Movies Books

I read this book when i was 10 and absolutely loved it! the illustrations gave me hours upon hours of enjoyment beyond reading. i strongly recommend this book for any child who is in for a good read and loves art.

I read The Pagemaster, written by David Kirschner. Richard is a boy that loves safety he made his own bike. This book is a book of fantasy it is for all ages because little kids and older kids would find it cool and funny, it is very detailed and very enjoyable. It is about Richard going into a library and everything is coming to life. I recommend this book because it is interesting and it makes you want to read it again. The problem is that he can't get out of the library, so the books are trying to help him

Richard Tyler is scared 10 year old boy. After stumbling into the library during a storm, he meets the Pagemaster and explores the world of fiction books with three companions, Adventure, Fantasy and Horror. Richard deals with his many phobias through his journey from Fiction A-Z, encountering characters of famous stories. The illustrations were brilliant, colourful, and contained lots of detail which made them interesting. The story was well paced with lots of action which made it enjoyable to read.

Love the book - would love to listen to the Chieftans "Song without End" - Patrick and Marty's music - if I could find it. Miss these characters on One Life to Live.

I enjoyed the book and the tape. I would hope that patrick would return but I understand that that won't happen. I wish you luck and happiness.

Seldom, in one's all too mundane existence, does so utterly sublime a tome as Patrick's Notebook fall into the humbly outstretched hands of the ever-optimistic reviewer. This book is a gift from the goddess. The reviewer's patience has been magnificently rewarded.

In his own words, our own courageous, selfless, devoted, and poetical Patrick Thornhart lays bare before us his noble soul, writing movingly of his eternal love for the bewitching but troubled Margaret Saybrooke, who became the love of his lonely life the instant he lay his eyes, not to mention his lips, on hers.

The story of how Patrick and Margaret met on the enchanted Irish isle of Inish Crag sets the stage for the timeless romance with which the author spellbinds his readers in these pages. Not only is this tale mesmerizing on its own terms - a captivating story of lovers equally as captivating - but Thornhart gifts us with many lyrical poems that reflect on his feelings for Miss Saybrooke - and that also offer a welcome opportunity for the reader to reacquaint herself with some of the world's most senstive love poetry.

Some of the immortal poems included in Patrick's Notebook are the Shakespeare sonnet 116 ("Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments..."), A Thing of Beauty, by John Keats, How Clear She Shines, by Emily Brontë, She Walks in Beauty, by Lord Byron, Miles From Home, by Thorsten Kaye, and Longing by Matthew Arnold. Each of these poems, and all the others here besides, enhance Thornhart's true story of love, heartbreak, turmoil, and determination, and his own words suffer not by comparison...

We have in Patrick Thornhart an instinctive, articulate, and irresistible writer of the first rank, and we have in Patrick's Notebook that rare maiden effort that is destined to become a classic. Incredibly, the book comes packaged with an audiocassette of Thornhart's own recital, in his deep, warm, velvety Celtic-tinged voice, of several of the poems found in the book. His rendering of Sonnet 116 is especially heartfelt, and you'll hear his ringing Mother Ocean in your dreams for many nights to come.

This is truly an absorbing book, whether or not you sew or make quilts. What a wonderful experience the 'stunt quilters' must have had - how exciting to work with world-class actors in a first-class production! The book is not really a pattern book, but it is a great read, and it does contain two patterns. If you want to begin quilt making, or if you need an inspiration for your next project, this book may do the trick.

I purchased this book in 1996, to add to my collection of quilt books (let's face it, I love books!). It truly was an inspiration to me for my first two real quilts! I used the rail fence quilt (autograph)idea for my daughter's wedding. The center is an embroidered copy of the wedding program cover design, and the blocks were used instead of a guest book at the reception, mounted on freezer paper in a photo album. Other blocks contain titles of songs from the wedding and reception, names of the bridal party etc.

In 2000, I used the pattern for Anna's baby quilt to make my grandson his first quilt. It was a challenge (mainly because I really did not know how to foundation piece), but turned out beautifully.

In addition, I used the crazy quilt idea to fashion a velvet and silk vest for a Christmas party. This is a lot of work, but wonderful to look at. You must truly love hand-sewing.

Read this book, and feel your creative juices start to flow!

This is a great fun book, full of life. The author describes the role that she and her "stunt quilters" played in the filming of the movie, How To Make An American quilt starring Winona Ryder. Quilters who loved the movie (based on the book by Whitney Otto) will love McCormick's book too. It contains full-sized patterns for several of the quilts you see in the movie, with all the details you never notice in the film.

"Pieces of an American Quilt" seems to fall into a category all its own. The book isn't really a quilt pattern book--although it has instructions for how to make several quilts seen in the film. And it isn't really a "making of" or movie trivia book--although it contains those elements as well.

Author and quilter Patty McCormick provides an interesting Hollywood outsider's perspective on the making of one of my favorite movies. McCormick is so NOT a movie person that when she gets a phone call to provide technical quilt assistance for "How to Make an American Quilt," she doesn't recognize the name of Steven Spielberg's production company. Her tales of how the movie's quilts were designed and created are quite fun to read.

Although the quilts were an integral part of the film, several specially created quilts appear on screen so briefly that getting the opportunity to study photos of them is a treat. Learning what happened to a few--such as the well-loved crazy-patch quilt that young Finn clutches while sitting underneath the quilting frame--was a bit like hearing fingernails grate down a chalkboard.

McCormick provides patterns for both the "Where Love Resides" Baltimore album quilt that the quilting circle works on throughout the film, and Anna's baby quilt featuring African animals. I didn't buy it ever planning to make either quilt, but those monkeys, lions and giraffes are rather growing on me. Perhaps someday.

Everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask about the freaky Dutch filmmaker.

This is a fantastic biography of the director of The Fourth Man, Robocop, Basic Instinct, Showgirls and Starship Troopers. The first half of the book extensively details Verhoeven's childhood, education and early film career in the Netherlands, then switches to chapter-long "making of" stories on each of his American films up through Showgirls (Starship Troopers was still in production at the time this book was published).

Verhoeven is a VERY smart man and has led an intriguing life. If all you know of him is that he's "the pervert who made Showgirls," you'd do well to read this book. Good job, Rob Van Scheers!

Whether you're a Verhoeven fan, or just want to read an interesting account of a director's relationship with the film industry, this book will satisfy you. The author interviewed past Verhoven associates from the stars of his Dutch films to Michael Douglas, as well as longtime friends like cinematographer Jost Vacano (who has worked with Paul for 25 years). He also spoke at length with Verhoeven himself, getting some great quotes--not to mention insight--in the process. The translator has done an excellent job of making this book engaging and readable, unlike some biographies where the recitation of facts can get boring.

The book covers Verhoeven's childhood, early student days, his time in the military making documentaries, and his entire film career in detail from his first major Dutch production through the making of Showgirls. For the length of the book (only 300 pages) there is A LOT covered. If you are hoping to learn more about this rather infamous director you will not be disappointed.
There is a new chapter for each of his major Dutch and American films.

Besides the biographical text, there are some black and white photos before and after each major section and a complete filmography (through Starship Troopers). The book also has an index that is actually useful in finding the info you need.

I recommend this highly for anyone interested in Verhoeven--you might even find yourself surprised at how personable, intelligent, and funny he is.

A riveting account of a year in the life of a zoo. Do we consider in our zoo visits the lives of the animals we gape at, or the caretakers who ensure their well being? This book will tell you all you want to know. For instance, did you know that polar bears, despite their depiction in holiday Coke commercials will kill for sport? Or, that elephants are quite aware of their physical superiority to man and will plot to kill a trainer they take a dislike to in a "squeeze play." The nature of these captive beasts is such that they can be profoundly disturbed by the changing of the seasons, or the unexpected backwards running of the zoo monorail. The author respectfully details the history of America's oldest zoo, acknowledges the controversy surrounding the continued captivity of animals for human amusement and rightfully details the role of those humans who are entrusted to their care. If you like a rousing tale written in a journalistic style, I implore you to give this one a shot. I picked this book up in a makeshift military library in Bosnia, read it in my bunk, and subsequently recommended it to several friends and family who loved it.

a wonderful documentation of the harmony, and discord, between the animal kingdom and the modern world. A must read for animal lovers

I grew up in Philadelphia, and have fond childhood memories of visiting "America's First Zoo," which is the subject of this book. Although some animal rights people are against zoos of any kind, the fact is, today's zoos do a great deal to help save endangered species through various breeding programs. In some cases, such as the Pere David deer from China, the zoos have literally rescued species from extinction (see p. 218). The author of this book does an excellent job of balancing biology with human interest stories, as he takes you behind the scenes and shares "animal gossip" about some of the zoo's most popular exhibits. "The Peaceable Kingdom" follows a year's worth of zoo activities through the four seasons, and is simply cram-packed with zoology, history, geography, and odd facts about animals. (Did you know that a male rhino has a two-foot long erection?) Absolutely a fascinating read!

This is the kind of bio that should be written about every important film director. Simmons is just detached enough to be objective, but not cold and removed so as to miss the color and flavor of this remarkable man. Highly reccommended for all interested in films - not just Peckinpah geeks.

Someone should get this guy to do a series of books on directors.

This is one of the first and best Peckinpah's biographies. Written a few years before his death but with a new preface and postscript it is a superb account about the life and films of Sam Peckinpah. Garner Simmons talked to many friends, family, actors and producers to make this a wonderful readable experience.If you are in the films of Sam Peckinpah get this book!

Peckinpah, written by Garner Simmons and published by the Universtity of Texas Press in 1982,is a no-nonsense, non-opinionated look at the life and work of director Sam Peckinpah. The first few chapters are devoted to his early life: parents, childhood, growing up, early TV work, etc. The rest of the book is presented in a movie-by-movie format, with one chapter being devoted to each film. The chronological discussion of each film pays great attention to detail form pre to post production. Lots of good insight from cast and crew members help make this book really special! There is little info on Peckinpah's final film, "The Osterman Weekend", as it had not been released at the time of this book's publication. The book is dedicated to the memory of Jerry Fielding, the extremely talented composer who worked with Peckinpah on several films.

Reading this series to the kids, blew right through this one, left us hanging for the next one.

I love Jack Sparrow, probably more than my ten year old son (but don't tell him that!).
In Dance of the Hours, I was once again on the edge of my seat (or the edge of my son's bed as I read it to him at bedtime) ! Jack is in possession of the time piece that is responsible (with his help, of course)for the world turning upside-down, literally and now he and Fitzwilliam have to fix it or Jack (and everyone else for that matter) will cease to exist.
Great read with pre-historic animals and twists and turns a long the way. I love being transported into Jack's world and I love being able to share it with my son.

I bought these books for my 12yr old daughter. She's a huge POTC fan & has gobbled these books down. Now she has the whole set (9 in all). She enjoyed them immensely & wishes more were available.

A diabolical murderer has been at work in the Victorian precincts of the manor known as Socrates Close. The formidable Great Aunt Caroline has all her wits about her, but her family does not and they have been dropping like flies. The police are naturally baffled. Only Albert Campion, faintly redolent of the early Lord Peter Wimsey with his fatuous smile and episcopal connections, stands between the criminal and a particularly nasty victory. This is Golden Age crime in full glory: an extremely ingenious puzzle, very well drawn period characters (Great Aunt Caroline is unforgettable), the usual understated English humour and a villain who is memorable in more than the usual ways. I'm not sure if Margery Allingham ever wrote a better book than this, so sit back, relax, make yourself comfortable and get ready to enjoy a mystery the likes of which they seldom write these days. If it's raining outside, so much the better!

Coincidence and madness are the twin themes of "Police at the Funeral." The book starts out when a planned meeting between Campion and Joyce Blount turns into an accidental meeting with Inspector Stanislaus Oates and a peculiarly unpleasant fellow who takes one look at Joyce and flees. From there the tale follows a twisted path.

Joyce is the fiancée of Marcus Featherstone, one of Campion's oldest friends. She lives with her great aunt Caroline, a pair of unpleasant uncles and an equally depressing brace of aunts. Uncle Andrew, a singularly miserable fellow, has vanished and Joyce has come to Campion for help. In short order Andrew is found murdered in such a fashion as to implicate his heavy drinking brother William. Campion's presence is commanded by Great Aunt Caroline and he is settled into Socrates Close, their Cambridge home, to act as detective, defender and general factotum.

Yes, I said commanded. Great Aunt Caroline Faraday is a true Victorian 'grand dame.' For most of her life she has ruled Socrates Close and much of Cambridge's social life. Even now, in her 90's she is a force to be reckoned with. She has no patience with her dependents, who share little of her and her departed husband's brilliance. She sees no alternative to the ministrations of Campion, with whose mysterious but illustrious family she is well acquainted.

It will take the death of one of Joyce's aunts and yet another fatality before Campion is able to meet her expectations. In doing so he will brush with evil at its most petty and spiteful. The lightheartedness that Campion uses to cover his true feeling entertains and delights us, but is never completely able to dispel the pall that lies upon the great house until the very last, when he once again finds a way through.

I believe this is the first time Allingham puts aside her Chinese fire drill device and settles in to write true detective fiction. Her talent reveals itself as quite capable of handling the slower pace, which allows here more time to develop a remarkable cast of characters. These are never guilty of tediousness despite any other flaws they chose to reveal.

It is a shame that Allingham's books are often allowed to go in and out of print. Too often, Campion aficionados are condemned to rummaging in used bookstalls to fill a gap in their collection. Luckily, most of us like to rummage. Police at the Funeral is a wonderful tale that is reminiscent of Marsh's "Death of a Peer," although the Faradays are nowhere as near as appealing as Marsh's Lampreys. Except for Great Aunt Caroline, of course, who is a perfect treat. I can only tell you this tale is well worth digging for.

This 1932 novel is the 3rd in the Campion series. 'Albert Campion' (one of his aliases) has been contacted by an old school friend who has asked Albert to look into a matter for his fiancee's family - the Faradays, it seems that one of his future in-laws is missing. As the young lady is filling in Albert on her uncle's disappearance word arrives that the missing man has been found, unfortunately dead.

Upon arriving at the Faraday household Albert discovers that his grandmother and the matriarch of clan, Aunt Caroline, are old friends. With this entree into the family Campion begins to unearth old family secrets and scandals. Ultimately the truth comes out but not before the body count rises.

Albert Campion has been compared to Sayers's Lord Peter Wimsey especially in the earlier novels. The similarities are noticeable in this one but less so than the previous novel, MYSTERY MILE. Campion is still traveling in the close world of upper class old English families and still playing the effete fool. The setting here is Cambridge (as opposed to Wimsey's Oxford) and Campion's police contact Oats, is reminiscent to Wimsey's Parker. Campion though is beginning to remerge from Wimsey's shadow here and developing more of his own style.

The mysteries are intriguing, the clues are all present and challenging enough to keep the reader guessing. This is a great entry into the series, one that fans will not want to miss. It would also be a good place to begin if the earlier books are not available.

I bought this for and at the request of my 17 year old daughter. She rares asks for anything but did request this. She has enjoyed it very much. Very good purchase! Highly recommend to affectinados of the movie especially.

Thank you so much for finally releasing a biblical book. I just can't thank you enough. I thought this was wonderful. The Prince of Egypt was awesome. thanks again.

The Prince of Egypt Movie Scrapbook by Thomasine Lewis is an excellent account of the inspiring behind the scenes account for young and old alike about the classic story of Moses as revealed in the Old Testament. The targeted audience in this book is ages 9 to 12 however all ages will enjoy its richly illustrated pages and accompanying text. If the forthcoming (December 1998) animated movie by DreamWorks is as good as this scrapbook indicates then it shall certainly be a truly classic animated movie.

Some of the topics covered in this book include the story of how the film was conceived and developed, the voice cast for the movie, the music (which appears to be excellent), creating the design for the movie, the animators, special effects and how all of this was orchestrated into a completed animated movie.

Of paraticular interests to those interested in history is the apparent attention to detail the animators have given to the cultures of both ancient Egyptians and the ancient Hebrews. The story appears to closely parallel the account in the Old Testament and also includes some of the best creative conceptulizations of the the other classic Hollywood produced movies based upon the story of Moses and The Ten Commandments.

This book will serve as an excellent companion to both the movie, associated printed material and most certianly the forthcoming soundtracks which are scheduled for release in mid-November.

Reviewed by Michael C. Turner

Rarely, does one novel 'play' well to so many genres. "The Protege" encompasses mystery, thriller, horror, espionage, history, and to a degree, almost a 'spirituality'. It's at once, entertaining, provacative, and downright scary in its 'reality'. Yes, the book is graphic, but 'life' in these circles is graphic. To make it less so would leave it unbelievable.
Given the recent success of 'graphic' films for the sake of only the shock value, I would say the film producers should be looking at this story where 'graphics' are so frighteningly tickling 'truth'.
I commend Mr. Ross' ability to weave so many plot twists and such enticing characters without one instance of lost consistency. As a writer myself, an enviable gift.

Susan Haley, Author
RAINY DAY PEOPLE
FIBERS IN THE WEB

The Protégé -By Sam Ross


Movie executives where are you?

This is a must read book for those who enjoy a grisly police who-done-it. Even though the book has gruesome content, Sam Ross knows how to suck in his readers and take them for an International roller coaster ride. The twists and turns of "The Protégé" make it hard for one to lay the book down.

Emotions are on the rise as a reader feels they are part of incredible hunt for justice. Sam Ross has the making of a best selling author. I truly hope that his books become movies.

So watch out CSI, and Homicide Investigation shows, Sam Ross is on the loose and the man knows how to write.

I picked up this book not sure whether or not I would like it due to the graphic nature involved. AM I GLAD I GOT IT! This book has so many twists and turns that it is impossible to figure out the end before getting to it. I grew so attached to two of the characters that I even wrote to the author asking him to continue a storyline involving them!!! The dialogue is so realistic that I felt like I was part of a real murder/mystery plot. I can't really put into words how I feel about this book. Before reading it, Da Vinci Code was my favorite book but now having read The Protege I can't believe I thought Da Vinci Code was good because this book is absolutely fantastic! Enjoy it because I definitely did!