Television Books


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Television Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Television
Child of the Hunt
Published in Kindle Edition by Simon Pulse (2004-01-07)
Author: Christopher Golden
List price: $5.99
New price: $4.79

Average review score:

Jhaeman's Buffy Reviews
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-15
CHILD OF THE HUNT

Christopher Golden & Nancy Holder (1998)

RATING: 5/5 Stakes

SETTING: Season Three

TV CHARACTER APPEARANCES: Buffy, Joyce, Giles, Xander, Willow, Oz, Cordelia, Angel, Sheila Rosenberg, Xander's Dad, Xander's Mom, Ira Rosenberg, Cordelia's Dad

MAJOR ORIGINAL CHARACTERS: Connie DeMarco, Brian Anderson (runaways); Liz DeMarco, Jamie Anderson (runaways' parents); Erl King (villain); Lucy Hanover (ghostly Slayer); Roland (Erl King's son); "Robin Hood", "King Richard" (sorcerers)

BACK-OF-THE-BOOK SUMMARY: "Jousting contests, human chess matches, lords and ladies and beggars . . . a traveling Renaissance fair has come to Sunnydale. The fair may seem terminally uncool, but Buffy and her friends are charmed anyway. Especially by a sad-eyed boy named Roland, who serves as the court jester. Unfortunately, the people from the fair are not the only visitors in Sunnydale. Roaming the countryside are nasty little creatures with a taste for flesh: the dark faerie. They are minions of the Wild Hunt, servants of the evil Erl King. Buffy's challenge is to annihilate the king and his murderous horde. But the path to his destruction leads straight to Roland, who is not quite human . . . and destined to become the Slayer's mortal adversary."

REVIEW

Child of the Hunt was the first Pocket Books adult Buffy novel, following the early Archway series of "young adult" novels. The change in tone and length serves the novel well, as Child of the Hunt is able, like many early Buffy episodes, to discuss a real problem facing youth (in this case, runaway teens) through the context of a supernatural crisis.

The main villain of the story is the Erl King (also known as Hern the Hunter), a mythological entity who leads the Wild Hunt, a murderous pack of demons which kills some humans but sweeps up the lonely, the depressed, the suicidal, and others in the throes of misery to join the cause before moving on.

The theme of the novel is parents and their children, and we get to see, at least, briefly, scenes with each of the Scooby's parents--some of whom have never been portrayed on screen, like Willow's and Cordelia's fathers. Written and set near the beginning of Season Three, the story benefits and integrates Buffy's decision to run away from Sunnydale at the end of Season Two.

The authors (Golden & Holder) deliver their usual excellent characterization of the Buffy cast, but what makes this novel really stand-out is the portrayal of the supporting characters: the runaway teens and their parents. Unlike the supporting characters in most Buffy novels, these aren't generic victims or bystanders--they each have a real personality and a role to play in the story. In addition, the Erl King has some real weight as a villain with the incorporation of real-worth myth.

Not much more needs to be said. Child of the Hunt combines a real-world problem, an interesting fictional menace, and great writing. The result is an excellent novel, worth picking up at any used bookstore.

(c) 2008 Jeremy Patrick (jhaeman@hotmail.com)

Jhaeman's Buffy Reviews: [...]

Great story!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-25
I was skeptical about reading any book based on a TV show, but this one was very well-thought out. The characters stayed true to their television depictions in a whole new and very interesting story. I recommend this for any Buffy fan.

big big buffy fan
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-04-01
does anybody else get why this book gets two diffrent covers? the one shown here (brown with xander, buffy and angel) and the one with buffy and a demon? their both about the fair.... so someone please explain.... AND is there any other buffy the vampire slayer books with altertive covers?
if you like "little things" the buffy book with spike of the cover, you must be a dark faerie fan so you'll love this book
p.s chistopher golded and nancy holder rock, buy anything with there names on
love ya D

Best Buffy Book Ever!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-23
This was my first Buffy the Vampire Slayer Book. I read it before I even watched the show, the plot just seemed good to me so I bought it, and little did I know I was about to become a Buffy Fanatic. It starts off with Buffy and this hunt that goes through the town and they take people capture. All the rest I can say is "WOW" I'd give this book 10 stars if I could. Even if you are not a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Book you should pick this one up.

P.S. Christopher Golden and Nancy Holder are the best Buffy writers in the series.

Show me, don't tell me
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-08
Not a bad novel, but far from being a great one. Mr Golden and Ms. Holder have a decent grasp on the Buffyverse (though, given their expertise, far too many errors still creep in). My biggest gripe here is with the writing style. Many things in the book are simply described. We are told about what happened rather than seeing them played out in a scene. This should virtually never happen in any novel.

Perhaps I have standards that are set too high, but I never see the fact that a novel is a media tie-in as an excuse for lazy writing.

Television
Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent
Published in Paperback by Simon & Schuster (2006-10-31)
Author: Anthony Rapp
List price: $14.00
New price: $3.79
Used price: $1.24
Collectible price: $24.95

Average review score:

surprised me
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-10
There are things that I didn't expect, that surprised me a little bit about his character, but if anything, seeing Anthony come through all of these situations only upped my respect for him as an actor, as a writer, and as a person.

Audio book suggested!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-11
This book really moved me with Rapp's emotional honesty, and I echo the praises from previous reviewers. I rate it as 4 stars because, like a previous reviewer suggested, I feel it tended to drag a bit at the end and could have ended a chapter earlier. I strongly suggest the audio recording, especially for fans of Rent and of Anthony. Hearing him read the story himself (particularly for the small and poignant personal moments, like the frequent "Hi, Mama"--"Hi, Tonio" exchanges with his mother--it broke my heart every time) was an intimate and powerful experience, and when I finished I felt I had just had a long and passionate conversation with a friend--which i was very sorry to end.

Don't be without WITHOUT YOU
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-15
Anthony Rapp tells an emotional story about personal life, love, and loss as he describes the years surrounding the phenomenon that is Rent. This is a book no Renthead should be without. Afer reading this book, I feel like I have gotten to know Anthony as a person, and gotten a rare glimpse through Anthony's eyes of the man that was Jonathan Larson.

Fascinating insights into one of the cultural treasures of our generation.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-14
Anthony Rapp was in on the creation of the masterpiece which became the Broadway sensation "Rent," almost from the beginning. He has written his memoir of that experience with great sensitivity and insight.

This book is a riveting tale about the creative process, how a play goes through its evolution to get to Broadway, and how every once in awhile a theatrical miracle can happen which changes everyone's lives. "Rent" is such a miracle. I just saw the play once again on Broadway this past weekend. I took my teenaged daughters to see it. After eleven years, it is finally closing down some time this year. If you cannot get to New York to see the play, rent the movie. It's not as good, but almost.

I loved this book, and recommend it to anyone who has ever overcome adversity to pursue a dream.

Review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-09
This book is amazing. It's a great read, easy to follow and really hits at your heart. I would reccommend it to everyone.

Television
The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga
Published in Hardcover by DK CHILDREN (2006-09-25)
Author: DK Publishing
List price: $40.00
New price: $22.41
Used price: $22.92

Average review score:

A must for any Star Wars Fan!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-18
I wasn't sure what exactly to expect from this book. When I got it and started looking at the page after page of amazing documented discriptions of anything and everything you would see in these movies I was so pleased with my purchase. The only thing I noticed was the emphisis on Episodes 1-3 and remaining episodes were all lumped together in a quick glance almost. The book is amazing non the less and I am more then pleased with it, and can't wait to give it to my significant other for his birthday.

Star Wars Fanatic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-26
Bought this as a gift for my 9yr. old son.
This is a great book for the Star Wars fanatic.

Star Wars the Complete Visual Dictionary
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-11
I like this item very much. My husband is a Star Wars fan and I got this book for him. I ordered this book and within a week I received it.

Love it!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-29
Got it as birthday present for my 5 year old. We all love it. He pours through the photos by himself, we read it together. I am learning all sorts of details (and they are plenty) about all the star wars characters. Who knew! This book could be the movie prop person's notebook/bible it is so complete and thorough.

The only drawback is my son finds the picture of darth sith too scary and we have to rush past that page. Oh well. Get it, great price, worth every penny.

Best book EVER!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-18
WOW!!! This is the perfect book for anyone interested in knowing their stuff in the Star Wars world. Every character is represented according to chapter so some characters are represented more than once. Anakin is shown as a child in Episode I but is shown older in the next episode, etc. The book is divided by Episodes. Information on star ships, Tie Fighters, Light Sabres and more are also included in this book along with photos for each and every reference. This book is not only for children but adults can learn a thing or two from its contents.

Television
A Stitch in Time (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Star Trek (2000-05-01)
Author: Andrew J. Robinson
List price: $6.50
New price: $69.99
Used price: $21.95

Average review score:

Wonderful!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-23
An absolutely beautiful and deep character study. You don't have to be a Trekie to enjoy it.

Robinson shows he is as gifted as an author as he is at acting.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-17
The book was well written and Robinson's knowledge of the lead seems so very authentic.

He created an entire backstory that blends in very well with the DS9 series. It makes watching the show in syndication even more fun, especially when Robinson is on, because it's like you, the viewer is in, on the secret.

I look forward to seeing more of his work, be it as an actor or as a writer.

A wonderful book all DS9 fans should read
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-05
Having enjoyed DS9 and having heard about this book through Memory Alpha, I noticed all the positive reviews and decided to give it a shot. It was well worth it, the book is completely engrossing and a joy to read. I wish Robinson would write a sequel.

Gotta love Garak
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-15
Someone, just lock Andrew J. Robinson in a room and make him write more. Seriously.

I absolutely LOVED this book!!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-17
Deep Space Nine was my favourite of all the Trek series, and Garak was my favourite character, so you can imagine how thrilled I was when this book arrived. It is amazing. It goes so deeply into what makes up the Cardassian mind and society, every unanswered question that one could have about Cardassians is answered in this novel. I didn't want it to end! The author is also the actor who played Garak, and the insight he provides about his character is wonderful, poetic, and so moving. Anyone who has ever enjoyed an episode of DS9 needs to buy this book. I've read it three times, and I still enjoy it more than any other sci-fi book that I've read.

Television
U2 At The End Of The World
Published in Paperback by Delta / Dell Publishing (1996)
Author: Bill Flanagan
List price:
Used price: $58.11

Average review score:

great !
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-09
thisbook is perfect if you want to know everyting about U2
I really love it !

Journeys
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-15
This book is one of the few really great rock biographies. It does a great job of chronicling the band's past by giving a distilled view of their present, in both personal lives, internal processes, and musical career. All of that is the essence of the music of U2, and the legacy their music has created. Flanagan does them a great service in this bio, but also himself, for presenting them so well and staying out of the way. Well, mostly. His humor about touring with them is fairly expressive...

Outstanding
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-08
An outstanding work of rock journalism. This is far from a starry-eyed fanboy tribute -- Flanagan is one of the most intellectually gifted rock critics out there, and here he turns his intellect on travel, music, pop culture, his own foibles, and, of course, U2 and their art.

Flanagan, one of the first American journalists to champion U2, is a confidant of the band, but it doesn't stop him from critically appraising their work. The book starts with U2 taking the last flight into East Germany before reunification, and follows the band all the way through the writing of Achtung Baby, Zooropa, and the tour that surrounded the two albums. It's probably U2's most creatively active period, and it's our good fortune that a writer of Flanagan's calibre tagged along for the ride. A must-read if you're at all interested in U2.

Suprisingly enjoyable
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-22
This is one of the most well-written biographies that I have read. Mr. Flanagan covers every aspect of U2, mixing the present with the past and the anticipated future of the band. As an avid reader of various non-fiction subjects, I have to say that this kind of a biography was a first for me. You wouldn't think that a book about a band would have any transferrable application for non-musicians, however I found that these guys are fairly down-to-earth. Reading U2: At the end of the world helped me to dispell some of the superstar myths that I had. That being said, I feel compelled to put a disclaimer about some of the language. While, it didn't seem to bother me, I would have to give this an "R" rating, as far as language is concerned. It's not as if the f-bomb appears on every other page...maybe once or twice a chapter. But, for those who might be sensitive to such expletives, beware. 5-Stars, with a warning.

Travel with and get to know the band
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-10
After reading this book, I felt like I really understood what was going on in their heads while writting Achtung Baby! and the music was better for it. I've read some of the more recent books about U2 and also about Bono and this tops them all. It's a day in the life, before 9/11 and before all that came after for them. If you love U2 like I love U2, read this book.

Television
Tupac Shakur
Published in Paperback by Three Rivers Press (1998-09-29)
Author: Vibe Magazine
List price: $17.95
New price: $8.95
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

Essence Tupac!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-23
This piece of work created by the editors of Vibe Magazine could easily be appropriately titled "Essence of Tupac." In this collection of previous interviews and vivrant photos you truely get the feeling that you are holding a conversation with The ledgendary Tupac Shakur. This is a must have for all Tupac fans and for anyone wishing to know more about Pac's Life. Good job by the folks at Vibe Magazine.

very informative
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-11
I my self am not a very big fan of rap music however i was intrigued to read this book after looking into some of the lyrics of 2pacs singles they seemed very in depth. After reading the lyrics i felt that his words had a lot of depth and soul attached to them which intrigued me to find out more about the rap star.

I myself have a genuine interest in politics, philisophy and poetry similarly to 2pac and i felt that i could relate to some of the lyrics he wrote. This book on tupac gives a deeper insight to the rap artist not only his music and talent but to his life it shed light on many differant topics from differant aspects and i found it very inspirational. What i particularly liked about this book was the way it presented both sides of the story (with the rape case) and i felt this ruled out any bias.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has a love for reading regardless of whether they have a genuine interest in rap this book not only looks at his career but looks at his inspiration, ambition, life and above all recognised him as more than a rap artist but as a human being and who he actually was!!!

Why do kids still admire Tupac?
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-05
When I discovered that my 3rd graders knew who Tupac was, even though he died the year they were born, I felt that I needed to know more about Tupac. This book is published by Vibe, the official scribes of hip hop. It is a collection on interviews and articles that appeared in Vibe and they document the rise and fall of Tupac.
Tupac had "Thug Life" tatooed on his stomach and he lived the life of a misogynist thug. He was disrespectful to everyone around him. Perhaps, as Quincy Jones suggests in the forward, Tupac could've changed into a positive force had he lived past 25. However, this book, and his own words, show him to be a negative influence on everyone he had contact with. It is very sad that he died at such a young age. It is even sadder that so many youngesters know who he was but cannot tell you about the lives of people who have accomplished great things with their lives. I have my work cut out for me next school year.
Mark Gast

Tupac Shakur Book Is A Must-Buy!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-26
As a massive fan of the late great Tupac Shakur, there are few publishings that capture as much information and insight into his life and career as this amazing book from the good people at Vibe Magazine. Consisting of every Vibe article and interview written on Shakur between 1994-97, this gives even the most casual of Pac's fans more information than they could ever dream of. With features on his early career, his signing to Death Row, and his infamous interview with Kevin Powell from inside Clinton Correctional Facility where he denounced "Thug Life", it's all here. This book also contains some of the most informative material on the feud between Death Row Records and Bad Boy. You'll get everyone's side of the story on the Can-Am Studio shooting. You'll hear what both Suge and Puffy had to say about the East vs. West saga. You will also get to hear Pac at his rawest and most candid. If you are even the least bit interested in the amazing story of Tupac Shakur, you should pick up this book.

huge fan
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-17
2pac is a legacy of our generation..he is and will always be the best, not only was he an awesome rapper, but he was also a good actor and poet. This book is very well done and covers so much. When he was shot the first time 5 times..and leading up to his unjustly death..i recommend this book to anyone if they want to learn about 2pac, he wasnt a bad man or a gangsta like most assume, he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time..or he just got involved with the wrong ppl...and like he said live by the gun..die by the gun..and that is exactly what happened to this man...may he rest in peace

Television
Steve & Me
Published in Paperback by Simon Spotlight Entertainment (2008-09-02)
Author: Terri Irwin
List price: $15.95
New price: $10.85
Used price: $28.48

Average review score:

Steve and Me: Life with the Crocodile Hunter
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-07
Stellar writing by Terri Irwin. She made you feel like
you were right there with them.

Crikey... perhaps the best book I ever read!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-25
Incredibly insightful, informative, and fascinating. Terry Irwin turns out to be a fabulous author who truly writes from the heart. You can hear her telling the stories of her and Steve's adventures. A love story for the ages. Of course, we all know the incredibly sad way the story has to end, but their story is definitely worth reading. Would recommend it to anyone who loves "The Crocodile Hunter", Steve Irwin, wildlife, love stories or believes in soul mates. Didn't want it to end. Loved it!!

Touching!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-27
I had always been a fan of Steve Irwin, but this touching tribute by his wife, not only showed how deeply they were in love but what a family man and true Wildlife Warrior he was. Excellent read.

a wonderful tribute
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-09
This book is a wonderful glimpse into the personal life of the Irwin family. It shows the passion and drive of not only Steve, but of his wonderful wife, Terri. It also shows the strength he instilled in her, and her amazing ability to cope with this tragedy, for herself, and her two young children.
I feel honored to have read it, and to have been invited into this very personal and loving family.

Miss you Steve
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-17
Anyone that loved Steve Irwin will love this book. Terri did a great job writing this and I could actually feel her emotion for this man. We miss you Steve. Cricky!!!

Television
VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor
Published in Paperback by Allworth Press (2002-11-01)
Author: Harlan Hogan
List price: $19.95
New price: $12.60
Used price: $9.42
Collectible price: $19.95

Average review score:

New Favorite Voice Over Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-25
I purchased and read 9 different books about voice-over before buying VO:Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor. All of those 9 books were well written and one of them WAS my favorite. VO is now by far my favorite book about voice-over. H2 does a wonderful job of mixing the technical with the personal. Great stories mixed with priceless info. He teaches while he entertains. You'll learn AND laugh. VO is a good book to have for reference and I am going to be reading it straight through again in the very near future.

A great book from a VO: PRO!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-14
I really enjoyed Harlan Hogan's book VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice Actor. I read it early last year, and have gone back to it several times since for wisdom and tips in my own Voice Career!
The format of the book made it an easy read. Chapters from Harlans life and experiences mixed with Tips and Tricks of the Trade.
A book for any aspiring Voice Over Library!

Extremely entertaining and informative
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-01
I really enjoyed this book, it is really informative, entertaining and gives and inside look at voice over acting. This is one of the few books that I will re-read becouse of all the usefull information, a must read for anyone starting out or considering a career as a voice actor.

Can I give it 100 stars instead of 5?
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-21
This book is excellent. It's packed with information about what one should expect if he/she wants to work in the Voice Acting industry, and it also includes many tips & tricks that voice actors could follow in order to advance in their careers.

It's hilariously entertaining yet down-to-earth informative - a rare combination achievable in books.

On top of that, it's easy to read, so you don't see much of those long-worded-jargons-which-you-will-find-in-technical-books for instance. Instead, you get cute cartoons replacing the too-much-information type of thing.

As I've mentioned in the title, I'd give this book 100 stars if I could.

This book truly is one of the BEST purchases I've EVER made.



~ Jessie

Like talking with a friend
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-15
Harlan Hogan provides a lot of explanation of how things work in the VO world (or at least as they did in 2002, when this book was written). He gives great advice while lightly touching on subjects like running your business, jargon, union vs. "pre-union", etc. However, he also offers some insight that beginning voice actors aren't likely to find in a lot of other books. Harlan does this by recounting stories from his own experience that not only entertain, but relate to the major points of each section. He also lets the reader in on inside jokes of the trade like "Blooper's Soap" and the infamous Findus Foods session with Orson Welles. Sure, they're easily Google-able, but how are they woven into the fabric of the industry?

I've done radio for a dozen years, switched to the computer tech side
for another half-dozen and now I'm studying and working on figuring out
where I will best fit into the VO market. This book not only confirmed
a lot of things I felt instinctively, but it also helped me to not
listen so much to the "what if" voice that we all carry with us.

Television
The Making of " Star Wars " : The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film
Published in Hardcover by Ebury Press (2007-04-24)
Author: J.W. Rinzler
List price:
Used price: $73.19

Average review score:

Everything you wanted and more
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-17
The title of the book says it all. This is THE definitive collection on the making of Star Wars. Of course there were tons of documentaries being made after the initial film was a huge success but since nobody really knew what was going on with this strange film, film and video footage is sparse at best.
This gives us all the insight we could want about the making of this space fantasy. Even if you're not a Star Wars fan, you will love this record of this high budget independent film.

Making of STAR WARS
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-29
It's high time. Nicely edited, lots of detail. Basically I am flashing back to my childhood every time I open this book. It is not a casual read as it weighs a gazillion pounds and the print is small. Don't change a thing! Thanks for finally recording this history in a quality fashion. EMPIRE STRIKES BACK may be the cinematic masterpiece but this film was what defined all major studio decisions since, and it is charming, exciting, and inspiring simultaneously. Ironic since Fox never were behind this film in the first place (Holla, Alan Ladd, for believing).

STAR WARS ! HOW DID THEY EVER DO ALL THAT & MORE!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-07
REMEMBER THE GOOD OLD DAYS WHEN WE CALLED THOSE CORNY SCIENCE FICTION MOVIES "OUT OF THIS WORLD" BECAUSE OF THE PRIMITIVE PROPS & SILVER SCREEN TRICKS THAT SEEMED TO MAKE FANTASY REAL! WELL PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT & IF OUR CIVILIZATION WERE TO DISAPEAR & A LONE STAR WARS TAPE WERE TO BE FOUND IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED " THE WAY WE WERE " AS IT IS GOSH !JUST SO WELL DONE! THIS BOOK EXPLAINS THE TRUE GENIUS BEHIND THE BRILLANT GROUP EFFORTS OF SO SO MANY TO MAKE A SPACE FANTASY SCIENCE FICTION STORY MORE THAN JUST ENTERTAINING! THAT WAS STAR WARS & THIS BOOK IS AN ALL TOO COOL SCI-FI FOOL SHOW & DO TELL VIA ALL THAT WILD & CRAZY FUNTASTIC STAR WARS SPACE RAZZ A MA TAZZ JAZZ! GET THIS BOOK & THE AMAZON FORCE WILL BE WITH YOU SO PLEASE DO SMILE!

George Lucas' Heroic Journey
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-27
Fairy tales are usually about a young man who becomes a hero by battling the most dispicable enemies and achieving his heart's desire. In the end, despite great odds, monsters are vanquished, villainy is given the heave-ho, the princess' heart is won and great treasure is acquired far from the eyes of the Internal Revenue Service (which is how you can tell this is a fairy tale).

"The Making of Star Wars" is just such a fairy tale, but it's not about the one up on the screen. This big, beefy, bouncy delight tells in 360 eye-squinting pages of type and hundreds of photos the story of how George Lucas, armed at first with nothing more than a bare bones script and a reputation for interesting, if not money-making movies, devoted more than four years of his life, bet his precarious career, and came up with a movie that not just redefined Hollywood blockbusters, but reimagined heroism and other virtues that touched a generation made cynical by the upheavals of the `60s and `70s.

How he did it -- as described in this book -- should give all writers, artists and other dreamers pause to reflect on the value of preparation, hard work, a willingness to absorb ideas from others, and going into a project knowing that you have not only no idea how it will come out, but that bad luck will doom you no matter what you do.

It's amazing that "Star Wars" was made at all, when it becomes clear in the book that the executives in charge at 20th Century Fox were more interested in busting Lucas' chops instead of making a movie. As one of Lucas friends notes: "There was a lack of respect for George. The movie industry is a very vituperative and petty industry most of the time -- and part of the negotiations was just to see how much they could push George around because they felt like they could."After getting Lucas under contract cheap, before the success of "American Graffitti," Fox proceeded to fritter away their leverage by withholding the contract for "Star Wars." To keep the project going, Lucas was forced to invest his own money, and in the end, had to threaten to stop filming to get the contract. By that time, the project was so far along that Fox was faced with either agreeing to his demands, or letting the project go to another studio. Hence, was born the most lopsided contract in history, giving Lucas say over final cut, plus control over all sequels and merchandizing.

Considering that "The Making of Star Wars" was published nearly 30 years after the movie's stunning debut, going back and putting together this history is a major accomplishment. Fortunately, J.W. Rinzler had access to interviews conducted during the production of `Star Wars," when people were in the midst of the work and uninfluenced by its future success. This fills the book with episodes and incidents of such detail that it's possible to fall into the pages and imagine yourself, back in the mid-'70s, where hair was blow-dried, collars and pants were wide, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter were atop the political pyramid -- reflect on that when you look at Obama/Clinton/McCain!

For the two weeks, I was in film geek heaven, boring my wife at lunchtime with details about alternative casting (Christopher Walken as Luke! Jodie Foster as Leia!), alternative storylines (Luke was a girl at one point and named Starkiller; the robots were originally bureaucrats working for the Empire; Lucas toyed with filming it all in Japanese, with subtitles), sources for names (Han Solo? From a brand of paper cups) and those small incidents that acquire greater meaning (an out-of-work James Earl Jones spending a day in a studio to record Darth Vader's lines for $7,500). And don't get me started on the models and special effects; we'd be here all week.

But the heart of the story is George Lucas, and while I've always respected the man, my heart went out to him once I understood the impossible odds he worked again. "Star Wars" was made because he willed it into being; he was the Jedi who rescued his movie.

Lucas created a fairy tale for our times, but his story had a fairy tale twist as well. After laboring for years, fighting the studio executives and impossible deadlines, Lucas got his movie out. But he thought he had failed: "When I saw the first cut, my only opinion was that I did a terrible job, but it works. It doesn't work very well, but it works. ... And then when I finally saw it with an audience for the first time, I realized that no matter how far short I fell and how far short all the departments fell from what I wanted, the film did work for an audience. ... They all laughed at the right place and they believed it."

So the hero wins after all, but not in the way you'd expect. That's the hallmark of all good stories.

From a true and original Star Wars Fan....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-02
Having seen all 3 original trilogy movies over a hundred times a piece, (I paid theater admission for most of those viewings, no video back then), I was and still am interested in the behind the scenes events that took place during the making of the movies.
I have read all three of the "Making Of" books about the original trilogy. This book is definitely the most thorough and indepth with the technical aspects and day to day events on set. I enjoyed the interviews with George Lucas and the other people involved in the film. On the lighter side, (Being a huge Luke/Mark Hamill fan) I really enjoyed the candid photos of Mark Hamill and the other cast members on set.
The true Star Wars fan will enjoy the unlimited access to George Lucas' earliest thoughts about the trilogy and a detailed look into his film making style. This book is a must have for all who have ever dreamed of "a galaxy far, far away....

Television
The Backstreet Boys: Official Biography
Published in Paperback by Boxtree, Limited (1997-07)
Author: Rob McGibbon
List price: $17.95
New price: $16.91
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

You're better off with the unauthorised bios
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-09
The author changed a lot of what were supposed to be direct quotes and 'Briti-cised' them. I don't have examples off the top of my head, but I remember one quote being attributed to Brian that included very British phrasing. That's not a direct quote, that's paraphrased.

I don't even think I finished the book. I'd have expected the 'Official' Bio to be put together more like a lot of the UNofficial ones.

Also, a LOT of American fans are not going to understand British terms. Honestly, you're better off collecting the unauthorised bios...

The one to get
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-09-22
I've read about 18 or so books on this group. And of all of them, if you're going to get one, get this one. It has good details of the boys' life before the group, and area which other books tend to lack in. It has pictures of them when they were kids that I haven't been able to find anywhere else. And it has info on the person who started the group, another thing I find hard to get good info on. This is definately one to buy if you're a major fan.

Best BSB BOOK!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-11
I think this is the best backstreet boy book ever written. I loved all of the stories. It was so much fun to read about how the backstreet boys first got together. If you have not read this book yet and you are a fan you must have it! Even if you just like to listen to their music you should read it. I think that anyone who wants to be a popstar should read this too. Well I could write 20 pages of this book. I'll leave now but before I do I'd like to thank AMAZON.COM and their customers. Because with out them I wouldn't of known about this book. THANKYOU EVERYONE!!

If you're a BSB fan, don't miss this!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-21
As a former BSB fan, whom owns the book, I still take a look at it from time to time, because it are honest and true facts of the boys their life before they became the Backstreet Boys and the beginning of it all. It has good pictures, but you can find them on almost every website and the biography must have been copied loads of times as well, so it's up to you!

Every BSBFAN gotta have it!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-01-08
Great Book!!!
It contains pics when they where baby's SOOO CUTE!!!
If your a true BSB fan you gotta have it!!!


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