Television Books

It is rare in children's literature that readers find male figures that attempt to mentor a boy.

After Walt's mother abandons him with his two eccentric uncles, they attempt to raise him and influence him through their outrageous stories. While they are unique rolemodels, they are honest ones. As I read this, I genuinely couldn't think of anything comparable. I highly recommend it for young male readers who are in search for adventure and a little influence ~ but beware of jealousy! Who wouldn't want the adventurous Hub and Garth as uncles? The ending is a as wonderful as the adventure to get there...

Secondhand Lions was a great book; it always kept me interested and wanting to find out what was going to happen next.
In the story there is a boy named Walter. One summer his mother leaves him with his two great-uncles Hub & Garth. Throughout the story his uncles did some strange things, one of my favorites was when Garth bought an assortment of seeds and they turned out to be all corn. The corn is a symbol of freedom for one of the characters, but you will have to read the book to find out who it is.

Second Hand Lions is the best. It is very good. I cried. I do not useally cry during movies, but this movie is the best. I really recomend seeing it. it iz gr8

Probably the best sheer entertainment of a touching nature this year.

I loved this book and I'm 58. Touching, funny, adventurous,and without giving away the ending it was a very surprising satisfying end. I am now anxiously waiting to buy the video. It was nice to know the stars in the movie to picture them in the reading of the book. Thorougly enjoyed!

Holy .. this man is brilliant and twisted .. and, well .. brilliant and twisted! I can't wait to read the novelization but from what I know first hand from his work in the past, I will be sure to leave the lights on when I do.

If Dan Madigan were not a writer, he would be the next BTK!

Horribly intriguing.

Dan has a keen ability to bring you right into the action, as sick as it may be.

We're waiting for your next one Dan.

A lot of books find their way onto my desk. Many of them get "re-gifted", and when I saw a movie tie-in novel for a film starring pro-wrestler Kane, I was pretty sure I knew where this was going to wind up. Caught in a last minute grab for something to read on a flight from LA to NY, I wound up with this in my carry on, and to my pleasant surprise I was wrong in my initial assessment.
This book is good.
It is better than good.
I haven't been this excited to discover a new writer since I read Jack Ketchum's Girl Next Door. Dan Madigan may be a new name to horror fiction readers, but he's obviously been digesting this stuff for years, as he has turned out a compelling page turner that challenges the conventions of the typical slasher. If the set pieces in the novel are to be any indication of those in the film, I'll be seeing it on opening day. I see that the author is also credited with the screenplay, and that makes me very happy.
This novel has made the very short list of movie tie-in novels which transcend their purpose -that of merely fulfilling the media frenzy associated with selling tickets. But not only has it transcended, it has excelled.

SEE NO EVIL is superb horror and far more than a novelization. The writing is muscular and visual. The characters are intruiging, authentic and 3-dimensional. The story is fascinating, and the plot moves swiftly. There are many bone-chilling moments. Dan Madigan reminds me of a young Steven King. I look forward to his next tome of terror.

Dan Madigan's first horror novel reads like the work of a seasoned pro. "See No Evil" is a breath of fresh air in a genre of fiction that has become too tired (like Stephen King) or too feminized/glamorized (like the execrable Ann Rice). Madigan's writing takes horror into new territory: a landscape of brutal terror, fright, and a place where the word hope is completely unknown.

His writing style is lyrical, his sentences resounding with the ethereal quality of Edgar Allan Poe's dark poetry. If anything, Madigan's style is reminiscent of the films of Dario Argento: both are full of brutal gore, but the way the violence is executed is operatic. Nothing is held back when it comes to the violence. Compared to the flesh tearing, eye gouging, vulva ripping action you have in "See No Evil," King's works seem as tame and non-threatening as the fluff on Oprah's Book of the Month club.

Most brilliant is Madigan's perfect realization of the so-called monster of the text, Jacob Goodnight. Much of the novel is told through Goodnight's perspective, and through his eyes, the reader comes to understand and appreciate the violence in his nature. It is rare that a book can achieve the impossible, and make the apparent villain transformed into the only pure character in the text, while the alleged "good guys" are revealed to be morally bankrupt and heinous individuals who deserve to die.

Society, itself, is ultimately the monster in "See No Evil": set in modern-day California, we see the results of a society where political correctness and moral relativism have taken over. Every criminal in the text is treated with kid-gloves by the prison system, and pampered by social workers who feel their crimes are only the result of a "bad childhood," and, therefore, excused. Police officers, on the other hand, are treated like dirt in this modern day Sodom and Gomorrah. Jacob Goodnight is, paradoxically, the only character who has a clear set of values.

While it is being marketed as the novelized version of the film of the same name, it should not be treated as such. Dan Madigan himself wrote the screenplay, and has said at conventions to promote the film that he had an earlier version of the novel written BEFORE submitting the screenplay. So this should not be dismissed as a crass adaptation of an already-existing film, the way trashy novels have been made out of "Star Wars" films or other films, just to swindle people out of their money. In fact, the book is reputed to have far more gore and violence than the film.

"See No Evil" is a triumph of true horror. If you are squeamish, then do not read this book. If you are looking for pretty boy vampires, Jacob Goodnight would have had them for dinner. This is not for wimps or the faint hearted. Madigan's writing is reminiscent of HP Lovecraft and Bret Easton Ellis's "American Psycho," while at the same time being completely original in its approach. Get this book while you can: it will be a limited edition, and its value will skyrocket once Madigan's next book comes out.

Fred has done an excellent job of cataloging a wide range of shortwave receivers from the early WWII "boat anchors" up through the modern integrated-circuit PLL synthesized high performance radios of the 1990s. He not only covers the usual radios such as Collins, Drake and National but also the more obscure like the beautiful Gelosos from Italy (I DROOLED over those in catalogs in the '50s).

I guarantee you this book will raise your appreciation for the radios created by the gifted engineers (and the "dogs" created by some NOT so gifted ones) - these wonderful devices not only entertain and educate us but help save lives at sea and keep our conuntries safe.

The Shortwave Receivers Past & Present: Communications Receivers 1942-1997 is an excellent resource book for collectors and those interested in used radios. There are pictures specs and evaluations of hundreds for the shortwave radios in this era.If you are in the market for a used receiver or a collector this is an invaluable resource. Also provided is a realistic pricing of the true value of each receiver as well as a 1 to 5 star evaluation based on the author's many years in the hobby.
This is the Bible for radio hobbists on the subject

If you do not already have this book, and have avid interest in communications receivers, shame on you. You have no right to gripe if you are in the dark without the info. Fred needs to come out with a new edition soon. A bargain at the price. A must have, what else is there to say?

Yes, this is a catalog of base receivers, 1945-now. Osterman provides many useful informations, and if it may be true that some informations may not be useful to an european reader (e.g. the 'used' prices), you wil not find elsewhere a so comprehensive guide. Another book will be dedicated to portable sw radios. Osterman is not God, so many data are provided by the readers: it's the way the informations flow in the scientific communities, why not here? If you are an european reader, and you know something Osterman does not, write him. I've done so, and a new chapter in this edition was added with the informations I retrieved.

Nearly 500 pages of pictures & data on most SW receivers built in North America & abroad. Contains basic specs & features, picture, descriptions, and data on when built, physical dimensions, and estimates on values. A must for collectors.

My 10-year-old son requested this as a Christmas gift and he really likes it.

Spend your year with the Simpsons like you should be. The centerfolds in the calendars make nice posters, if you're into that kind of thing. I've been using the Simpsons Fun calendar for about 4 years now, and I'm never disappointed. This year's theme is travel, so the pictures are scenes from episodes, unlike previous calendars which were made up for the most part.

I buy this every year for my teenage son. It's becaome tradition and each year it is hung on the wall and used. He loves it because he loves the Simpsons. There are birthdays listed of celebrities although I'm not sure he cares too much about that. The calendar is usually funny and colorful.

This calendar is just what i expected - fun, colourful and entertaining.

Another year, another great Simpsons calendar. With the impending arrival of 2002, Matt Groening and the creators of the Simpsons treat us to twelve months of memorable Simpsons' moments. Extracting scenes from the show's many seasons, the "2003 Simpsons Fun Calendar" provides the user with colorful, glossy pictures that not only catch one's attention, but also captures the zany, fun spirit of Springfield's many denizens. If you are a Simpsons fan or know of one, this calendar will make a great gift during this upcoming holiday season.

The are three great storie in the 7th Heaven book, Ruthie Goes To Hollywood, The Best Oktoberfest, and Sisters Through The Season. in Ruthie goes to hollywood, she has wone a trip to go to hollywood and see her favorite actor but when she gets there she finds out he is really mean so she has to get to the bottom of this mistery. in The best oktoberfest Simon, Robbie, Mary, Lucy, and Ruthie got to the anual Oktoberfest in the mountains of Callifornia and Ruthis pulls a lot of pranks on Simon and Robbie and on the las prank she gets them lost in a forest at night and no one can find them until.... In Sisters Through The Season Mary and Lucy goes to visit a friend of marys and she gets drunk in a bar, what will the sisters do next? This is a great book it is a great gift for any 7th Heaven Fan.

This Book Is great,Every 7th Heaven Fan Should Own A Copy!!

The Camden sisters go on adventures of their own in this 3-story book. Ruthie goes to Hollywood, The Best Oktoberfest, and Sisters Through the Seasons are all enjoyable and is a good extension of the Camden family saga, that has become a hit long-running television show. Other recommended books: Wedding Memories (7th Heaven) and the Gilmore Girls series.

WOW!!!! i am a true 7th Heaven fan, and i have all the books, never miss a episode on tv!!!! and i'm not lying. this is like one of the best books i have ever read. i mean i personally like 7th heaven, mary-kate and ashley, sabrina, lizzie mcguire, sweet valley books. and i loved harry potter, but i think these books are a bit better, i enjoy them more. but i reccommend this book (and all 7th heaven and sweetvalley (all listed above) for people 10-11 and up!!!!!

If you like 7th heaven you are in for a treat. Mary and Lucy are off to New York. Mary's friend gets drunk! What a dissater! Robbie and Simion are going to a big/little compition place. And there is a surprise going on in the Camden house. BUY IT NOW!...

As an American, it hurts to admit that Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the quintessential expression of American cheekiness and derring-do, has been best chronicled by a Britisher. Of course, I'm teasing a bit. But there is no question that Keith Topping seems to have a better grasp of what is important in the Buffyverse than many of his contemporaries on this side of the ocean.

What Topping does not do is write one agonizing reprise after another of all the episodes of Season Six of the show. As viewers will no doubt remember, Season Six was quite agonizing itself without that point being hammered home all over again. Instead, Topping provides very short synopses, followed by myriad details of things that are unique, funny, or perplexing about each episode.

You will be treated to paragraphs on 'A little learning is a dangerous thing' (the power of misinformation), 'Denial they name is...' (Self-delusion in Sunnydale), 'It's a designer label..' (clothes, of course), valley-speak, geek-speak, logic errors, and ever more items that bring to light the aspects of the production which the viewer, caught up in the story, is likely to miss. All of this is done in a style that is an enjoyable mix of tongue-in-cheek and respectfully serious.

Topping is an excellent researcher. His ability to find countless relationships, both intentional and accidental, to other atavars of popular culture is uncanny. Nor does he hesitate to introduce the reader to the more analytic writings on Buffy and the Scooby gang. Despite the spottiness of Season Six, Topping manages to ferret out all the good parts - to the point where I have to admit that the book is better than the season.

If you are a fan then you will want this book. And you will want to track down Topping's other efforts on the show that nearly ate South California.

I have the edition of Slayer for seasons 1 through 5, and it is really a good guide of the series. This book continues with the same fun observations, facts, and quotes. I know some people hate season 6, but for those of us that love it--this book is worth it. If you don't like season 6, maybe this book can help you see the good things about the season.

For those who liked Keith Topping's British perspective in his earlier 'Slayer' volume, here is an update. This book covers only the 6th season - Buffy's resurrection, the Trioka, the musical, Willow-as-evil, etc. Each episode receives 5-to-8 pages of coverage, organized under various thematic headings: Plot summary, music, memorable quotes, comments on the women's clothing, continuity errors, logic flaws, pop culture references, etc. Topping seems to have caught everything, down to the tiniest continuity error.

There are also separate essays on (1) series creator Joss Whedon, (2) the network switch to UPN, (3) an update on BtVS novels (about a paragraph on each), (4) an update on BtVS and the internet, and (5) predictions for the 7th season, which was the last season of this underappreciated series that never gained the viewership it deserved.

Season six is in my opinon the best Buffy season ever.
If you don't like it read this book. It will change your mind.
If it doesn't, then go back to watching Bewitched or Buffy season one. I guess the true spirit of the Slayer is lost on you.

This book covers the sixth season of Buffy and is the next volume in Keith Topping's 'Slayer' episode guides (the previous 5 seasons are covered in a single volume, also available from Amazon). Keith does his usual thorough job covering each episode in detail. Even if you disagree with his views, you can't dispute that he has a deep love for the show and a healthy respect for all those involved in its production.

As I have stated in other reviews, Keith Topping's Buffy and Angel books are the best unauthorised episode guides on the market. If you are a serious fan of Buffy and Angel, you only need the official guides and these books.

If your career aspirations lie in the show biz world, don't forget to consult actor/producer/casting director Steve Stevens Sr.'s So You Want To Be In Show Business: A Hollywood Agent Shares The Secrets Of Getting Ahead Without Getting Ripped Off. Stevens also has a background representing struggling actors: his 50+ years experience in the acting trenches lends to an eye-opening industry reference crucial to learning about casting, agents, and more.

I picked this great guide up last week, finished it in a day, and am totally changing the way I approach this business! There are so many little things that the authors recommend doing that I would never have thought of--I am much more confident, because now I feel like I am fully prepared when I go into auditions... Thank you!

This is my first review of anything, but I felt like I needed to give this book a plug--even though it comes from a small, independant press, this book should be in every acting/directing/theater class in the nation. Cady and Stevenson take you through the inner workings of the agent business, the right/wrong approaches to auditions, the way to work in Hollywood while keeping your sanity, all while maintaining an easy tone that gives one the confidence to take a chance and try to be a star! Great work, and a bargain for those of us who thought they knew the business.

This is an absolute must-have for all actors! After being an actress for over 20 years, I have spent countless hours reading books on the business of acting. "So you want to be in Show Business," is the most complete book I have ever read on the subject. Steve Stevens Sr. masterfully blends humor along with the no-nonsense truth about this crazy business. All while giving encouragement and sharing his passion. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Highly informative and very entertaining... anyone thinking about embarking on an actor's life should read this book! Loved it!

I saw Soft Machine open for Hendrix in Cincinnati years ago. I had never heard of them, but they are the ones I remain active fans of. And by association, Robert Wyatt (never knew "Wyatt" was actually his middle name until I read this book) and Kevin Ayers, Hugh Hopper, etc.

Too bad "Soft Machine: Out-Bloody-Rageous" has such a cheap-looking cover (why use such a grainy b&w photo on a book about such a colorful band?), because what's inside is first rate! I actually skipped to the part about first trio version of the Softs (the band I had seen, first hand), read through Hopper's departure, then skipped back to the original quartet. But it's all good, Then there are the extensive discographies, a listing of every performance and recording session, and a section about what the various members are doing now. It's all there. Throughly researched and engagingly written.

Graham Bennett's book Out-Bloody-Rageous is clearly a labor of love, loaded with valuable historical information and quotes from a multitude of interviews with all concerned parties, a well-written, fun to read history with a fan's sympathetic tone, though not uncritical when the need arises. The biggest revelation for me was how the early Soft Machine had significant cultural ties to a great many artists, writers, musicians and movements; everything and everyone from Alfred Jarry's 'pataphysics, Terry Riley's tape loop experiments, Gurdjieff, Ornette Coleman, Elton John, The Proms, Burroughs, Marsha Hunt, the BBC and "My Boy Lollipop" (and so much more) found their way into this band's swirling universe at some point in time. The in-depth accounts of Soft Machine's disastrous late 60s US tours supporting the Jimi Hendrix Experience are alone worth the price of the book. All at once enlightening, charming and in-depth, this is a must for any fan of Soft Machine, psychedelic rock, jazz-rock and European culture of the 60s and 70s.

Of all the books on bands and or people I have none more exhaustively then this book. It is very well research, full of the smallest details disogaphies, live gigs and interviews. It is the sort of book you don't have read from the begining either you could pick a section and read from there. The writter obviously loves this band and it shows through out. It is as detailed in the early years as it is in the later years. This is the book for fans and lovers of sixties music. Graham Bennett shows respect for their story and music but also the era. It s a lot of fun reading I am sure you will not be disappointed

If you love the Soft Machine in particular, and the Canterbury music scene in general, you really owe it to yourself to read this thorough and well-researched book. The fact that Daevid Allen and Kevin Ayers are on the cover should tell you that there is a long explanation of the origins and early history of the band, which make for by far the most fascinating reading. This band was truly an artifact of the mid-1960s London psychedelic culture, before settling down into a long stint as a progressive jazz-rock band. While the band was arguably much better in its later jazz-rock incarnations, there was an innocent rawness to those early days that has rarely been captured elsewhere. After you read this book, you will need to buy the compilation CD of the same name, then you should track down "Jet Propelled Photographs" to complete the picture.

I'm amazed that there's enough interest in this british progressive Jazz-Rock band,so that someone would do a hardcover biography.Author Bennett accuarately covers the many personel changes that took the group from the progressive psychedelic sounds of the Robert Wyatt era,through to the Jazz-Rock fusion of the Karl Jenkins era,which saw the group continue with no original members for several albums,following the departure of founding keyboardist Mike Ratledge.Bennett has interviewed the majority of the musicians who have passed through the group,notably,Robert Wyatt,Hugh Hopper,Elton Dean,Kevin Ayers,Roy Babbington,John Abercrombie and John Etheridge,but Mike Ratledge wasn't interviewed.Apparently,most of the musicians recall a frosty,uneasy atmosphere in the group,and as many members departed for monetary reasons as for musical reasons.There were clashes between the "free-blowing" Jazzers and the song-oriented progressive rockers in the group,and,for many of the musicians,being in the group didn't pay enough money to live on.An exhaustive index of the shows the group played is included,as are some interesting photos.The list of recording sessions tends to suggest that there is little or nothing in the way of studio outtakes from the group's album sessions,though concert tapes and radio/T.V. broadcasts continue to supply prolific flow of CD's.Bennett's book makes the subject matter well worth reading,and leaves you craving more information.But at least we've got this book,the closest thing to an official biography that you're going to get.Out-Bloody-Rageous that this book exists.If you like Soft Machine,you won't be disappointed.

This is a very personal look into the background of songs that shaped my life. It is a good read and I found tears flowing from my eyes every chapter!
Elaine Littau
Author of "Nan's Journey"

Being a fan of Christian music by Bill and Gloria Gaither, I was curious about how they birthed so many comforting, relevant, sweet melodious songs. Their songs have encouraged me through many a trial and sounded substantive notes of wisdom. In her book SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL Gloria gives a glimpse of the impetus for seventy-five of over seven hundred songs Bill Gaither has delivered to the public in the past fifty years These songs, such as "Because He lives,'' "Let's Just Praise the Lord," "He Touched Me" are classics sung by many famous people and are heard on the radio, in churches and at Christian meetings all over the country.

In short vignettes, Gloria tells of experiences, thoughts, problems, scenes which motivated lyrics for musical formats composed by Bill. I was amazed at how succinctly profound words were expressed in a few short phrases. The couple's humility and wisdom in their endless productivity aimed at comforting troubled souls by expressions of God's goodness is also impressive. Gloria was more often stumped for minutes rather than material to express tidbits of timeless truth.

SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL by Gloria Gaither is a good book for creative minds which are curious about the process behind the products of famous work. It will enrich fans of Christian music and all explorers of God's goodness.

What can I say about Gaither music? It is fabulous. They are such talented writers. The message in the songs is wonderful & the melodies are great. This is a great double CD & well worth the cost.

Confession time: I went right to the photos before reading this book. The publisher has included a nice cross-section of pictures that span Bill & Gloria Gaither's amazing career in Gospel music and Christian ministry.

After enjoying the photos it was a pleasure to begin reading behind-the-scenes, "insider" info about how various songs were created, key moments in the Gaither's ministry, and more.

Author Gloria Gaither is remarkably transparent and open as she shares from a rewarding and fulfilling career -- readers feel like they're old friends by the end of the first few chapters. Both Bill and Gloria have a way of making you feel right at home, right from the start.

Here are inspiring stories about how the lyrics and songs come together when two creative people seek God's very best. Seven hundred songs later -- Bill & Gloria Gaither are at the center of a vital and fruitful ministry.

You'll love this book for yourself, but it makes an excellent gift also!

Dr. David & Lisa Frisbie
The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
Authors of 8 books, including Happily Remarried: *Making Decisions Together *Blending Families Successfully* Building a Love That Will Last

Over the last 50 years, Bill and Gloria Gaither have shaped the songs we sing and the music we listen to in more ways than many of us ever will realize. Together, they have written some of the most beloved choruses and songs of a generation, including "Because He Lives," "Since Jesus Passed By" and "God Gave the Song." In SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL, readers are invited to learn the behind-the-scenes inspiration for more than 70 Gaither songs as Gloria Gaither shares the intimate background of each tune.

In each story, readers discover rich portraits of the Gaithers' family, ministry and life. Gaither shares the fear and uncertainty surrounding the birth of their son Benjamin, which eventually became the seedling for the song "Because He Lives." She tells the story of "Going Home," which was inspired by their daughter Suzanne's joy for returning home after a long road trip.

Describing the inspiration of her husband, Bill, for the song "He Touched Me," Gaither says that when Bill originally shared the lyric "And now I am no longer the same!" she suggested he rework the line to be more specific. While he graciously acknowledged her suggestion, he kept the verse as it was --- just as it came to him. The next weekend, it was being performed live. Since its writing, the song has become the most recorded that the Gaithers ever penned. Recorded by artists including Elvis Presley, the Imperials and George Beverly Shea, it's been translated in dozens of languages and sung around the world. Gloria writes, "I still cringe a little when I think that we could have lost its most powerful line...had he listened to me."

Along the way readers will discover the phrases and ideas that captured the Gaithers' hearts and imagination. They'll discover the birthing stories of the songs --- some of which came easily and others with much more difficulty. The best part of the book is that you do not need to know every song in order to appreciate the richness and depth of the lyrics, the revelations of God and His kingdom and theological reflections that line the pages.

Poets and songwriters will enjoy the insights into writing that dot the pages. For instance, Gaither says that at times secular interviewers will ask them how they keep writing tunes with religious themes. After more than 700 songs, don't you begin to run out of ideas? Gaither responds graciously that it is no more possible to exhaust the story of Jesus than to run out of the stories of life. The story of God's love is new every morning!

As a bonus, the hardcover features more than a dozen pages of color photos from the Gaithers' career. Images of Bill playing for a youth group in his father's farmhouse as well as the Gaithers with Larnelle Harris and Bill George are welcome reminders of their legacy and impact over the years.

In essence, SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL is the soundtrack of Bill and Gloria Gaither's lives. Reading this book is a reminder of God's grace, power and redemption. It is a must-have for fans of the Gaithers, songwriters and music lovers.

--- Reviewed by Margaret Oines

It was the most intriguing and interesting book, I felt like I was right there at the circus.The stories were so informative and at times very funny. It was hard to put this book down.

This book is a veritable delight! It is all at once humorous, credible and compelling. The authors' use of language creates a visual mind picture that is like an outing with a friend. An easy , interesting look at the thought processes that we can all relate to at one point in life or another. Definitely 5 stars!!!

This book is the genuine experience! The author has an incredible knack for triggering each of the senses as she describes with vivid, page-turning detail the life she actually lived and observed first-hand in the circus. Anyone who remembers attending a classic, tented circus as a youngster will find most compelling her ability to virtually bring you back there again, but this time with the privilege of an extended personal tour that completely bypasses the ticket office. With the close of its last page, you'll feel that you, too, have actually lived the experience, and that you personally know each of the personalities who formed its fabric.

As thoroughly dazzling as this book is, it is NOT fiction, making all the more engaging the author's candid illustration of every facet of circus life. Surprisingly, the author also has a great deal to say about the far broader world at large within which the circus existed, told with a perceptive and poignant honesty and frankness, but also with an acquiescent reverence and humor that's accepting of the persuasions of that era. These observations were as engaging as those of the circus -- like watching vintage film footage of a 1930's baseball game but being just as intrigued by the look and dress of the audience in its stands.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to truly visit, or re-visit, the bona fide circus of yester-year. The author realistically tells of a time and place that you'll want to step back into and hang around in long after you've finished reading it...and as authentically as this author captures it, you'll feel that you easily can.

C. B.

"Spangles, Elephants, Violets and Me" by Victoria Cristiani Rossi her intelligent memoir is the best circus book since "I Love You Honey But the Seasons Over." Victoria Cristiani Rossi born into the Famous Cristiani Riding Family while her family was touring with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. From Ringling a very young Vickie moved with her family to another huge railroad show under the Big Top - Cole Bros. Circus. The Cristiani Family occupied an entire railroad car that was specially built for the family. Victoria takes us not only behind the Big Top but her days attending privates schools away from the circus. Our author spends her late teens on the Cristiani Circus Family Circus. She writes about 1958 tour from Sarasota to L.A. via Chicago and her near fatal Hollywood accident that landed her in the L.A. hospital and romancing her future husband Ben a featured cowboy roper and rider on her families circus. Ben within a short time also had a circus accident and was omitted to the same hospital. The (Ozzie & Harriett) Nelson Brothers Rick and David were regular hospital visitors. This is all great reading that once you pick "Spangles, Elephants, Violets and Me" up you won't put down until completion. This book is about real circus and elephants by someone that actually lived the story...Victoria's book is a significant circus memoir. The book is correspondingly an account of her own search for the "violets" in her life.

I found out about this new circus book on Buckles Blog which is a fantastic information source on the circus.
So I ordered this fantastic book and it was so good I could not put it down until I finished it.
It is about the famous Cristiani circus family who were on many famous circuses and who had at one time the largest tented circus that traveled the United States.
They flipped backwards from horse to horse with four horses going around a circus ring. This feat has not been repeated as they were the best ever.
The author who is a daughter of the famous group takes us step by step up their success ladder.
She was there and was part of this famous circus group and she tells us all about it.
There is a great section of photos that covers the Cristiani's career.
If you are a circus enthusiast like I am, this is a must.
You will really enjoy this great book.
Harry Kingston
Circus Fans of America