Clubs Books

Greg Mank has left the haunted mansion of golden age horror film critiques and heads into Hollywood Babylon territory with his newest book; and what he finds would have Kenneth Anger gasping for breath. Mank, with his coauthors Charles Heard and Bill Nelson, tells the tale of the Bundy Drive Boys, a collective of fast living and hard drinking Hollywood actors, writers and artists--- all committed to their friendship and the right to destroy their careers, their families and themselves by any means necessary. Among the hell-raisers are John Barrymore, W.C. Fields, Errol Flynn, John Decker, William Fowler, John Carradine, Ben Hecht and Sadakichi Hartmann; and their stories of childhood tragedy, incest, rape, cannibalism (in a POW camp), drunken brawls, sexual conquests, and even an art forgery scam, will have your jaw hitting the floor.

I read HOLLYWOOD HELLFIRE CLUB in one sitting. My morbid curiosity (wondering just how much worse can things get for the Bundy Drive boys) simply would not let me put this book down. If you are a fan of Hollywood's Golden Age... or the last person to leave the scene of a train wreck, this book will surely entertain and/or horrify you!

I can add little to the other reviews except for my enthusiastic recommendation of this book! Mank, one of the best film historians on the beat, liberally mixes careful scholarship with the zest of good storytelling. This makes for part one of a great double-feature if you follow it with Shawn Levy's dynamite RAT PACK CONFIDENTIAL. Ah, for the good old days... when bad behavior had panache! Great read! As another has noted, it's hard not to tear through in a single sitting.

There are only two ways you can look at the lives of these legendary "bad boy" actors and comedians. First is head-on, which this book offers in abundance. And second, philosophically, as suggested by one of the most poignant passages in the book, "They all saw the joke of life, and they teach us not to be scared. There is no bogeyman. Get the essence of love and happiness and joy, and share it with people. All that matters is to leave a legacy of happiness, and to give someone else an inspiration--like they gave us." (Rita Saiz, clairvoyant?)

John Barrymore, W.C. Fields, Errol Flynn, and John Decker were among the most talented individuals of their day, and seemingly, among the most tragic, each drowning his pain in alcohol and prematurely snuffing-out their abilities and lives. But they did so in good company: John Carradine, Alan Mowbray, Ben Hecht, and Thomas Mitchell, to name a few. And best of all, there was Gene Fowler, the writer whom they trusted to keep the record straight. And worst of all, there was Sadakichi Hartmann, a pre-counter-culture beatnik/hippie who seemed to be consumed by his worst impulses, and was kept afloat by Barrymore.

But to concentrate on the tragic is to lose sight of the legacy that includes Barrymore's "Svengali" and "Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde," Fields's trenchant satires of American family life, and the transcendent magic of Flynn's swashbuckling heroes. Authors Mank, Heard, and Nelson offer no apologies for these artists, nor do they cast judgement. This is a book that is both repulsive and yet mesmerizing. In the end, we are left not so much mourning the shortened careers of these men, but marveling that their genius allowed them to perform a weird alchemy that transformed so much personal squalor into artistic brilliance.

This is High-Gothic Hollywood storytelling, and maybe it's about time.

I was a bit nervous when I ordered "Hollywood's Hellfire Club" by Gregory Mank, Charles Heard and Bill Nelson.

I love old Hollywood and the stars of its golden age and although I was not looking for a whitewash of their lives, I was worried it might be a book that just trashed them. And yes, the book shows their lives warts and all, but it was clearly written by people who love these guys and the period of Hollywood they lived in.

The interwoven stories of these friends has the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, but all told in an engrossing way that really wraps you up in the tale. I was familiar with W.C. Fields, Errol Flynn, John Carradine, John Barrymore, Ben Hecht and Gene Fowler but I did not know much about John Decker and Sadakichi Hartmann but reading about their exploits and insanity was funny and fascinating (W.C. Fields as Queen Victoria? And who in their right mind would ever think of a perfume concert?!?)

The book is a very enjoyable read, it grabs you with each persons story and pulls the group together as it tells the tale. Organized by decades, the book is lavishly illustrated and although most of the cast of characters had a lot of sadness in their lives, the book does not get morbid, it more looks at the absurdity and fun these people brought each other, and through their work they brought each of us.

These guys personified perfection in their chosen fields, were perfectly decadent in their private lives and the way "Hollywood's Hellfire Club" is presented makes for a perfectly fascinating story.

this is a good book because stevie is so preoccupied. i also really loved learning more about vaulting. now i can convice my friend(shes a gymnast/circus performer) that horses r the greatest. i got so attached to the goslings, and #7's (or was it 5?) gift for Veronica is an image i will cherish forever! it was so sad when stevie realized that the goslings were not all going to hatch. it was funny when #'s 1-8 officially became #'s 1-8. even my brother likes it!

This book was great. Stevie gets 12 goose eegs when she entered in a contest. There is also a other thing going on. Max Pine Hollow's onwer as a vaulting horse at the stables. The Saddle Club is determined to master vaulting but Veronica is getting in the way. She is taking fancy coaches and the girls can't helping admitting that Veronica is really good at it. When Stevie's goslings hatch they follow her everywhere she goes. Now there is a vaulting show coming up and The Saddle Club is going to be in it and so is Veronica. Lisa is getting really good. She was the first one to master the Stand. Stevie and Carole think Lisa got what it takes to win the show or is the Saddle Club and Veronica in for a big surprise?

It was a good book and I like what happens to Varonica in the end. I also liked the surprise Stevie gets when she opens the box, but it go's on for to long when the eggs are hatching. I don't think Steve would forget about the new horse so quickly either.

I really liked this one! Stevie gets to become MOtherGoose! When stevie gets a box in the mail, she assumes it is a down comforter that she won in a contest, little does she know that when she opens the box that her real prize is not the blanket but a clutch of unhatched goose eggs, and when the eggs hatch, the fun begins and stevie heads into trouble. Meanwhile everyone is learning a new skill, vaulting and good old veronica thinks that she can just hire any old coach and she will automatically win the competition, boy is she in for a surprise and so will you! SO Read HOrse Feathers and let it tickle your funny bone!

I think Bonnie Bryant writes great books.The Saddle Club is a good series for all the serious horsemen today. Read this book and the others!

Horse Trade was a great book.Everything about the book was great,except when Max told Carole to demonstrate the wrong ways of jmping they called Starlight a she when he is a gelding.

I really thought Horse Trade was a good book, because as you read more the plot thickens. Phil Stevie's boy-friend is bording a mare and Stevie falls in love with the mare.But she has a problem the mare(No-Name)keeps braking out in hives.Can Stevie find out whats wrong before it's to late for a person and a horse?

This was a great book . I loved the part about stevie trying to figure out No- Names allegries. However I noticed several minor mistakes . like calling Starlight a mare . But over all it was really good!

This book will appeal to a wide range of readers. Main text is written for younger readers and well-supported by Aliki's soft, colorful watercolor illustrations (populated by publishing cats!), and accompanied by humorous dialog. Older readers will appreciate the more detailed explanations of production that appear in smaller type and are framed within the illustrations. Additional attention to detail is evidenced in the fine points of Aliki's illustrations, such as the small calendar that appears on nearly every two-page spread and the occasional seasonal clues (e.g., a jack-o-lantern in the window) which provide a time frame to the observant reader. Dialog balloons offer a personal glimpse at the individuals who produce a book, and often provide insightful humor as well. (For example, the dialog from an editor's desk reads: "This pile gets bigger and bigger.") As book production moves from initial creation (crafting text and pictures, editing, etc.) to production, Aliki's illustrations become necessarily somewhat more complex: one two-page spread clearly shows the four-color offset printing process, including a detailed cross-section of the inside of the printer. However, the youngest readers are always in mind, and the book never leaves them behind.

Published in 1986, the technology mentioned (floppy disks and magnetic tape; even the printing process) is somewhat dated, but aside from that, this outstanding book offers a great look at the many steps and people that it takes to make a book.

THis book is intended for "imature audiences only",but is a great orientation to the publishing/printing industry. Many of us in the industry are inclined to give newcomers the micro details without the bigger picture. This book, in a very effective and simplistic way, takes a new employee through the overview of how a book is made. Often, reading this book prior to training allows for greater retention of more detailed facts learned during training. While the overview is excellent, the technology represented is very outdated. Many of the processes happen on computer now. I would love the publisher to do an updated version!

I read this book in the 2nd grade, when it was first published. This book made me want to be a writer. Aside from being completely informative, the illustrations are beautiful. I still own my original copy, and writing is my biggest passion and greatest reward in life. Every child and adult should get their paws on this book and I hope it will always continue to inspire all of our future writers of the world.

Informative and accurate even with changing technology. If you want to teach your children the step by step process of how a book is made, Aliki clearly demonstrates this with her illustrations and text. Great author!! I recommend all her books.

When my friend first told me about this book, I was quite reluctant to make a purchase because I am not the least bit interested in the world of spy thrillers or intelligence. But, she persuaded me to make the buy, primarily because of the romance, and I am glad I did. This book is really off-the-hook! At first, I thought it would take me a while to understand the intellectual aspects of the novel because of the introduction. After I began reading the first chapter I was really moved by how Mr. Robinson introduced the main character's wife and daughter. Then I was really motivated to continue reading. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to the continuing saga. Although there was lots of suspense, intrigue and mystery, it seems Mr. Robinson would call this a romance novel, instead of a suspense/thriller. Either way you will enjoy it. At least I did. As a matter of fact, I would have enjoyed this even better as a movie. Excellent work Mr. Robinson!

This book had me reeling for the most part and I couldn't wait to get to the end. I agree that women will love this book and men will marvel in the life of Jack. The secrets, and suspence of the book made me wish it was an actual movie. At times I wish it was me that was Jack. I can read this over and over. One thing is for sure, once you start to read this book, you will not want to put it down. If this book is an indication of how the next book will be, I will be standing in line for it. Enjoy!!

I am not a fan of action espionage novels. But this one was so off the hook right from the start, I could not believe how much I enjoyed it!! The scenes and characters were so carefully crafted and detailed that I found myself squirming in my seat, helping Jack make his moves. I could close my eyes and actually see the fight scenes, feel the heat and humidity from the jungle. I gave up hours of sleep 'cause I couldn't put it down, even re-reading chapters because they were so powerful.

No corny dialogue. No unrealistic love scenes. I dreamed this story long after I finished reading it. Mr. Robinson's vision through this novel is truly remarkable.

If you want a really good book to read that is very romantic, yet filled with enough action, treachery, and suspense for you and your man to enjoy, this is a really good buy. The love scenes, hmmm. What more can I say? I loved the romance between the main character and his wife, and their daughter was simply adorable. Dispite his faults, he's the kind of man a girl wants in her life. I must admit, however, that the villian was good, too, and you will be surprised at the ending. Buy it as a gift for your significant other as I did, then read it yourself. You'll be glad you did. I also bought a copy for my grandpa. He finished it in less than three days. Obviously, there is going to be a sequel. The author really captures his character's voices! Terrific!

After reading this book,you would think that your underachievemedents aren't unique,since there are lots of "crazy" but "special" failures which are written in this book.

This is the funniest book I own, and I re-read it frequently. It has an amazing cumulative effect--you start out with smiles, and a few pages later you're wiping away tears, rendered speechless and almost breathless with laughter. Mr. Pile's prose style is brilliant. His awe in the face of breathtaking human incompetence (which he claims "separates us from the animals")is inspirational. Buy this book.

If you need several hundred good laughs, you need the Incomplete Book of Failures. Chronicled here for all time are the spectacular underachievements of idiots of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds. Well worth a two to six month wait! Complete with erata list

I can't say enough good things about this book. Perhaps the 'English as she is wrote' section is the most side-splitting text ever! I refer back to the book frequently, and tell everyone about it.

This unforgettable story is of two lovers that defied destiny. Francisco and Dolores overcame the pickpocketing lifestyle of their youth into becoming that of greatness. Yet, even time and distance could not erase their moment of passion years after when they meet again. Jasmine On The Wind is truly one of my favorite books. Mallory Dorn Hart has forever embedded her characters into my heart. This romance ran deeper into my mind than any other romance novel I've ever read. It is nothing like the other sappy and unoriginal sex novels. Hart has a superb ability of making each page edible. The story is realistic yet takes you to faraway places along with the characters. Francisco and Dolores are believable characters that start to come alive after you plunge deeper and deeper into the depths of their world, into their destined love. I read this novel many years ago and could not help but stop and recommend this novel to any reader with an insatiable appetite for a novel full of History, Sex, and Memorable Characters.

I happen to pick up this book in a local recycled bookstore because I noticed that the spine was well creased and bented, the cover worn and the pages well thumbed through--a clear indication that a great many people have read this book in the past. I figured that any book read so many times over surely cannot be all that bad, and so I bought it, hoping that I won't be disappointed at the end. AND TO MY GREAT SATISFACTION, I WASN'T!!! Jasmine On the Wind was everything I hoped it would be! It is TRUELY one of the best historical novels I have ever read! Ms. Hart weaves an intricate, heartwarming, unforgettable novel that is dazzling in it's authentic and richness of detail. The hero and heroine is a lively and charming pair of lovers... I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put this book down!

This novel takes place in Spain, in the early early 1500's. Francisco, an orphaned boy abandoned when he was a baby in front of a Roman Church, and Dolores, the daughter of a common-born inner keeper, are two young pickockets who discover a precious moment of love... before they are cruelly torn apart by circumstances and fate. Francisco grows up to be a brooding handsome knight, fighting desperately to regain the inheritance and birth right that was taken from him. Flamed haired and fiery souled Dolores, became the darling of Queen Isabella's sensuous court, desired and sought after. Years after their brief moment of passion, they meet again in their new surroundings--both no longer the young pickpockets that they were, each with new identities and new ambitions. And yet, try as they might, neither could deny the passion they shared so long ago... Within the besieged walls of Grandada, the last of the Moslem strongholds, destiny would give Francho and Dolores one last chance to put aside conflicts of heart and ambitions, and embrace love once again.

This extraordinary love story was beautifully written, Ms. Hart effectively lures us into a sumputous world of romance and adventure. From the acclaims on the book, Judith McNaught (author of Whitney My Love), Johanna Lindsy, Rebecca Brandewyne, and Jude Derveraux all agree that Jasmine On the Wind is "an unforgettable story of epic porportions, reviting from beginning to end!"

I STRONGLY recommend this book. Believe me, you won't regret it!

I happen to pick up this book in a local recycled bookstore because I noticed that the spine was well creased and bent, the cover worn and the pages well thumbed through--a clear indication that a great many people have read this book in the past. I figured that any book read so many times over surely cannot be all that bad, and so I bought it, hoping that I won't be disappointed in the end. AND TO MY GREAT SATISFACTION, I WASN'T!!! Jasmine on the Wind is everything I hoped it would be. It is TRUELY one of the best historical novels I have ever read. Ms. Hart weaves an intricate, heartwarming, unforgettable novel that is dazzling in it's authentic and richness of detail. The hero and heroine are a lively and charming pair of lovers... I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put this book down!

This novel takes place in Spain, in the early early 1500's. Francisco, an orphaned boy abandoned when he was a baby in front of a Roman Church, and Dolores, the daughter of a common-born inner keeper, are two young pickockets who discover a precious moment of love... before they are cruelly torn apart by circumstances and fate. Francisco grows up to be a brooding handsome knight, fighting desperately to regain the inheritance and birthright that was taken from him. Flamed haired and fiery souled Dolores, becomes the darling of Queen Isabella's sensuous court, desired and sought after. Years after their brief moment of passion, they meet again in their new surroundings--both no longer the young pickpockets that they were, each with new identities and new ambitions. And yet, try as they might, neither could deny the passion they shared so long ago... Within the besieged walls of Grandada, the last of the Moslem strongholds, destiny would give Francho and Dolores one last chance to put aside conflicts of heart and ambitions, and embrace love once again.

This extraordinary love story was beautifully written, Ms. Hart effectively lures us into a sumputous world of romance and adventure. From the acclaims on the book, Judith McNaught (author of Whitney My Love), Johanna Lindsy, Rebecca Brandewyne, and Jude Derveraux all agreed that Jasmine on the Wind is "an unforgettable story of epic porportions, reviting from beginning to end!"

I STRONGLY recommend this book. Believe me, you won't regret it!

In the brutal back alleys of Ciudad Real, two young pickpockets steal a precious moment of love...so intense, so abandoned, their hearts are forever bound. Cruelly torn from each other's arms, they are swept apart by the tides of war. Francho, the tattered orphan boy, would become a darkly handsome knight, thundering across his Spanish homeland to vanquish the Moors for honor and glory. Flame-haired and fiery-souled Dolores would become the darling of a sensuous court, fighting to reclaim the searing passion she had once known, the love no other man can ignite. Within the besieged walls of proud Granada, last of the Moslem strongholds, destiny would give Francho and Dolores one last chance to embrace the promise of a love as glorious, as haunting as...Jasmine on the Wind.

This is Nancy Tatums story of how the Feds harassed her during her husbands ordeal. The book will remind you that all is not what it seems and when you get the knock at the door, the bulk of the American public will just put their blinders and pretend everythings fine.

This expose' hits at the heart of the dirty tricks department of the Federal Department of Justice. No private citizen is as safe and immune as he/she may think. This book will surely grow in popularity as the story is told. And watch for more from this author and her husband. Very revealing and written with an enjoyable attitude.

I have always suspected that the American Judicial System has been used as a means of intimidation and coersion. Two thumbs up to Ms. Tatum and her commitment to see justice met head on. The statistics are stammering for americans...and the recent events with the Clinton/Lewinski drama fell right into the authors superhiway of advice.

Imagine this: You are suddenly surrounded by 16 FBI Agents...They tell you that your husband has been arrested and is in a High Security Federal Lockup...charged with TREASON...and if you do not cooperate fully, you too will be charged with treason. This makes those bad hair days quite palatable. A Spook Spouse,The Author, Nancy Tatum shares her experiences of being accused of 'guilt by association'. Her husband "Chip" Tatum, one of Americas finest spies was tucked away in a High Security Prison 'in the interest of National Security' unable to communicate with the outside world. She was guilty by association and this message needs to be understood. Live the lie, feel the pain, experience the dirty tricks used to try and turn this Spook Spouse on her unsuspecting husband. More than a story, this is A Preparedness Manual for what to expect as a defendant or family member of a defendant facing Federal Indictments . How to deal with attorneys, How to cope with jails, prisons, their systems, guards and other prisoners. And last of all how to win that appeal!!!

As I said in my title, Friendship, Teamwork and Wisdom, it's all in this book.
Six girls become a team and train for a Double-Dutch competition. It's all about teamwork. The Double Dutch Club is a great series for any person. Using their own affects to stay friends and win, the Double Dutch Club girls show who they really are.

very good book....the author has given each girl her own signature personality and voice, which makes for very good reading....it is interesting to see how the girls interact with each other, working out their differences to come together as a team ...this book illustrates lessons of spiritualilty, humanity,and working with others in a very enjoyable fashion...a very good "read" for preteens and their parents....

As a mother of a pre-teen girl, I think that Just Jump is an excellent reading selection for young girls! The story is easy to follow and offers great life-lessons with spiritual reference for the reader. As the characters learn to work together to achieve a goal, they also learn the value of friendship and teamwork.

Just Jump is a great reading selection and has helpful life lessons in the book.It also has a positive spiritual message and has a great story background.The book is about five girls who learn about working together,friendship,perservering,and how to handle hard situations or predicaments.To achieve their goal as double dutchers,they must rely on each other and trust each other and keep trying.Children and even adults will enjoy the wonderful story told in Just Jump.You can follow the adventures,miracles,and tragedies throughout the book.You may even have had experiences of what the characters have gone through.This book is sincerely a book that everybody should read and enjoy.

Excellent book - met all my needs about obtaining and training a Kerry Blue.

Two years ago I obtained my beloved Kerry Blue Terrier, as my first official dog and first show dog. About 7 Months prior to purchasing him, I had pre-ordered this book through my local bookstore and when they had it in I was ecstatic...I had already heard that the author was a "Terrier Guru," so I had faith that this book would help me learn a bit more about the breed. And it certainly had. When I finally brought my little guy home, I had finished reading the whole thing, but was glad to have it around for a quick reference every now and then...two years later, I still look through the book whenever I need help with a Kerry issue (though his breeder is wonderful help, too!).

A big plus for me is that his father, grandparents, and great grandparents are featured in this book! So it's always fun to show people what great specimens of the breed his bloodline consists of :)

I totally recommend this book to anyone considering a Kerry! Bardi McLennan does a good job describing the breed's history, health, grooming needs, etc.
And if you decide that the Kerry is the not right terrier for you, she has written many other great terrier books worth checking into.

I research the breed for a while prior purchasing a puppy, I wanted to make sure we are the right family for this dog. This book was very comprehensive and among all those I had looked at it was the one I purchase for the content and amount of information regarding the most important aspects a new dog owner ought to know. The price was right too.
Thank you!

I bought this book for my father who owns a Kerrie Blue. I mentioned the book to him prior to purchasing it & he reminded me that he hates to read & I had better not even think about buying him a book for Christmas. I didn't. Paudie, his Kerry Blue did. I called a couple days later to see if he was reading it and much to my surprise, he had already read it cover to cover! He couldn't stop telling me how much he enjoyed it and how it described Paudie perfectly. Paudie's family was mentioned in the book, as well as his breeder. My father reading this book from cover to cover in less than two days is the highest compliment a book can have!