Celebrities Books

When you want a great recipe, turn to Betty Crocker. But when you want a great recipe for success, turn to Bella Vlasis. Her book helped me out tremendously! And here's why:

Throughout most of my adult life I've been told that I look like a certain celebrity, so on a whim, I moved out here to Los Angeles to pursue jobs in the look-a-like business. But once I got here, I didn't know where to go or who to contact. I bumped into someone at a bookstore who suggested Ms. Vlasis' book and boy it was exactly what I needed!

After reading this step-by-step book thoroughly, I got myself some headshots and found an agent and have been well on my way to success. This book has helped me to gain confidence in what I do and the knowledge to go above and beyond what most others are doing in my line of work. From look-a-likes to agents to actors to performers - I recommend this book to anyone looking to get into the entertainment field. And as the author Ms. Vlasis writes at the end of her bio, "Break a leg!"

Just a quick note to say how pleased I am with Denise Bella Vlasis' latest book. If you produce corporate events, private events or anywhere that you use unique entertainment this is truly a wealth of information. if you think you've got the "look", then this definately is the best road map to success you can find to become a look-a-like and professional entertainer. Thank you Denise for a job well done!

As an agent booking lookalikes, I frequently get calls from people who want to get into the business. I refer them to this book. It will answer all their questions and get them started. There's also lots of excellent resource material for the seasoned performer including a list of agents who book lookalikes. A wealth of good solid information. I highly recommend this book.

this book has really helped me as a look-like-and modeling and acting- I was a student looking for a part-time job and then discovered this book- thank you!

This book covers it all! Not only is it a step by step guide, but Denise provides names, phone numbers, addresses and email addresses for all the services one would need to pursue a look a like career. Everything from photographers to agents. It's easy to read, and the fact that she let professionals write in their own words shows that Denise does not have an ego and you know what you're reading is fact, not an opinion. This is great "how to" book for anybody to read and follow!

This is dificult as it was bought as a Christmas gift for my 86 year old mother in law, who is the world's greatest Elvis fan! This was one thing she didn't have. However, after scanning through it, and loving him myself, I would have bought it for myself as well! It's very well done with so many wonderful pictures that seem to make him jump off the pages. A great find of a great man.elvis

I really enjoyed this book. It was fun to read about Christmas at Graceland and how generous Elvis was. What was the most important to me is the photo of Elvis at Christmas, 1976.

Yes this book is truly the best gift anyone can give the Elvis world.
I have to admit that this is the "BEST" Elvis publication to date.
The photos are beautiful, touching, warm, and holiday-oriented and the information is fantastic.

A great package all the way around from cover, to size, to quality. This was money well spent!

Jim Curtin (who I have found to be the top author on Elvis books along with his writer Renata Ginter), is truly top of the line in his publications.

I did notice that Curtin's books lack the fabrications that ALL other Elvis books have. No BS in his books and what a relief!

It is quite nice to sit down and read something nice on Elvis for a change, rather than have to put up with made-up stories and information about his sex life, his drug addictions, his death, his fetishes. God let the man rest in peace.

My request is to have all the publishers publish books ONLY by Jim Curtin and Renata Ginter from now on.

Just imagine, no more bad Elvis book would be ever pushed on the public again! That would be Elvis heaven!

Hey people who know Elvis Presley fans or are you an Elvis Presley fan and don't have this book, buy a copy of the book. In chapter 22, the author Jim Curtin tells the people reading the book that he met Elvis Presley in 1976. This is the first and only Elvis Presley spend Christmas.

And there are aslo pitcures in this book. And one looks pretty funny. It's a Elvis Presley t-shirt from the 90's, and there is a pitcure of an animated Santa Claus tells a person on a phone, "No, No, I said Elves, Send Me Fifty Elves." He has Elvis Presley look alikes but wants elves. (Page 152). I laught at A Very Funny Christmas. Which is on chapter 15. Some of you people might or might not know that Elvis Presley was once poor. And you can read about how he spend his poor Christmases.

I guess you are never to old or young to learn. In 1965, Elvis Presley decide to dress up as Santa Claus and had children on his lap telling him what they want for chirstmas. And when he had bigger children, he tried to get a hold of his laughter, but couldn't and got out of a mall, without people seeing him laugh.

You can aslo read Christmas Quotes by Elvis Presley. Like when he tells that he believed in Santa Claus until he was age 8. He had learn that it was his parents doing the role of Santa Claus. Why do parents use Santa Claus as a excplaimn to children at christmas who brought the presents fr them, and at Easter, when tell it was from the easter bunny, when it really was from them? Isn't that a lie? This is a great book to read whether it's Christmas or not.

I came across this book in a local used book shop.
For some reason this book was not sold outright in the main bookstores.

My first initial reaction to this book, once I flipped through it, was:
too bad: some of the printing is not high quality.
But hey, once I looked through the book and read some of the stories, my second reaction took over:
wow the contents are really nice!
as an Elvis fan, I loved the collectibles and as a result I bought another copy off the net.
one is for my library and the holidays and the other I use as a collectible guide.

This is a GOOD book (a real good one) and its done by someone I really didn't know anything about, nor had I heard of him.
But I did do a check on him, once I liked his book, and he did 6 other books on Elvis.
I will see if this man, who proclaims to be the world's foremost Elvis expert, is the real thing, or another self proclaimer like the "fantastic four" (Lichter, Dowling, Tunzi, Guralnick/Jorgensen)

A hint though: from what I see in this book, this man may actually be the REAL DEAL!
he has quality and intregrity.

"Fame lost its appeal for me when I went into a public restroom and an autograph seeker handed me a pen and paper under the stall door." - Marlo Thomas

So begins Robert Elmer's heartwarming book, The Celebrity.

When Jamie D. Lane, a singer "who's better than that Groban guy," faces a family tragedy, he realizes the spotlight he basks in nightly might be the headlight of a train bearing down on him. On the edge of a breakdown, and tasked with filling a loved one's last request, he disguises himself as "Joe Bradley" and disappears into small-town America.

Then he meets Anne Stewart, the victim of a traumatic brain injury, and his reasons for hiding his identity change.

Anne, a teacher and former track star, struggles with anger over the accident that changed her personality and her life. She's not the same person she was before, and she can't forgive the drunk driver who nearly killed her.

Forced to return to her hometown after the accident, she finds a job teaching at the local school, where she finds acceptance with her students in spite of her physical limitations.

When "Joe" starts working for Anne's father, he is instantly drawn to Anne. They both fight the attraction: he knows he plans to leave town, and she doubts his ability to love her despite her limitations.

Things start to unravel when Joe offers to help Anne with a school project, and she learns more about him than he intends. Will her discovery ruin their relationship or cement it?

Elmer does a fantastic job developing the relationship between Jamie and Anne. Both characters seemed so real, I felt as though I might know them from somewhere. I sympathized with Anne as she came to terms with her disability. Jamie's search for God touched me, and his kind-hearted nature warmed me. You'll be inspired and encouraged by the generosity of the story's mysterious Good Samaritan as well.

Watch for Robert Elmer's next book, The Recital, a sequel to The Duet, due out from Waterbrook June 2006.

LOVED IT!!!! I want a sequel...please!!!!
Must read.

Many of us have wished at one time or another to just drop everything and run off and start over again...and that is what happens...but the discovery is that you can't run from yourself.

A famous pop star, burned out, devasted at his mother's death, simply disappears one day. He calls his manager and says he is going away for awhile. Jaime takes his mother's ashes and returns to her tiny home town. He somehow finds himself living in a simple bare room at a monastary while he works at a bakery. The townspeople do not recognize this famous singer. As he observes the townpeople around him, he becomes the mysterious Angel who when seeing a need, supplies gifts of roofs, pianos and bakery machinery. All the while Jaime is learning what he really wants in his life and just maybe who he wants in his life.

Annie has also returned home after a devastating car crash robs her of her self confidence. Annie struggles with short term memory issues and trying to learn how to rebuild her life. The mystery man who shows up and begins working in her father's bakery is a closed book. As she trys to learn how to live her life, she is encouraged by this man who can play piano beautifully, sings like a dream, and helps her with her school musical.

The book is a feel good story. How God works in our lives in ways that are so beyond what we expect or hope for. It was a fast read, pleasant. My only criticism is that it wound up very fast, suddenly Jaime is back in the limelight, his manager is gone, and the romance with Annie is just a tantalizing hope for the future.

Who was it who wrote: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive"? Nowhere is the truth of this more evident than in the life of Jamie D. Lane, handsome, rich, talented and idolized pop star.

The premise is not new: rich boy wants to see what life is like where nobody knows who he is. Usually these escapes are planned with the cooperation of at least one other person. But Jamie, while taking a break to tend to some personal matters, comes across some things that nudge him to try to go back to his roots. And he does.

There is no one in the world who knows where he's gone. He changes his appearance, cuts and dyes his hair, adds colored contacts, everything he can think of so he won't be recognized, and heads up to the Pacific Northwest-alone, and becomes Joe Bradley.

Jamie's self-imposed exile reveals more than he had originally intended to learn. He takes a minimum-wage job making donuts, lives with a group of Trappist monks and drives an old second-hand car, accompanied by a lovable pan-handling dog.

Anne Stewart, once a teacher of inner-city kids and former high-school track star, now lives in a caboose-turned-apartment behind her parent's donut shop. She is filled with harsh bitterness and hatred against the drunk driver who nearly ended her life. Now she works at a small Christian school as part-time teacher, despite her physical and mental limitations. When Joe Bradley volunteers to help her with the school musical production of Bye Bye Birdie, Anne's life takes an unexpected turn.

Joe Bradley aka Jamie D. Lane, is pulled into the life of the people of this small town. He actually enjoys making donuts, and finds strange comfort at the abbey with the monks. And, he discovers an irresistible urge to "help" - giving anonymously. The more he gives, the greater the risk of exposure. Working with Anne and the musical only increases his chance of discovery. But the real danger is that Joe/Jamie is starting to believe his own lies and deceits.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book. Robert Elmer writes with such wit that you'll find yourself laughing out loud, and then he turns around and hits you with a zinger that brings real tears. The personal and spiritual journey of both Jamie and Anne is deep, and real. You will love them, laugh with them, and weep with them, but you will cheer them on. Well done, Robert.

There are several reviews before mine that tell you the basic story line so I will not repeat it again but I just had to leave a short review about The Celebrity.

I never heard of the book or even the author before but I am a sucker for books about small towns and the cover caught my attention right away. I read the little blurb and decided to take it home with me. Once I started the book, I was instantly drawn into the stories of Jamie and Anne. Two people from different worlds who managed to find their way into each others lives and hearts.

If you are looking for a heartwarming story about how God touches our lives then The Celebrity is calling your name.

Lai's book shows us that through silence and listening a person has a better understanding of his or her pet. Her book is insightful and a fun read.

Author, Lia , has written such charming stories of pets and their unconditional love for their people. I look at my own dog and cats now in a new light, and with more than a touch of curiosity. Lia has a very special talent and has shared it with us with humor and style. A great read...and a delightful gift.

I bought this book for a friend, fell into the the fun of it;
found myself reading it first.
Enjoyed the length of it...great for a train or
plane ride....as my cat, "Lily" would say,
"Purr-fect!"

Howard D. Coffman

Being a professional consultant, i was very pleased to find this look into the thought life of animals,
sincere and charming.
It was like having "tea with tabby cats," and "crumpets with critters!!"
Conversationally Magical.

Pamela Ross-English _NH

As intimate companions to famous humans, celebrity pets have a unique and privileged vantage point. In some cases, pets know these celebrities better than other human members of their families! The animals interviewed in this book gifted Lai with their trust. Assured she would accurately reflect their thoughts, they offered glimpses of the person behind the public image. Lai's gift to us is not just the information divulged. Of equal value is the insight into the personalities of the animals. You will be charmed, entertained, and touched by their comments. Through Lai, these animals offer the ultimate gift...to know that our love for our pets is reciprocated in ways we could never imagine.

I adore David LaChapelle's work! I love how he uses colors, and his interesting subjects. His photos are beautiful. Does he have a website?

this book is badass. its great if your looking to be amazed...(or showing little kids when they wont shut up!)uhh try it youll like it...too bad he didnt take pictures of me!

He is so creative and each one of his works are a break from reality. LaChappelle finds beauty in the most awkward places. Each picture looks like a mini-movie.

Not many photographers can put together the camp, kitsch, gloss and lustre that this man can. Even the gaudiest of pictures can envelope you mind's taste buds... Its beautiful, erotic and camp at its best!

Lachapelle is one of my favorite contemporary photographers. His use of color is outstanding. Between the excellent technical quality of his work, and the whimsical (and sometimes arousing) subject matter, there is nothing about this book that is unenjoyable! I find the fact that not one of his images was digitally created or even enhanced to be a testimony to his talent and artistic vision.

Larry King is humorous. I read this book in 1 day I couldn't put it down! If you want to understand prayer from a wide range of people from different faiths and beliefs then you should get this book. I read it free from the library years ago and for some reason I just thought to myself maybe I will buy it. lol....hope you enjoy this book as I did.

This book is going on eight years old as I write this review, but I suppose it will always seem timely. Larry has quite a knack for just telling it like it is. As an admitted agnostic he has no agenda in passing along this delightful collection of tales and interviews with those who [mostly] have belief in God. And mind you, this is not a book on religion. True to its title, the book relates prayers - moments - that have moved others to prayer. In some instances it is the circumstance which catches your attention, and other times it is the prayer itself that provides the power. And Larry's personal asides are even more delightful.

All in all I was always interested in reading on to the next page, person, or prayer. This is an "un-fussy" book and a wonderful read.

This book will open your mind if you are agnostic, and it may make you angry if you are set in your conventional religious beliefs. This is not a politically correct book, and King takes some risks, but it is worth a good read whether you are spiritally inclined or somewhere in the middle.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Mr. King delved into the foundation of Spirituality and Religion and made simple an otherwise complex and controversial issue. The book focuses on the individual and his or her communication with God, while setting aside religious beliefs. I would like to recommend to friends who are too formal about prayers and to those who maybe agnostic such as Larry King in his book.

Mr. King delved into the foundation of Spirituality and Religion and made simple an otherwise complex and controversial issue. The book focuses on the individual and his or her communication with God, while setting aside religious beliefs. I would like to recommend to friends who are too formal about prayers and to those who maybe agnostic such as Larry King in his book.

Patrick Demarchelier is one of the best artist of this age; his Photographs are pieces of history. Into this book you'll find his masterpieces: emotions in B&W!

A must own book for people that love b&w photography. Patrick is excellent at getting the perfect angle for the image. The way the natural light and shadows enhance the objects is great. The true persons are drawn by the way the pictures are taken.

My 12 year old saw this book on one of the display tables, picked it up... for the cover (naked lady) and glanced through it. He then later came running up to me saying... Please buy this book. The pictures are excellent. Well now, my son is interested in photography as a hobby.

This depicts some of what we know and expect of Mr. Demarchelier. His ability to capture so much in a photograph, in a look, is what makes him so incredible as an artist. If you are a fan of his work, this work should be part of your collection.

This is one of the best books of portraits that it has been my pleasure to view.

Before going further, let me observe that the book contains much female nudity that would earn an "R" rating if this were a motion picture.

Glenn O'Brien in the book's introduction captures the essence of the book well, "The beauty standard is being raised once again."

Whether the subjects are beautiful (and many are) or not, the result is the same -- a deep look into the personality and character of the model done in large, vivid detail in wonderfully contrasting duotone. One of the best tests for this book is to compare the celebrity images you see here with others you have seen of these same people. These images are more warm, more revealing, and more fun to see. Mr. Demarchelier has a light touch that gets out the happiest version of a person. You'll find yourself laughing and smiling your way through this collection, for sure.

The portraits displayed here are uniformly of very high quality, and provide nice contrasts of subjects (nose rings, boulders, children, and elephants among the beautiful people).

Here are some of my many favorites:

Nude, St. Barthelemy, 1994

Nude, St. Barthelemy, 1989

Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales, London, 1993

Warren Beatty, Annette Bening and their daughter, Los Angeles, 1994

Versailles gardens, Versailles, France, 1994

Gianni Versace, Paris, 1992

Nude, New York, 1995

Corbassiere, Paris, 1994

Helena Christensen, New York, 1992 (second image)

Cindy Crawford, Leh, India, 1989

Jasper Johns and Leo Castelli, New York, 1993

Roy Lichtenstein, New York, 1993

Naomi Campbell, New York, 1990

Isabella Rosselini, New York, 1994

Robin Williams (4), New York, 1990

Robert De Niro, New York, 1990

Sisters, St. Barthelemy, 1991

Christy Turlington, New York, 1990

Alice Dodd, New York, 1994

Natasha Kinski, New York, 1993

Warren Beatty from "Dick Tracy," Los Angeles, 1989

Elton John, Paris, 1992

Janet Jackson, Miami, Florida, 1993

Arthur Demarchelier, New York, 1991

Patrick and Mia Demarchelier and their three sons, New York, 1987

Meg Ryan, New York, 1994

Claudia Schiffer, St. Barthelemy, 1991

Paul Newman, Beacon, New York, 1994

Elle Macpherson, New York, 1990

Cindy Crawford, New York, 1990

After you look closely at these images, notice how lines and flaws provide balance and perspective in the same way that perfect figures provide proportion. How can you create more waves of enjoyable symmetry?

Drink deeply from the bubbling joy of humanity!

This chilling new book has more twists and turns than an amusement park ride. Chris Knight uncovers the shroud of secrecy about his mysterious father Al Capone's son, William knight. The search for the truth brings revelations on leading a double life.
Chris Knight's memoir 'Son of Scarface,'is a must read. And there are
some interesting photographs.

Chris Knight's story is fascinating. It's a tale that comes from the heart, and yet it's also backed by meticulous research. I enjoyed reading about Al Capone, but even more interesting is Knight's own story. This is not just a book for crime buffs, it's a story for anyone who's ever wondered where he comes from and what sorts of secrets are buried in his past.

...."If this is the year of truths, Son Of Scarface is a MUST READ! by Chris Knight, Grandson of Al Capone. With tremendous courage, he uncovers secrets of his mysterious father who lived an assumed identity. Compelling and heart wrenching, a Brave Knight has written an unforgettable book in search of ones self. This book inspires us all to go beyond our comfort zone.

Most of us have a proverbial 'black sheep' member of our family. It wasn't until as a 13 year old boy whose father died in his arms that Chris Knight learned that his grandfather was the notorious Chicago mafia boss Al Capone. It was at his father's funeral, attended by a large number of men previously known to Chris that he learned of his father's true identity and began what was to become his life's journey to find out all that he could about his family connection to the notorious Al Capone. Stymied by his mother's abuse and insistence that he and his sister keep his newly discovered connection a family secret, Chris was not allowed friends -- or even to go outside the gates of the family's compound. It was only when he reached adulthood that he could investigate his family's past, from his father's fraudulent birth certificate, to his mother's reluctant confirmation, to genealogical research and private investigator reports confirming and detailing Chris Knight as the grandson of one of the most notorious gangsters of the 20th Century. Of special note is the inclusion of black-and-white photos. His struggle to find out about his family's past, "Son Of Scarface: A Memoir By The Grandson Of Al Capone" is a fascinating, candid, well-written, informative biography and a highly recommended addition to community library collections.

I am not an avid reader of books, since all I do is read court documents and reports every day. But when I began reading this masterfully written book by Chris Knight, I found it very difficult to put down. With every turn of the page I wanted to find out more. The suspense and the drama keeps the pages flipping as it draws you further into the story of this boy's life searching out the truth of who his father was and were he came from. The missing years that no one can account for continues to have a gripping effect as it leaves the reader wondering along with the writer as the facts of the drama unfold. I highly recommend this book for pure good reading.

Russell's EXPOSURE is a roller-coaster ride from Hollywood, to Rio, to Paris, and back. His paparazzo Graham Wells is a great anti-hero. The book is both literary and high octane, and it works for me on all fronts.

It's hard to say if there is a "typical" Alan Russell novel. He's given us whodunits, funny mysteries, psychological thrillers, and now suspense.

To date, my favorite Russell novel was the hilarious Hotel Detective but this book is equally enjoyable but in a very different way. It's gripping and suspenseful and the kind of book you want to finish in one sitting.

Exposure gives us a very unusual hero, a paparazzo. It was fun learning about the tricks of the trade, and seeing the world through Graham Wells's eyes. I never thought I'd find myself sympathizing or empathizing with a character like this--but Russell fleshes out a very real human being who is both likeable not so likeable.

What I really liked was the triad of villians. Also, there was a lot of fascinating information about German dueling fraternities.

This book has snappy dialog, great action, and characters with legs and baggage. You don't want to miss this read.

Having read all of Alan Russell's novels, with each new one I find myself more impressed with his range. In EXPOSURE, he takes on the Russian mobsters, White House insiders and the CIA, movie stars and the paparazzi that hound them. He carries us to Rio, Paris, rural Spain, Bosnia, New York, Los Angeles and back country Ojai, and makes all those places come alive.

Graham, the paparazzo, is a complex fellow who very gradually wins our sympathy, which makes the first half of the book less compelling than the last half, when the snowballing action and the evil closing in on the characters we've begun to hurt with and pull for takes us on a wild thrill ride.

Lanie, the movie star Graham can't quite decide whether to exploit or fall for, is a charming and credibly human study in the rewards and snares of celebrity.

EXPOSURE is Russell's most ambitious story, and it succeeds remarkably well.

This is a story of mayhem, intrigue, sex, high-speed suspense, and plain old-fashioned fun. Alan Russell has a way with the turn of phrase and plot that keeps you amused, guessing, and waiting for the next morsel of wit or intrigue. He is a wonder and a man whose work is to be savored like a bite or French gourmet or a taste of exquisite wine. Truly a wonder and despite my own literary efforts, I remain envious.

Bravo! This is his best and they're all terrific. Buy this book.

Great read! I have never read anything by Alan Russell before.
I enjoyed it so much that I will read all his previous mysteries

This book is GREAT! It was all I expected and better. I laughed out loud alot, and the pictures, although in black and white, are hysterical! A great touch is the pictures of Conan and Andy's reactions. This book is a great buy!

What are you waiting for? Go buy it!

If They Mated is one of my favorite skits on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, so I just had to buy this book. I am glad I did, it is one of the funniest books I've ever read. Even if you never saw the show before, or this skit, I highly recommend getting this book, I guaranty you'll laugh! I would have rated it a 5 but the pictures in the book are grayscale, color would have been much better, but it is still a great book.

The book is funny with hilarious pictures and commentaary. In my opinion Conan O'Brien is the best show between the hours of 12:30 AM and 1:30 AM on nbc.

Conan O'Brien is one of the funniest men alieve and this book proves that!This book evolved from a sketch on the show(one of the best, other than Pimpbot 5000). He and the Late Night Writers are amazing,they come up with so many diffrent sketches that its not even funny. If you have ever wondered what celebrities babies looked like this book is a must have.
HAIL CONAN!

heart,
ivy the barbarian

Ive always loved Conans humor. He is the king of couch humor. A classic comedian. In this book he showcases my favorite, and I think everyone elses too, jokes that he does. IF THEY MATED. Very funny book. Purchase this now.