Television Books

A very important book about one of the founding fathers. That may be a cliched phrase for a man who was repelled by the stale cliches abounding in pop music at the time of his career kick-off in 1954.
But once again we have a biography written by two people - why would a poet like Carl need anybody more than an "editor"? Same goeswith Sun label buddy Scotty Moore - his book too had that unecessary naarrator - an excellent piece of prose, like with Carl, but the thought of it gets me depressed. Do you think Dylan or Costello would need a helper?
'50s friend Chuck Berry did his all by himself. The defiant Rocker wrought the defiant Writer. (And baby, that is Rock and Roll....).
Love reading about that Sun to Columbia to British career "rescue" period.
As a CP fan/collector I was natuarlly disappointed in the lack of deatils as to the lesser-known should-been-million-sellers and the conspicuous absence of a much-needed sessionography. A Perkins *Discography* is always helpful. But when in the world am I gonna learn when and where he
cut "We Did In '54?"

I really enjoyed this book. Unlike others that I have read (Little Richard, Chuck Berry, etc), this book is not an attempt to stake a claim to the title of "King of Rock and Roll". This book offers what appears to be an honest and humble look into the life of the King of Rockabilly. Perkins gives due credit to his influences and songwriting assistants, and honestly discusses his alcoholism.

I personally believe that Carl was one of the truest talents in early rock and roll, and his importance as an innovator/songwriter/performer is vastly undervalued. Get this book, and the "Complete Sun Recordings", and you can't go wrong.

An excellent and, what I feel honest (by both the narrator and writer) review and impression of one man's journey through life. Though Carl Perkins story is almost parallel to that of Johnny Cash's (if not "harder") this book goes beyond telling stories and conveys the emotions and impact of Mr. Perkins decisions and experiences.
"They" really should make this life story a movie!

I'll admit it -- I'm biased toward Carl Perkins. I lived several years in his hometown of Jackson, TN and met him many times. Having those experiences, I was curious how this book would portray Mr. Perkins. After reading this book, I have more respect for Mr. Perkins. True, he wasn't perfect (who is?), but he had reason to be bitter about his career and his life, instead he never gave up. He pulled himself up after each setback and kept on striving. When you think about it, what would be the alternative? He was not only a great musician, but an active humanitarian. His work with children and their causes is nearly as impressive as his musical career, yet most people don't know of this. I went to Carl Perkins' funeral, and in the little city of Jackson, TN you would have thought time stood still. This book will give you the feeling of getting to know a true American success story . . .

What a story!! This should be a must read for all of us who get to feeling sorry for ourslves. Carl Perkins came from abject poverty,a racially discriminating South,was known as "white trash",wrote one of rock n rolls seminal tunes,was on the brink of superstardom,lost it all,became a sideman to another Sun records stablemate,delved into the pit of addiction,rose again,had alot of his early work recorded by a group known as the Beatles,played with the likes of Eric Clapton,loved performing with his own family,lived his life humbly,nursed somewhat of a grudge against Sam Phillips,Jerry Lee Lewis,and Elvis,made peace with himself,and left behind the legacy of a man who had seen the beast within and had conquered it.
This is a must read for anyone who has any interest in music,or for that matter,the sociology of the South during the late 1940's and 1950's. It is also ,quite simply,one of the most inspiring books that I've ever read,Thank You, Carl Perkins!

Great book. Great detail.A must for anyone who has seen the film. Gives you a 100% more info and detail.

Turning dense, non fiction material such as Nick Pileggi's 1985 best seller "Wiseguy," into a cohesive screenplay is no easy task, but Pileggi and the brilliant Martin Scorsese pulled it off beautifully in 1990 with the script for "Goodfellas"

"Goodfellas" remains America's penultimate crime film; the "Godfather" is Hollywood's version of what wiseguys are like; "Goodfellas" depicts them as how they really are.

This Faber paperback edition of the screenplay, with a foreward by David Thompson ("Scorsese on Scorses") reproduces all of the dialouge verbatim (including the scenes that were improvised on the set such as the famous "what's so funnny about me" sequence between Joe Pesci and Ray Liotta).

The book serves as both as written testamint to what great movie making is all about and as a primer for budding screenwriters.

As a bonus, there is a listing of all the music Scorcese used on the soundtrack (no small part of what made the movie a classic),including those selections that were unfortunately deleted from the commercial issue on Atlantic records).

As Joe Pesci's character might say--"this is one great -------book!"

Though Nicholas Pileggi's source book, Wise Guy, gave this screenplay both its voice-over and its final conclusion, the screenplay to GoodFellas is an essential addition to any screenplay library. If not for the fact that Pileggi and Martin Scorsese have pulled off the mammoth task of interpreting the detailed-packed, wide-scoped vision of the book into cinema-speak, then for the writing itself. GoodFellas is a screenplay that can be read as entertainment -- fast-paced, crisp, clear, and exciting. The published version of this script is mostly in master-scene form, giving only the most evocative details, beautifully paced. This is one of the crowning entries in Faber and Faber's superb screenplay series, ranking right up there along Paul Schrader's Taxi Driver and Odets/Lehmann's for Sweet Smell of Success. To any upstart screenwriter or serious student of film, this series is invaluable.

Sure, if you're not into the film "Goodfellas" that much or if you don't care for screenplays, then chances are that this would be rather worthless to you. Might as well find something else to buy, because this isn't going to do anything for you.

But, if you DO love the film and would like to read the screenplay, then this is just the thing for you. Written by Martin Scorsese and Nicholas Pileggi, "Goodfellas" is an amazing script that sucks you in right away.

Henry Hill has always wanted to be gangster, as he states in the very beginning of the film. This is his story of how he became one and everything he had witnessed and experienced. It's a tragic story of how good things always have to come to an end. It's also about how power and money can grab hold of your life until it's too late to turn back. A tale full of crime, murder, paranoia, and greed, "Goodfellas" is a trip down Mafia Lane that you will never forget. This is Mr. Hill's story.

The script is based on Nicholas Pileggi's novel, "Wise Guys," which is also based on a true story. The dialogue is sharp and very realistic and gives us a window into the lives of people in the Mafia. It is a very quick read, only about 130 pages. That's pretty short, considering that the movie was at least 2 and a half hours long. But, it's just dialogue, which is why it is very easy to read it quickly. I finished it in less than a day.

If you love the film "Goodfellas," and are interested in reading screenplays, then this is the perfect book for you. Here's your chance to relive some of your favorite moments, this time in writing. A very fine screenplay, it is.

Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" is, hands down, the best gangster film ever made. "The Godfather" created the mythical imagery of mob families that was forever buried by this gutty, bloody real life drama. Based upon the true story as told by the film's main character, Henry Hill, "Goodfellas is the best filmed example of the real life glamour and woekmanlike drudgery that goes with being a wiseguy. It is difficult to imagine a show like "The Sopranos," for example, had not "Goodfellas" reinvented the gangster film genre.

Ray Liotta is excellent as Henry, but the movie's real showcases are the performances of Joe Pesci and Robert DiNiro as his partners in crime. Pesci in particular gives a tour de force performance that is downright frightening. Other first rate performances come from Lorraine Bracco as Henry's Jewish wife and Paul Sorvino, whose performance as a real life Godfather could not be more different than Marlon Brando's.

This film is a must see for anyone who enjoys gangster movies. It also has to rank as THE best American movie of the 1990s.

If your any kind of fan of gunsmoke , you have to own this book !

How fun would it have been to have been on the set of this amazing show? This is a great book with a lot of interviews, anecdotes, and pictures. I wish more shows today had the quality of Gunsmoke...maybe I'd watch them more than the Gunsmoke reruns!

In "Gunsmoke: An American Institution Celebrating 50 Years of Television's Best Western", author Ben Costello has provided the legions of fans for America's most popular and long-running television western series with an exhaustive compendium showcasing and celebrating all twenty seasons (comprising a total of 635 episodes) of Matt Dillion and his many friends and foes. Profusely illustrated with literally hundreds of photos about what went on both in front and in back of the cameras, "Gunsmoke" covers the major cast members, as well as the producers, writers and directors, and features an especially insightful interviews with Dennis Weaver, Buck Taylor, and Burt Reynolds. There are even sections featuring Dean Martin Celebrity Roast Highlights; reminisces of distinctive guest stars; Gunsmoke memorabilia, the post-television series Gunsmoke films, and so very much more. Certain to be a popular addition to any community library American Popular Culture collection, "Gunsmoke" is a 'must read' for anyone who grew up with Matt Dillion, Miss Kitty, Doc, Chester, Festus, and all the other denizens of Dodge City and the Old West.

This book is a pleasure to read. The background stories and photos really enhance the episodes presently shown on TV Land cable channel. The volume is both informative and entertaining.

This about covers every aspect of that 20 year phenomenon "Gunsmoke"The personal insights from everyone associated with that show from the writers to all the great and soon to be great actors.As a die hard fan of this show I was incensed by some of the decisions made by a couple of producers who made I think,some very bad decisions based on personal feelings and insults made to some key actors.

But the bottom line is thats what a good book does.Gets the reader wrapped up in the story and triggers emotions of both good and bad.This book did all of that and if you are like me and still enjoy watching all the re-runs then you should buy this book and put it all in a wonderful perspective..

Now a note to all that stations that are airing these shows:Where are all the black and white episodes?

I am Hilary Duff's nomber one fan! I would do anything for her.
Here are reasons why I love her so much,
1. she is the most beautiful artist on the planit
2. she is the coolist person on the planet
3. sht is intelligent
that is why I love her so so so so so so much!!!!!!!!
from Hil;ary Duff's #1 fan Mariah Vassar

I am a HUGE Hilary fan and when I saw this book at a book fair, I had to get it!!! This book can answer a lot of things that you may want to know about Hilary. The day I got the book I sat down and probably re-read it 4 times. I just couldn't get enough of it. It is almost like a long magazine, and not like a chapter book or anything. That's why I re-read it. I'm telling you, if you are a Hilary Duff fan, GET THIS BOOK!!! IT'S WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!!!!

Get all the Hilary Duff information and facts you want with this awesome book! This book is a compilation of Hilary Duff information and over 50 beautiful, high-quality photos. This book is stuffed to the brim with quotes, secrets, facts, and interesting information that Hilary Duff fans will all want to get their hands on. It gives you a brief biography of Hilary Duff, including her early movies and her Lizzie McGuire fame, up to her Metamorphosis CD and singing career. Plus, the book even includes facts on Hilary's upcoming projects, such as her new movies, and her new project, Stuff by Hilary Duff, a girl's clothing/product line. Not only that, but you'll also get information on other Hilary Duff stuff such as a day in the life of Hilary (with cool facts like what her bedtime is!), her fashion style, boy rumors uncovered, and Hilary Duff on her friends, family, singing career, acting, and more. For all Hilary Duff fans out there, this is a wonderful addition to your collection of Hilary Duff stuff. Just make sure to watch out- this book is unauthorized, so some of the facts may be wrong. Other than that, it's a fabulous Hilary Duff book!

i love hilary duff she is sooo cool i have everything of her. if you are a true and comitted fan you need this book. it has a lot of info its a great book to raed any time any day any were!!!!

Super book, very informative, my daughter couldn't put it down. has alot of great pictures in it also great buy!

Great as usual, If you've bought the previous ones, there's no reason not to have this one. I you haven't, what are you waiting for?!

Excellent production. Seeing old movie clips is fun but I really hoped that WB would release twelve "Order of the Phoenix" photos instead.

The calendar was ordered by mistake. I actually wanted the day-by-day calendar. I didn't realize the error until it arrived in the mail. The customer service guy was very courteous and helpful. He showed me how to return that calendar so I could order a new one. Thank you...

I think this desk calendar is one of the best I have seen. There are so many pictures( one for each week). I love Harry Potter and been a fan since day one, so this calendar took my dedication to Harry Potter to the next level. I use this calendar for work to write down my times I am working. It has pretty big spaces to write stuff down. Maybe around 1-2 inches tall and maybe 6 inches across. I think this is a most have for those Harry Potter fans, like me, who need to keep organized.

This is the second calendar (I also bought the 2006) and I love it. My parents were even impressed with the quality of paper, that is used in the making of the calendar. Just wish they had included more pictures of Richard Harris as Professor Dumbledore.

Michael Synk, in this concept, has captured and organized what I have tried to do without being able to identify it myself. Now I have a tool through the book and his training materials (from seminar) to train my staff to meet the needs of our customers. I have young employees and they will 'get it'. I am excited to begin showing them how their jobs can be more profitable and more fun as well as giving them a tool they can use wherever their lives take them.

Buy this book!

This book is a prime example of the brilliance of keeping things simple. The steps that the book uses to create a strong bond between you a your customers work and work very well. Using these simple steps, I have greatly improved my relationship with my cutomers.

I would put this book on par with "How To Win Friends and Influence People" on how to change your business life.

This book is a creative way to teach people how to do what is the purpose of any business--to get and keep customers. We all want customers like Norm, and Michael Synk provides a very clear message on how to create that loyalty. In fact, we will be using the book for leadership development at FedEx because we love our customers just like Norm! The book provides some really practical tools for assessing customers' loyalty and value so that we can meet their needs better and move more customers into the Norm category. A quick and easy read that brings BIG value!

This book is a creative way to teach people how to do what is the purpose of any business--to get and keep customers. We all want customers like Norm, and Michael Synk provides a very clear message on how to create that loyalty. In fact, we will be using the book for leadership development at FedEx because we love our customers just like Norm! The book provides some really practical tools for assessing customers' loyalty and value so that we can meet their needs better and move more customers into the Norm category. A quick and easy read that brings BIG value!

The brilliance of this book is in the simple analogy Mike has used to anchor the fundamentals of customer relationship management. It makes the concepts memorable and real in a way that can connect with everyone in your organization, unlike most academic books on the subject. Grab a beer and enjoy!

Verne Harnish Founder of Gazelles, Inc. and Founder of Young Entrepreneurs' Organization

"How to Write a Screenplay" is a superb guide to the craft of cinematic storytelling and the process of rendering that story into the standard screenplay format. The book also includes detailed guidance on the pitch and development stages of the screenwriting process. Schwartz effectively delivers his lessons because "How to Write a Screenplay" seamlessly marries form and function. The book itself is in the form of a screenplay, and therefore serves as an ongoing example of the points it presents. This is an extremely effective pedagogical approach because the reader's attention is not divided between separate narrative text and examples, but fully engaged at any moment in an interesting story that illustrates its points in concrete terms.

In the introduction to his book, Schwartz states he has seen the quality of his screenwriting students' work dramatically improve after utilizing this approach; I have no doubt that this has been true for him, and will also apply to those who read his excellent book.

This is by far and away the best book I've read on screenwriting. It's really insightful, informative, and entertaining. I found myself laughing while learning! As others have noted, this clever little gem is a fast and fun read, a how-to book that is actually written in the form of a character and story-driven screenplay. Like a good movie, I kept turning the pages, wanting to "see" what would happen next. Before you get to the feature length screenplay (titled Screenwriting for the Hell of It!),it has a funny short script about pitching, and takes you by example through the steps of development. I can see why a great director like Wes Craven recommends it. Very cool!

The latest edition of HOW TO WRITE: A SCREENPLAY appears in its revised, expanded edition to add a chapter on 'The Pitch' and features a screenplay-like format which sets it apart from others on the market. Danny, the hero in this story, is hopelessly in love with a star who won't date him until he proves he can write an outstanding screenplay for her. Learn the basics of writing and marketing a screenplay through a format that lends to lively insights: perfect for any public library or school collection catering to aspiring screenwriters.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

The addition of a section on "pitching" in Mr. Schwartz' Second Edition is the icing on the cake of his excellent guide to screenwriting. Having worked inside the studio system for several decades as a story analyst, development executive, and producer, I've seen many cases where a screenwriter had a good story and/or script but failed to sell it because he/she blew the "pitch." As he did with screenwriting in the First Edition, Mr. Schwartz provides the keys to successful "pitching" in his user-friendly format: keep it simple, clear and entertaining. I will continue to recommend Mr. Schwartz' book to writers, producers and development execs as a very useful tool in developing, and NOW in selling screenplays.

In summary, like a good movie, this is highly entertaining and educational!
There, now that that is out of the way, let me say I was initially skeptical about this book and its overwhelmingly good reviews. The reason is a character flaw (I think): I don't trust positivity.

However, it wasn't too expensive and Amazon would ship it to me in record time so I thought, what the heck and ordered it. It's a small book, and I was expecting it to be. After all, it's in the format of a screenplay and those shouldn't be more than 120 pages or so, right?

On starting to read, straightaway, I was hooked. The story used is a bit corny, but--I couldn't believe it!--I wanted to know more: what did Virgil want? Who was the stranger in Bebe's apartment? Does Danny finish the screenplay? And right along with all that, I was actually learning about structure, character, theme, dialog and exposition; all in a way I never would have thought possible.

And at a speed I never thought possible either! I was learning how to write a screenplay and how to make it interesting and watchable, without the impediment of translating jargon and quasi-indecipherable jibber jabber. I blew through it in less than two hours and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. One of my highest recommendations and kudos to the author for finding a pleasant, funny, and incredibly insightful way of transferring knowledge.

really good book. no matter who you are, it will keep you turning pages

wonderful. inspiring. positive thinking.
one of my favorites.
a treasure.

I totally enjoyed this book. Kathy is an inspiration and I wish her nothing but continued success in the future. The book is hard to believe in some points - that so many bad things can happen to one person. It is amazing to see the metamorphasis Kathy goes through in her life and how the total of all of her life's experiences both good and bad have shaped who she is today. She's triumphant!

Kathy's severe hearing loss lead to an early diagnosis of mental retardation: she was also molested, run over, and stricken with cancer all before the age of thirty but she never lost her sense of humor. If You Could See What I Hear provides her life story and how she kept this sense of humor through the darkest of days. A powerful memoir and personal account of hope.

This poignant and beautifully written tale is both inspiring and hysterically funny! An easy read, but brilliantly written, it ties the reader to the book. Without pity, Kathy portrays herself and shows her life through wit and humor that can bring a tear to your eye without making you feel sorry for her. Instead it helps you see your life in better perspective and inspires the reader to attain higher goals. Excellent read.

I found this book very helpful in sorting out all of the fragmented information I had about the effect of television on children. It was a quick read, and her writing style was engaging.

"Into the Minds of Babes" reinforced some of the choices I already am making about my daughter's TV time (Dragontales, Blue's Clues), and made me rethink others (Shrek, Finding Nemo). It helped me to see the television from a kid's point of view and think about what messages my daughter is receiving from the shows she watches. It also reinforced what I already thought about the bad effects of "background TV".

I walked away from reading this book better informed and armed with a great deal of useful information for making good viewing choices in the future. I would recommend it to any parent or caregiver.

Guernsey does an excellent job of summarizing the current research out there and providing real-world, commonsense solutions that parents can apply.

This book was first of all interesting and I read it cover to cover in spite of being exhausted (I have 3 small kids). I always felt guilty letting my children watch television, but this book had a wealth of information explaining that its not black and white. Now I'm very careful what I let my daughters watch but less anxious about how much they watch as long as they do not forgo playing outside when the opportunity arises. The best part of this book was the description on the lack of evidence on the connection between ADHD and television viewing. It eased my mind that I'm not destroying their future by letting them watch Dora or Dragontales and in fact may be even helping them educationally and socially. I also was struck by the lack of effect television has on pre-6 month olds. The book made me examine critically what media in general my children are ready for. Is my daughter really ready for computer games?

I obviously loved this book and I bought this book for my sons teacher as a gift since she has a new baby.

I read this book quickly because I couldn't put it down. The research and thought that went into this book are tremendous. It is well organized and unbiased. Maybe the title for this post should be "if you want to tell others how bad TV is, read this book first". The research shows that parents need to parent their kids and take responsibility for kids and their own actions. Yes, some TV is bad, but you wouldn't let your kid listen to Howard on the radio would you? Yes, some TV is good - I won't go into details but given your parental intelligence you know what choices are correct. What Ms. Guernsey does though is break down shows and types of shows for specific age groups and she provides some enlightening insights on how some shows were developed. I recommend anyone who is a parent or works in the children's world read this book.

Into the Minds of Babes is a highly readable book that impresses with its lack of judgement (on a very controversial topic!) and clear information. Guernsey is able to take complicated research studies and break them down in a straightforward presentation of the facts. The author also does a great job of giving information that helps make good choices about tv without being preachy. I highly recommend this book for parents, educators, and all those involved with young children.

I've read everything that I could on Jackie Wilson.the Man was something else in His Prime but sadly hasn't gotten His Full Due as a Artist to me overall.The Man knew how to Rock a Stage&was in Groove.but there was the Business which was Controled then as it is now by Payola&Scandal&at the End of the Day the Artist that has brought so Much Joy to so many People is the last Person Paid&Respected.this Book Explores many Aspects of His Career&Life.Ups&downs.it's a Great Inside Reflection of the Business.Much Props to Tony Douglas.RIP Jackie Wilson.

Mr. Excitement was really exciting!! Very good book

Singer Jackie Wilson was one of the finest singing talents of the century, but he suffered from chronic addictions and his career was controlled by the Mob. This biography of his life, work and achievements chronicles the accomplishments of a man who was buried in a paupers grave, yet at his peak achieved 24 top 40 hits in the U.S. An involving coverage of a talented yet tormented performer.

This book is unique. I've read books about Jackie LeRoy Wilson but this book by far is the best i've read. It cuts right to the chase and gives you information that's clear and not a run around. Also, gives you some pictures of Jackie that are in color. I recommend this book.

Tony Douglas' book, "Jackie Wilson:The Man, The Music, The Mob," far surpasses Mr. Douglas' talents. Mr. Douglas' book, "Jackie Wilson: Lonely Teardrops," was fantastic and now Mr. Douglas comes back with an even greater book. For the people who never knew Jackie they can now educate themselves on this exceptional man and find out why Jackie was, "Mr. Excitement." Mr. Douglas did years of research and has covered a lot of ground work. He has talked to the people that knew Jackie and loved him. This is an exceptional book taken from the heart of one man.

Mr. Douglas went a step further he spoke with one of the bravest woman of Jackie's life, Freda Wilson, Jackie's wife of 13 years. She sacrificed it all for Jackie to be a star. Jackie was the greatest R & B artist that ever lived and if he had survived he would have blown everyone away with his astonishing talent and charisma. He was the one and only, "Mr. Excitement."