Interviews Books

Anthony's book shows us, the reader, how interviews can be handled in a professional, smart way to engage the subject, triggering that person to open up and reveal the business of music and the creativity of his/her soul. My favorite interview is where Keith Richards talks about his daughters sneaking into bed with him while he is asleep and waking up to find them next to him.

Octaroons (people over 100 and baboons with eight legs) will find this book absolutely wonderful. I found out about this fine book from my good friends, Andy Breckman and Friedman, International Comedic Envoy for the UN. However, this show is pathetic, but just as hilarious as the Wikipedia one. Everyone should buy this book. Seven Second Delay Rocks.

Written by one of the most esoteric giants of rock n' roll writers, "In other words" is simply funny and fascinating. Anthony DeCurtis sure got around the music scene and it's all here. 7SD rocks!

I had the distinct pleasure of listening to Mr. DeCurtis speak to my History of Rock and Roll (taught by the best teacher ever) class at Indiana University in the Spring of 2004. This was definitely one of the highlights of my collegiate acamdemic career. Anthony's knowledge and experience in the music world is astonishing and his way with words in the recollection of his stories give his listeners a feeling that he not just a writer, but a true music fanatic. In fact, I was so enthralled by Mr. DeCurtis' stories, I attended every section of the classes he was scheduled to address that day. Although I have not read this particular book, I have read his others and would highly suggest them. Based on my readings of his other books, and seeing Anthony speak, I plan to buy this book as soon as I can, and I would bet that I will love it, and most other music lovers will as well.

Anthony DeCurtis is one of the best rock critics writing today and this book is full of fascinating interviews that show you a side of many stars you've never seen before. The dueling interviews with Paul McCartney and George Harrison and Keith Richards on Mick Jagger are worth the price of the book alone. The book also includes an interview with Martin Scorsese and a rare interview with Don Delillo that show that DeCurtis is just as knowledgable about film and literature.

The Interview is an amazing novel that captures the inside mechanics of the corporate world with precision but also spins an exciting thriller that will leave you wanting the book to never end. The book is written in vivid details that will make you feel like you just saw a thriller at the movie theater. I really enjoyed the characters , they were vibrant and I was crushed when a few of my favorites ended up in perilous situations. If you are looking for a novel that gives you a deep view of the corporate world but also gives you a magnificent thriller, The Interview will exceed your expectations. The ending will blow you away...this is an exceptional novel!!!

The Interview reminds me of a great Grisham novel, only it is written more intelligently and with greater depth. The insight into the corporate world is amazing and the ending was absolutely fantastic. I work in the corporate world and this novel was closer to reality than any book I have ever read. The style of the book was compelling, the scenes in Bangkok were riveting and the characters were rich and real. A tremendous novel that I highly recommend!

This debut novel by King Hurley gives new meaning to the concept of "the interview from hell," and does so while taking us on a serpentine journey through exotic places, giving us food for thought about what we might sacrifice for the sake of our careers,and making us very sympathetic towards a corporate CEO. While corporate CEOs have become societal pariahs these days, thanks to a few bad apples, this CEO is not only a nice guy, he has scruples. And he is at risk of losing his life in this interview process.

This is a skillfully crafted debut novel. Hey, Ron Howard. Are you out there? This would make a great movie, too.

"The Interview" is a fast-paced novel that takes the reader on a wild ride. The hero of "The Interview" is the CEO of a successful pharmaceutical company. When he is wooed by a competitor, he embarks upon an interview process that will take him from his corporate headquarters in Colorado to the streets and opium fields of Thailand. This journey is one filled with dangers; and "The Interview" has more than its fair share of exciting twists and turns.

This is the kind of novel that would make for a great movie. It has all of the suspense, drama, and plot-twists that Hollywood executives seem to so enjoy. Additionally, the premise behind this novel is quite unusual and compelling.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Interview" and look forward to King Hurley's future books.

Just how far would you go for employment opportunity? Is your career more important than family, friends, or your happiness? Just how far should companies go to woo their next big players? In King Hurley's novel, "The Interview," readers will come face to face with those questions and will come to realize how dangerous it is to play with tigers.

Michael King is the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, making a competitive wage and living a good, albeit stressed, life. He takes on the worries of his investors, and dreams of a simpler life. When his recruiter calls with the offer of a lifetime, he simply cannot say no. Panda Pharmaceuticals is the largest private drug company there is. They are on the cutting edge of medical breakthroughs and employ the greatest minds in the industry. Michael first interviews with the board and then with the partner President in Virginia, where he is wooed without mercy. The final word though, is up to Dr. Chu, the other presidential partner in Thailand. Michael's weeklong visit to Dr. Chu is when the real interview takes place. When dealing with the future of a multi-billion dollar company, one can expect the interview process to be highly scrutinizing. Michael thinks he is prepared, but nothing could be further from the truth. No one could be prepared for such a trial. But how can he say no?

The novel is well set up, with great detail to characterization. The plot flows smoothly, gaining strength as the pages turn, developing a running high in the last few chapters. The story idea is fascinating, even compelling. Truly, the book captures the reader's attention. "The Interview" is a very well written piece of fiction.
Review by Heather Froeschl.

If you could pick up a book and have it relate to all parts of your life. Give you the spark you need to push through some of your most important issues, this is the book. I read this book and could not put it down because of the interesting way Linda constructed these very deep innermost revelations of some of the people I have admired for so long. I am now anxiously waiting for book two to come out. This has the markings of a fantastic book series ala Chicken Soup For The Soul or for that matter I could see this as Television series. I recommend this book to all readers. It has everything that most people would enjoy. I give it Five stars. *****

"Lives Charmed" shows you how the people who seem to 'have it all', created their lives to be that way. As I read this book, I found myself taking many things from the individual lifestyles and applying them to my own life.
I began to see a common thread of thinking, a way of looking at the world that makes sense. All of the subjects of the 'mini-autobiographies' have their own unique style, but the spirituality is the same. They all have a deep connection to their Inner Wisdom, the Earth, their Soul and their God.
Linda's personal anecdotes about how these extraordinary people came into her life are the real treasures in this book. I cried when I read about her father-like relationship with Paul Williams. I laughed from my own skeptical-belly when she described her first meeting with Guru Singh.
This book is a treasure for your personal library and a great gift for friends & loved-ones. I can't wait to read more of Linda's extraordinary conversations. I am looking forward to 'Lives Charmed II'!!

What a gift these stories are to the world. This book made me realize we are all humans on this planet and we all go through our "stuff". With each story, I was moved to ask questions about myself. It made me discover more of me. Thank you for this insightful and moving testament to the human spirit. When's the next book?!?!

Although Linda writes about the lives of celebrities, the quality of the writing and the anecdotes she chose from her lengthy interviews frames their humanity first. These people struggle, as we all do, with the trials and traumas of life and loss, love and tragedy, they just do it with a spotlight illuminating their struggles as well as their triumphs. Their generosity to share the lessons learned on their journeys and Linda Sivertsen's vibrant and focused writing makes this book a kind of treasure map to help all of us on our journeys to discover our own magic within. Thanks, Linda, for helping me believe in and create my own "Life Charmed"!

As the author of the 'Paul Williams Music And Acting' web pages, I was first drawn to this book because it contains a fascinating chapter on singer, songwriter, actor and humanitarian Paul Williams. Being an avid fan of Pauls and Vice-President of the Official Paul Williams Fan Club I was interested to know what Linda could tell me about Paul that I did not already know.

What I found was that Linda has a gift for writing about those areas of her subjects lives which are usually 'hidden' from public view. Not that this book is a 'kiss and tell' book with lots of scandal. It is rather an account of what has made her subjects the contented people they are today.

Contentment is the over-riding theme of all the mini-biographies. Despite some of her subjects past histories of abuse and self-abuse, they have all come to a place in their lives when they have the courage to look back and understand the part their past history has played in making them the fulfilled people they are today.

After a brief introduction at the start of each chapter Linda then leaves it up to her subjects to 'tell their own story'. Rather than a 'question and answer' type of interview Linda has very effectively chosen to divide up each chapter into topic headings, and then leaves it up to her subject to tell his/her story in his/her own words. What makes this book the gem it is, is the topics Linda has chosen to focus on. Each of her subjects starts by defining what to them is 'Happiness' and then moves on to talking about their 'Early Years' and 'Influences'. Other topics regularly covered include 'Obstacles', 'Spirituality', 'Life Work', 'Family', 'Drives', 'Fears', 'Visions', 'Miracles' and 'Earth'. Not subjects one is used to hearing 'stars' talk about.

As well as Paul Williams, Linda also interviews people from a variety of walks of life. Linda interviews include a number of actors (Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Woody Harrelson, Robert Townsend and Catherine Oxenberg), film producers (Sandy Gallin and Janet Yang) journalists (Keely Shaye Smith and Leeza Gibbons), spiritual leaders (Guru Singh and Robert A.Johnson), sportsmen (Arnold Palmer and Chris Chandler), artists (Wyland and Beatrice Wood) as well as super model Tatjana Patitz and an English lord (Lord Robin Russell ) who works to save endangered animals through his English safari park Wobern Abby.

The fact that Linda is obviously a person who her subjects trust makes each account an extremely personal and hence fascinating read.

As a 21 year old gay man, it is heartwarming and touching to see a such a beautiful coffee table book dedicated to portraying gay men positively and humanely, in addition to giving me hope that a long-term relationship can exist in a circuit/club/Abercrombie gay world. The stories of men who have been together for 10, 20, 30 + years are not only inspiring, but well written and accompanied with stunning black and white photos. However, while there was a considerable effort (and a good one at that!) to include a range of HIV positive and negative couples and while there were are three black men and possibly one Latino, I would have liked to have seen more gay men of color. I know there are Asian, Native American, and more Latino gay men in committed relationships, so it would have been nice to have them represented. Overall, it's a wonderful book and contribution to the GLBT community and worth buying--if anything, I just wish it were longer, so that it could include more diversity.

My partner and I are two of the subjects (or is it ONE of the subjects?) of this book. Andy Jones has shown great perception in his interpretation of the interview that we gave and his pen has told 29 very different stories with charm and wit. David Fields black & white photography is stunning and dramatic.

Althouh I'm gay, I still believe in love, married and family. This book show that these things are possible for gay couples. Some people always think of gay men as feminine-type of guy who like to act as women and running for every good-lookig guy on a street. This book will give readers more understanding in gay people.

Like one of the other reviewers on this page, I grew up without positive Gay role models, and it took decades for me to learn self-respect. This book reminds us that well-adjusted Gay couples can be found throughout our culture, something that's important for young Gay people to learn and for older Gay people to remain aware of.

I'm lucky enough to be acquainted with one of this book's subjects, Steve Langley of Washington, and I have a lot of respect for the choice he and his partner have made to be included. It's a beautiful book.

I gave this book to my mother when my partner and I decided to have a commitment ceremony. Mom was having trouble understanding and didn't seem to recognize our commitment to each other as equally valid to straight marriages. After she read the book, she sent my partner a HUGE bouquet of flowers and a card telling him she was so pleased that he was going to become an "official" part of our family!

One of the best first hand accounts of the civil rights movement I have read. There were things in this book you will not find in the history books. A must read

A wonderful piece of work, Raines merely interviews the people from the wide and varied perspectives of the movement and gives them free rein to tell "their story" "their way" managing within this framework to lace a compelling and interesting plot around some states and some history that time and justice seemed to have forgotten.

Seven years Raines' junior, I grew up white and a carpetbagger (from the North. . .)in Augusta, GA and I now have context for stories I was told. One among many, I knew the Hamilton Holmes' car story told by the KA frat guys when they were adults, still bragging but also, "they didn't really mean it."

I am still quite mystified how a Birmin'ham boy, bragging that his Alabama ancestors fought for the Union, lived to tell about it.

I highly recommend "Fly Fishing . . ." as well. IT's NOT ABOUT THE FISH. Great read.

He thought it was tough being the baby brother; I can only suggest that he try getting fishing privileges as the Irish twin younger sister.

This book is on the list of 100 best or most influential books I've ever read--mainly because it is observant, honest, humble and direct, with no political agendas and no effete overtones. This is a title well worth re-examining some 20 years after publication. It can be browzed through at random, with something startling jumping at you on virtually every page. Or, it can be read straight through. It's quite a white-knuckle event. Many books have been written on the subject, but there's something quietly compelling about this one. Raines is one of our great journalists. This is a good way to become acquainted with him, in the days before he became elevated to one of the most prestigious newspaper jobs in the world.

--Jim Reed, author, DAD'S TWEED COAT: SMALL WISDOMS HIDDEN COMFORTS UNEXPECTED JOYS jimreedbooks.com

It was difficult to stop reading the book, once I started. This collection of interviews with the idealists, the activists, the real "fighters" in the civil rights movement in the 50s and 60s -- and the people who stood against them -- is an empowering, educational read. Truly, this book is a must for those interested in learning more about the civil rights struggle (a struggle that continues until today), and about movements for peace and social justice in general.

Howell Raines is the new executive editor for "The New York Times," but he is at heart a writer. Both strengths come to the fore in this excellent book on the American civil rights movement. As an oral history, it necessarily contains first-hand accounts of dozens and dozens of the main (and not-so-important) players in the movement. Raines does a fine and fair job of putting their stories into essentially chronological order and editing or moving bits and pieces only where necessary to ensure good flow for the reader. There were a few names I had heard of before, but many were new to me. There are surprises in this book. While we mostly associate the civil rights movement with the deep south in the mid-1960s, it actually got its start in Chicago in the 1940s when groups of people protested with the first lunch-counter sit-ins (when a manager came out to scold one of these groups with the flat, "We don't serve colored folks here," one quick-witted participant fired back, "That's OK, we don't eat 'em!"). Another revelation was the tensions between the older blacks and the younger black student generation. The older blacks, while not happy with segregation, sometimes felt that at least everyone knew where they stood with it--while the younger generation was champing at the bit to get out there and change the world overnight. Finally, it was interesting to read that many of the original founders of the movement were inspired far more by Gandhi than by Martin Luther King, Jr. A number of them express their opinion that King--while undoubtedly important and absolutely essential once the movement got underway--was not himself so convinced as to the value of a) the movement itself and b) non-violent protest--many of this friends and co-workers say here that he continued to espouse it only because eventually, he felt he had been thoroughly and unmistakeably identified with it. Although I was surprised that neither Coretta Scott King nor the Reverend Jesse Jackson were inteviewed for Mr. Raines' book, their absence is my only quibble with what is otherwise an enormously valuable and terrifically readable history.

This book, gives an incredibly close look at Boston legends, the Pixies', best album. Way ahead of its time, Doolittle is probably in my top 10 greatest albums of all time and Ben Sisario goes straight to the source to dig up the dirt on it. Ben literaly takes a ride with the Pixies frontman, Charles Thompson (AKA Black Francis, aka Frank Black) in Thompson's big body Cadillac where he spills the beans on some of his most violent/beautiful/mysterious lyrics. From the first demos to years of obscurity on the shelves of record stores, you get to look from all angles (except Kim Deal's, who refused to be interviewed) at this influential and monumental masterpiece and truly understand it's beauty and significance.

While the 33 1/3 series seems short, it's the perfect length to tell the story/history of great albums. By the time you get through the first chapters, you're chomping at the bit to listen to Doolittle. And yes, you'll go back to these wonderful books for info on songs, recording techniques, and to re-read weird stories attached to different songs. Buy them and enjoy.

Doolittle has been my favorite album since it came out... I read this book sitting on a beach in Vancouver, CA, surrounded by drag-queens, interpretive dancers, Sikhs, Chinese families, and with a fireworks show in the harbor... the surrealism of the surroundings was only enhanced by the book...
Sisario's humor and obvious literary knowledge made this book about one of the greatest albums and bands ever an amazing treat... art, philosophy, music, biography, psychology, all compounded to make this an ideal book for even non-Pixies fans.

Ben Sisario's Doolittle is the most insightful book in the 33 1/3 series I have read so far. His interviews with Charles Thompson (Frank Black, Black Francis) and others involved in the formation of Doolittle make this a near perfect resource. This book has made listening to Doolittle, if you can believe it, even more enjoyable!

Outstanding study of Doolittle and snapshot of the Pixies themselves. Rare access to Frank Black, very illuminating analysis. Highly recommended.

Asking variations on the basic question of what role place has in the poetry of more than 45 contemporary America poets, Pfefferle elicits a rich and revealing variety of responses. Many of the responses angle into the explicit and implicit influences of the region a particular poet is from, such as Florida, the South in general, or New England. Some poets who have moved to one or more different places reflect on changes in impressions and attachments to place. Nikki Giovanni, Peter Cooley, Mark Strand, and Charles Wright are among the poets whose names will be recognized by many. There's snapshots of some of the poets, or a photo of a local scene. And many of the numerous poets supply a poem illustrating what they have to say about the role of place in their work.

A friend put this book in my hands as I worked on preparing a talk on the influence of place in my own poetry. I found "Poets on Place" so invaluable that I typed many pages of detailed notes to ruminate on.

It's an attractive work replete with compementary elements to the main dish of the interviews. Here we have an on-going mystery story: what will Pfefferle and his wife Beth make of thier lives after life on the road? What is life on the road like? There's enough of this to give spice to a full meal of photos, impressionistic portraits of the poets and their surroundings to give a context to the interviews, and the wonderful poems to show the fruits of place and the source of the discussion.

The foreword by David St. John is a treasure of wisdom;I draw many insights from it.

--Janet Grace Riehl, author Sightlines: A Poet's Diary

Pfefferle has got it right here, with just the perfect balance between the life-on-the-road business and the careful, thoughtful, and always engaging interviews with terrific, curious, cagey American poets. "Place" is a wonderful addition to the body of writing on and about poetry, makes a marvelous classroom addition, and is great and satisfying reading page-by-page. A tour de force performance by all involved!

One of the poets within these pages recently read at a nearby college (Scott Carins of Columbia, MO), and he talked briefly about the book. I picked it up locally and have used it to guide me to a wealth of poets I'd never heard of: Mark Wunderlich, Denise Duhamel, Richard Shelton, and David St. John. The book contains not just more than 60 interviews but also a travel-log of Pfefferle's trip. It makes for good reading for boomers like me who want to ditch it all and travel the country. Use it as a map to towns and poets.

I don't usually write reviews, but I was so taken by W.T. Pfefferle's Poets on Place that I felt compelled to praise it here. It provides a portrait of American poetry at the beginning of the 21st century that should be interesting and useful to both poets and scholars alike, and also a fascinating and beautifully understated story of a quest to find something of life beyond the ordinary, something beyond the cliches and stereotypes we often use to define ourselves. Much of the beauty of the book is due to Pfefferle's skill as a writer, and his own deep understanding of poetry makes the interviews read like intelligent conversations between equals. A great book.

Here are four in-depth conversations, most centering on art and politics, published in 2001. Considering the tidal wave of events since then, it's astounding how these interviews still resonate with contemporary issues. Depending on your point of view you'll find Rollins, Biafra, and to a certain extent Billy Childish, insightful or exasperating in their politics, but its hard to miss the passion in their arguments. Ferlinghetti, by far, takes the longest view of events past and present, and suggests solutions (some new, some old), sounding the most conservative by comparison. Many will consider these four exchanges as nothing more than preaching to the already converted, but in this political season they take on the character of voices crying in the wilderness.

Wow. This collection of interviews is amazing. Though I had heard very little about any of these men when I picked the book up, I found their words very interesting. Even where I disagreed with their messages, they caused me to think about why I disagree. Many times I felt like putting down the book and going out to either create or protest. Even though all four of these men are politically active and radical, they each provide very different perspectives that, when presented together, have much more power than they could on their own. I recommend this book for anyone in search of inspiration to question and act.

I've been familiar with Biafra/Rollins/Childish and Ferlinghetti for a long time, but can't say I'm a huge fan of any of the four, but in reading through these interviews, I have a whole new respect for all of them. Vale talks about so many issues of political importance, artistic integrity, life, and everything with them. What comes through is not esoteric or academic, not something only appealing to punks or poets, but a feeling of being alive. All four are very smart, funny, engaging and interesting individuals and Vale really knows how to bring out their personalities. This is like a bible of common sense from 4 great prophets of the eternal underground. If you yearn to be creative and find your own happiness outside of the constraints of a 9-5 job and mainstream culture, this book will hopefully be an inspiration to you. It's also refreshing to hear people talking about important political and philosophical issues in a way that makes you believe that you can be involved and help make culture and live how you want. We also glimpse into their lives outside of the public eye through some wonderful storytelling. Vale helps to put the nail in the coffin of the "dumb punk" notion: these guys are geniuses. You need this book!

[paragraph missing]

Essentially, the best thing about "Real Conversations No. 1" is that it's just that -- a good chunk of honest dialogue between a guy and four other guys who sound like they're pretty close friends with him, talking about what's on their minds and in their lives (both theirs and his) in ways that are sometimes entertaining, sometimes thought-provoking and sometimes even illuminating. And, yes, at least two of the people talking in this book have figured somewhat prominently in the entertainment and pop culture landscapes for the past few years. But guess what? They actually say stuff that doesn't totally sound like part of their act! Henry Rollins, for all the macho, stoic bluster that he gives off, turns out to be pretty funny and down-to-earth, as well as enthusiastic to the point of geekdom when it comes to archiving bootlegs of bands that he admires and/or played with. Jello Biafra's comments are obviously more political and exhibitionist, but he does make light of how he got that way in the first place, and how he was just as inspired by other people in the anti-WTO protests in Seattle as they were by him. Besides that, the most wholly "inspirational" words probably come from Billy Childish, who advocates "doing it yourself" (and "thinking and taking responsibility for yourself" as well) not just as a moral or even as a craft, but as something that fits into enjoying the simple fact that you're alive. And Lawrence Ferlinghetti comes off almost as the wise grandfatherly figure who has a wealth of stories to tell about the past but knows pretty clearly about what the future entails.

But really, the total effect of all these conversations for me wasn't so much hero worship or a privileged glimpse into the workings of complicated minds. It was more the idea that, if I ever had the chance, I'd wanna hang out with these people and talk about some of this stuff with them myself. (Of course, in some ways, I'm not sure that I could even get a word in edgewise, but that's another matter.) I guess that's one of my personal reasons for being glad that I bought this book directly from Re/Search in San Francisco, almost beyond the whole deal of supporting the independents: When I called the place up to inquire about my order right after the attacks happened, I thought at first that I'd gotten a particularly thoughtful and conversational assistant who sounded vaguely like Jello Biafra on the phone. It turned out to be Vale himself, and we talked for maybe half an hour about the attacks, how they'd played out on CNN and the likelihood that any chance for progressive politics was dead now. He seemed as interested in what I had to say as I was in what he had, and I think it probably helped get us both out of the shell-shock and thinking clearly again.

So maybe some of these good things still aren't quite out of reach yet. Or, if they are, then maybe now we'll scramble a bit more to get hold of them again.

2 noted ex-users turned full time cranks Biafra-speed, Rollins-ritalin fronting 2 good punk bands DeadKennedys and BlackFlag are getting old. Their legacies are questionable.
They both never met a microphone they didn't like. They talk more than little girls. Both are way too serious and need to lighten up. They're in the entertainment industry yet yearning for artistic integrity (then stick to arts and craft shows).

Rollins complains about book/album sales, his business, and his own niche marketing scheme. The guy brags about hard work, working out, and dislike of everything hokey and cheesy. Typical manic depressive straight edge loudmouth. Relax buddy, you need a rest guy. He turned out just like his parents, but he can't settle down. Hence the mass confusion running out of his head. Every job has it's ups and downs. They get monotonous and draining. Worrying about money [stinks], so you compromise nearly everything up to and including you're very being. Hank likes being "commercial" because big corporations pay well and promptly. Movies and commercials are money on the table. It's easy and if he doesn't take it someone else will.

Biafra is one man publicity stunt show. Running for mayor(truly funny and creative). Including a poster of sodomy in records and calling it artistic freedom under the holy grail of free speech. I don't know anyone who buys a record expecting or wanting such a thing. The poster is funny but is by all definitions pornographic. Not everyone has a dirty sense of humor. Jello fought and lost for our right to do such silly things. Now he worries about his company's future as a b-music distributer especialy with the rise of this internet file sharing thingy (more punk than the whole punk movement combined). He's made a living as a paranoid alarmist worrying people to death.

Bottom line, everyone's replacable, independent. Past succes doesn't guarantee future success, but that's who gets better odds. Like it or not. Whether your stuff has critical mass approval or not. Carrying the torch will get you burned both up and out. These guys are one trick ponies branching off into other areas. A good perspective on 2 long winded spotlight hogs. Their music speaks or itself. JB's album with no means no and doa are worth buying or downloading. Black Flag is good clean fun. RESEARCH/VSEARCH always put out good stuff.

Now that Hollywood has finally given Scorsese his due with what amounted to a career-Oscar, the time is ripe to read the revised edition of this superb book. The questions asked of the director are intelligent, not fawning, and his answer's are lengthy and fascinating. The generous space devoted to his childhood and early years help one better understand why Scorsese has been so attracted to a particular genre and how he executes it so well. This director is, of course, immensely knowledgeable about the history of film, and his comments on other directors' work are fascinating. A readable mine of information about one of the most important popular artists of our time.

I absolutely devoured this book, essentially reading in two sittings a day apart. A rare and privledged look into the mind of Scorsese in his own words, followers of his work will be thrilled with the insights and anecdotes. Anyone half-aware of the man's work can recognize the thought that goes into it, but these interviews reveal the incredible depth and passion for film and its history that underlies his craft.

An essential read for anyone that considers her- or himself a film buff.

I bought this book out of respect and deep admiration for Martin Scorsese. What I got was keen insight into a creative genius. The numerous interviews reveal a side to Scorsese that not many people see outside the camera. It's a lot more personal than that. When he talks about his movies, he ultimately parallels them to what his life was like at that time. So it's a fine blend of his personal life mixed with his professional life. There's also the obvious vibe that this man always was and always will be a student of film; his passion is infinite. Perhaps that's what makes him as influential and well-respected as he is.
You're the best there is, Marty!!

There are few filmmakers more brilliant than Martin Scorsese, and this book provides wonderful insight into the sources of his obsessions. Almost any book on Scorsese is worth reading, but this volume gives equal time to his less-appreciated, (but no less wonderful), films like The King of Comedy and After Hours. By far, the most informative book on Scorsese yet.

This reader felt almost privileged to read these interviews, lectures, and conversations with Martin Scorsese. He simply shares everything, and indeed he is, if nothing else, a true fan of movies!

The insightful words of Scorsese, arranged to parallel his filmography up through New York Stories, are annotated by the redoubtable editors Thompson and Christie. Scorsese is arguably the greatest postmodern artist, (and I would have to say the only postmodernist I unhesitatingly adore -with possible exception of Matt Groening), and the reader really gets to see how Scorsese constructs a film. His inspirations are as predictable as directors Pasolini and Powell, yet as diverse as Mahatma Ghandi and Little Richard. He loves all with equanimity and enthusiasm.

That's the joy of this book... the guy loves movies, loves making them, and all that energy just shines through.

Extremely valuable resource for the student of film, but good fun for the humble film buff, too. Bonus: interesting black and white photos you won't find elsewhere. Excellent (though naturally out-of-date) filmography appendix.

I was a life-long resident of St Bernard Parish who longed to know what exactly happened to my hometown. From learning the details about the destruction, to reading about the Fire Department's courage and faithfulness, I've been left in awe. Anyone who calls or called "the Parish" home must read this book.

A must read for anyone who lived or has lived in St. Bernard Parish. I read this book in one day. Could not put it down. Brings back memories like it happend yesterday.

Michelle Buuck did an unbelievable job captivating The St. Bernard Fire Departments heroic actions. I started to read the book and 2 days later I was finished. It was very hard to put down once I began to read about the men who were responsible for saving an entire Parish of people; especially without any State or Federal assistance. The personal day by day trials & tribulations of each St. Bernard Fireman is a must read by all. Hurricane Katrina, the World's largest natural disaster, made History along with the Fireman in this book. All are & always will be Heros that will never be forgottten.

MS Buuck has captured the events of this untold story in riveting detail through interviews with the men who were there. These stories of dedication, unselfish acts and heroism, while faced with the greatest natural disaster to hit our nation are a must read. While St Bernard, just minutes from downtown New Orleans, was basically ignored by the press, federal, and state government these men did what firefighters do - get the job done under the most adverse of conditions. Thank you SBFD for doing what you've done and Ms. Buuck for capturing and telling the story.

I read this book and it was one of the best books I have ever read. And I don't really read that much but I couldn't put this book down. I was born and raised in Chalmette and finally there is a book about my people and what they went through. My family and I did evacuate and later my Dad passed away in the hotel. I lost a home and a Dad. I did eventually move away after 6 months of trying to live there again. Every time I went to my house I got disgusted. But anyway, I think it was a fantastic book and recommend anyone who is interested in it to buy it immediately. I will cherish this book the same way I cherish the few items I saved from my home. Everyone who was involved with helping people that day will forever be Heroes to me.