Television Books

Driving in Los Angeles is always problematic, but when a giant monolith suddenly appears in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard to signal yet another impending apocalypse, things quickly come to a standstill. Except for Angel and his teammates. They know right away that it's time once again to stop sipping the pig's blood and get to work.

When an ancient demon bamboozles a failing actress into carrying out an ancient ritual that will open the portals to hell, Angel faces a series of ugly problems. Not the least of which is that neither he, nor Wesley, nor anyone else have a clue what is actually going on. They know it must be bad, since every demon in town it headed out, but what kind of bad, or how bad, is still a mystery. Everyone goes into action, but the clues are slow in coming. And time is running out.

As I've noted elsewhere, John Passarella is a natural storyteller. This time he takes a high-tension story line and fleshes it out with two of the show's most complex relationships - that between Connor and Angel (who last buried Angel in the ocean) and that between Gunn and Fred (who seem caught in a web of interlocking guilt and obligation). The result is an action story with moments of poignancy and depth.

In fact, the story has a bit of everything. Demon dogs, creepy wizards, dark soldiers, and wild chase scenes populate the narrative. The characters, who have come through some rough times, are rebalancing their interplay, and Passerella captures the increasing maturity of the cast as well as the high tension of a summoning to end all summonings. One of this year's best Angel books.

This book was really great i loved how indepth it got with Connor and Angels relationship. I also thought it had a little bit comic in it to lighten the mood just like the show. (I thought it was hystererical when Connor was putting up a distraction so wesley could get by the monolith and Lorne,Cordy and Fred saw it on the news. (Cracked me up) Gunns tourist distraction was funny too. Great you shoukld definatley pick it up!

Great book!!! I loved it!!! Excellent story about Angel and Connor as well as Cordy, Lorne, Gunn, Fred and Wes.

I really loved this book! I cant seem to put it down!

A chilling stone monolith carved with two demonic faces has arisen in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard, leaving many interpretations of it's actual cause. Some believe it is nothing more than an elaborate publicity stunt for a new horror movie, while religious extremists believe it's the sign of an upcoming apocalypse. The Angel Investigations team though come to truly understand the full extent of the threat that the monolith poses to mankind. And with Hyconian demons causing havoc through the streets of L.A., it soon becomes clear that differences will have to be set aside if they're to come out victorious.

Angel: Monolith is a heart pounding, thrill-packed, adventure in Joss Whedon's Angel-verse as seen through the observant eyes of the Bram Stoker Award-winning horror author, John Passarella. Passarella has seamlessly handled the tricky task of bringing life to these characters and situations within the pages of his novel while adding his own unique sense of style to make an instant lasting impact. What makes this novel extra better is the fact that it's written through the pen (or PC) of a fellow fan who has obviously paid serious attention to the way the characters behave down to the even slightest of details.

The action is cranked high throughout but really takes an epic turn in it's final pages in which Angel and co. can't seem to stay six feet away from danger. This isn't the only brilliant factor though in this outstanding novel. The character involvement is far superior to that of any other Angel novels as Passarella has cleverly placed his story in a complex time for it's characters during it's fourth season. This leaves a much stronger plot for the author to develop his story around, one in which relationship triangles and un-easy bonds between characters are tested to their furthest limits, especially that of the two central characters, Angel and his demon-hunting son Connor.

The plot that Passarella has cleverly weaved within the current situation with the Television show is unlike any other previously experienced and you're guaranteed not to read anything like it anywhere else.

Novels by John Passarella always leave a strong sense of satisfaction behind long after you've passed the final pages and undoubtedly, Angel: Monolith is no exception of this. Passarella has perfectly struck the right balance between thrilling action and a strong story making this Angel novel much more widely appealing as a whole than any other, action-heavy, novels.

Angel: Monolith is an essential purchase for every Angel fan's collection.

Highly recommended. Buy it now!

At 2 years old, my daughter has learned all the words to this song because of this book. She loves it! Her favorite page is "when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad". It captivates her attention for the whole song. It's a keeper!

My 6 yr old daughter loves this book! Even with my terrible singing, she loves the song, the words and the wonderful illustrations.

This was my favorite song when I was a little girl so when I saw this book, I knew I had to have it! It has now become my 5 year old daughter's favorite book and she asks (or should I say demands) me to read it to her every night. She knows all the words and sings along as we look at the beautifully illustrated pictures. This book even has the sheet music at the back of the book! I highly recommend purchasing this item.

I'm an infant/toddler childcare teacher. My Favorite Things, is a beautifully illustrated book. It captures the wonder and sweetness of one of the best songs in the move, "The Sound of Music". I sing this book to my little ones. It captures their attention better than reading it.

Illustrations are like soft memories and evoke warm thoughts of childhood and this song. I believe this book works VERY well for young and older children. I love the sublty of imagery in clouds at end of book when children are staring up at sky imagining "favorite things". Both my two and 4 year old can sing this song now. Words and music are included in back to make this a BONUS for anyone musically inclined. A must have for anyone who likes the song!

I used to read Ray Richmond's columns every day in the Los Angeles "Daily News" and now see him writing a television column in that show business necessity "Daily Variety"-- so I was not disappointed to find the same sort of insightful reportage and great sense of humor displayed in his new book: My Greatest Day in Show Business: Screen Legends Share Their Fondest Memories. Hey, I confess to wanting to know about these celebrities, and Richmond is a fellow who's been around them for a long time, and knows his business, and it shows in this book. A satisfying read.

"Entertaining, Candid, Sincere,and Unique" is how I describe this book. The stories in "My Greatest Day in Showbusiness" are remarkable. The "information" one reads in gossip columns (or books sold for shock value) doesn't even come close to giving a glimpse of who famous people really are. This did. Here we have integrity and entertaining reading at once. Refreshing.

Great stories about the famous! Fun reading! It's great to know genuine truth about who we "invite into our living-rooms" instead of superficial publicity hype. We hope Ray Richmond introduces us around Hollywood again, soon. Well written!

"My Greatest Day in Show Business" gave me a feeling of really understanding the seventy-five stars that were interviewed. Their frank answers made them "knowable" and "real". Also, this book gave me an understanding of the kind of work, thought and care they pour into their careers. I've never really understood Hollywood before, but now I'm really starting to appreciate the show-biz work environment. I was inspired, delighted, taken aback, touched, and moved, as these celebrities revealed personal thoughts, opinions and stories. The stars have come down to Earth. I'll never look at them the same, again. A very good book!

I was at a seriously stuffy dinner party last week, and most of us did not know one another. It seemed no one could break the ice. Someone mentioned Jerry Springer for some reason, and after "normal opinions" were voiced, I related some of the highlights of his interview that are in this book. What a conversation we had because of what I'd read! Everyone ended up talking (sometimes over one another) and we forgot we were strangers. I just had to say thank you. I'm very glad I had read this book. It was most enlightening to be audience to legends we know by face and name, baring their souls about who they really are, and what has shaped them

the book was great...it showed just how close each member was to each other. The book shows how they each live their every day lives and their personality.

nsync is the number one band and they have the awards to prove it justin alone has won 3 and the group to many to count and if i gave the awards away they would get everyone of them even though i only met joey and only joey he was really cool about taking his personal time to come and sign autographs well go nsync and buy every book out there everyone.

I love all the new pictures in it. My man JC looks really good. All the guys are so awesome, and soon, N Sync will conquer the world and leave BSB in their dust!

the book was great...it showed just how close each member was to each other. The book shows how they each live their every day lives and their personality.

I think NSYNC is really cool. I've met them before they were famous which was really wicked and they're sooo down to earth. I mean BSB is well kinda..conceited if you ask me. That lifelong amount of fame has gotten to their heads but NSYNC is really nice and everything to their fans. I'm not "obsessed" or anything. I'm not really a fan but Lance is pretty cool. My special nickname for him is "Blonde Boy" and JC "Dude in the White Shirt" lol this was WAY before anyone knew who they were but like I totally support them in anything they do. They're nice guys.

After teaching English for several years, Judy Muller worked her way from small-town radio up to network television.

Her short, readable memoir is by turns poignant, moving, and hysterically funny. The copy that I checked out of the library had many dog-eared pages and I quickly grew to expect laughter -- that is, to hear myself laughing out loud -- when I reached one of these frequent waystations.

I knew that Judy Muller teaches a graduate course in broadcast journalism and I checked this book out of the library because I thought it might provide some good insights into the specifics of delivering the news. Beyond learning that radio reporters actually write their stories (but many TV reporters don't), which for some reason I found surprising -- you mean they don't just wing it? -- I learned very little about the mechanics of broadcast reporting, yet "Now This" is so accessible, and so funny, that I read the whole book anyway.

The editorial reviewers (above) have pretty much covered the topic areas of the book, so let me mention something other reviewers have not emphasized.

In anecdote after knee-slapping anecdote, Muller really captures a prevailing disjunction, a gap between the way the Big Media Powers that Be (back in New York) see the world, and the way the rest of us see it out here on the other side of William Penn's woods.

Judy Muller must have zillions of these stories under her belt by now, and now that she's gotten her memoir out of the way, it would be great to sit back and enjoy hearing her recount some episodes from her travels through small-town USA.

I look forward to a sequel, especially if it as as funny as the original ... Now This!

Judy Muller's unique combination of sharp wit, keen perception, brutal honesty, and personal courage gives us a glimpse into radio and TV journalism we can't get from just listening or watching. The book is a triumph, fleshing out the real people behind the talking heads. Her frank description of personal alcoholism is heart-wrenching, and her tale of the prices paid, and the gains made, in her profession should be required reading for anyone seriously considering a career in journalism. A fine read on several levels. Thanks for sharing, Judy!

This is easily one of the best written, most thoroughly delightful books I've read in many years. If you are a parent you will love it! If you're interested in radio you'll love it! If you're interested in TV you'll love it! One of the few books I've read in recent years where I truly hated to see the last few pages coming up.

Now, this is why Judy Muller is one of the very best correspondants on television--she's obviously a superb storyteller on the air, and when she's got some real time, boy can she ever write 'em down. Ms. Muller says up-front in her book that she comes from a whole family of storytellers. The lady's got great genes.

Judy Muller's wonderful book is a treat for anyone interested in an inside look at the whacky world of television news. Ms. Muller has a terrific sense of humor which keeps the reader doubled over throughout. I read the book cover-to-cover in one sitting, then gave it to a friend who also found it impossible to put down. We both had a good laugh together afterward comparing notes on our favorite stories from the book.

Ms. Muller also infuses her book with fascinating tales from her vantage point on history and poignant moments about dealing with life's problems. Her story is told honestly and from the heart. This is easily the best book by a television newswoman since Linda Ellerbee's "And So it Goes."

This was a pretty good Sabrina book. Sabrina keeps popping into TV shows and books, because of a spell Hilda tries to put on Amanda. This book has some funny parts, but in some places it was a little boring.

Sabrina pops in and out of books and tv shows, because Amanda has put a spell on her. It's a great book, and it's real funny!

The Sabrina books are naturally good. Now You See Her Now You Dont is a really humorous book.It's all about a youth potion a random popping spell and Sabrina's bratty cousin Amanda.I think Sabrina fan's will really enjoy this fascinating book.

What's going on? All of a sudden, Sabrina keeps popping out of real life & into a novel or TV show! Then a few seconds later she pops back to the real world again. So far, no one has witnessed her strange disappearances. But how long can she be that lucky?

Sabrina is sure it's just another pop quiz from the Quizmaster. But she can't she can't come up with the right solution, & there's a party at the roller rink tonight. What if she's skating & just disappears into thin air? Won't everyone think that's a teensy bit weird?

Even worse, every time Sabrina pops out, she's gone a little longer. If this keeps up, she could disappear from real life completely!

What's going on? All of a sudden, Sabrina keeps popping out of real life & into a novel or TV show! Then a few seconds later she pops back to the real world again. So far, no one has witnessed her strange disappearances. But how long can she be that lucky?

Sabrina is sure it's just another pop quiz from the Quizmaster. But she can't she can't come up with the right solution, & there's a party at the roller rink tonight. What if she's skating & just disappears into thin air? Won't everyone think that's a teensy bit weird?

Even worse, every time Sabrina pops out, she's gone a little longer. If this keeps up, she could disappear from real life completely!

What if you have already read another editing book? Read this and then go back and read your other book. The author has a lifetime of experience in Hollywood and explains how Hollywood movies are edited, at least until the 1970's (most still use these methods). The methods described are the standards that form the basic language of the craft. Another plus is that the work is very concise and a good read into the history of film.

This is not only a really awesome book to help improve
your editing skill, but also one of the nicest overall books I've
ever read. Worth while buying.

One of the most important books in my life. I read and re-read this book in preparation for editing my FIRST film ever. Reviewers say my film possesses a "master level" edit. This book is why. Buy it. Read it. Re-read it.

My message to all young grasshopper: Read. And now read some more. Read and you become master phlegm-en-zepher.

this is an excellent book on this very delicate craft. I also liked "the eye is quicker" but this was very informative and a better read. there is no substitute for actually editing and what works is hard to descibe in words but this book demonstrates some very subtles points and Mr. Dmytyk is a film maker. If your just starting read the eye is quicker but if you have some experience and want to go to the next level, this is a good one.

This is one of the classic texts on the principles and practices of modern film editing. While it was written nearly thirty years ago and refers occasionally to the techniques of linear editing on actual film, its summary of the rules of good editing remains as relevant today as ever, even for filmmakers who will only ever edit video on their computers. Editing is where the film is brought to life and Dmytryk outlines in a very clear and engaging way the basic considerations that allow that to take place. The author was not only a major filmmaker but a master teacher, and it shows in both the precision and clarity of his explanations.

What makes the guide as fresh today as when it appeared is that it is primarily not about technical considerations but about how an editor has to think in order to construct seamless and engaging scenes that are true to the overall story of a film. At the same time this thinking is given a practical application. The focus is on why rather than how, but it goes much further in explaining the basics of what to do when editing and how to put together a scene than many other books out there.

Dmytryk makes a distinction between a cutter and an editor, and cutting is merely competence with the equipment of film editing, whether it is a moviola or Final Cut Pro. Editing is always thinking, and is as creative in its approach to the film as shot as directing is creative in its approach to the film as written. Subtle variations in editing can change completely the tone or mood of a film. Dmytryk illustrates his points with several examples from major films he directed or edited (e.g. The Caine Mutiny, Murder, My Sweet and many more). Dmytryk is a master of his craft and is generous in his description of what it takes to pursue this mastery. This little book is an indispensible part of any filmmaker or film lover's library.

Pictures were great, easy reading, but not quit what was expected for price paid. Not store's problem. Their processing was great & quick.

Oprah Winfrey's inspiring life is detailed in this volume from the African-American Biography Library by Enslow. This book contains information many biographies written for young people about Oprah do not. Many photos and quotes accompany. Includes Chronology, Chapter Notes, and Internet Addresses.

I am a big Oprah fan. I started watching her with my mother when I was just a child. So when my teacher said I could read this book for school I did it right away. It's so good. I learned so much about Oprah and now I love her even more. Every kid and grown up should read this book if they are interested in Oprah Winfrey. There were so many great pictires I never saw before also. Read this book and you will get all the REAL information you want to know about Oprah. I want to thank the author for writing this book. It is one of the best I've ever read.

I had to write a book reveiw about a famous African American and Im really glad my teacher let me write it about Oprah becausee she is one of the greatest women in the world. This book was very helpful and very interesting also. I learned all about Oprah's childhood all the way up to the latest news. It has great pictures and the writing is easy to understand but very interesting. If you love Oprah it doesn't matter how old you are. This book is really great.

I've read a lot of books about Oprah, but this one stands out. It has new material that I'd never read before despite the plethora of biographic stuff I own on this amazing woman. Many of the photographs are new to me. I'm putting Westen's book at the head of my collection. It will be a while before any others come out that can compete. I recommend it highly. Before it goes out of print -- grab it.

Matt worked on several shoots for me while he was assisting one of the top photographers in the country. Matt's knowledge of his craft is exceptional. He is the consummate professional in every aspect. One of his finest qualities is to be tireless, or appear to be while on the job. Working long hours, he never complained about the ridiculous tasks being asked of him and always offering suggestions on how to improve a shot. I hope to work with him once again someday and every assistant could learn something good from this remarkable person.

A little background: I'm a freelance photographer, not an assistant. I bought this book right after I got out of photography school as a means of learning more about the industry and what potential photography-related jobs might be available to me. What I came to understand is this: if you think being an assistant is a cool part-time job or just something you'll do until you can start making money as a photographer, think again. The most compelling reason to work as a studio assistant is to learn how studio photography works (and doesn't work), and it takes time to do this -- generally years and not months.

Also, if you have no intentions of getting into studio photography, this book may be of limited use to you. While various disciplines are discussed at one point, they are not covered in enough detail to really help you understand what's going on. In short, this book is about helping photographers to set up a scene (either in a studio, a church or an office building) and photograph that scene. Some examples would be fashion photography, weddings, food, products, still lifes, etc.

That said, Proulx gives a wealth of information about what it's like to be on the set of a photo-shoot and generally leaves no stone unturned. You quickly realize that buying a box of doughnuts or cleaning a bathroom sink will be just as much a part of your job as setting up backdrops or strobe lights. It's not glamorous and it's not high-paying, but if you want to learn how a successful studio operates (so that you can run your own one day) there's no better way. Perhaps the most valuable asset this book provides are all the little tips and tricks of the trade...how to negotiate terms of pay, what kind of tape you need, how to keep your tools organized, etc.

However, I find it a little disconcerting that Mr. Proulx cosiders himself as still learning the trade even though he's been doing assitant work for over ten years (if memory serves me correctly). That is not typical I can assure you and I think it is something the author overlooks in terms of his advice to people starting out. The bottom line is, you can learn a lot from being an assistant for a couple of years and it will help you tremendously when setting up your own business, .... It would seem Proulx never made the decision to "take the last step" and start a business of his own.

.... If you're interested in studio photography, get this book.

Super book! I don't live in a big city so it's hard to get this information from other assistants. There aren't any here. This is time well spent. Matt knows his stuff and gives us a good insider's glimpse of how to work the jobs and, best, how to keep learning.

His section on interviews with assistants who are working with the really big names in the business broadens the scope of information. These people are the best of the best (like Matt) and he has pulled their words and experiences into the lessons for us to read. Super!

Apparently, the reader (here) from Lake Villa, IL misses the point when she/he claims that by working as an assistant for ten years, Matt is somehow lacking. She/he goes on the say that's not typical. Well, I know assistants who have worked longer and wonder why it's a negative to work as an assistant for a long time? Some of us work for two months and some work for fifteen years. What difference does it make? Matt's term as an assistant obviously qualified him to write the best book on the subject. I'm sure business is good in Lake Villa, but I wonder if having "made the step" as soon as she/he did means anything at all? Did it help her/him to become good enough to write a book?

Some assistants, like photographers, keep learning for years and years. It's never "done." It's about a process. Matt has spent the time well, becoming the best in the business (according to some of the reviewers) and I'm just glad he wrote this book to share the good stuff with us.

"Lake Villa" reviewer writes "Proulx never made the decision to "take the last step" and start a business of his own."

I attended a recent seminar given by Matt and I saw his portfolio and some recent jobs. He's started his career in a big way. Maybe in a few years, he'll write the book for those of us who (hopefully) are becoming "people" shooters for advertising.

In the meantime...thanks for the head start, Matt.

Ellie H

I am the author of The Location Photographer's Handbook and have been a photographer for thirty years. I've just enjoyed my first reading of The Photographic Assistant Handbook.

It is, of course, thorough and informative as one would expect from Matt Proulx. It's also written in a breezy yet crisp, clear, and professional manner. I think it goes a long way to putting readers at ease about the stress of photographic apprenticeship, a valuable service in itself.

There were many things I learned, from a trick about monitoring flashes placed far from the camera, to better ways to cut seamless paper, to a clever idea for checking in luggage carts on flights.

Matt's book should be part of any assistant's standard kit, along with the sharpies, scissors, and gaffers tape. It wouldn't hurt those of us who have graduated to careers to stock it as well.

This book is an absolute must-read for anyone looking at becoming a photographer's assistant. Matt has worked for many different photographers in the New York area. His advice is right-on and his long list of humiliating accidents covers the full gamut of what NOT to do. I didn't come to this book as a prospective assistant but rather as a professional photographer hoping to pick up a few tips and tricks from the author's experience with other photographers, a good spy novel in other words. Therefore, I was most looking forward to Chapter 9, Tips and Tricks. I found a few neat ideas, but nothing that Earth-shattering. Of course, mileage may vary and I readily admit the target audience is for assistants-to-be. If you are coming from that perspective, you unquestionably want to read this book and break out a box of highlighters. It would also be a great read and general overview for high school students thinking about entering the field. The only downside is that the book doesn't cover the digital era, so there is a lot of information about digital workflow and different photographer's preferences in that area which is missing.

I rarely find myself drawn to "relationship" stories, but Prodigal Father was terrific. I found myself drawn to each chapter and couldn't put it down until I hit the last page.

This is *not* just another Oprah-book. It is unsentimental: every emotion and insight is dearly earned. One of the most interesting things about it is that Du Pre doesn't come off as a very likable person in the middle stages of the book; he presents himself as self-absorbed and harsh with those around him. His final confrontation with his father is wrenching and unforgettable. The message of this book: you have to face down your demons in order to be a complete human being. Not a very "New Age" or touchy-feely moral. The author's Mormon background is a central part of his story, and should interest readers who are curious about that religion. This book reminds me of Mikal Gilmore's masterful "Shot in the Heart", William Kennedy's great novel "Ironweed", and Geoffrey Wolff's memoir "The Duke of Deception": august company, indeed.

This book is a must read for all! I found myself captivated from the first paragraph to the final word. Jon was able to pull me in to his world which caused me to reflect on my own past. Even though my background is different from Jon's, I was still able to relate. I could feel Jon and his brother's triumphs, heartaches, and pain. I was touched by his wife and children's generosity and selflessness. I laughed and cried while reading this touching story. I thank Jon for not letting his story die, but for sharing it with us.I highly recommend this book!

I have never felt so personally attached to a book in my life. Jon became my friend on the first few pages, and there were times, like I told him in an e-mail that I wanted to shake him good for contributing to his father's addictions. Then my attitude would change. He never ceased being my friend though.

Having a rather awkward relationship with my own father made this story "real" to me. I never went to the lengths Jon did to "make it right."

I recommend this book to everyone, because everyone can find themselves in this unbelievable story of the human spirit and the will of a young man to "make things right." I'm sorry there are only 5 stars I could give this book.

I hope those of you who have read this fantastic story will agree with me when I take words from the Forward and say, Jon, you took the "right sense" way. Thank you again for writing it, and bearing your soul to all of us who needed to read it.

Ron

I rarely find myself drawn to "relationship" stories, but Prodigal Father was terrific. I found myself drawn to each chapter and couldn't put it down until I hit the last page.