere between 300 and 650 victims. In the early 1900s,Vera Renczi murdered 35 husbands, lovers, and a son and was arrested by the police only after they searched her basement and discovered 35 zinc coffins. "Some evenings, Vera liked to sit among the coffins in an armchair and enjoy the company of her adoring beaux." Then there were the "Angel Makers of Nagyrev"...

Well, let me just close by remarking that "The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers" is an extremely interesting source of information on the darker side of human nature. In addition to the encyclopedia entries, there are also appendices on "Solo Killers," "Team Killers," and "Unresolved Cases," plus an extensive bibliography.

It's a pretty long read but it does contain some written material that might be inappropiate for some readers.What I really like about this book is the aspect of every serial killer which deals about their background as well as why would they committe such a crime that forever haunt us till this very day.Michael Newton does provide info that'll help us think and learn about who they are and what they are.Make no mistake that this book will give you everything you need to know about them except the only thing I wish that this book should have is more photos.Anyway,do yourself a favor and check this book out.

This is one of the best books availible for those interested in True Crime and the history of Serial Killers. The author has compiled a fast read and profiles for each person. Very detailed, It is a basic knowledge of the essential info. If you want more detailed profiles of certain serial killers i would recommend that you buy a book based on a certian individual.

But this is a great basic info source.

Most Recommended.

A friend of mine gave me this book, and normally I don't read. However, on a road trip, I decided to read some of the book and became very interested, QUICKLY! The book is quite detailed, and I liked the fact that there was information in the book on serial killers from the 1800's and earlier (Erzsebet Bathory born in 1560). A great, well-written book!