Television Books

This book is as beautiful as the background watercolors of the original movie The book takes a personal look at the stories behind the movie. Not necessarily linear in presentation, the chapters are broken into narrations by different creators of the film and either how they came to be involved or how they added to the film. The art that is scattered throughout each chapter is often beautiful.

I personally have two favorite images from the film, one a watercolor of a drainage in Hawaii, overgrown with native plants and the second is drawings of how the alien creature, experiment 626, would work showing his skeleton and structure.

This book is listed as for ages 4-8, total mistake. this is not a kids book but would be appropriate for early teens through adult. It is an excellent book for those interested in animation, or as myself, a fan of Lilo and Stitch.

I could not put this book down...I read it all in one sitting. If you're a fan of the movie this is the book for you...strong recommended!

this is a must have for any fan of the "art of" series books. it is as beautiful as the movie itself. it is splashed with all the beautiful rough drawings and amazing watercolor paintings that take your breath away. i wouldnt have asked for any more!!!!!!!!

A charming, lovely book, a great compliment to the movie, and the perfect gift for any fan of Lilo & Stitch. If you count this gem among your favorite films (as I do), this book is a must-have for you, as it's filled with gorgeous sketches and watercolors, showcasing the development of the characters and setting. (I'm gushing, yes, but I can't help it.) And it's filled with little stories from all the key members who worked behind the scenes, reminding you of how very human animated films are. Personally, I think this is the best of the Disney "Art of..." books, but I'm biased, as Lilo & Stitch is my favorite Disney film. It's not hardcover, but it hardly matters. The book is unique, just like the film.

"Lilo and Stitch" was the perfect summer family film. Lighthearted and heart warming, it contained all the elements of the best Disney has to offer. The great thing about this film is that it did this without all the fanfare and majesty that, as of recently, has been dragging down the Disney films. This pseudo-making-of book offers the same unpretentious vision. As most fans of Disney animation know, this type of book is released for every feature. While quite a few have been really nicely done, most have been bogged down in the technical aspects of animation. While it is an awe-inspiring and often misunderstood process, hearing and re-hearing about the animation process gets a bit stale. These publications began to feel like the same book with different pictures. Thank goodness the creators of this book have taken a refreshingly different approach to telling the story behind the story of Lilo and Stitch. Personal accounts and artistic insights prove to be just as entertaining and engaging as the sketches and watercolors that fill this slim addition to the Disney Making Of Library. Like the film, the book doesn't feel the need to show off the technical merrits of the production. Too often authors of animation books come across defensive about the medium, forcing comparrisons with other more respected mediums (film, fine art, literature) as if there is a need to defend animation. In a way they are preaching to the choir. Most people who purchase these books already respect the process, the amazing artists, and the mountains of work that goes into each production. Lilo and Stitch the book finally offers some insight into the creative minds and, more importantly, hearts of the creative forces behind the magic. Let's just hope that Disney, particularly their Florida unit, continues to produce animated features with this simple charm and storytelling. With more films and books like Lilo and Stitch it would make it easier to overlook the occasional "Atlantis" or "Treasure Planet".

If you are learning to play drums (or play drums already) and are a big metallica fan, then you should play like Lars himself. And this is a great way for you to learn his drumming. And as many Metallica fans know this is one there best CDs so learn to play your favorite songs and have fun. I really recommend this book to any Metallica fan who wants to play the drums like Lars.

If you love Metallica this is one of the best books you can get. Unless you're simply amazing you're going to need this to learn all the solos.

Again, like the Master of Puppets and Kill'em All folios, the notations are fairly accurate and there aren't any noticeably major errors in this book. Note position choice is sometimes a little odd, but the notes are correct. This is an excellent book to learn a lot of the early Metallica guitar techniques, as long as you down-pick most of the rhythm parts (Creeping Death won't sound the same without it).

I got this because I really wanted to learn the songs on Ride the Lightning that I couldn't figure out myself and the solos as well; I was surprised by how accurate the tab was for the main body of each song and on Kirk's main parts. However, there are a few problems with this book. First, for a lot of the solos you are expected to play up on the 20th fret even if you're not on one of the top two strings; this is a problem for me because I only have an acoustic guitar, I can play it fine on my friend's electric. Also, the fingerings are harder than they ought to be in places of "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Fade to Black", and a few other songs. Last, this book is not for the average guitar player. It takes a lot of skill and speed-picking to nail those solos, all of which I haven't gotten quite yet. However, overall I definetely recommend this tab book because Metallica kicks ass!

The Ride tab book is definitely a must-buy for not only the avid Metallica muso-fan, but for those wishing to upskill themselves in various guitar techniques.

The solos are an absolute note-by-note transcription and each riff is intricately tabbed to include even the most subtle of variations.

Includes a very well-written introduction, outlining some very important and helpful tips to assist you in your mastery of one of Metllica's finest albums.

In a one-line verdict: A definite must-have, even as a collector's item!

Regardless of the fact that I just love Howlin' Wolf and his music, this is one of the most well written and interesting biographies I have ever read. What I like most about it is that in addition to getting the story of his life, you also get a lot of the history of what was going on at that point in time and around Howlin' Wolf and the Chicago blues scene. It is very well researched. This is more than a biography, it is a major history of the blues. It's "must reading" for any serious blues fan or musicologist.

Seeing this book was one of the reasons I set about the task of writing Revelation Blind Willie Johnson The Biography in an attempt to emulate this great tribute to a great man, this is surely the definitive work on the life of Howlin' Wolf, a must read to anyone interested in the man and his music!
Revelation Blind Willie Johnson The Biography.

Interesting. Provides an insight into the character of Chester Burnett, especially enjoyable since less seems to be known about him than other bluesmen.

This book is without doubt, an excellent, well-researched and detailed account of the life of Howlin' Wolf. The life of the blues pioneer was one of hardship, sadness, and overcoming adversity, and the authors do a good job of conveying what the Wolf dealt with.

From his hardscrabble upbringing, an abusive and hypocritical father, and mother lost in psychological and religious madness, and just obstacle after obstacle, the Wolf endured, but sometimes I feel never achieved the full happiness he wanted. There's no doubt he loved his family, cared for his bandmates and did his best, but you could tell the sadness that the blues often heals might not have been enough.

There's a good examination here of Wolf's music, his influences and how he managed a signature sound as well as a performance style that blew nearly all the others away. All the same, Wolf was very protective of that sound, demanding of his mates and making sure they did it the way he wanted it done. Sometimes he was overbearing and arrogant, as witnessed by the defection of Hubert Sumlin to the Muddy Waters band. But Hubert later did return, and many would come in and out over the years.

The rift between Waters and Wolf is noted here; was there ever really one, beyond the professional rivalry? It does appear that Wolf saw Waters as a company man, in terms of his relationship with the Chess brothers. Wolf was very careful about his money, making sure the brothers paid him what he was due, while Waters was content to allow the brothers to get him a new car or a home now and then, perhaps a bit too trustful.

But in the end, it does seem they cared about each other and made up any differences near the end of their lives.

I do think there's a certain God-worship by the authors of Wolf. Too much in some places I think, where a writer makes the subject the greatest thing ever, and all others are chaff. Just the same, this is a sometimes funny, often sad look at a great musician, writer and performer, who influenced those who followed, such as the Rolling Stones.

When I hear "Smokestack Lightning" now, I don't hear it quite the way I once did. It has a more sorrowful quality now than ever. RIP, Wolf...you deserve it.

Two years ago, I reviewed Howlin' Wolf: The Chess Box in this very hallowed cyberspace, wonderin' aloud (as Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull would have it) when in the world would someone please write the definitive bio of Wolf and his massive (reportedly 6' 3" and 300 pounds) persona? Well, folks, wonder no longer. Within the past year, James Segrest and Mark Hoffman have written said biography. In fact, I first purchased and eagerly devoured this tome a year ago; it was only upon rereading it that I decided it was time for review. Sam Phillips once reportedly said that Wolf was the greatest talent he had ever discovered. (For perspective, remember that Mr Phillips helped discover such "nobodies" as Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the King himself, Mr. Elvis Presley. To say that Wolf was his greatest discovery was quite a statement, doncher know.) We see the early Wolf, cast out by his own mother because his music was "too sinful", and beaten repeatedly by his father, drive a plow on a Mississippi plantatation, until one day, (reads like a fairy tale, don't it?) first Charlie Patton, then Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) come along to teach Chester Arthur Burnett the rudiments of guitar and harp, respectively. We see Wolf through the glory years of Chess, making his classic records, and giving his incredible performances (including reportedly sliding down the length of a fire curtain when he was 57 YEARS OLD, no less!), through the good and bad times with his multitalented bandmates (including a VERY young James Cotton and Hubert Sumlin, his nonpareli guitarist), through the unbelievable records (some of which were originals; others, such as "Sittin' On Top of the World", "Pony Blues" and "Built for Comfort", he received from artists like Charlie Patton and Willie Dixon); and finally, through the later, sick years (when he recorded London Howlin' Wolf Sessions, six years before his death, he was reportedly so ill, he could only complete one song per day). Hoffman and Segrest's excellent prose leaves you spellbound and wishing you could rush right out and purchase some of his music. TA DAAA!!!! The wait is over. When you are done reading this review, why not just do another search and pull up Howlin' Wolf: The Chess Box and send yourself 71 of the Howlin'est, Wolfingest tunes as an early Christmas present???? WHY NOT????? So don't delay, order both Moanin' at Midnight: The Life and Times of Howlin' Wolf and Howlin' Wolf: The Chess Box today, even as we speak. Trust me it's the kind of music (and writing) that will put hair on your chest and make you want to howl all night long!!!!!

I gave this cookbook to someone as a gift. The recipient loves Northern Exposure. I browsed through it and found the recipes to be very unique. I thought this could be a gift for someone who loves to cook, not just someone who loves Northern Exposure.

This is such a great addition to any Northern Exposure fan's collection, and the recipes are actually pretty good, to boot. The cook book is written "in character" and each person introduces their recipes and tells humerous little anecdotes to go with.

Lots of fun to read even when you aren't planning to cook anything!

I must say, I bought this because I thought it seemed like a fun gimmick and I liked the show, but the recipes are outstanding. I grew up in test kitchens and I can say that the lamb stew is the best I've ever had-- great borscht, too. Lightfeather Duncan's mashed potatoes are the hit of Thanksgiving... but heed their warning about not using the red horseradish, as pink potatoes clash with holiday decor. Eggs Florentine recipe is also noteworthy; love the pungency of the gruyere.

If you loved the show, this is a must. Allegedly written by Ruth-Anne Miller, Cicely's sage and owner of the general store, the book contains wry observations on the folks and life in Cicely, memories of the show and the food served and discussed on it. Surprisingly, the recipes are good - very good ... at least the ones I'd tried. I'm especially fond of the eggplant parmegian recipe. Guess I'll have to take better care of the book now that it's collectible!!

This cookbook is so much fun and a must for any northern exposure fan. All the recipes you heard mentioned from Adam and the zabaglione he whipped up for Eve on their first date to the Cassoulet Chris had at the monastery. It has a little intro to each recipe done in character by the character. There are simple funny recipes like Joel's Jell-O and Marilynn's potatoes and more detailed ones like Adam's and Maurice's. A fun read and walk down memory lane for any northern exposure fan.

any thing by pink floyd gets 5 stars, an A+, and ten on ten. an absolute must for anyone who wants to know what music looks like.

I recommend this book to all P.F. lovers, I collect all of there stuff from books, dvd's, cd's and whatever else is available, this book tells of all whose been involved with P.F. since they've been around, real interesting. Shine On!!

At first I thought I wouldn't like it because it was definitely an encyclopia and I was expecting more of a book (regardless of its name) but the more I delved into it, the more I appreciated it. I bought another Pink Floyd book at the same time so it helped as a reference to that, too. My only complaint is how small the print is. Again I understand it is an encyclopia and know it would be thicker or bigger but think it would be worth it to have larger print. But it is very interesting to the Floyd fanatic like me. It has a lot more information than I expected.

This book is great. Things I never new before. Try it, you won't be dissapointed

This is THE most detailed and expansive resource for Pink Floyd info. That said, it's a true encyclopedia. Don't buy it expecting to read through it, because although its really cool to know specifically what guitar David played in WYWH, you'll find yourself skipping over the page to the next section.

Recommended.

Another fantastic book from Focal Press. This book by Jason J. Tomaric is a fantastic resource guide, covering all aspects of filmmaking from start to finish. Well written, and a DVD loaded with extras! Don't make an independent movie without it! Highly recommended!

Newer thought that I would be considering working on a feature film, but reading and viewing Jason great material just gave me the feeling that I also could do it.

Books like this promise a lot but I have to say that Jason has done an excellent job of condensing the complex task of movie making into concise and accurate descriptions of each discipline. I've experienced quite a bit in the film business over 30 years and time and again as I read this book I kept saying "Oh yes, that's true." It is also a great reference for those noodly details one needs from time to time like proper script format. There is no need to hunt through your library for the answer, script format is right here on page 27. The other good thing about Jason's breakdown is the responsibility associated with film making regarding money,permissions, safety and insurance. I cringe when I think back on how we made 16mm indie films back in the 70s. In some cases we were lucky to be alive afterward much less sued! The Power Filmmaking Kit is terrific primer for those who wish to make a movie in the classic tradition for very little money.

Mark Sawicki
Motion Picture Effects Cameraman/Actor and Author.

I was so frustrated with the lack of practical filmmaking instruction that I took two years out of my life to write and illustrate "The Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide", so I speak from the heart when I say that Jason Tomaric's "Power Filmmaking Kit" is a rare wonder of practicality, conciseness, and valuable filmmaking wisdom.

There are two ways you learn the things in a solid practical film book like this:

1) the hard way- by doing it and learning from your mistakes (fine if you've got the time and the money) or

2) by being smart enough to study and learn from a book like this how to stretch your time and money and get better results.

After fifteen years in this business, I still found plenty of valuable tidbits, forms, and practical wisdom in Jason's book and the jam-packed DVD lessons to make it more than worth the cover price. I only wish I had access to a book like this back in my film school days.

Yet another big shot in the DV Revolution. Well done, Jason.

Author Jason Tomaric has written, directed and distributed several minor independent features which is a laudable feat. Yet, Tomaric has surprisingly little to say about the filmmaking process. Sure, there's a lot of information here, but nothing you couldn't get anywhere else. Even the skimpy material on his own productions generally amounts to one thought--"Need something for free? Just ask!" What makes similar books like the Complete Guide to Low-Budget filmmaking (Josh Becker) or Make Your Own Damn Movie! (Lloyd Kaufman) interesting is the authors' willingness to share their personal views and stories of their triumphs and failures. Other books like The DV Rebel's Guide (Stu Maschwitz) and Digital Filmmaking (Mike Figgis) are authored by highly-regarded professionals who describe how low-budget technology potentially transforms mainstream filmmaking processes. Tomaric, on the other hand, opts for an encyclopedic "wide as an ocean but shallow as a water basin" approach. The result is a paint-by-numbers text that reads less like a book and more like a reasonably executed career move.

Entering into the lucid and enthralling world of Lauren Lawrence is a magical journey into the hearts, minds and imaginations of the most fascinating and acclaimed people of our time. More significantly, it is a powerful mirror to our common experience of self-discovery and a guidebook for the adventure of life we all share. I simply cannot say enough great things about this profound book; Private Dreams of Public People is in a class by itself.

What particularly impressed me is how Lawrence gets right down to business answering some of the deepest, soul searching questions I'd had for years concerning dreams but didn't know whom to ask. She creates a tapestry based on her wealth of experience in the often puzzling and baffling inner world that dreamers visit when they are asleep.

In her own inimitable way Lawrence employs images, thoughts and emotions to help guide individuals to becoming fuller and more complete. I was totally captivated by her interpretations of the most personal dreams of people like Paul McCartney, Sophia Loren, Gore Vidal, Luciano Pavarotti, Madonna and a host of other luminaries we only know from their external presentations. The intimacy was so great I felt almost like an intruder in their innermost beings.



Larry Geller, author of "Leaves of Elvis' Garden"

Lawrence shows us the interior life of stars. This is a first. Usually stars hide behind personnas. Lawrence lifts these veils and gets at the inner core of the stars dream lives. Particularly liked Paris Hilton before she became Paris Hilton.

I was amazed at how well this book was put together. I loved the analysis on the different people. You learn so much from this book, like information you could never find out. When you buy this book you will rate this book 5 stars just like me, because you we'll see how good it was.

Reading the various dream iterpretations that Lauren Lawrence writes about introduced me to an entirely new level of personal understanding. While I enjoyed reading the dreams of "celebrities", what I really found enlightening is how I was able to relate to some of the fears, desires and hopes expressed by these dreams. Some of my dreams have been very similar to those she has written about. In addition to finding the interpretations interesting, I was able to learn about myself and see the similarites between us all. I really enjoyed this book.

Who would have thought Paris Hilton was sensitive enough to dream? This is the beauty of the book. It is filled with the dreams of celebrities from Madonna to Sophia Loren to Kurt Vonnegut, and yes, Paris Hilton! While the interpretations are terse and insightful it seems Lawrence is softer on the celebs than she is on stock traders in her column in Trader Monthly. She kills them ... but always with humor. All in all the book is a must read.

These people are amazing. I have never heard such incredible music in my life. I listen to their music for hours everyday. Their concert performances are astonishing, even those who are not fans (yet) listen and watch in awe. When Till Lindemann sings, I become so mezmerized, and added to this powerful voice is the beautiful music played by the five talents, creating a melody wonderful enough to make a person high. The book is a way to get a glimpse into the lives of these masterminds.

Even though I expected more text on this book, I think it's really good, some of the pictures are masterpieces, especially the ones in black and white. I recommend it to all Rammstein fans. It's well worth.

Im not much a reader, exept for the master mind of horror,
Stephen King and his brilliantly written work. When my book finally came in, I was so filled with joy that I went in my room and started reading the wonderful book which Rammstein graced the cover of. There was wonderful pictures and they six german master-minds of teutonic shock-rock are quit interesting to read about. I must admit, no other band has ever brought me the thrill of being a obssesive fan like Rammstein has. Those 160 pages filled with the deranged Berlin natives are the best 160 pages I read since the hilarious, Gertrude Besserwisser's "Sheisse!". If your a Rammstein fan like me, get Rammsteins book because as long as you have to wait for it to arrive, you'll be ten times as happier to get the honor to hold it in your hands and read it over and over and over . . .
Plus you get to see pics. of the wonderfull mad-men, Till,Christpoh,Flake,Oliver,Paul and not to forget the wonderful,
Richard Kruspe. These guys are great. Yeah, I know that my review makes me look like a Rammstein lovin' ..., but I urge you to buy it as soon as you can, like RIGHT NOW!!!!!

But thats besides the point.

Boy, did I ever love reading through this truly excellent compilation of common promotional and rare personal photographs in this well-worth-the-50 Deutschmarks book about the greatest German rock group of the modern, or any age, in my opinion. But hey, no offense to the Scorpions, or even Kraftwerk, it's just that Rammstein is definetly my favorite. Being of German heritage, I greatly appreciate the material included. There are many great-looking photos, ranging from on the set of their videos, to live in concert, to them on Holiday in Greece and Mexico. But that's not all. From each member of the group (except for Oliver the bassist, for some odd reason) there are personal recollections. What detail, and what exiting lives these guys have led! They speak about meeting, recording, performing live, and sometimes their personal lives as well (i.e. wives and children). And I love it! Back to being part-German, yes, that's just where I was to buy this item, last December, in Heillbronn. Right in the middle of the Weinachsfest und Markt (Christmas festival and market), boy, was that ever a fun time! Anyway, I really enjoy this book. Herzeleid, Sehnsucht, and Mutter are masterpieces of rock music, and man, these guys put on a hell of an action-packed show! But only from what I've read and seen in this book and on the Live Aus Berlin DVD, unfortunatly, I've never actually attended a live show. But that doesn't mean I still can't! I hope to do so one day, yes, indeed! Bottom line here, get this book! The Six Teutonic Titans of Metal will be in your gratitude. Auf Wiedersehen, jetzt, meine Damen und Herren!!!!

When i got this book... ooh, was i excited! this is extremely wonderful and gave me a better insight to how RAMMSTEIN works. Schneider's writing in this is a bit silly and has no real subject (what an awesome guy), but at least it's better than Olli.. who wrote nothing at ALL! LOL. Richard and Paul's descriptions are very interesting about the early days (petrol floor.. haha), and Till and Flake... well, they're just themselves...with sexy results! The pictures are great. i was gazing at one of them in south america so long that i noticed- Paul and i wear the same boots! Such sexy results have we! GET THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!...

If you're a fan of Heath Ledger(or have seen the TV series) you'll know basically what this book is all about. I've always believed that a movie can never capture the magic of a good book, and this is a good example of just that. Through reading this masterpice by Sean Kiernan, you become much more aquainted with the characters and their feelings,and are given much more information of the relationship between Conor and Claire(how they first met, etc). Well worth reading.

I have never seen the show ROAR, but the book was awesome! Sean Kiernan is now one of my favorite authors, and I can't wait to read the sequel. It was great literature, very descriptive. I couldn't put it down. It had a different sort of plot, but very interesting. I recommend it! Great book!

I've been a fan of the series since it first aired and was extremely disappointed when Fox cancelled it without airing the last 5 episodes. I then heard about the books coming out, but could not get my hands on them till now. I finished Roar yesterday and all I can is wow! I love that they included the story behind the story with Gar as a young man and Conor not even born yet. I also liked the allusions that were made about Catlin's father. Overall I thought this book ran true to form and I'm glad that nothing was cut out that was in the pilot episode.

the Roar book was great because it gives you all the background for the show in great detail. (even if it is a little late for that) i loved the show and was upset when it went off the air in '97. this book was like a breath of fresh air to my stifling passion for Roar. i thoroughly enjoyed it and will read it again and fully intend to read the sequel. A must for any Roarior!

I had watched the T.V. show befor I read this book ( and before the show was canceled) and had thought it was great. As soon as I read Roar I thought it was great. The characters in the book were a great match for each other. If you like fantsy and Scifi, you'll love this book. And the sequal is really, really good to. It is almost better! (Sorry if there is any spelling mistakes!)

I'm a big GH fan and have watched since I was a child with my babysitter. I was a teenager when Robin and Stone's story was playing out and I loved it so much I bought Robin's Diary to relive it whenever I wanted to. These days soaps are more about violence and shockers than love and it's great to take it out and remember how it used to be.

You don't need to watch General Hospital to read this book and it to make sense. It's a great tale of young love.

Although based on a storyline from the popular soap opera General Hospital, this is actually a Romeo and Juliet type story teens can relate to. I read this for the first time as a teenager and still love it as an adult. This story looks at how two people on the verge of adulthood have to learn to live when one is HIV + and how that affects everyone in this young man's life, most notably his girlfriend Robin. Robin's courage thoughout is an inspiration.

This is my favorite book. The story covers a major crush, first love, a first time and a tragic death. I am the biggest fan of Robin and Stone around, and each time I read this book I still cry at the end. Robin and Stone will always be in my heart.

This book has everything you love in a story: friendship, love, drama, vunerabilty, complexity. I could go on and on. This story was truely the best I have ever read. I watched Robin and Stone on t.v when I was younger, but now that I have the book I appriciate it even more. I cried and cried at the end. Love to Robin and Stone forever. Thank you for this wonderful story General Hospital.

i have read and enjoyed this book many many times. I am also a huge fan of both Stone and Robin. I just have one problem with it. (not the book) i can't seem to find anything on the actor who played Stone, and i am not able to find him real name either. If anyone can help me please let me know. My email is mrs_green_thumbs@yahoo.com.i will be looking forward to more books like these.