Television Books

I got this book through the library. I thought it would be a very quick read, but I was pleasantly surprised. I remember Howdy Doody as a kid, but forget the exact years when I watched it. When HD first came on the air in NY television was in its infancy and added affililates as the years progressed. HD's demise was ultimately due to the Mickey Mouse show.

To read about the characters protrayed in the show was very interesting especially Buffalo Bob, Clarabell, and Princess Summerfall Winterspring. The author had a crush on the Princess. The Princess wasn't a choir girl by any means and had a mouth that would make a sailor blush. I vaguely remember the Princess and was of course way too young to appreciate her aesthetic values. She died at just 23 three days after completing the movie Jailhouse Rock with Elvis.

It was interesting to read about the Buffalo (as the author calls him). He was quite talented. The Buffalo had a severe heart attack at age 36 due to the stress of working three shows. He was most probably an alcoholic, as he owned a liquor store in Winchester County after he retired from the show. Later in his post Doody years the Buffalo split time between the sticks in upstate Maine near New Brunswick and Ft. Lauderdale, where he owned an apartment building.

If you watched the show as a kid, it is well worth your time to read the book.

I would suggest anyone that watched the Howdy Doody show on tv purchase this book. The book brought back fond memories of the times of watching the show on particular saturday mornings. Couldn't put down the book once opened it up. It held my interest that I read the book completely through the first night.

It's THE definitive, honest look at the operation. A thorough trip through the show's run and the personalities involved. My only criticism, which pales in insignifcance, is that I would have liked a lot more photos.

One even less important event the author missed was the day the Princess Summerfallwinterspring puppet changed *poof* into a real person and was introduced to the whole Doodyville cast, including the cameramen.

Buffalo Bob had that rare ability to look through the camera, past the picture tube and right into your eyes. When I buy toothpaste, it's still Colgate. I think that ability comes through in this book.

I'm still ticked off that the Buffalo backtimed the show so well that we didn't know until Monday what he unveiled in front of the Peanut Gallery on Friday: There was a new circus. I complained to my mother about that and I'm still right. But in my later years as a broadcaster, I still marvel at how he timed it out right to the second. Bob Keeshan makes reference to that ability near the back of the book.

Fun, factual and no-holds-barred. Not only does this book trace the history, creation, long run and bittersweet ending of the Howdy Doody Show but it goes into behind the scenes politics, personality problems, and sometimes adult-oriented rehearsals. There are lots of valentine-like books about this wonderful baby-boomer show (which still is FUNNY on videotape if you can get the right episodes!). But those usually gloss over the time the show fired most of its cast, the frustrations of some cast members, and the extent to which the show became a corporate money-machine for NBC. In the end it's demise had little to do with ratings or show quality but production costs. If you liked Howdy Doody, are interested in the show from a nostalgic standpoint, a show biz standpoint, a puppetry standpoint, or are simply interested in solid show biz history this is a CRUCIAL book since you won't find a lot of this info elswhere. Yes, it's lovingly written in parts...but it doesn't cover the warts. And it's a GREAT read!

Everything you ever wanted to know about the back stage activities of the Howdy Doody show.

Well written, entertaining and authoritative. This book is a MUST if you want to know about the program.

If you are like my self, when you were a kid in the 70's, you could not wait to get out of bed on Saturday mornings to watch tv. Mixed in with all those great tv shows were the School House Rock segments. As a kid I loved them, and now as an adult, I still love them, and always will. Buy the Official Guide To School House Rock. Read it, and take a trip back in time when everything was right with the world. You were a kid, enjoying classic tv, and learning your multiplication tables, and how bills became laws, and what adjectives and verbs were. School House Rock is classic tv at its best....

There is no Tom Yoke, only the great Tom Yohe, associated with Schoolhouse Rock!

If you grew up in the 70's and 80's and were anywhere near Saturday morning cartoons, then you know Schoolhouse Rock. Many of us learned our times tables because of them. I can remember at least twice when the catchy songs about American History were caught in my head and helped me answer test questions. The lyrics may have been replaced by other facts, but I'm sure that the songs are stuck in your head somewhere. This book is a great companion to bring so much of it back with lyrics, pictures and trivia about all the episodes. It will bridge things until the DVD is released. All in all a ton of fun. Pull out the book, sing along and relive those cereal laden mornings in front of the TV. Oh yea!

I rate this book 5 stars. The title of my review is School House Rock: The Official Guide by Tom Yohe and George Newall. I like this book because it is a great book and I like School House Rock and it's still my favorite show. This book is great. I like this book because it reminds me of School House Rock.

Schoolhouse Rock: The Offical Guide is fab! Filled with trivia, synopsis, lyrics, facts, color illustrations and behind-the-scene anecdotes from one of the most innovative and successful cartoons in American television history. A must-have for educators, parents and fans of this long-running and revived series of educational short subject cartoons. And don't forget:...."So when you're happy (Hurray!) or sad (Aw!) or frightened (Eeek!) or mad (Rats!) or excited (Wow!) or glad (Hey!) an intejection starts a sentence right!

This book represents the pinnacle in terms of a blend of behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes combined with basic reference data. The multitude of interviews that went into the text give the material a depth that the more common coverage of sci-fi shows rarely attains. Like other books by McFarland, it's pricey, but I can think of none that give the reader better value for their dollar.

What makes this guide especially fascinating are the numerous candid in-depth interviews with the producers and writers of these shows, giving much insight into the creative process and the trials and tribulations of creating innovative television shows. There are countless behind-the-scenes anecdotes that have, I am sure, never seen print before. I thought I knew a lot about certain shows, but this book contained info that was new to me; and even reading the articles about shows I never watched (and the entries on each show are long and detailed) I could scarcely put the book down. This book serves as a reference, but it is more than that; it has a wealth of fascinating insights into the television industry itself.

From my own column (ex of Mania Magazine), Andy Mangels' Hollywood Heroes:

If you're a fan of science fiction television history, there is one indispensable book you must have in your collection. Science Fiction Television Series is subtitled "Episode Guides, Histories, and Cast and Credits for 62 Prime Time Shows, 1959 through 1989." It's written by Mark Phillips and Frank Garcia, both well-known writers for magazines like Starlog and Cinefantastique. Kenneth Johnson, producer/creator of V, The Incredible Hulk, Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation, and more, contributed the introduction.

The hardcover book is a whopping 691 pages (!), and has photos throughout. Each series is given a historical overview, with interviews for the writers, producers, actors, cameramen, and more! Plus, you get an episode guide with correct titles, guest star information, and trivia. I've had this book on my shelf for a few months, and besides using it for research, I'm immensely entertained browsing through its pages.

What are some of the shows covered? Alien Nation, Auto Man, Captain Power, Cliffhangers, Greatest American Hero, Kolchak the Night Stalker, Logan's Run, Man From Atlantis, Misfits Of Science, Planet of the Apes, Quantum Leap, Spiderman, Starman, Star Trek, Superboy, Twilight Zone (all three series), V, Voyager, and Wonder Woman. And that's just to name a few! Plus, appendixes cover unsold SF pilots, and Emmy Award nominees and winners.

It's unlikely you'll find Science Fiction Television Series in your stores, as it's a specialty book largely aimed at researchers and libraries. It's well worth the price!

Once again, this gets my highest recommendation.

One of the most fascinating 'episode guides ' that has come on the market , a must have for any one associated or fan of the SF genre. An upto date episode guide / summary with an added bonus of interviews , with key actors directors of many favourite sf shows.

It's past time that someone put some thought and effort into a book of this nature. We've had "Science Fiction TV" guides before, and they've uniformly been written by authors whose axes could be heard grinding away throughout as they slagged shows they disliked and drooled over shows they (often unaccountably) were fans of. Mark Phillips and Frank Garcia have done a good job of research and writing here, with few and minor mistakes. The chapter on "Battlestar Galactica," which is accurate and contains a good deal of information, much of it from new interviews done especially for this book, is worth the price of admission alone. If you're a fan of science fiction on TV, this book, in spite of its price, should be on your bookshelf. Very highly recommended.

Rich Whiteside is a fellow UCLA family member so I do hold some bais. He is a rare talent and a quiet professional who focuses on results rather than ego. He is a man of character. "The Screenwriting Life" is an unflinching look into the reality of what it is like to trade daydreams for dollars. Being a working screenwriter in Hollywood I thought I had a little bit of insight. This book cleared up the fog and sharpened my approach. If you ever get a chance to meet the author, first thank him for serving our fine United States in his former career as one of our country's elite. Secondly, thank him for making you a better screenwriter through awarness and truth. I surely will.

I haven't had a chance to read it, but I met the guy when he did a presentation at our school. I want to be a screenwriter, so I found him very interesting. I can't wait to read this book.

I met Rich Whiteside (and Paul Castro and Lew Hunder) when I was in the Screenwriting program at UCLA. Since I knew Rich, I bought the book as soon as it hit the shelves. Then life got hectic, I put it on my bookshelf and forgot about it. I recently took it down and started reading it and it's completely blown me away! It's the most honest book about the industry I have ever read. I wish I had read this book when I first bought it, as it would have made my life as a screenwriter a heck of a lot easier! It's brilliant and I highly recommend you not only buy a copy, but READ it from cover to cover. And keep it around to re-read later. Rich, this is brilliant work, my friend. Kudos to you!

This book doesn't get bogged down in the authors own ideas about careers. Instead, he offers insightful interviews with many people in the different screenwriting fields. Sitcoms, longform, and feature writing interviews convey the life and experiences of their respective areas and helps the reader decide if that is truly an area they want to enter. All the interviews suggests what avenues may give new writers the best start into that area.

"The Screenwriting Life" is an excellent, well-organized primer that dispels many romantic notions of what it takes to achieve success as a screenwriter in Hollywood today. Rich's insightful interviews with some of the leading creative forces in the entertainment industry reinforce the point that good writing alone is not enough. "The Screenwriting Life" is an indispensable guide to the political realities of Hollywood.

FAMILY AFFAIRS follows teen superstar, Kaitlin Burke, as she wraps up her new movie, Pretty Young Assassins, and returns to shooting Family Affairs, the hit TV show she's starred on since she was a little girl.

But all is not well on the set.

The new girl, Alexis, proves to be a plotting new actress. She was supposed to be on the show for only a few episodes but, with her magic ways, ends up convincing everyone to let her stay. Everyone, that is, except for Kaitlin and her old enemy, Skye. They aren't falling for her act and it seems they're the only ones who aren't. Especially when horrible press stories start popping up in magazines, making them not only look bad to their fellow castmates but also to the producers.

There's only one thing for them to do, but that would involve them working together. Can they even begin to pull it off?

I've been a fan of the SECRETS OF MY HOLLYWOOD LIFE series since I read the first one awhile back. FAMILY AFFAIRS, the third book in the series, is, by far, my favorite. It takes the same drama from the previous books and adds a new twist to it. The characters all seem to mature, making them even more likeable and (dare I say it) realistic! The plot is definitely the most original one so far and there's tons more action than in previous books.

Basically, I recommend it to all fans of the series, even if you were a bit disappointed by book two, ON LOCATION.

Reviewed by: Harmony

Kaitlin is back! She's just finished her big movie with her career and her boyfriend still intact! Now she's off to what she does best. Staring in the nighttime soap, Family Affair. Everything is going great! That is until newcomer Alexis starts stealing some of Kaitlin's limelight. Is Kaitlin simply jealous or are there more forces at work?

Like its two predecessors, Secrets of My Hollywood Life: Family Affairs, was a fun and fast read. These books are impeccably clean, so I wouldn't be cautious about sharing them with younger readers. And even an older reader like me can enjoy them. I think I find these books so entertaining is because I know, when I see a People magazine on the shelf while I'm waiting in line at the local wal-mart, I can't help but pick it up for its celeb gossip! Who wouldn't want to be rich and famous (besides the already rich and famous). These books are an "insiders" look into the Hollywood scene! Even though Katlin isn't a real celeb, I'm still able to get my People fix when I read these books. I also really liked the fact that Kaitlin is dealing with real like issues like getting her drivers license, studying for the SATs and worrying about her friends going off to college.

Kaitlin Burke is back to spill more secrets about her life as one of Hollywood's hottest young stars. Filming for "Pretty Young Assassins" has wrapped up and Kaitlin's back on the set of "Family Affair". But this time, there's an even bigger problem than co-star Sky Mackenzie. There's a new girl on set, Alexis Holden. Everyone seems to love the new star, all except Sky and Kaitlin, who are convinced Alexis is out to destroy their careers.

I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this is by far my favorite and I couldn't stop reading it. Kaitlin is such a great character. She's likable and realistic. She's not spoiled and despite being a celebrity, she's facing normal problems, like driver's education and deciding what she wants her future to be, something all teens can relate to. Kaitlin's just another teenager, despite starring in a popular TV show, and she wants the world to know she's more than just a popular actress.

I also really liked seeing Sky in a position other than Kaitlin's nemesis. In the first two books, this rather two-dimensional portrayal of Sky annoyed me, but in this book, we see another side to the girl and if she's not exactly likable, she's understandable. The other characters are entertaining as well, though not especially nuanced. I enjoyed the writing in this book; Kaitlin's voice is strong and friendly, and the references to designers and other celebrities are nicely worked in. I also loved the script excerpts and tabloid articles that were interspersed within the narrative.

Basically, I loved this book. It was just what I needed after two AP tests. It's fun and cute and CLEAN. Hallelujah that there's a young adult series with a moral standard. This entire series is definitely worth reading.

SECRETS OF MY HOLLYWOOD LIFE: FAMILY AFFAIRS
JEN CALONITA
Contemporary Young Adult

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Kaitlin Burke's life is finally back to normal--or so it seems. Filming of her movie Pretty Young Assassins is finally over and she's back on set of Family Affair, but things are about to get shaken up when a fresh new face joins the show. At first, Kaitlin thinks the tabloid stories about her are once again being leaked by her arch rival and co-star Skye McKenzie, but when Skye begins to be targeted as well, all fingers point to the hot new co-star Alexis. Can Kaitlin keep her cool while the hot new diva does her best to oust her from the show or will things finally reach a boiling point?

SECRETS OF MY HOLLYWOOD LIFE: FAMILY AFFAIRS is definitely one of my favorite books of the `Secrets Of My Hollywood Life' series. I really liked how Kaitlin and Skye were forced to become `frenemies' in order to survive against the hot newcomer turned diva Alexis. The scene with Kaitlin and Skye leaving the set near the end of the book marks my favorite scene of the series. Truly had me laughing at loud at where the two of them actually ended up. I look forward to seeing how Ms. Calonita continues their `frenemy' relationship in the next book.

[...]

This is the third in a series of books about a fictional teen tv and movie star and what it's like to be an "it girl." I am an adult who is reading these books along with her 14-year-old sister. I enjoy the books. After she read this one, my sister said she thinks it's the best of the three. I can agree with that. One thing I like is that, as opposed to adult-oriented "hollywood insider" novels, this one shows the perks and strains of being famous and what it's like to be on the inside of the Hollywood machine without throwing in the coarse sex details and the jaded pessimism that comes of living in an image-obsessed, self-oriented society.
So, I can recommend it. I give it five stars for being a success in its genre. It's a fun, non-challenging read that will make you appreciate being boring to the tabloids while making you wish you could get the spa visits and free gifts the celebrities get. It's fun.

Fred has done an excellent job of cataloging a wide range of shortwave receivers from the early WWII "boat anchors" up through the modern integrated-circuit PLL synthesized high performance radios of the 1990s. He not only covers the usual radios such as Collins, Drake and National but also the more obscure like the beautiful Gelosos from Italy (I DROOLED over those in catalogs in the '50s).

I guarantee you this book will raise your appreciation for the radios created by the gifted engineers (and the "dogs" created by some NOT so gifted ones) - these wonderful devices not only entertain and educate us but help save lives at sea and keep our conuntries safe.

The Shortwave Receivers Past & Present: Communications Receivers 1942-1997 is an excellent resource book for collectors and those interested in used radios. There are pictures specs and evaluations of hundreds for the shortwave radios in this era.If you are in the market for a used receiver or a collector this is an invaluable resource. Also provided is a realistic pricing of the true value of each receiver as well as a 1 to 5 star evaluation based on the author's many years in the hobby.
This is the Bible for radio hobbists on the subject

If you do not already have this book, and have avid interest in communications receivers, shame on you. You have no right to gripe if you are in the dark without the info. Fred needs to come out with a new edition soon. A bargain at the price. A must have, what else is there to say?

Yes, this is a catalog of base receivers, 1945-now. Osterman provides many useful informations, and if it may be true that some informations may not be useful to an european reader (e.g. the 'used' prices), you wil not find elsewhere a so comprehensive guide. Another book will be dedicated to portable sw radios. Osterman is not God, so many data are provided by the readers: it's the way the informations flow in the scientific communities, why not here? If you are an european reader, and you know something Osterman does not, write him. I've done so, and a new chapter in this edition was added with the informations I retrieved.

Nearly 500 pages of pictures & data on most SW receivers built in North America & abroad. Contains basic specs & features, picture, descriptions, and data on when built, physical dimensions, and estimates on values. A must for collectors.

For those who liked Keith Topping's British perspective in his earlier 'Slayer' volume, here is an update. This book covers only the 6th season - Buffy's resurrection, the Trioka, the musical, Willow-as-evil, etc. Each episode receives 5-to-8 pages of coverage, organized under various thematic headings: Plot summary, music, memorable quotes, comments on the women's clothing, continuity errors, logic flaws, pop culture references, etc. Topping seems to have caught everything, down to the tiniest continuity error.

There are also separate essays on (1) series creator Joss Whedon, (2) the network switch to UPN, (3) an update on BtVS novels (about a paragraph on each), (4) an update on BtVS and the internet, and (5) predictions for the 7th season, which was the last season of this underappreciated series that never gained the viewership it deserved.

I have the edition of Slayer for seasons 1 through 5, and it is really a good guide of the series. This book continues with the same fun observations, facts, and quotes. I know some people hate season 6, but for those of us that love it--this book is worth it. If you don't like season 6, maybe this book can help you see the good things about the season.

Season six is in my opinon the best Buffy season ever.
If you don't like it read this book. It will change your mind.
If it doesn't, then go back to watching Bewitched or Buffy season one. I guess the true spirit of the Slayer is lost on you.

This book covers the sixth season of Buffy and is the next volume in Keith Topping's 'Slayer' episode guides (the previous 5 seasons are covered in a single volume, also available from Amazon). Keith does his usual thorough job covering each episode in detail. Even if you disagree with his views, you can't dispute that he has a deep love for the show and a healthy respect for all those involved in its production.

As I have stated in other reviews, Keith Topping's Buffy and Angel books are the best unauthorised episode guides on the market. If you are a serious fan of Buffy and Angel, you only need the official guides and these books.

As an American, it hurts to admit that Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the quintessential expression of American cheekiness and derring-do, has been best chronicled by a Britisher. Of course, I'm teasing a bit. But there is no question that Keith Topping seems to have a better grasp of what is important in the Buffyverse than many of his contemporaries on this side of the ocean.

What Topping does not do is write one agonizing reprise after another of all the episodes of Season Six of the show. As viewers will no doubt remember, Season Six was quite agonizing itself without that point being hammered home all over again. Instead, Topping provides very short synopses, followed by myriad details of things that are unique, funny, or perplexing about each episode.

You will be treated to paragraphs on 'A little learning is a dangerous thing' (the power of misinformation), 'Denial they name is...' (Self-delusion in Sunnydale), 'It's a designer label..' (clothes, of course), valley-speak, geek-speak, logic errors, and ever more items that bring to light the aspects of the production which the viewer, caught up in the story, is likely to miss. All of this is done in a style that is an enjoyable mix of tongue-in-cheek and respectfully serious.

Topping is an excellent researcher. His ability to find countless relationships, both intentional and accidental, to other atavars of popular culture is uncanny. Nor does he hesitate to introduce the reader to the more analytic writings on Buffy and the Scooby gang. Despite the spottiness of Season Six, Topping manages to ferret out all the good parts - to the point where I have to admit that the book is better than the season.

If you are a fan then you will want this book. And you will want to track down Topping's other efforts on the show that nearly ate South California.

If your career aspirations lie in the show biz world, don't forget to consult actor/producer/casting director Steve Stevens Sr.'s So You Want To Be In Show Business: A Hollywood Agent Shares The Secrets Of Getting Ahead Without Getting Ripped Off. Stevens also has a background representing struggling actors: his 50+ years experience in the acting trenches lends to an eye-opening industry reference crucial to learning about casting, agents, and more.

I picked this great guide up last week, finished it in a day, and am totally changing the way I approach this business! There are so many little things that the authors recommend doing that I would never have thought of--I am much more confident, because now I feel like I am fully prepared when I go into auditions... Thank you!

This is my first review of anything, but I felt like I needed to give this book a plug--even though it comes from a small, independant press, this book should be in every acting/directing/theater class in the nation. Cady and Stevenson take you through the inner workings of the agent business, the right/wrong approaches to auditions, the way to work in Hollywood while keeping your sanity, all while maintaining an easy tone that gives one the confidence to take a chance and try to be a star! Great work, and a bargain for those of us who thought they knew the business.

This is an absolute must-have for all actors! After being an actress for over 20 years, I have spent countless hours reading books on the business of acting. "So you want to be in Show Business," is the most complete book I have ever read on the subject. Steve Stevens Sr. masterfully blends humor along with the no-nonsense truth about this crazy business. All while giving encouragement and sharing his passion. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Highly informative and very entertaining... anyone thinking about embarking on an actor's life should read this book! Loved it!

I saw Soft Machine open for Hendrix in Cincinnati years ago. I had never heard of them, but they are the ones I remain active fans of. And by association, Robert Wyatt (never knew "Wyatt" was actually his middle name until I read this book) and Kevin Ayers, Hugh Hopper, etc.

Too bad "Soft Machine: Out-Bloody-Rageous" has such a cheap-looking cover (why use such a grainy b&w photo on a book about such a colorful band?), because what's inside is first rate! I actually skipped to the part about first trio version of the Softs (the band I had seen, first hand), read through Hopper's departure, then skipped back to the original quartet. But it's all good, Then there are the extensive discographies, a listing of every performance and recording session, and a section about what the various members are doing now. It's all there. Throughly researched and engagingly written.

Graham Bennett's book Out-Bloody-Rageous is clearly a labor of love, loaded with valuable historical information and quotes from a multitude of interviews with all concerned parties, a well-written, fun to read history with a fan's sympathetic tone, though not uncritical when the need arises. The biggest revelation for me was how the early Soft Machine had significant cultural ties to a great many artists, writers, musicians and movements; everything and everyone from Alfred Jarry's 'pataphysics, Terry Riley's tape loop experiments, Gurdjieff, Ornette Coleman, Elton John, The Proms, Burroughs, Marsha Hunt, the BBC and "My Boy Lollipop" (and so much more) found their way into this band's swirling universe at some point in time. The in-depth accounts of Soft Machine's disastrous late 60s US tours supporting the Jimi Hendrix Experience are alone worth the price of the book. All at once enlightening, charming and in-depth, this is a must for any fan of Soft Machine, psychedelic rock, jazz-rock and European culture of the 60s and 70s.

Of all the books on bands and or people I have none more exhaustively then this book. It is very well research, full of the smallest details disogaphies, live gigs and interviews. It is the sort of book you don't have read from the begining either you could pick a section and read from there. The writter obviously loves this band and it shows through out. It is as detailed in the early years as it is in the later years. This is the book for fans and lovers of sixties music. Graham Bennett shows respect for their story and music but also the era. It s a lot of fun reading I am sure you will not be disappointed

If you love the Soft Machine in particular, and the Canterbury music scene in general, you really owe it to yourself to read this thorough and well-researched book. The fact that Daevid Allen and Kevin Ayers are on the cover should tell you that there is a long explanation of the origins and early history of the band, which make for by far the most fascinating reading. This band was truly an artifact of the mid-1960s London psychedelic culture, before settling down into a long stint as a progressive jazz-rock band. While the band was arguably much better in its later jazz-rock incarnations, there was an innocent rawness to those early days that has rarely been captured elsewhere. After you read this book, you will need to buy the compilation CD of the same name, then you should track down "Jet Propelled Photographs" to complete the picture.

I'm amazed that there's enough interest in this british progressive Jazz-Rock band,so that someone would do a hardcover biography.Author Bennett accuarately covers the many personel changes that took the group from the progressive psychedelic sounds of the Robert Wyatt era,through to the Jazz-Rock fusion of the Karl Jenkins era,which saw the group continue with no original members for several albums,following the departure of founding keyboardist Mike Ratledge.Bennett has interviewed the majority of the musicians who have passed through the group,notably,Robert Wyatt,Hugh Hopper,Elton Dean,Kevin Ayers,Roy Babbington,John Abercrombie and John Etheridge,but Mike Ratledge wasn't interviewed.Apparently,most of the musicians recall a frosty,uneasy atmosphere in the group,and as many members departed for monetary reasons as for musical reasons.There were clashes between the "free-blowing" Jazzers and the song-oriented progressive rockers in the group,and,for many of the musicians,being in the group didn't pay enough money to live on.An exhaustive index of the shows the group played is included,as are some interesting photos.The list of recording sessions tends to suggest that there is little or nothing in the way of studio outtakes from the group's album sessions,though concert tapes and radio/T.V. broadcasts continue to supply prolific flow of CD's.Bennett's book makes the subject matter well worth reading,and leaves you craving more information.But at least we've got this book,the closest thing to an official biography that you're going to get.Out-Bloody-Rageous that this book exists.If you like Soft Machine,you won't be disappointed.

What can I say about Gaither music? It is fabulous. They are such talented writers. The message in the songs is wonderful & the melodies are great. This is a great double CD & well worth the cost.

Confession time: I went right to the photos before reading this book. The publisher has included a nice cross-section of pictures that span Bill & Gloria Gaither's amazing career in Gospel music and Christian ministry.

After enjoying the photos it was a pleasure to begin reading behind-the-scenes, "insider" info about how various songs were created, key moments in the Gaither's ministry, and more.

Author Gloria Gaither is remarkably transparent and open as she shares from a rewarding and fulfilling career -- readers feel like they're old friends by the end of the first few chapters. Both Bill and Gloria have a way of making you feel right at home, right from the start.

Here are inspiring stories about how the lyrics and songs come together when two creative people seek God's very best. Seven hundred songs later -- Bill & Gloria Gaither are at the center of a vital and fruitful ministry.

You'll love this book for yourself, but it makes an excellent gift also!

Dr. David & Lisa Frisbie
The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
Authors of 8 books, including Happily Remarried: *Making Decisions Together *Blending Families Successfully* Building a Love That Will Last

This is a very personal look into the background of songs that shaped my life. It is a good read and I found tears flowing from my eyes every chapter!
Elaine Littau
Author of "Nan's Journey"

Being a fan of Christian music by Bill and Gloria Gaither, I was curious about how they birthed so many comforting, relevant, sweet melodious songs. Their songs have encouraged me through many a trial and sounded substantive notes of wisdom. In her book SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL Gloria gives a glimpse of the impetus for seventy-five of over seven hundred songs Bill Gaither has delivered to the public in the past fifty years These songs, such as "Because He lives,'' "Let's Just Praise the Lord," "He Touched Me" are classics sung by many famous people and are heard on the radio, in churches and at Christian meetings all over the country.

In short vignettes, Gloria tells of experiences, thoughts, problems, scenes which motivated lyrics for musical formats composed by Bill. I was amazed at how succinctly profound words were expressed in a few short phrases. The couple's humility and wisdom in their endless productivity aimed at comforting troubled souls by expressions of God's goodness is also impressive. Gloria was more often stumped for minutes rather than material to express tidbits of timeless truth.

SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL by Gloria Gaither is a good book for creative minds which are curious about the process behind the products of famous work. It will enrich fans of Christian music and all explorers of God's goodness.

Over the last 50 years, Bill and Gloria Gaither have shaped the songs we sing and the music we listen to in more ways than many of us ever will realize. Together, they have written some of the most beloved choruses and songs of a generation, including "Because He Lives," "Since Jesus Passed By" and "God Gave the Song." In SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL, readers are invited to learn the behind-the-scenes inspiration for more than 70 Gaither songs as Gloria Gaither shares the intimate background of each tune.

In each story, readers discover rich portraits of the Gaithers' family, ministry and life. Gaither shares the fear and uncertainty surrounding the birth of their son Benjamin, which eventually became the seedling for the song "Because He Lives." She tells the story of "Going Home," which was inspired by their daughter Suzanne's joy for returning home after a long road trip.

Describing the inspiration of her husband, Bill, for the song "He Touched Me," Gaither says that when Bill originally shared the lyric "And now I am no longer the same!" she suggested he rework the line to be more specific. While he graciously acknowledged her suggestion, he kept the verse as it was --- just as it came to him. The next weekend, it was being performed live. Since its writing, the song has become the most recorded that the Gaithers ever penned. Recorded by artists including Elvis Presley, the Imperials and George Beverly Shea, it's been translated in dozens of languages and sung around the world. Gloria writes, "I still cringe a little when I think that we could have lost its most powerful line...had he listened to me."

Along the way readers will discover the phrases and ideas that captured the Gaithers' hearts and imagination. They'll discover the birthing stories of the songs --- some of which came easily and others with much more difficulty. The best part of the book is that you do not need to know every song in order to appreciate the richness and depth of the lyrics, the revelations of God and His kingdom and theological reflections that line the pages.

Poets and songwriters will enjoy the insights into writing that dot the pages. For instance, Gaither says that at times secular interviewers will ask them how they keep writing tunes with religious themes. After more than 700 songs, don't you begin to run out of ideas? Gaither responds graciously that it is no more possible to exhaust the story of Jesus than to run out of the stories of life. The story of God's love is new every morning!

As a bonus, the hardcover features more than a dozen pages of color photos from the Gaithers' career. Images of Bill playing for a youth group in his father's farmhouse as well as the Gaithers with Larnelle Harris and Bill George are welcome reminders of their legacy and impact over the years.

In essence, SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL is the soundtrack of Bill and Gloria Gaither's lives. Reading this book is a reminder of God's grace, power and redemption. It is a must-have for fans of the Gaithers, songwriters and music lovers.

--- Reviewed by Margaret Oines