Writers Books

All information in this book is usefull, even if you aren't writing screenplays. There were a lot of interviews which were somewhat helpful but not what I personally was looking for. I was looking for more of how to format a screenplay and there was not a lot of this in the book. Also some of the websites in the book did not work (which Hamlett could not have had any control of). I was very dissapointed that the Film camp that has a few pages of the book dedicated to it's website hasn't been updated since 2003. There were a lot of good exercises and things to do. I reccomend this book to writers in general. If you are a screenwriter or just starting out I recommend that you buy this book along with "How to Write a Screenplay in 21 Days" together these two books are a great starting point.

With ageism sweeping Hollywood recently, and executives apparently desperately looking for the "next genius 18-year-old screenwriter," it was only a matter of time before someone wrote a screenwriting manual "just for kids."

Still, Christina Hamlett does not fall into the trap of dumbing down the material. Though aimed at high school students, she treats every aspect of the screenwriting process with the same sérieux one would use for a book aimed at the adult market. Indeed, it covers all the same topics (finding ideas, writing dialogue, structure, character, formatting etc.).

Differences are noticeable in the tone of the examples used, which are a bit more fanciful than usual, and in the exercises in each chapter, which are really designed for the classroom. As such, the book is probably even more valuable to teachers of a beginning screenwriting class for young adults than for the teen screenwriter himself.

The advice is good, with an interesting take on structure. There is a lot of information on getting an agent (perhaps a tad too optimistic here), as well as interviews with industry professionals to conclude each chapter (and the ageism issue gets referred to a lot, strangely enough). For those who remain cynical about the whole thing: the one 14-year-old writer interviewed here prefers Rashomon and Citizen Kane. So there may be hope yet.

This book fills an important niche for the ever increasing teen film market. It does so, however, with instructions and lessions that are valuable for all in the industry and for anyone who thinks an Academy Award winning screenplay is just a blank sheet of paper away. The author not only provides a very comprehensive guide to screenwriting, but also tests the motivation of the young writers and their fidelity to their craft.

This book is like the mentor every screenwriter longs to have, but rarely has the good luck to find. The idea of writing a screenplay is glamorous, yes, but none to easy to accomplish. I've been working as a screenwriter since my 20s, but I sure wish this book had been around when I first dreamed of writing movies. Christian Hamlett's book can tell you how to get started and how to successfully reach that longed-for goal, the final fade out. What a boon to young screenwriters just getting started! Christina Hamlett's book offers heaps of practical advice, and the interviews she includes provide the reader with additional voices of wisdom. I intend to recommend it to any teenager interested in creating a screenplay.

I fully endorse all the previous reviews of this book. ScreenteenWriters is excellently structured, full of everything a budding playwright would need to know (and not only a budding writer!) This book is extremely user friendly, and simple in its explanations of complex concepts. Definitely, A MUST BUY. Thank you, Christina Hamlett!

As writers, we spend a great deal of our time locked away in the dark, behind the bookshelves under the stairs of our cave. It is this nature of the writer's life which makes us feel comfortable, safe and secure. Plus something must be said for the behind-the-scenes world so many of us hold.

But all work and no getting out and sharing isn't as profitable as it could be. So what's an introverted Gemini to do.... Did I mention indecisive?

With Hope's book "The Shy Writer," there are things we the silent majority of writers can do... and feel comfortable (kinda) about doing it. None of the suggestions,ideas or activities are all that difficult or stressful, but you gotta want to do it. Once you see the reasoning behind why you are doing what you do, and what taking a few simple chances can bring, you'll be more than happy to be a not-so-shy shy writer.

P.S. Reading the book in public is a good start to get we writers out there in the world around us.

Some of us need people to recharge our batteries while some of us need solitude. As one belonging to the latter category, I immediately resonated to the title of this book. Just as I love "comfort foods," I found this book to be "comfort reading" as I identified with many of the shy individuals described in this book who were able to attain their literary goals in spite of their innate shyness.

I also appreciated the positive and practical suggestions Ms. Clark shared to help make potentially uncomfortable and stressful situations more comfortable and more manageable. This book is a valuable resource for any writer, but for the shy writer, it is an absolute "jewel." Highly Recommended!

Genre: Marketing/Self Help
Title: The Shy Writer
Author: C. Hope Clark
An Introvert's guide to writing success, indeed it is.

Most writers are quiet, solitary souls that prefer the sound of the computer keyboard to the boisterous, loud noise of a social gathering. Although not all writers fall into this category, a great many of us do and this book is for us.
Author Hope Clark is a writer and the founder of FundsforWriters, a nationwide network of over 9500+ writers and website that offer listings of contests, awards, jobs, freelance markets, grants and publishers to writers with neither the inclination or the time to find them for themselves. The author educates and advises writers on ways to develop their dreams and aspirations. She too is a "shy writer."
This book carefully and painstakingly takes the reader through the process of learning to deal with shyness and how to promote their work. Never telling the reader to "get over it," the book deals with serious issues for people who do not look forward to book signings, speaking engagements or interviews.
Readers are aware of the author's own feelings of fear and learn how she dealt with them over the years. After years of understanding and acceptance, she is now a guest speaker, motivational consultant and someone that can comfortably promote herself and her work.
An excellent guide chocked full of suggestions, promotional tips, psychological aids to overcoming shyness and ways to just plain accept who you are. Subjects include press releases and promo kits as well as interviews on radio, telephone and television. I feel that this book would be beneficial to anyone dealing with shyness no matter what their profession. Simple, concise and easy to follow, this book is highly recommended by Allbooks Reviews.

Too often writers fall into believing that we have to follow someone else's formula for success without realizing it may not match our personalities, comfort zones, strengths and creativity. C. Hope Clark has written an excellent book for the "shy" writer, building on the introvert's strengths and learning how to use these to your advantage. While all the advice is excellent, I especially liked the last chapter on "Your Safe Haven" which challenges the reader to find the balance in their writing life between writing and marketing/promotion.

Non-shy writers will also find this a very helpful, easy to read resources full of speaking and marketing tips.

"Sell your words, not your soul." ~ C. Hope Clark

When I first heard about C. Hope Clark's THE SHY WRITER, I was overjoyed! At last, a book to help writers with their public persona! As a shy writer myself, I have struggled many, many times when put "on the spot" or "in the public eye." As with most other shy writers, I do my best work while I am alone or in a small group. I do not function well while in a large group. That doesn't mean that I cannot function in large groups or when speaking in front of an audience, it just means that it is very difficult for me to do so. THE SHY WRITER helped me to realize that many, many authors feel just as I do.

Author C. Hope Clark takes a unique approach to the "shy writer" dilemma. She does not advise reader to "get over it" or "reach beyond" but instead coaches on workarounds. Clark realizes that a true introvert may not be able to "get over it" - instead the author sympathizes and offers solid solutions. These solutions range from simple ways of making a public event easier to bear to creative marketing ideas that avoid the limelight all together.

And, THE SHY WRITER offers an added bonus. Writers with disabilities that may not allow them to compete well in the public marketing forums of the publishing world can also benefit from reading Clark's book. Many of the solutions for shy writers would be applicable to them as well.

C. Hope Clark lives up to her name - she offers hope to shy writers everywhere. As a professed shy author herself, Ms. Clark has written a compelling and informative guide to easier marketing for the socially impaired.

Reviewed by Janean Nusz, author of DESTINY'S PROMISE and THE OGRE'S CURSE. Read a complete free story excerpted from the romantic fantasy adventure anthology, DESTINY'S PROMISE, on the author's website at: http://www.authorsart.com/destinysp.html

Memoirs are almost always interesting but this one is like nothing else I had ever read. Truly touching and endlessly interesting, this book has something for everyone. If you have ever felt like an "outsider" you will appreciate Hugo's plight. Can't stop ready it. It was a joy until the very last page.

I found The Speckled People after encountering a fascinating article by Hugo Hamilton on the "Loneliness of Being German". Similar to the article, the book immediately struck a chord with me. Those living within and without their own language will find a special connection to this book. Language as the identification of "home" and "country" and "language wars" are explored here in a rather exceptional way - through the voice and outlook of a growing child. Like a patchwork quilt the vignette chapters of the book come together for the reader to form an exquisitely drawn portrait. Hamilton's family is pictured against the backdrop of their Irish reality of poverty and want in the fifties and sixties. Complexities are accentuated by his dual identity as a child of an Irish nationalist father and a German mother who left Germany after the war.

While The Speckled People is an intimately personal chronicle of his youth, Hamilton's story has significance far beyond the autobiography genre. There are advantages and challenges in using the language of a child. On the one hand, experiences can be conveyed in a direct and innocent way. Johannes (Hugo) has not yet learned to query all he observes: "When you're small you know nothing". He is a sensitive and perceptive child who intuits that there are more untold dramas in the family. "You can inherit a secret without even knowing what it is." On the other hand, it may be difficult to maintain the language as the boy's capacity to analyze and reflect becomes more pronounced with age. Hamilton succeeds admirably in keeping his style consistent even where he integrates numerous events from the wider world as they become relevant to the young boy. As you settle into his style, the narrative becomes deeply absorbing.

The experiences of life under Nazi rule as part of an anti-Nazi family, continue to haunt his mother. Her painful memories are conveyed to the son in small doses, like selected scenes from a black and white movie in which she had a part. Nonetheless, she is homesick for her native country and all things German. Books, souvenirs and toys arrive regularly resulting in outbursts of happy laughter. Johannes records his mother's mood swings expressed through either laughter or primarily mental withdrawal and silence.

His father feels more Irish than anybody around them. He insists on preserving Irish culture and on "freeing" the Irish people from British influences. His children become "his weapon" against the enemy. He forbids the family to speak English. The children tend to "live" in German as their mother has difficulties speaking Irish. The Irish language has to be protected even if it means losing business. This can mean that cheques are not accepted from people who cannot spell Ó hUrmoltaigh - Hamilton in Irish. The language is your home, "your country is your language", he insists - it identifies who you are. The pressure on the children to speak German and Irish at home sets them apart from people in Dublin at the time. There, English was the preferred language. The children suffer from this enforced isolation. The neighbourhood bullies, responding to their otherness and German identity call them "Nazi", "Hitler" or "Eichmann". They attack them whenever the opportunity arises. While Johannes repeats to himself and to his mother "I am not a Nazi", he does not defend himself against the assaults. One of the rules of the house is to adopt a form of pacifist resistance, the "silent negative " and not to become part of the "fist people". As Johannes grows up, he understandably rebels increasingly against these strictures. In the end, he discovers his own way out of all the identify confusion, his anger and pain.

The Speckled People is a memoir like no other. Any comparison with other Irish memoirs would seem inappropriate to me. While Hamilton chronicles his childhood and growing up, themes and issues beyond the personal play a fundamental role. In particular his exploration of the complexities of "language" as "home" and "country" gives this book added richness and depth. [Friederike Knabe, Ottawa Canada]

This is a magnificent story of the author's growing up in Ireland.It takes place mainly after WW2 and until the mid-seventies.The son of an fanitically nationalistic Irish father who doesn't want to give up the past, and a German mother who is haunted by her past of growing up in Nazi Germany.
The author shows us the tremendous pressures of trying to get along when you are different from others in your community and country.This problem exists everywhere and we learn that it also occurs even in Ireland.This family lived with it as a central issue at all times and no matter how hard they tried,they could never get away from it.I don't think I have ever read a book that so clearly defined the issues and struggles that had to be faced.
Not only has the author described the struggles his family faced he also gives us a great deal of insight into the culture,thinking,perceptions,anguish,and the effect that the past has on the personality and feelings encountered when one is different.
Ireland is a very fascinating country and like no other.One never ceases to be amazed by what one learns by reading about its history and its people;and this book is no exception.
Several lines that really struck me were:

"Some things are not good to know in Ireland."

"We serve neither King nor Kaiser."

"My father says the Irish can't live on imagination forever."

"He doesn't want the song about immigration to go on forever."

"Ireland unfree shall never be at peace."

"Maybe there was no failure in Ireland,only bad luck,and
maybe there was no bad luck in Germany,only failure."

"Nelson's head was on the ground and the dust of the empire
was all around."

"When you're small you know nothing and when you grow up there
are things you don't want to know."

And finally,one that sums up the story:

"I'm walking on the wall and nobody can stop me."

The author's skill in the use of language is a whole order of magnitude higher than so much we see today;but still in a class with several of his Irish compatriots.What wonderful stuff this small country produces.

okay... this book is absolutely gorgeous - It is sweet,deep,and dark...an original story. it reads like a beautiful poem -i am so happy to read a new book by an author who writes so well... thank you, Hugo!

The cover picture and the packaging are obviously attempting to ride on the coat tails of the phenomonal success of "Angela's Ashes." Which is okay in this case, because there are many similarities, and also because this book is almost as good. Almost. It's very close. Which is to say: it's still better than just about any other memoir you could get your hands on. This is a most charming, most intuitive, most page-turning read. I loved it. You probably will too.

Although the book chronicles the life of Edna Earl from childhood into adult life, it was titled, 'St. Elmo.' Edna Earl maintained a very high sense of morality, and strongly valued her belief system and her integrity. It was this sense of morality, expressed through her confident personality, that resulted in the eventual 'spiritual reawakening' of St. Elmo Murray. St. Elmo was truly 'born again' as a man and as a spiritual being. His turnaround from an angry, misanthropic individual into an enlightened individual was remarkable. It was Edna Earl who triggered this awakening in him. Therefore, naming the book 'St. Elmo' was a testament his receiving of grace. Agusta Jane Evans was an outstanding writer, as good as any whose books I have ever read.

This classic Victorian novel popular in its time is a fine example of descriptive writing at its best. It will entertain as well as educate the most prolific of readers with references to world-wide geographic locations, foreign phraseology, and descriptive paragraphs that are refreshing different to 21st century reading. A tale of romance and intrigue woven with Christian morality will delight the reader into imagining themselves present in an era now passed. I can see why it was a favorite of my grandmother and will remain a favorite with me.

Deep reading with good Christian standards. I loved all the references and quotes from famous authors and philosophers. It's all about a real-life hero who has real-life problems to conquer. Definately recommended!

I found St. Elmo at my grandmothers house last year and decided to read it since I live in Columbus, GA around the area where it is set. I couldn't put it down. I've just finished reading it a second time and it is more wonderful the second time around.

I have read this book threetimes. The first was when I was a teenager no more than l4 years. I read it again soon after I was married at twehty three. The first two times were borrowed books - I then found it still in print so I finally bought my own copy. I treasure it and probably will read it again for the fourth time. It is the greatest book I have ever owned not counting the Bible.

I have just received this book but have noticed that Pericles, Prince of Tyre has been left out - I wonder why? Haven't read the book yet; when I do, I'll add my opinion on it here.

This book does an excellent job of describing the plots, settings, and characters of the stories of all Shakespeare's plays. The author also provides good background detail of the time, relevant facts from Shakespeare's life, and some not-excessively-detailed analysis where appropriate. My one small complaint with the book is that the author is so deeply in love with the works and the very idea of Shakespeare that she rarely lets an opportunity pass to tell us how wonderful he is. (The level of fawning and gushing is sometimes reminiscent of listening to a fourteen year old girl talk about Justin Timberlake.) But apart from this minor complaint, I heartily recommend the book -- it's quite readable and the overall scholarship is outstanding.

I used this book successfully to help negotiate top grades in an Ivy League Shakespeare class more than 30 years ago, and I still use a copy to reorient myself and my family to Shakespeare's works. An invaluable guide to the essence of each play, including all significant aesthetic themes. Indispensable as a quick read before seeing a Shakespeare play that hasn't been read or seen for some time. I've come across no other book that is so helpful yet concise.

Margaret Chute's Stories of Shakespeare uses an novel technique. She writes treatments for 36 of the plays (those in the First Folio), a present tense chronology of the plot in simple, eloquent language. This book is useful for actors, students or the casual fan. The book also appreciates the beauty of Shakespeare's language by offering selected excerpts. Further, it recognises the humor, the history and the tragedy of the story and gives concise summaries so the reader can always follow the action. This is an excellent book.

Chute's book provides a basic summary for each of Shakespeare's plays. Her writing is as lyrical as it is complete for such a book, which makes it a handy, enjoyable reference. Her main goal is to make the stories digestible, and to that end, the essence of Shakespeare's plays emerges brilliantly, freeing the average reader of dusty Elizabethan language. Unlike other books that give choppy scene-by-scene summaries (though helpful in their own way) or brief plot highlights, Chute's summaries seamlessly tie the play's entire action, principle and otherwise.

The plays are grouped by comedies, tragedies, and histories, with comedies and tragedies in the likely order they were written and the histories arranged chronologically by reign. She includes an illuminating introduction that sheds light on Shakespeare's genius and innovation as well as how best to approach his work. An index of characters is also included. One of the many things I appreciated about this book is Chute's resistance to overemphasizing popular texts. With the exception of "Titus Andronicus," she devotes a fair amount of text to each play, though some do receive added attention.

Those looking for a more detailed or critical reading of Shakespeare's work would not benefit from Chute's book. There are numerous (non-academic) guides for those desiring more than a casual read and study of the Bard. ("Shakespeare for Dummies," "The Pocket Companion to Shakespeare," and "The Age of Shakespeare" are all books I've consulted for more background and a better understanding of the author and era.) In her introduction, however, she points out that the purpose of her book "is to give the reader a preliminary idea of each of the thirty-six plays by telling the stories and explaining in a general way the intentions and points of view of the characters." On occasion she gives critical analyses of characters and plays but in an informative and unobtrusive manner. This book is not Cliff's Notes or a substitute for the actual play, but it does make Shakespeare understandable.

I haven't read this book, but want to know if this book would be a good book for a 16-year old to read. By that, I mean, is it "dirty" or anything...or is there just some innocent kissing...is it tame? I'd appreciate it if you'd give me your opinion, it's really hard to find a good historical, fiction, romance for a 16 year old! Thanks, Meg

The feuding clans come together as the MacLeods attack the Campbells during which the head of each clan, Alex Campbell and Robert McLeod are both killed by the same man ... Norman MacLeod, cousin of Robert. At Robert's death, Norman claims himself guardian of young Catherine and head of the Clan McLeod, a position he has no plans of relinquishing to anyone.

Ian Campbell, in an effort to save his life, is sent away by his mother to Ireland when the Campbells are attacked by the McLeods. Catherine MacLeod, at the death of her father, is sent away by Norman to live with a foster family until she is old enough to marry his son Hugh. Eventually, Catherine, is called back home to marry Hugh and fulfill Norman's devious plans. Ian is called back from Ireland after his brother dies and he becomes head of the Clan Campbell.

During his time in Ireland, Ian has festered a growing grudge to avenge his father's death. He learns of Norman's plans for Catherine and kidnaps her, thinking it will bring Norman to him. Nothing in Ian's plans include falling in love with the beautiful and spirited Catherine, head of the Clan MacLeod.

Their lives are intertwined in suspense, love and jealousy. Numerous separations, from capture by pirates to being abducted, continually send Ian in search of his beloved Catherine. Unfortunately, Ian's love for Catherine is often hindered by his extreme jealousy and stubbornness which continues to prevent them from finding true happiness.

This suspenseful trail leads them from their beloved Scotland to the new colonies where once again, Ian finds his lovely Catherine in the care of another man.

If you love romance and getting away from the norm ... you'll love Storm of Desire.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Storm of Desire. I found myself experiencing anger, anxiety, plus a host of other emotions throughout the entire book.

Though it was a bit distracting at first, I found I love the way Sjana uses the dialect of the Scottish language. She puts so much feeling into her writing, you actually develop a picture in your mind as you read the pages. I felt as if I was there, riding along side of Catherine as we made our way to the boat, wanting to console her and tell her not to worry. I wanted to grab Ian and try to make him understand that his thoughts of Catherine were wrong. As you get deeper into the book, this feeling doesn't diminish.

You won't want to be disturbed once you start reading, so find yourself a quiet place after the kids are in bed. I was so disappointed when I finished the book ... I did not want it to end. I will anxiously be awaiting Sjana's next novel and am hoping she will consider the possibility of another story about Cat and Ian.

I read this kind of book when I was 16 (although I'm 40 something now *smile*) Storm of Desire does have some brief lovemaking scenes after Catherine and Ian are married, but the story is not about sex. I felt the story was more about one woman's magnificent adventure during a time when women didn't have many.

The heroine, Catherine, is an incredibly strong woman who perseveres despite the very tough situations she found herself in and I felt the book was more about that.

In its entirety, Storm of Desire is exciting and breathtaking and I personally loved the book!

STORM OF DESIRE kept me on the edge of my seat...literally! I could not put it down! Chocked full of steamy passion and lots of adventure, I really felt the characters come alive. I enjoyed this book so much I bought extra copies to give to friends as gifts. SJANA is a talented new writer and I so look forward to reading more of her work!

I think besides absolutely loving the main characters and watching the attraction/friction between them unfold, my favorite thing about STORM OF DESIRE by SJANA is the incredible historical accuracy. It is very apparent that SJANA spent much time researching even the smallest of details which she intertwined masterfully to make this novel a historical delight! Those that love adventure and exquisite tension between strong characters will definitely love STORM OF DESIRE!

Hands down the most interesting 'behind the scenes' book I have ever read. Despite my thinking I knew alot of the background to the controversial development of the Superman movies this book has so much new information I couldn't stop reading it and knocked it off in 3 days. The history on the Reeves's Serial and Reeve's Film series is incredibly detailed (The 'Dinner with Brando' story is a highlight) while including an interesting commentary on how the charater's portrayal by hollywood relates to the character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. I had no idea the amount of grief they were put through by Warner so it is a very interesting read in terms of the ongoing legal battles between their respective estates and Warner.

The sections on Smallville and Superman Returns are unfortunately brief compared with the other parts of the book but that is a slight criticism on a book that was otherwise thoroughly engrossing. A very welcome addition to my superhero library.

This was a great book and a very quick read! It is also a very scary and eye-opening look into the world of Hollywood in general, not just with Superman. And it seems that anyone who's not a corporation who becomes associated with Superman projects historically gets screwed in some way. Sadly, it began with Superman's creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, who unfortunately fought for their rights to the character until their deaths. (this was recently ruled in their favor, but sadly it went to their descendants so the two men didn't live to see their life long struggle victorious). Even the Fleischer Studios Superman cartoons of the 1940's came with their share of bad luck for Max Fleischer who was forced to hand over profits made. Then, when George Reeves died mysteriously after participating in 1950's show, The Adventures of Superman, the legend of "The Superman curse" spread. When Richard Donner created his memorable Superman movies ,they were already mired in conflict with the studios which is why they degraded in quality until Superman IV killed the franchise for 20 years. And for all those Superman Returns nay-sayers, there was a whole load of crap that could have been made during those years, so I have a new appreciation for that movie. Overall, a great book which also goes into Smallville (for those of you who still watch).

This was one of the most enjoyable books about a comic icon that I have ever read. I won't bore you with what I liked as others posting reviews have done so already and much more thoroughly than I ever could...If you are a Superman fan, read this book. I am sure you will find many things you did not know. It was very hard to put it down. Enjoy

I was expecting a picture laden history of the large scale Superman movies from the 70's and eighties when I first thought about buying this book and was a little put out by the fact there were not a lot of pictures in it. However, the information inside the covers of this book was eye opening indeed and didn't need pictures to illustrate the point.

If you're looking for all the juicy, digging up the dirt on celebrities trivia on what went on behind the scenes in any of the incarnations of Superman, this really isn't the place to look.

If you're looking for a well researched history on all the trials and tribulations involved in getting Superman off the pages of comic books and up into the sky via radio serials, TV live action series and cartoons or cinemas, this is the book for you.

The author has dug deep and gathered together a wide cross section of information that shows just how hard it is to get a idea past the post. From writers who have no idea how to write the Superman character to studio execs who are only interested in the after market merchandising and how to save a few million dollars by compromising the vision.

The fact that Superman actually got to fly is pretty amazing.

I was so engaged that I read the book in a day instead of stretching it out. Lots of interesting info. The backstage in-fighting was fascinating and so were the accounts of the evolution of various Superman TV shows and movies. Since the other reviewers have hit a lot of the high points, and at the time that I purchased the book, no table of contents was attached, here's a breakdown of the subjects covered.

The first couple of chapters cover Bud Collyer,Kirk Alyn, and George Reeves, as you might expect. The middle section deals largely with the Salkinds, Richard Donner, Richard Lester, and Christoper Reeve; the making of Superman I-III. There's an excursion by one chapter into the Salkinds' Supergirl movie and it's effect on the Superman franchise. There are also scattered references throughout the book to the Batman TV shows/movies and that franchise's effects on Superman. Spiderman and other superhero movie/shows are referenced, but Batman gets the most page time.

The Cannon Group and Superman IV are also discussed. Then we move onto the Superboy TV show and more on the Salkinds. The next bit covers Lois & Clark and there's a brief visit to Bruce Timm's animated version of Superman. Smallville is also dealt with. Most of the latter portion of the book is about with the scripts, producers, and actors contemplated for various possible versions of a new Superman movie before Superman Returns was decided upon. Bryan Singer and the making of Superman Returns are also discussed.

On the whole, this is a very intriguing look. I wish the author had been less cursory in the discussions of Smallville and had gone into more detail with the animated versions of Superman, but I would recommend this book to any Superman fan.

Written from the perspective of an observant little boy, this book is a riveting tale of human misery. I'm familiar with the subject and believe the suffering of the boy's family is representative of the average Biafran family at this hour of grave trial. The book, like many others on the Biafran war, is highly recommended especially since the circumstances leading to the war is very much alive in today's Nigeria. The people of eastern Nigeria (former Biafra) are still suffering untold persecution in Nigeria.I think the author should have been bold enough to recommend a way forward rather than conclude the book with the end of the war.But all in all, this is a fine work. The narration is free-flowing; so smooth that I was reading while eating. It's a book I can recall with pride.

In this book the author reveals what it was like for himself and his family to be caught up in Biafra's war of independence. Now largely forgotten, the war rapidly collapsed into an enormous tragedy as a Nigerian blockade cut Biafra off from the outside world and rapidly brought on hunger and starvation.

These first-hand accounts of an Igbo family forced to flee from an area controlled by other tribes, then trying to survive in a village even as resources began to grow scarce... it is heart-rending but it brought the war and the humanitarian disaster it sparked to life for me.

A beautifully presented account of the suffering, resilience & ingenuity of the Biafrans; the sheer bravery of its young soldiers. Written in the great Achebe's approach. About time Biafran story is included in the school curriculum.

This book is a beautiful account of the Biafran war. I grew up with Nigerian refuges and their children in Cameroon and got first hand accounts of the horrors of that war. Overall, this insightful book is credible and like DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE, KING LEOPOLD'S GHOST, SHAKE HANDS WITH THE DEVIL, it gives the reader the opportunity to understand African conflicts and the pattern of genocides that have taken place or taking place in the continent. I learned a lot from this book.

I loved this book because it is similar to reading a personal diary or journal left by a child. It is honest and funny,sad and poignant.

The author, Mr. Uzokwe, doesn't speak as an authoritarian or an analyst. He simply tells the story of what he saw, felt and experienced as a child living in a war torn world. This includes some sorrow but also reminds us of the naiveté and life as usual wanderings of a child's mind. (Not unlike the film "Life is Beautiful" depicting a child's experience in Nazi Germany)

I have read the F. Forsythe book and other material on the subject of the Nigerian Civil War. I recommend those earlier works primarily on historical merit. However in my opinion, Surviving In Biafra is the most heart-felt story telling perhaps because the innocence depicted heightens the senselessness of the nearly 2 million lives lost. Although the subject matter is heavy, many passages are funny and endearing. As a non-African reader I found some ideas and practices presented odd and intriguing. The book is about family relations, community responses and how coping affects everyone differently. A variety of cultural norms are revealed and an overall picture of life in a small war torn village is painted quite beautifully. Many words, phrases and saying and songs are translated into the (then Biafran) native language of Ibo, and a variety of photos are included which adds nice documentation.

Anyone interested in peace will benefit from the truth presented in Surviving In Biafra. For those interested in the holocaust or other genocide attempts it is a must read. Likewise, for those interested in affirming the joy of life and the enduring human spirit this reading is a memorable journey.

If you love sequential art, give this one a try. It's a unique and touching story, exploring the question of what love brings out in us (both the good and the bad.)

Summaries of this book make it seem simplistic, but there is a lot here. The art, and the story, are messy, violent, sad, and beautiful. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's a shining example of what sequential art can be.

this is by far one of the best manga i've ever read. i'd gotten away from manga, but decided to pick this up when it was published in a single volume. entirely worth. highest possible reccomendation.

Excellent manga and anime. I didn't think I would like the animation but it's amazing. I especially liked White's dream sequences.
The Black & White in the title does refer to the characters. The original title of the manga is Black & White. Also, Viz does a lot of mangas in the left to right format. This one wasn't singled out for special treatment.

"Duh" and yet five stars? That Duh was for me. I was disappointed because when I opened the Amazon box and discovered TEKKEON KINKREET was in black
and white.

I'd thought that B&W label referred to the main
characters, Black and White. See? Duh. On me.

Other than that, I'd thought the cartoon style would reflect the anime, which is great and in full color, which prompted me to buy this book.
Duh #2, then.

Still, it's a very good, very big book and very Zen-like.
So Five Stars. See the anime, it's great. Now Ima gonna go
and actually read the book.

During a trip to Japan recently I came across the film version of this book, which had just won many awards. When I learned it was based on a graphic novel, I scoured the bookstands here in the US for it to no avail. Luckily Amazon had it (along with the English-subtitled movie). Tekkon Kinkreet is a richly engaging graphic narrative, its visual language referencing French comics but with the horizontal, angled paneling of more traditional Japanese Manga. Though it's about two scrappy kids, this is most definitely NOT a comic book for children: it's full of violence and references to the seedy underworld of the city (gangsters, strip clubs, etc.). Though those things would usually turn me off, I found this to be a completely absorbing narrative. Beyond the violence it elegantly explores the issues of gentrification, friendship, identity, and change. The film's great too, but you should definitely read the book first. Totally different visual styles going on. Great stuff. Check it out.

memoir, I recommend That's How the Light Gets In: Memoir of a Psychiatrist by Susan Rako, M.D. The title comes from a song by Leonard Cohen: "There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." Rako's book is fascinating, inspirational, and a great read. The writing just flows.

I bought this book for my brother, who is an author. He is always looking for a good book to improve and/or diversify his writing techniques. He is thrilled with it. hasn't hardly put it down since he got it and uses it for referencing a lot!

"Telling True Stories" belongs on every serious writer's bookshelf. Including insights from many of the luminaries in the narrative non-fiction world, it is not only an essential read for someone working in this field, but a lively and inspiring one as well. Highly recommended!

From my review in the January 2008 newsletter of the American Society of Journalists and Authors:

In nearly 100 short essays, this book offers an unbelievable wealth of excellent advice and information, from 51 contributors such as Tom Wolfe, David Halberstam, Susan Orlean, Tracy Kidder, Adrian Nicole LeBlanc and Gay Talese. It's like attending a "who's who" conference on nonfiction writing, all for the price of a trade paperback. The book is helpfully divided into categories; you don't have to read the whole thing (although you'll be a better writer, guaranteed, if you do). Categories include finding topics, settling on your sub-genre, structure, building quality into your work, ethics, editing, narrative in news and building a career in magazines and books. The best parts of the book are the tidbits of insight dispersed by pros who have had decades of experience to figure out what makes them so good at their jobs. Gay Talese talks about his decision to spend more time "with people who were not necessarily newsworthy . . . that the role of the nonfiction writer should be with private people whose lives represent a larger significance." Katherine Boo reveals that she finds her stories "because I never learned to drive. . . . I take the bus. I walk around. By being out there -- not the driver of my story but the literal and figurative rider -- I have the opportunity to see things that I would never otherwise see." S. Mitra Kalita offers the startling -- but obvious on contemplation -- observation from her colleague Mirta Ojito at The New York Times, that "the more you know, the less they tell you." This is a book you'll speed through and quote to your friends, read over and over, and find new insights on each pass through.

I have a system when I'm reviewing books of putting Post-It notes on the edges of pages that seem especially cogent, well-written, etc. I usually have 8 or 10 Post-Its on a book that's finished, but on this one, I had so many it looked like the book had sprouted its own little line of prayer flags!

Every writing teacher needs this book. One of the best I've found. Already teaching from it. Plus, The Nieman Foundation Website offers more useful writing & teaching tools than most fee-based services. Should be required reading for all creative nonfiction and journalism undergrad and grad students.