Television Books

Of course it's not all in the dialogue. You've got great acting, directing, editing, costuming, etc. HOWEVER, the Buffy writers obviously not only love what they do, but are also very good at it.

The pop culture references mingle freely with the historical. Renaissance Poetry class was never so much fun.

These scripts give you a chance to catch anything you might have missed the first time around. It's peppy. Is Poppy a word? Well, I know it's a word, but is it a word the way I mean it? Anyhow, I would recommend this book for any Buffy fan.

The good news is that original shooting scripts of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" are available, as in this volume offering up the first six episodes of Season One. But the bad news, relatively speaking, is that we just get the scripts without any extras. The pages are your traditional Courier style font (including the title page), and while the pages are not in blue, pink, green, yellow, goldenrod and salmon to reflect the various revisions, if you follow the revision dates on the top of the pages you can figure that part out. Therefore, while I appreciate having the original scripts in front of my while watching the episodes so I can see what has been deleted/added/changed (these are not transcripts; big difference), I would have really liked to have a bit more such as introductions by the writers talking about the genesis of the script ideas or problems they had to overcoming in putting the script into production, beyond the production notes and stage directions. Certainly some of what I am looking for can be found in "The Watcher's Guide," which covers the show's first two seasons, but given how first-rate the BtVS companion volumes have been I am rather surprised this is a comparatively bare bones effort.

Included in this volume for those of you who do not have the first 100 episodes totally memorized are "Welcome to the Hellmouth" and "The Harvest," both written by series creator Joss Whedon, "Witch" by Dana Reston, "Teacher's Pet" by David Greenwalt, "Never Kill a Boy on the First Date" by Rob Des Hotel and Dean Batali, and "The Pack" by Matt Kiene and Joe Reinkemeyer. After the two-part pilot these other episodes reflect a time when the Buffy mythos was just starting to get organized. After all, Buffy has yet to find out about Angel's true nature and the emphasis is on how high school is a living hell if you are a teenager, but even more so when you are perched on the Hellmouth. Besides, once you get the first half of Season One you have to pick up the second half as well. Then there is Season Two...

Watching "Buffy" T.V. series or cassettes is huge enjoyment already. Reading this script brought pure delight: sharp wit, self-derogatory under-/overstatements, punch and speed - this script is, quite definitely, for lovers of language. Stage directions, as indicated between parts of dialogue,are about as savoury as dialogue itself. I've just one reservation:I suppose, to really relish this book as it should be relished, one should obviously have seen related episodes on either TV or cassette. One then remembers Charisma Carpenter's studied drawl, Sarah Gellar's brisk deadpan humour, and Nicholas Brendon's fantastic "fool's faces". Only then does one realize, not just how good the writing is, but also, how brilliantly the whole cast has done its job. Yes, this definitely does show just how brilliant the whole "Buffy" act was - and still is. Can we PLEASE have scriptbooks of what follows?!...

It's valuable for fans of Buffy, full of hints and descriptions that make the tv episodes even more enjoyable; it's also a very cool book for anyone interested in writing tv scripts who're curious about the format, or looking for insight into how to blend comedy and suspense and juggle an excellent ensemble cast without shortchanging anyone.

This book is one of the ultimate companions to the blockbuster show of the same title.

In a day and age when show creators and producers have gotten into the habit of talking down to their ausiences, Whedon again breaks the mold by sharing the direct scripts with us, the loyal fans.

I remember how happy I was when I heard that BTVS was going to be a television series and this book brought back the early euhphoria that I experienced with the revival. Thank you again Joss for everything.

Classical, jazz, and pop singer Eileen Farrell comes across as a down-to-earth, generous, happy, and satisfied person in this book. What's not to like?

Like another reviewer I found the biography too short. Surely Miss Farrell could divulge with her writer's help more anecdotes. And SURELY Sony/CBS could re-release more of her albums, particulary the Puccini Arias. Thank God there are historical recordings available, for which, unfortunately, Miss Farrell doesn't get royalties. I would happily send her a check anytime.

Do not confuse this witty, sparkling memoir with the stilted, egocentric ("I" this and "I" that) memoirs you may have encountered. Farrell, one of the Met's most underused artists - yet one of its greatest, writes with charm and style that enthrall the reader making us wish she had easily written a book twice as long. Brava! Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a great read and "meeting" a great lady.

Thank you, Eileen Farrell, for a wonderful career and for your candor in telling your very personal and inspiring story. I couldn't put the book down! As a professional singer myself, I found your experiences from your innocence at the first audition to your regular radio show moving and encouraging. Your book is as honest and refreshing as your performances and a must-read for even those with no interest in opera.

Eileen Farrell is one of the most gifted and celebrated American singers of the twentieth century. She is both a classically trained dramatic soprano and a talented songstress of pop songs and the blues. Can't Help Singing: The Life Of Eileen Farrell is a superbly crafted memoir in which she shares candid reminiscences about her professional career and her personal life. With humor and affection she surveys her New England childhood, her sudden success at the age of twenty starring in her own CBS radio show, dubbing for Eleanor Parker in the MGM movie "Interrupted Melody", her many guest appearances on television, and her operatic work, including an historic debut at the Metropolitan Opera in Alceste in 1960. Eileen also recollects her sometimes troubled marriage of forty years to New York police officer Robert Reagan and her frustrating tenure as a faculty member at Indiana University. In this wonderful memoir we meet the famous figures of music who were her contemporaries, fellow performers, and associates from Leonard Bernstein to Maria Callas, from Ethel Merman to Carol Burnett. Can't Help Singing is a marvelous biography that will hold great interest and appeal for her many fans and for students of 20th Century American music.

I think most people today have become bitter and cold. Not bothering to take the time to even say 'good morning,' in most cases. You are lucky to get someone (today) to even nod their head with a good morning gesture. It is nice to discover that there are a few people still left in the world today who are polite enough to send someone like 'Superman,' a warm and heartfelt good luck wish!

I read this book in 2000 and I was both inspired and touched by it.
I began writing to the Reeves shortly after Chris had his
riding accident, and I never stopped.
Chris and Dana were two of the most caring and enduring people
in the world.Now that they are both gone,this book serves as a tribute of sort to both of them.They have left a legacy of love,
kindness,and family values for everyone to remember and reflect upon.
For anyone who needs any amount of inspiration and uplifting of
spirit,simply get a copy of this book.
May God forever keep Christopher and Dana Reeve in His sweet embrace.

Thanks to Dana Reeve, we get a gift every time we read this book! Buy it as a present to yourself! I loved this book! * Sniff * Many beautiful things can come out of something terrible. The out pouring of love for Christopher Reeve is amazing! His acting in "Somewhere in Time" was my favorite and I am a fan, but his courage through his ordeal is altogether awe inspiring. Thank-YOU, Dana! Buy this book today!

I think this is a charming and insightful collection, and I feel not the least bit silly spending money on it. Christopher Reeve is one of my heroes, and I wrote e-mail to him via a website not long after his accident. I'm gratified and warmed to see how many other people did something similar.

Chris, you're much loved - and Dana, thank you for sharing these letters with us. We haven't forgotten either of you, and we're still praying for that moment that all the fighting and struggling pays off.

I first met Chris in Atlanta in 1994 and was struck by his grace and incredible presence. I saw him again at a private party following his star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 15, 1997. The Reeve family are a fine example of the true meaning of "family". Meeting them and being involved with fund-raising and Superman events has changed my life. I exchanged this wonderful, touching book with my little Superman buddy, Joey, on Thanksgiving day. This 8-year-old boy is the biggest Superman fan I know. We took a photo together in our Superman shirts with our books and many of Joey's Superman collectibles. I mailed the photo, along with Joey's special letter and gift for Chris, to the Reeves' home on New Year's Day. Joey, his mom and I love the "Kids" chapter of this book with all of the lovely drawings and messages from children all over the world. I've never loved a book more than this one. Thanks Dana! I believe that Chris will be best known as the Super Man who helped all disabled people fulfill their dreams. Jim Bowers - Flying78@bellsouth.net.

A must for any Cathedrals fan and a "should have" for lovers of Gospel music.

WOW! As a fan of the Cathedrals, I loved reading about the 2 Sr members. The Lord worked in both of their lives to bring them together to bless us all with their music and their commitment to the call on their lives. If you love the Cathedrals, you will LOVE this book!!!!!!!!!!

A great look at the Cathedrals' history, George Younce and Glen Payne's stories, and the gospel music business in general. A MUST read for anyone who has ever listened to gospel music!

A great book for Cathedral's fans. The lives of these two gentlemen are a true example of what being in God's service is all about. They have touched hearts and lives for decades with their music. My only complaint is that it was too short and I hope someday, the full and complete story of Glen Payne and George Younce will be told.

I borrowed this book from a friend and read it, and now I want to purchase the book for my library. I have managed to get two of the books for two different friends autographed at several of their concerts. This makes the book even more meaningful, especially having Glen's and George's autographs. I would highly recommend purchasing this book and adding to your library.

This book is one of the best Italian cook books I have seen. The recipes are easy to follow and their are a wide variety of recipes.

Ciao Italia is filled with traditional Italian recipes and is not only a wonderful book that is an associate book to the public television show but the host of the show and the author of the book Mary Ann Esposito is one of the most down-to-earth and personable people I have ever met

I had this book for years and then it was stolen. There are recipes in it I absolutely must have so I find myself buying a new one.

Don't pass up an opportunity to own this book! With love and warmth the author shares recipes that are simple and satisfying. I've cooked half of this book and the results have always been terrific...especially the Farfalle Picante.

These are my home town recipes! Reading this made me feel at home. True Italian flavor. These are real...real..hand-me-down recipes from the old country. Even if your not Italian you can't help but enjoy the tradition presented here. CAIO !

There's no guitar tablature. What a disappointment. If you play piano, you'll be satisfied, otherwise I wouldn't recommend it.

I look forward to going home every night (and probably much to my neighbors' and roommate's dismay) to try to play and sing at the same time. The music is for the piano to accompany the rest of the band, so it doesn't always carry the melody. But it's awesome and not too bad. The abundance of sharps and flats may scare some, such as me, but in the end the chords are not too difficult; there is a lot of repetition. I am particularly fond of many of the songs. I hope this helps! Personally, I prefer Parachutes.

It feels great to order something and get exactly what you intended and had in mind, all at the same time it being in wonderful condition. It was a smart order.

This is a great set of tabs.. I never could have figured out the tunings or alot of the effects without many more years of experimenting.

I have been playing the violin for 9 years and teaching myself the piano on the side, so this book was a little hard for me. I loved the fact that these are the actual parts to the songs, not some simplified score that doesn't sound anything like the original. "The Scientist" was the first song I learned and by far the easiest. I recommend this book to any musically inclined Coldplay fan because you'll end up loving their music more.

This book is perfect for beginners. It uses simply, practical words. Contains a glossary of terms. Displays an example of a breakdown, beat sheet, and Act. It's a straight forward book. Tells the ups and the downs of the business in both America and Canada. Tells you how to break in, and what to expect as a staffer among other things.

Alex Epstein's CRAFTY TV WRITING is a terrific new book full of great advice about the craft of episodic writing and insights into the business of television (and I'm not just saying that because he quotes liberally from me and my blog). If I didn't have a book of my own, Successful Television Writing, to recommend, this is the one I'd tell every aspiring TV writer to buy.

This book was amazing. I read it in one day, and it was really interesting. A lot of real world examples, which was extremely helpful. And this guy is clearly a huge Joss Whedon fan, which made reading it all the more enjoyable!

Highly recommend, I learned a lot and had fun doing it!

Experienced professional television screenwriter and story editor Alex Epstein presents Crafty TV Writing: Thinking Inside the Box, a solid writer's manual that covers all the bases. From the hidden structure of TV series, to turning great story ideas into workable scripts, the many tips, tricks, and techniques of a writer's toolkit, the realities of working in TV land (including how to break into the business, get hired, and get promoted!) and much more. Appendices, resources, and spot-on advice from direct personal experience distinguish this absolute "must-have" for aspiring and practicing television writers alike.

I've read many books on writing for film and television, and this is one of the best. What I like most about Alex Epstein's style is that it is immensely, if not compulsively, readable. His advice is practical and straightforward, and he approaches the topics in the book with a much appreciated playful sense of humor. There are books that are educational but pretentious and are a chore to go through, this book manages to be instructive and entertaining at the same time; it's a real gem. Highly recommended!

This is a spectacular book for all CSI fans that covers Seasons 1 - 3. Each episode is summarized in order of airing for each season with highlights of the case, investigator(s) involved, evidence found and tests performed (DNA, autopsy, facial reconstruction, fingerprinting), suspect and victim information, and the status of the case, i.e. solved, unsolved. If more than one case is handled during the episode, each plot is summarized separately, going between the cases as they do on the show.

Some case summaries include a couple pages of graphical information relating to the case and provide more details, such as investigator reports, evidence and chain of custody tags, evidence and DNA test results, investigative reports, etc. Some of the contents of these pages are difficult to read but give you an overall picture of the actual "case file".

Then on blue tinted pages, the producers, directors, writers and actors make comments on the episode. There is some great information on how some scenes were filmed for maximum effect. Actors also provide insight to their characters as they relate to that particular case and in general. This is really nice since for the most part there is not much character history on the show. It's also in these pages that we learn that some of the cases are based on real life cases by one of the writers.

It is also mentioned by writers and actors (William Petersen and Jorja Fox) that the sexual tension between the characters of Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle has been part of the plans from the beginning of the show. Also, details are provided of how certain scenes and dialog are planned out for specific episodes to highlight that tension.

There is also a character profile provided for each of the main characters of the show. This profile gives background information of each of the characters, including family history, education, work history and other pertinent personal information.

I give this book "two thumbs up".

Just what I wanted- very quick shipping and all ready to wrap for Christmas. Thank you so much. I would certainly rate this transaction A+,A+,A+,A+
I'll be back!

I am such a huge CSI fan and this book is the most fantastic book for fans of the show. It has lots of information about ever episode from season 1 through to 4 and information on the characters too. For each episode, it's headed up with the name of the episode, original airdate, special guest stars etc. Then it goes into depth about the storyline (something the dvds don't do on the cover at any length) shows a few pictures and ends with a side piece about how the creation of that episode came about. Throughout the stunning glossy-ish book, there are case files on the CSI's themselves and their fields of expertise (and great pictures of Nick).
It's really a coffee table type of book in the fact that you look through it once or twice, keep it aside and flick through it again every now and then. It's interesting and fun to look at and I highly highly recommend it to any fan of the show like I am and you'll be so happy with your puchase for sure.

If you love C.S.I. Crime Scene Investigation - The Complete First Season (which I do) then you'll love reading through this companion book (which I did)! Covering every episode in the first three seasons of the hit show, this book takes you behind the scenes with details you might have missed while watching them on television.

Besides listing the writer of each episode, the director, and all of the guest stars and parts they played, you get an overview of the case, the evidence and facts, and the conclusion.

One of the most interesting aspects of this book are the pictures and illustrations. Taken from the actual "case file", you can see up close and personal the evidence that the CSI's collected from the crime scene and used to find the perpetrator. Many of these items were never shown on the actual show, or if they were, it was done so quickly I must have missed it!

I really hope that they come out with another companion for the succeeding seasons, as this is one show I can't get enough of. You'll definitely be happy you purchased this book, and the only thing I can think of that would make it better is to also put out a CSI: MIAMI companion!!

Now that the CSI series is into its seventh season I keep hoping that a second volume of this fantastic book, covering each program of the first three seasons, will be followed by a second volume covering the 4th, 5th and 6th season's programs. I can only hope that the author, Mike Flaherty and the publisher, Simon & Schuster's Pocket Book Division, will not disappoint this volume's legion of fans!

The focus of this book is the automobile crash that ended the life of actor James Dean. Dean only ever made three movies but those three had a huge impact on folks of that period.

In any case, the details given here will present you with a clearly defined account of why and how this youth noir-icon died.

He was on his way to a race, in a racecar, when a young man pulled out from an intersecting highway. So, the question arises, 'Was Dean's speed the cause of the spectacular crash or, was it carelessness on the young man's part who possibly failed to yield the right-of-way?' (HINT: Dean was just issued a speeding ticket about an hour or so before the crash!)

This book has plenty of nice illustrations and I found it a real page-turner of a mini-biography.

We invite you to learn more about James Dean and other Warren Beath titles at http://jamesdeanindeath.com/

I first read this book almost 15 years ago and lost the original paperback whilst at college.But I can still recall the creepy passages of Beath's descripton of Dean's death and Beath's veiled admission of his own descent into madness and obsession-the young man that Beath describes throughout the book IS the author himself because if you read his bibliography at the front,he lists NOTES ON DYING which is the thesis the character writes in the book.Bits that stick out are the Japanese business-man buying the hulk of the tow-truck that carried away the crumpled porshe after the crash and the author stealing a high-way cornice and storing it in his room,only to find it infested with hornets and flies.Quite superb.

I read this book when it first was published, so I am obviously not in the best position to critique it at least a couple years later. However, when it comes to James Dean I am an admitted addict and have read almost everything that has been published about him over the past 30 years. What makes this book a standout is that it concentrates on Dean's death as opposed to his life. It provides very detailed information re: his last ride and how his death and the subsequent hoopla surrounding it was handled. It also provides quite a lot of previously unpublished material in regard to the period immediately before and after his death. The author has saved us all a lot of pain and irritation by researching this material in a factual and precise manner.
What makes this book a positive departure from the other Dean book is that there is no psychological stuff about Dean's tortured youth or attempts to affix a death wish to him, just a lot of good hard facts. Joe Friday couldn't do a better job in that area.
The best part of this book? It sticks to the truth and makes for an interesting read.

Beath makes the death of James Dean a very personal experience for the reader. This is not a book one reads and forgets - the reader has participated in the author's passionate search for the substance behind the tragedy and the reader is changed. I'm ready for more from this author.

this book is a must have for any child's library. This book is by far my sons favorite book. The rhyming is very clever, it teaches kids how to count, and the overall message in the book is refreshing.

This is a fun rhyming book. My daughter is 7 now and we still drag it out every so often for a read although we dont' really need to as we all have it memorized! No matter how many times it's been read, we all still enjoy it. I buy it as a gift often.

Our daughter has had this one at the top of her "favorites" list for years and it's Daddy's favorite too! We have read it so many times it is practically falling apart. Get it, you'll love it.

I'm a mom of six and this is one of my children's favorite books. The rhymes are adorable, the pace fast and the pictures cute. This is a fun book and I highly recommend it!

The book just arrived on Friday and I have been reading it to my son over and over. In one sitting, he asked me to read it to him over 5 times. Once the story ended, he would say "again mommy". The book has a rhyming counting theme from 1-10 with different animals. The illustrations are fun to look at as well. I didn't know what to expect when i bought the book, but I'm glad I bought it. I bought it because it was about a panda (my son loves pandas)... so, I took a chance at the book. I'm glad I bought it. I highly recommend it!