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

Movies
Soul of the Bride
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Simon Spotlight Entertainment (2001-05-22)
Authors: Constance M. Burge and Elizabeth Lenhard
List price: $5.99
New price: $5.99
Used price: $0.20

Average review score:

i love this book!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-04
this is one of my favourite charmed books!!! as it shows true halliwell spirit. basically prue gets the oppertunaty for a front page photo. but the camera she uses sends all the models and pheobe into hades. in the effort to get there sister back piper and prue have to go through loads of greek mythology gods and creatures. this book is a must have for all charmed fans

Officially the best Charmed book ever!!!! *bows to Elizabeth Lenhard*
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-13
As far as I'm concerned, ALL other good Charmed books (The Queen's Curse, Whisper's from the past, Dark Vengeance, Mystic Knoll, Inherit the witch, Something Wiccan [just to name a few]) are small potatoes in comparison to this superbly penned Charmed book!!! NO other Charmed novel could possibly be better than Soul Of The Bride!!! Elizabeth's work here, is a masterpiece!!!!

What makes this story stand out from the other Charmed books is her impeccable blend of Greek Mythology and the Charmed ones tale aptly blended in. She mixed the two geneologies flawlessly, very well blended, I should add. Every single tiny detail added in is beneficial for the Charmed ones, and that's what stands out in this book. Alot! For example, the part where Piper takes a quick glance at Prue and realizes that she is still wearing Piper's necklace, makes Piper remember that she had to pay Charon the fee to take them over to the other side of River Acheron, which is taking the letter opener and mother-of-pearl inkwell, just in case. Turns out that the letter opener is useful in impaling the Sirens!!!

I'm not going to reveal details of the story, but I guarantee, whether or not you know about Greek Mythology, you will definitely enjoy this story. Soul Of The Bride is a must-have for all Charmed fans!!!!!! My fave bit is when Phoebe is determined not to give up and succumb to the tasty grub kept in Hades, only to realize they are tainted to make people an empty-headed party animal. Also, all 3 sisters had a vital part to play, and with their team work, girly (and sisterly) support, all the loose knots are tied, the i's are dotted and its a happy ending for them.

My only thumbs-down about this story is just that its seems like a pretty huge coincidence that Nikos had known about Prue's photo shoot and sent Mitchell to make sure Prue's topic is on Victorian Portraiture, using Greek Mythology, which then lures Phoebe to Hades. In the Charmed Universe, coincidence is extremely rare, unless Nikos had known it all along, and places a spell on the them to find out.


But other than that, it is 100% recommeded, you WILL love it, like I did!!!
I paid $9 for this book and every single cent was worth it!!!!

Two Thumbs WAAAY up for Miss Lenhard!! *G*
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-23
This one of the best Charmed books ever written. I loved the combination of Greek Mythology and Charmed. Unlike the 'Oh My Goddess' episodes, this book blends both genres together effortlessly. The writing is top-notch... it really pulls you into what's going on. I had a hard time putting this book down (finished it in a couple days.. even with work).

HIGHLY recommend this to Charmed fans. You won't be disappointed :).

Best book yet!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-22
I am a huge, HUGE fan of charmed, I love the series, but ANY OTHER BOOK PALES IN COMPARISON TO THE SOUL OF THE BRIDE!!! It follows the story of the power of three flawlessly!!! If you are interested in any kind of mythology, or even if you're not, the soul of the bride is a MUST-HAVE!!!!

Greek Myths+ Life
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-10
i have read all the books in the charmed series and this is one of my favorites. it combines the greek mythologies with modern day life, which i think is quite creative. i highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys greek myths.

Movies
8 Million Ways to Die
Published in Paperback by Jove (1984-06-15)
Author: Lawrence Block
List price: $3.95
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

great mystery with well-defined, interesting characters
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-28
Read a lot of L Block books. Going to go back and read some earlier titles that I missed. Terrific story teller.

Reviews from the Weekend Reader, Elizabeth Jean Allen
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-14
Matthew Scudder is not a licensed private investigator. To claim he was one would not be ethical. Besides, private investigators have to keep up with records and billable hours... No, you can't hire him, but you can ask him to do a favor. In return for said favor, you can buy him a drink and give him a little cash.

At one point in his life Matt was a detective for the NYPD, but when a stray bullet from his gun struck and killed an innocent child during a shootout, Matt resigned. He buried his grief in a bottle and started doing favors for friends.

In Eight Million Ways to Die, Matt has reached a crossroads. After experiencing blackout that lasted several days that ended with Matt in the hospital, he knew he had to come to terms with his drinking. He agreed to go to AA, but he was not ready to label himself an alcoholic.

In need of money, Matt agreed to act as an intermediary for a hooker. She wanted out of the business but was afraid to tell her pimp. It was a simple job and the situation was settled without bloodshed or tears. Chance, the pimp, felt Kim wasted her money. She didn't need to hire Matt. All she had to do was tell him she wanted out. When Kim was found dead a few days later, the police and Matt assumed Chance was the guilty party.

The police would never be able to prove that Chance was guilty. Chance knew that, but the fact that the police assumed he did it and were not looking elsewhere irritated him. Kim was a hooker, but she was one of his girls. The cloud of suspicion was hurting his business. As Matt already had a vested interest in the case, Chance hires him. Matt would ferret out the truth.

It has been 25 years since Laurence Block's Eight Million Ways to Die was first released. New York City has changed since then, but it was easy to visualize the rabble and the rubble of the New York City of old through the eyes of Matthew Scudder. It was descriptive without the lengthy prose to go with it.

It is a classic hardboiled detective story. The clues are doled out at regular intervals. An astute mystery reader may be able to identify the killer before Matt puts the pieces together. I had my suspicions but there was enough doubt to keep me guessing right up until the end.

Eight Million Ways to Die is dark, cynical, violent and incredibly lonely--all that a great PI mystery should be. For the mystery fans out there, I highly recommend it.

Scudder is Great!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-20
I bought this thinking it was the first in the Matthew Scudder series, but it is actually about the fifth or so. It was excellent. Very well-written and I loved the Scudder character, especially his struggle with drinking and involvement in AA. If you like mysteries/detective novels, you will not be disappointed.

A Thoroughly Enjoyable Crime Novel
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-30
Lawrence Block is a writer's writer. His style, words, and plots are top notch. What do you get in this story? You get a grim and gritty New York - home to Matt Scudder, ex-cop and private investigator. You get Scudder's desperate efforts to overcome his addiction to alcohol. And you get the story of Kim, a prostitute, who pays Scudder to tell Chance, her pimp, that she wants to leave the business. Next, she is slashed to death. The obvious suspect is Chance, but Scudder becomes convinced that Chance didn't kill her, and Chance pays Scudder to find the murderer. As Scudder investigates, and more murders occur, it becomes clear that Kim had unknowingly become involved with a group of violent criminals. A nice feature of the story is that Block gives you all of the clues to pretty-much solve the mystery. Otherwise, you must wait until the final pages. It is a great story. Little wonder that Block has won so many awards for his mystery writing.

A shiny new edition of an excellent '80s mystery
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-21
It's 2008, and it's the 25th anniversary of the Lawrence Block's Eight Million Ways to Die. So let's put out a celebratory edition! I've never read a Block book, so I'm not sure why this particular book warrants a re-issue in a special hardcover, but it does mark a significant milestone in Matt Scudder's career, so maybe that's why. This handsome hardcover also includes an afterword by Block, so fans of the Scudder series may want to pick this up to at least read that. For non-fans of the series, you can pick it up because it's a very good book.

If you're like me, you'll have to keep reminding yourself that Eight Million Ways to Die was written back in 1983. I kept asking why the characters didn't use cell phones until I remembered. Also, the image of New York as a crime-infested city kept jarring with the way it is now. The title of the book is said by a cynical cop who claims that there are eight million ways to die in New York. While there are probably still quite a few, I don't think there are that many any more.

Block does immerse you in the seedy atmosphere of the New York of 1983, though. His imagery is quite stark, and he constantly has Scudder reading the newspaper, pulling out headlines and news stories about how certain innocent people were killed, and commenting on how these will quickly get relegated to the back pages as something even more monstrous hits the front page. This atmosphere constantly weighs Scudder (and the reader) down, but at least the reader can put the book down if it gets too oppressive. What can Scudder do?

Scudder is an extremely interesting character, and evidently one who changes throughout his series of books. His alcoholism has been a constant presence in previous books, and this is the one where it comes to a head. He's constantly going to AA meetings, commenting on the speakers but not speaking up himself when it comes to his turn. He just can't see himself in these people, despite knowing that he has a problem. There's an interesting running plot element regarding this bottle of Wild Turkey in Kim's apartment, something that keeps attracting him even if he's not there investigating something.

While most of the characters are fairly one-dimensional, serving their purpose in the story and perhaps having one or two identifying traits, Chance himself also stands out as an extremely interesting character. He finds himself being drawn to Scudder, telling him things that he would never tell anyone else. He's an extremely deep character, almost as much as Scudder, and we find ourselves wondering how he's going to turn out as well. When he disappears for a while, I almost found myself dreading that Scudder would find out he got murdered as well.

Block's hard-boiled prose is excellent in Eight Million Ways to Die, and it's definitely what will make me go back and eventually read other books in this series. It's almost a contradiction, sinking into the muck that is New York while also feeling slightly optimistic as Matt comes closer and closer to redemption. It can be brutal at times, but he doesn't revel in the carnage. He doesn't hide from it, but he doesn't dwell on it either, except when Scudder himself does as he's trying to fight off temptation yet again. Block's dialogue is top notch as well, giving the book a noir feel that draws you in.

Eight Million Ways to Die is an excellent novel, and you don't have to worry that you're coming into it in the middle of a series. As a standalone, it's an excellent examination of an alcoholic detective's life. As part of a series, it's a turning point. Either way, you'll lose yourself in the past as 1983 rears its ugly head again. Scudder is great character, and this is a great book.

David Roy

Movies
Dora's Storytime Collection (Dora the Explorer)
Published in Hardcover by Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon (2003-12-02)
Author: Various
List price: $10.95
New price: $10.72
Used price: $4.25

Average review score:

Great value
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-28
I bought this for my daughter who loves Dora books. This book has a bunch of great titles and was an awesome price ($5!). The only thing is that pages started to fall out within a week of getting it. I was able to tape them back in, but it was kind of disappointing.

Excellent Choice
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-08
My three years old daughter simply loves this book. I have been reading the book to her more than 20 times if it is not 30 times already. She has been bring the book almost every night for bedtime story since the book was came to my door (the binding of hardcover becomes wiggly already). I am enjoying her responses when I read questions in the middle of the stories, just like Dora asked questions in the animation series. The book is big and colorful and lines of story are just short enough to keep my girl's attention to the page. It is clearly my best book purchase I ever made for my girl.

Too basic but it's Dora
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-02
These stories are VERY short, basic and not very interesting. BUT, it's Dora, so my daughters still ask to read them.

Great for long trip
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-02
Bought this as a surprise gift for my 2.5yo dd for a long plane trip we were taking. She loved all the stories, and I felt there was a nice variety of stories included. Great for any Dora fan, as long as you don't already own many Dora stories (to keep from having duplicates).

Cool Book for Dora lovers
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-14
My son likes Dora. He loves this book. I read it to him every night. Some stories are too short though.

Movies
Entering Tenebrea
Published in Kindle Edition by Star Trek (2001-06-10)
Author: Roxann Dawson
List price: $6.99
New price: $5.59

Average review score:

Awesome Sci-Fi writing that will entertain you well.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-14
It was a very curious novel. It actually surprised me along the way. It looks like an innocent bystander becomes the center of a war that no one dared to start. As the clones get the necessary stimulus from Andrea, all hell breaks loose. This book will leave wishing you bought the whole trilogy at once.

Fantastic! Five Stars all the way!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-12
This book was a fantastic read! It had a terrific plot, great characters, and many thrilling moments!
When I first heard of the book, I wasn't very interested(I'm not a big Sci-fi fan). But it got great reviews, so I decided to give it a try. I'm so happy that I did! This book wasn't like any other book I had ever read. It was better! It had something for everyone: action, suspense, romance, adventure, and mystery.

This is hands down one of greatest, if not THE greatest, books I've ever read or ever hope to read!

Couldn't put it down!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-08
When Andrea Flores's husband and daughter are killed in a terrorist attack, she is taken aboard the Jod starship Tyker to heal and recuperate. The Tyker's captain, K'Rin, who witnessed the aftermath of her family's murder, gives her the opportunity to join his elite and mysterious house guard, the Tenebrea. Trained as an assassin, Andrea finds herself on a special mission to the planet Cor, where she must gather information about a rumor of NewGen clones that are supposedly being grown for war. What Andrea seeks is vengeance, but her plan is slightly sidetracked in a new search for answers, and what she ends up getting involved in is something neither she, not the Jod, could have imagined.

This book was fabulous! I really didn't know what to expect, since the back cover is kind of vague, but what a wonderful surprise it was to find myself immersed in a truly gripping story of heartbreak, betrayal, acceptance, friendship, love, vengeance, secrets, lies, and loyalty. There are also some key points of humor, and plenty of tense and exciting action. Andrea's story is not as cut and dry as you might imagine in the beginning, and the plot twists and secrets that are revealed along the way make for a wonderful page-turner that teases the mind and leaves you begging for more.

The world building was wonderful, and the characters were rich and multidimensional. There were times when I really wondered, who were the good guys and who were the bad guys? ... and I'm still wondering about some of them, even at the end of the second book (Tenebrea's Hope), which was just as amazing as the first. The plot is woven together with such expertise that I was doomed to read the entire book in one sitting, never once having to skim over a dull spot ... and that is very rare indeed. I highly, highly recommend this book!

A State of Mind as Much as a Series of Events
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-31
The first book of a projected trilogy, Entering Tenebrea is not a truly great read, but it shows increasing promise as the story unfolds, especially for readers willing to cut a pair of relative rookies some slack.

Earth belongs to the Alliance, a largely alien planetary union now debating membership for the Ordinate, a human civilization found on the planet Cor some years ago. Little is known about the secretive Ordinate, except that it arose from an ancient alien experiment to study the impact of advanced Alliance technology on humans, and it now relies extensively on cloned slave labor-illegal in the Alliance. Alliance governments see cloning as the only issue. To a few scattered individuals, however, the Ordinate poses a deeper threat.

For Terran Andrea Flores, a perfect life is derailed when her husband and daughter die in a terrorist attack. Witness to the attack is Jod Admiral Hal K'Rin, on the outs with his planetary Council for continuing his father's anti-Ordinate crusade. K'Rin takes Andrea under his wing, eventually offering her a chance to join his Tenebrea. The Tenebrea have long been Clan Rin's household guard, but also serve as an elite special force for the regular Jod militia. One Tenebrea function is riding herd on Ordinate agents among the Alliance worlds. K'Rin knows, and Andrea learns, that the alleged terrorist attack was really an Ordinate operation. K'Rin also heard recently that Cor is developing a new order of highly dangerous clones. His source is clone escapee Eric, who's seeking aid for his fellow old-order clones, now being phased out. Can K'Rin trust such a source?

The Roman Catholic "Tenebrae" (misspelled by the authors) is a rite of mourning and darkness, commemorating Christ's crucifixion. Why an alien military group is named after an old Latin word is never explained, but for Andrea Flores "entering Tenebrea" describes a state of mind as much as a series of events. Considering herself as dead as her family, she wants only to kill as many of the killers as she can, commemorating her own loss. She must earn her commission, though; after rigorous training, only the best candidates become Tenebrea, with a commitment that's absolute and life-long. Her first mission is to infiltrate Cor, join the renegade clone underground, confirm Eric's claims, and escape with proof in hand.

Much of the early set-up to Entering Tenebrea is too contrived to ring true, grating against the willing suspension of disbelief that makes for a successful novel. Once past the troublesome set-up chapters, however, the characters, social systems, and situations are absorbing enough to help the reader focus on action, not analysis. Some later plot elements still don't pass close scrutiny, and there are occasional chronology and continuity errors, but it becomes easier to ignore them. The writing style is serviceable if uninspired, with only the average assortment of basic writing errors. By story's end, the patient reader will almost certainly want to see how the remaining two installments of the trilogy shape up.

Awesome, action-packed Space Opera!! Highly recommended!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-03
When Andrea Flores's husband and daughter are killed in a terrorist attack, she is taken aboard the Jod starship Tyker to heal and recuperate. The Tyker's captain, K'Rin, who witnessed the aftermath of her family's murder, gives her the opportunity to join his elite and mysterious house guard, the Tenebrea. Trained as an assassin, Andrea finds herself on a special mission to the planet Cor, where she must gather information about a rumor of NewGen clones that are supposedly being grown for war. What Andrea seeks is vengeance, but her plan is slightly sidetracked in a new search for answers, and what she ends up getting involved in is something neither she, not the Jod, could have imagined.

This book was fabulous! I really didn't know what to expect, since the back cover is kind of vague, but what a wonderful surprise it was to find myself immersed in a truly gripping story of heartbreak, betrayal, acceptance, friendship, love, vengeance, secrets, lies, and loyalty. There are also some key points of humor, and plenty of tense and exciting action. Andrea's story is not as cut and dry as you might imagine in the beginning, and the plot twists and secrets that are revealed along the way make for a wonderful page-turner that teases the mind and leaves you begging for more.

The world building was wonderful, and the characters were rich and multidimensional. There were times when I really wondered, who were the good guys and who were the bad guys? ... and I'm still wondering about some of them, even at the end of the second book (Tenebrea's Hope), which was just as amazing as the first. The plot is woven together with such expertise that I was doomed to read the entire book in one sitting, never once having to skim over a dull spot ... and that is very rare indeed. I highly, highly recommend this book!

Movies
The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies
Published in Paperback by Disney Editions (2003-10)
Author: Jason Surrell
List price: $19.95
New price: $8.94
Used price: $6.88
Collectible price: $25.00

Average review score:

A go-to book for Disney fans!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-27
Excellent pictures, interesting information. This is a must have for Disney fans of the Haunted Mansion! It even covers Disney's other haunted mansions around the world, and the Haunted Mansion movie. Everything you ever wanted to know!

Welcome foolish mortaals, to the haunted mansion!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-17
THis book was great! A ton of information on the ride! I couldnt put it down! It was great.

A SPIRITED TRIBUTE TO A DISNEY CLASSIC
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-18
This book is a must read for ALL ages and ANYONE interested in Disney theme park attractions around the globe. Any Disney fan knows that the Imagineers are very particular about what is revealed to the general public in terms of how they make their Disney 'magic' and I was pleasantly surprised (being an avid Disney fan myself) by the research that went into the making of this book and the amount of knowledge shared with the reader - it DOES in fact reveal some secrets of the mansion and never before seen history of the making of the attraction. (It confirms and dispels some rumors about the attraction once and for all too!) A pattern of discussion is followed throughout the book as you are verbally walked through the mansion's corridors and rooms. Surrell consistently covers the Haunted Mansion in a logical order (Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris) in every chapter. He takes the subject matter full circle by including information about how the attraction was translated to the big screen, and gives the reader insight to how decisions were made pertaining to set design, costume design, and casting for the movie of the same name. If you want an intelligent, thorough and enjoyable read about a classic Disney attraction, and especially an insight to the magic that is Imagineering, this is a MUST READ!

This reader says "hurry ba-ack, hurry ba-ack"
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-03
Lots o' great info on both the Ride @ the Disney Theme Parks + the Movie [which I loath - sorry but the Haunted Mansion wasn't meant to be made into a 2 hour episode of the Fresh Prince of Bellaire, mmmkay ?] + the Haunted Mansion Holiday ....

Future editions should drop all reference to the Movie, then spend more time on the Haunted Mansion Holiday [Nightmare Before Christmas Holiday makeover] + recent "changes" that occured in 2006 [I'd make it a 5 star if they did that] ....

If you don't want to read the book, please buy it for the artwork
[best priced Disney Merchandise vs. what you will pay @ the Theme Parks] ....

~(^)~

Weak information...a promo for the ride and the movie
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-10
You buy this book thinking it's a great "behind-the-scenes" resource, but it's not. Yes, there is some background information, but the book skips confusingly from park to park, and offers very little technical information on the special effects. The photos are all standard Disney promotional stuff...this book tells you what Disney wants you to know, and nothing else.

Go to doombuggies.com for a much better treatment of this classic ride.

Movies
Heaven Is a Playground (Movie Tie-in Edition)
Published in Paperback by Fireside (1991-08-15)
Author: Rick Telander
List price: $8.95
New price: $2.59
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $11.99

Average review score:

2ND Best book on inner N.Y.C. basketball
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-28
This book is about a hot bed of baketball in inner N.Y.C. namely Bklyn in the mid 70's When the King wasn't called Lebron James, but King Albert (Albert King) averaging 44 a game in H.S. he was hailed & christianed the greatest ever to come out of New York City (although his pro career did not live up to the billing Albert & brother Bernard will always be fondly remembered). This book is about Albert and his come up through Bedstuy and so forth. It also gives you an inside look at some of BK'S playground legends circa 1970's and some of their tragic downfalls. The best N.Y.C. ball-book ever written will always be "The City Game" by Pete Axthlem, but this is a close 2nd.

All the Great Themes of Basketball
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-12
Rick Telander brings all together all the great themes of basketball in this unforgettable book. He stays true to the sport and never strays too far from it (or its many characters). With great books, readers say they never want to see the characters potrayed in the movie because it will never live up to the image/character they've envisioned. In "Heaven Is A Playground", I never want to see Fly Williams or Albert King play ball because I'd rather keep the court wizardry, provided by Telander, permanently embedded in my brain.

This will be a short book review...
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-04
This is the best book on basketball I've ever read. First read it when I was a kid in the late '70's, and it still rings as true today. Just about the best sportswriting ever.

A Great Story of Spirit, Struggle, and Escape
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-29
I read this book around '93, just after having read the "white version" in both Larry Bird's biography and autobiography. What was interesting was these two very similar yet distinct experiences and how they related to my own experience, growing up it what would seem like a very safe and socially adjusted rural town.

Heaven is a Playground was a departure for me in to a world where basketball had the utmost symbolic and cultural meaning - where legends were born and died and everybody else was willing to take the gamble. Was basketball more a sacrifice of a better future (missing school) or a one shot escape from certain poverty? Telander would probably argue the latter. What I found interesting was that only a few of the characters in the story actually had the potential for professional basketball, yet all the other young men seemed (unconsciously) willing to sacrifice their own futures for those players. Not so much blinded by their dreams they were living them.

As interesting as social commentary as it is about hoops
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-04-11
Certainly some other reviewers have me beat in the department of basketball-related literature, but I count "Heaven Is A Playground" amongst the many social science books that I have read. And indeed, it matches up quite well with the best reads of the past few decades. On the surface, the book seems to be about inner-city basketball, but within the pages, it is a complete dissection of the (one segment) inner city African-American man.

The amazing book "Tally's Corner" managed the same feat in its analysis of street corner men. Both have achieved great feats with their respective works. For basketball fans like myself, "Heaven Is A Playground" not only reads as great/sad/true/mystifying social commentary, but also as plain sports entertainment. Rick Telander, as a sports writer, was really able to hit home with the writing, really giving readers a feel of the 1970s game - which has many similarities and differences to the game of today.

Another great aspect of the book is that it reads as if you there. Telander makes only the necessary analysis in the pages about what went on, and basically leaves the facts as they are. The book could have easily become a textbook lesson on sociological concepts, a lofty preaching on the ills of inner city life, or a rambling 200+ page play-by-play. Fortunately, the easy going style of writing is great journalism. Telander's style fit me well.

Thanks Rick for a great read.

Movies
The Little Rascals: The Life and Times of Our Gang
Published in Paperback by Three Rivers Press (1992-11-24)
Authors: Leonard Maltin and Richard W. Bann
List price: $21.95
New price: $12.99
Used price: $4.97
Collectible price: $23.00

Average review score:

Rascal mania
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-07
A lot of info that a lot of people did not know about those little darlings. Very interesting, good reading, very well done. Thank You.

A Must Have For Our Gang Fans
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-07
Excellent book....Leonard really digs deep to document and convey all things "Rascal". It's worth the purchase price.

A Nostalgic Treasure
Helpful Votes: 29 out of 33 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-26
Revised in 1992, Leonard Maltin and Richard W. Bann's "The Little Rascals" is a must for anyone who has enjoyed the antics of Spanky and the gang. The authors' exhaustive research and warm-hearted nostalgia is evident as they chronicle the history of these enduring comedy shorts. Along with biographies of the ever-changing cast and crew, the book offers a detailed critical analysis from the golden Hal Roach period (1922-38) to the sad decline at MGM (1938-44). It's the ultimate Our Gang celebration, with a treasure trove of rare photographs and publicity material.

Brought back many old memories.
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-30
I have been looking for this book for ages.Answers so many questions about all the Little Rascals.Some didn`t live long and very few are still with us.Being from Long Island I watched them on CH.11 on the Officer Joe Bolton Show every day after school.Kids today have nothing like them on TV.The facts in this book are fantastic and the pictures are great.If you love the Little Rascals buy this book.

Highly Recommended
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-30
The Little Rascals: The Life and Times of Our Gang is the most comprehensive book available about the popular short series. Leonard Maltin, longtime fan of both Hal Roach comedies and the Our Gang series itself, writes both intelligently and lovingly about the series with the help of Richard W. Bann.

This book opens with a short history of the Hal Roach film company and the Our Gang series.

Then, it leads to a collection of all of the shorts made for the series including the cast, release date, and highly effective synopses and analyses of each short. These are listed chronologically and noted according to ownership and distributor and silent and sound. Some of the silent have been lost, but they are not neglected. Instead, Maltin has used reviews from the time period to give the reader a sense of the short and an idea of its quality. Opinions are used, but they are obviously separate from the factual information and are supported by facts. They add to the effectiveness of the synopses and paint a more vivid picture of the shorts that are unavailable. What is also unique about this book is the listing of the MGM shorts that are often regarded as the worst quality episodes of the series. Skipping these films, although understandable, would have made this book far less complete.

Next, the spin-offs and pop culture effects of the series are addressed, including the Saturday Night Live spoofs of Buckwheat and the cartoon versions of the show.

Last, the book includes a brief history of all of the major stars of the series and a few sentences about the more minor players. Sadly, this section needs to be updated because of the deaths of the cast members after this second publication. However, the information that is included is accurate and valuable, as much of it cannot be easily found anywhere else, especially interviews.

One must also comment on the abundant photographs utilized in the book including rare publicity stills.

Overall, this is a high quality history of The Little Rascals.

Movies
Marley Movie Tie-in Edition: A Dog Like No Other
Published in Paperback by HarperEntertainment (2008-10-01)
Author: John Grogan
List price: $6.99
New price: $3.91
Used price: $3.72

Average review score:

Kids' Version of Marley and Me
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-30
While my 11 year old daughter would have been able to read the original book Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog, some parts were not age appropriate for her. Luckily this version was written for kids to read on their own and retains all the humor of the original. It is a fun read for any kid who loves dogs and loves to laugh! This book is guaranteed to leave you laughing out loud, and reading passages to everyone nearby.

Marley
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-18
My 13 yr old son really enjoyed this book, and I am glad this version is available. Unfortunately they have not included all the footnotes that were in the adult version, I felt they added closure to the story.

It's Not Just For Kids
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-04
You don't have to be a kid 9-12 years old to giggle, shake your head in disbelief, and cry while you read this book--an adaptation of MARLEY AND ME. This is a testament to author Grogan's writing skill.

Grogan never underestimates his readers' vocabulary and comprehension of complex ideas. He doesn't "sugar coat" anything; kids and adults appreciate that. He relates his story through a full range of emotions--frustration over Marley's destructive behavior, worry when Marley is sick, and awe every time Marely does the un-doable.

I challenge newbie juvenile writers to craft their books as well as Grogan has.

Note: If you don't have time to read the longer MARLEY AND ME, read MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER instead. You'll be glad you did.

A book that made me cry
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-06
Marley is a great book about a dog. He is crazy but still very cute. He is not obedient at all and when he's in public he is very naughty. This book goes from the beginning of Marley's life to when he gets really old. Marley is a golden retriever. He is so big that everyone is scared of him. When anyone walks into the house Marley dashes up to them and jumps up on them. This book is so good I couldn't put it down. These are some of the reasons I liked the book:

1. The book has to do with animals being treated fairly and I like that.
2. It taught me how much a dog can connect with its owner. It was touching.
3. The book was thick but I couldn't get enough!

There is just one thing that made me sad. I won't tell you what it was but I will say that it was so sad I actually cried. I hope this review helps you decide if this book is for you or not.

(Review written by Tysha)

Marley and Me
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-26
This book is excellent for dog lovers. It spans the gambit from laughter to tears. A MUST READ!

Movies
Saving Private Ryan
Published in Hardcover by Newmarket Press (1998-07-24)
Author: Steven Speilberg
List price: $34.95
New price: $7.49
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

Eh..............Saving Private Ryan
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-12
This Movie Is Great It Has The MG-42 Bullets Going Right Through The Water On The Beach.The Blood,Gore,Gun Realism Is Great.It Also Is A Heart Touching Movie.The Action Is Great,The Guns,The Cool Guys,And The Nazis....

Eh......SPR
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-12
This Movie Is Great It Has The MG-42 Bullets Going Right Through The Water On The Beach.The Blood,Gore,Gun Realism Is Great.It Also Is A Heart Touching Movie.The Action Is Great,The Guns,The Cool Guys,And The Nazis.If You Like SPR(Saving Private Ryan)Than Play The Game MoH:AA(Medal Of Honor:Allied Assault)For PC It Has The Same Weapons And The Same Missions Like The Real WWII.Good Luck

"But if we could do just one good thing . . . "
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-04
I think Spielberg's a genius. There, I've said it. He takes simple men, surely John Miller, Captain, 2nd Ranger Battalion is just that, a simple man, and paints a canvas of such detail of Armageddon, putting these simple men all over the painting. Hell. The end of the world. Good versus evil. Call it what you may. "I'm a history teacher," he says in the movie in one extraordinarily tense scene. "I teach history in a small high school in Pennsylvania. . . .when I'm done here I don't know if I can go back to it."

I'm reminded of another 'simple man' that came from Pennsylvania in novel lore. Lieutenant Harry Brubaker, the lawyer who flies F-9 Panther Jets in Michner's brief story about the carnage in Korea, 'Bridges at To Ko Ri.'

But the point is Spielberg tells us that they were all simple men and we don't believe him at first. We keep looking for Arnie Schwarznegger or Chuck Norris or The Rock. But they are and were normal guys, guys from Brooklyn New York and Brooklyn Michigan. Guys from towns you never heard of in Iowa, where Jimmy Ryan and his brothers came from. Just guys in the greatest carnage the world ever knew. And Spielberg shows us what they did. They changed the world.

The five Sullivan brothers all went down with their ship in the middle of the war and after that the powers that be would not commit one brother in a theater of combat where another brother was also serving in harm's way. So here, one of Jimmy Ryan's brothers is killed in the Pacific and one brother is killed in Anzio Beach. And Sean Ryan is killed in the landing at Omaha Beach. And Captain John Miller and a squad of men he picks are asked to find him to send him home.

A wonderful book to compliment a movie that should be preserved forever about an ubelievable body of men and women. "Was I a good man," asks James Ryan 50 years later? My Dad asked me the same question a few years ago. Five stars is not enough. Larry Scantlebury.

this is a very good story
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-21
I think this story is a very good story it really shows how the war really whent. my favrit character in this story was mellish well i'v seen the movie and i think he is the cutest i also like capazo he was really cool i think uhpum was a bit of a wimp but apart from that i think it was really cool.If i was to give this movie/book a raiting out of 100 i would give it 100 becaust it is so good.

Very interesting
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-24
Saving Private Ryan and The Triumph and the Glory have sparked an interest in me about WWII. The novel isn't quite as good as the movie but anyway this book is a great behind the scenes look at the making of a terrific movie.

Movies
The Sopranos: A Family History
Published in Paperback by NAL Trade (2001-09-01)
Author: Allen Rucker
List price: $20.00
New price: $5.23
Used price: $0.81
Collectible price: $95.00

Average review score:

Unbelievable. Will tide you over until 4th Season
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-28
I have been wanting this book since it came out a year or so ago. It did NOT disappoint. There is so much in this book that doesn't come from the show. I remember writing a thesis on this show in college, stating that the website actually becomes a supplement to the show and by doing this, it actually pulls the viewer into the show, breaking the fourth wall. This book does that times two. Are the Sopranos based on actual people? Is it truth or fiction? By the time you get done reading this, you won't care. This is a must read.

Stellar, witty, and a great read
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-06
A stellar examination of the past, present, and portents of "The Sopranos"! Wow! From the die-hard Soprano fans to all those interested schlumps, this book is the must-read needed on their bookself. An entertaining, voyeuristic, and compassionate look at the Sopranos' lives that mix reality and myth into a remarkable anthology of today's most famous mobster family. The show earned its Emmys and then some; the book compliments the show with its photos and commentary on what will become the most talked about series for years to come. In my opinion, there are only a handful of shows that truly deserve such an in-depth perspective as this one does- and this one hits the mark! Two enthusiastic thumbs up and a congratulations going toward the talented and witty writer, Allen Rucker, the only one who made this fantastic book possible for all Soprano aficionados to thoroughly enjoy. Rucker brings an unique standpoint to the Sopranos' family and lifestyle that I never knew existed. I hope he writes the next updated version! If not, "I have friends, you know!"

It makes you feel like one of the Family!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-26
I loved this book. I poured over it so many times that I have just about worn it out. It has been like a Bible of sorts to me. Very interesting. Anyone who is a true Sopranoholic like I am will love this book. I just wish they would make an updated version of it. I am going to be so sorry to see the season end and just thinking about the series ending is too much for me to comprehend.

Think of this book as one big Soprano History/Dictionary/Vocabulary book and that is what you can expect. Worth every cent.

Soprano Bible
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2002-08-27
Great book to have if you are a die hard Soprano fan like myself. Gives you great insights on the Soprano family tree and it also gives Soprano fans a guide on things that you might have missed out on. Overall, a excellent book! Don't keep this book too far away when you're watching the show because it comes in handy

A Fortuitous Discovery
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-06
I'm a big Opera fan, and my grandmother bought me this book because she thought it was about great Italian singers. You can imagine my disappointment when I realized this book was about the characters from a TV show focusing on the Mafia. I don't have a TV, so I'd never seen the "Sopranos" show. Reading about something I had no knowledge of, or interest in, seemed dumb at first, but I had the book so I thought "What the heck! I'll read it". Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It is a very entertaining read, and I would recommend it to anyone, even people with no TVs like me, who enjoy a fun book. Highly Recommended! (Note: I have since seen the show at a friend's house, and frankly I must say I liked the book better than the progam.)


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