Television Books

I grew up watching Chips and my older brother Jose, who later actually worked for the CHP for 20 years, was often teased as being an Erik Estrada lookalike.
So this character had a place in my life. It was great as a teenager-twentysomething Chicano to have a role model that was so successful. Estrada was so popular that his success and presence blunted a lot of negative role models and rascism I faced growing up.
The book details his early life and early career. That was really helpful in fleshing out the larger than life image I grew up with. I love autobiographies to see how the person weathers the storms in their life. I love connecting the dots and stepping stones of their life. Estrada had a reputation for being difficult to deal with; his most touching admission is that the lack of a father figure prevented him from learning how to get along w/ difficult people, how not to burn bridges etc. I found that very insightful.
He was a serious actor who worked his way up. After Chips, his success in a Mexican soap opera gave him an insight to his Latino background. He grew up a New York Puerto Rican (NewYorican?) who had never fully grasped what the Latino world is. As a Chicano educator, activist, nationalist I am happy when I see "Born Again Chicanos" or in this case Born Again Boricua.
Read this book and understand part of the 1970's.

If you or a friend like Erik Estrada - you'll enjoy reading this book. It is written to keep your attention and interest to continue. WELL DONE! A great gift idea for an Estrada fan.

I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED ERIK, SINCE I WAS A TEEN AND NOW TO READ ALL ABOUT HIM, WAS GREAT, I REALLY ENJOYED TO HEAR HIS LIFE STORY, AND HOW HIS MOM RAISED 3 KIDS ALONE AND HE DID HIS BEST TO KEEP HIS MOM HAPPY, AND I LOVE CHIPS I WATCH IT EVERY MORNING ON TNT AT 6:00AM IN THE MORNING BRINGS BACK MEMEORYS OF HIM. I VERY GLAD TO HEAR THAT HE FINALY FOUND THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE. AND HE'S A GREAT DAD TO HIS TWO BOYS AND HIS DAUGHTER. AND GLAD TO SEE HIM BACK ON TV ON THE BALD AND THE BEATUIFUL. TAKE CARE

I've been a fan of Erik Estrada's since the first season of "CHiPs", and am still an actively dedicated fan. I bought the autobiography in hardcover on sight without hesitation. The fan wanted the book immediately, and the amateur critic and aspiring writer have yet to regret the decision.

I don't read a lot of autobiographies because I lose either interest in the story or respect for its author. The conversational style and the honest and balanced telling of this story grabbed my attention on Page 1 and held it through a cover-to-cover reading. Aside from giving details not usually revealed through other means, this book presented itself as something special from the first moment. I wasn't reading an autobiography with stylized prose and a detached third-person feel. I was listening as someone I have long admired told me about who he is and where his roots lie. I felt the story as it was being told, from the frustration of Hollywood's own form of politics to the elation of true love and a treasured family. From triumph to tragedy, it's all there. It's a story of courage, determination, faith and love - personal, cultural and spiritual.

It's easy for celebrity autobiographies to become self-serving tell-all's, but this book maintains a straightforward perspective, allowing the story to be told with dignity and with class. It's a breath of fresh air, and an absolute pleasure to read. The fans who have remained devoted through the bad press and the "where are they now" stories have long held the hope that the truth would be revealed. It has in a compelling story, straight from the heart and well worth the wait. Thank you, Erik, for sharing your side of the story.

If you're a fan, this book is a must. If you're not, read it and you just might become one.

Erik Estrada's book is the best Hollywood bio I have ever read. He holds nothing back and is very honest about rough times and regrets in his life (i.e. failed marriages, his shaky relationship with Larry Wilcox). He seems like such a terrific person and great friend, too. God bless him, Nanette, and his two boys.

Also, wasn't Mr. Estrada so much fun to watch in "CHiPS '99:? :)

This is an official book on the world's best boy band! It's especially cool since the guys put their own special messages at the end of the book (Scott's one is hillarious, check it out).
In the book, you find out how they got together, about the house they lived in together and their debut single "Slam Dunk (Da Funk".
There are also profiles on each guy, and a questionnaire written in their own handwriting! All the pictures are great, and overall it's a gorgeous book! Definitely buy it!

This book is the official one and I noticed 5ive put their own special messages at the end, check out Scott's one it's funny. Anyway, this book rulz. It has all the info on each 5iver and even a quiz they answered themselves. Loads of good pics and lots of info on how they started and stuff like that. If you're a 5ive fan and you want some info on those great guys buy this book it's the best because it's official!

This book is great. It has loads of pictures and information.Each of the guys even wrote a message at the end of the book(isn't that sweet?)! If you are a fan of Five you better get or you'll be sorry that you didn't.ALL FIVE FANS WILL LOVE THIS BOOK,I do.

I like this book, it is a must for every fan, it has some interesting facts and some brilliant photographs. it's a good book, for fans.

This book gives all the information on 5ive, The Neighbours From Hell, you ever wanted to know. Filled with loads of fantastic pictures and their views on the world, this has to be the best biography ever! So, go and buy it, it's brill!!!!!

I've known the author almost my entire life, and have never met a man with a bigger heart or a bigger set of "ba..lls".. He writes the things that we all think about but never say.. Ed touches on the subjects that rub us the all the wrong way and has the guts to ask why...Reading this hysterical book is like talking to the author in person, no false pretenses here, a real book written for the people by a author who pulls no punches and takes no prisoners...

This books is a great book written by someone that is not afraid to tell it like it is, or give you his opinion on something. Too many people in todays world try to be politically correct, or tell you want you want/need to hear. Ed will tell you the way that it is, without "sugarcoating" it.

Ed takes on many of todays problems of the world, saying how it is. If more people would take the initiative that Ed has, maybe we could change some of the "problems" with America.

Met Ed via my brother and that's how I heard about his book. Because I'm a Social Studies teacher, I figured this would be a "must have" for personal reference. I would categorize this book as a "water cooler ranting" because the questions, concerns, and social mores Ed mentions are exactly what all of us regular folk say at work, home, or in our heads. He's put out a work we can relate to - poor grammar, spelling, and lack of political correctness. Very good that someone is voicing what we're thinking (but too fearful to say).

Kudos, Ed. I want my copy signed! Ha!

This is a great book..I would suggest that you read this book it will really make you think..An Edward is a GREAT author.He says what were all thinking.I bought 2 copies one for myself and for my girlfreind. And she can't say enough about it We'll be sure to tell everyone we know.....CAN'T WAIT FOR YOUR NEXT BOOK....Will absolutly buy it

This is a really great book. I never read a book like it. I think a lot of people think like Ed but would never have enough nerve to put it down on paper. He has no trouble telling it like it is and at the same time it's funny. Can't wait for the next one. Good job Ed.

This is a very well written and engaging biography of one of the most incredible musicians of all time. Totally worth it!

This will probably be one of my shorter reviews [A sudden shout: "Yeah, right Doc!"] because I can quickly cut to the chase, to wit, Dr. Alan Walker has produced in this painstakingly researched 3 volume biography [spread out over 25 years during the research] with this 1811-1847 book being the first in that series, the 'definitive' Franz Liszt! This trilogy is a must read for those interested in Liszt and, IMO, is not only the definitive Liszt from "the" acknowledged authority and foremost Franz Liszt scholar but a decided asset to the Liszt biographical literature per se.

Two more comments: Watch the Amazon vendor prices for the 'hardcover' editions! Originally, these were rather pricey books in hardcover [although well worth it! Knopf quality!] but I was able to get 'used' albeit literally mint hardcover editions of the 3 volumes from 3 separate Amazon vendors. What's that? Sure! The original harcover editions were, in order of publication, $25.00, $39.95 and $45.00. I'll generally check out the hardcover offerings over the paperback editions in most of my books and sometimes there are some really exceptional buys out there although if it's a choice between 'good' and 'very good' pay the few dollars extra for the 'very good' or 'like new' grade notations.

Finally, check out among other of Dr. Walker's tomes on Franz Liszt, "The Death of Franz Liszt: Based on the Unpublished Diary of his Pupil Lina Schmalhausen" which is quite an eye-opener with regard to the "treatment" [or lack of same therein] of Liszt prior to his demise. As I said when I reveiewed that book, I trust the source of the diary find as well as the findings and its editing, annotations and examination via Dr. Walker as to the veracity of the Schmalhausen remarks. I quoted the remarks of the conductor, Felix Weingartner, who was 'there' at the time and his own observations [et al] lend credence to the Schmalhausen diary.

So too, and if finances permit and you want Franz Liszt a la mode, get the 3 volumes in one swoop plus the Lina Schmalhausen diary book which was edited and annotated by Dr. Walker in re the death of Liszt and finally, putting it all together, the 2005 published Dr. Alan Walker 'capstone', if you will, "Reflections on Liszt." See my reviews on those two tomes as well.

Doc Tony


What's that? Why not! Doc Walker with a straight white haired wig resurrecting Steve Allen's "Meeting of Minds" and doing the one and only "F. Liszt" as a sort of latter day counter-balance to Victor Borge's 'interpretation' so to speak in that classic Mike Wallace skit! Who better than Doc Walker to play Liszt and concurrently know what he's talking about! Ahhhh! That's the rather cogent difference!

A sudden voice: "What about Doc Walker's Chopin and Schumann tomes?" Fine! They could be played next! ;-) [as I place much trust in Dr. Walker's sense of humor! But the obvious compliment of his research is clearly evident!]

As a music student in the 70's the subtext when discussing Franz Liszt was that he was a showman who leaned on his empty virtuosity. Chopin, Mendelssohn, and Schumann on the other hand, were the true romantic artists.

It's taken me over 35 years of studying piano and music to get to the point where I would read this wonderful biography of Liszt, and my eyes have been opened even wider about the wonderful artistic character of Liszt and his completely indespensible role in 19th century music.

This book (I have all three) is a wonderful read, at some times it is "laugh out loud" funny, and is filled with musical examples that perfectly illustrate the points that Mr. Walker makes.

If you are a musician interested in the piano, or the Romantic period, you owe it to yourself to let the scales fall from your eyes, and read this enlightening exposition.

Alan Walker deserves 5 enthusiastic stars for making his life's purpose the writing of Franz Liszt's definitive biography, and succeeding nearly as well as humanly possible considering the availability of the always-emerging Liszt materials throughout the years. For me, I would have liked to have seen an even more musically-oriented life of Liszt. More than a few times, Walker mentions that eyewitness accounts exist of important concerts, only to refer us in a footnote to some person's diary (probably only available in some Transylvanian dialect if you could ever find it) rather than telling us about it himself. Meanwhile we're treated to almost painfully detailed renderings of Franz's love life with Marie D'Agoult and the many domestic dramas which haunted him as his pursued his life on the concert trail... but these are minor quibbles. The book is great, no doubt about it. Poor Liszt, he was the busiest piano virtuoso in history at that time, traveling in various carriages and carts across thousands of miles of potholed roads where he was jolted mercilessly and endured illness, exhaustion, rain, mud, snow and ice while he raced to his next gig. He was literally thrown to the ground violently at least twice, when wheels dipped into ditches or the drivers fell asleep and the whole carriage overturned. (It's sad and sobering to realize that this is exactly how the original bassist for the rock group Metallica, Cliff Burton, was killed more than 150 years later on a lonely road in Sweden. He was sleeping on the band's tour bus when it overturned. In a similar accident, singer Gloria Estefan was lucky to escape with her life.) Somehow, despite these gritty and dangerous travel conditions, Liszt performed a grueling succession of mostly triumphant concerts everywhere from Italy to Scotland to Russia before he decided he had been bounced around quite enough thank you, and settled down to compose and teach in Weimar, where Volume two of this epic biography begins. Towards the end of Volume 1, I began to feel as if author Walker's spark was fading slightly. And lo and behold, as I began reading Volume 2, I was very pleasantly surprised to see that the intervening years in which the author was researching the next installment had allowed him to completely recharge his batteries, and present part 2 to the public with a fully-renewed sense of brilliance, wit, and passion for his subject matter. Highly recommended reading for biography buffs interested in great musicians and composers!

This is simply the standard of Liszt biography. The fact that Alan Walker researched enough to fill three volumes is an achievement enough, but you know what else makes this biography so good? It's fun to read. Without a doubt, anyone interested in Liszt will find anecdotes, insights, illuminated facts, and even musical analysis of the most colorful and exciting character in classical music: Franz Liszt.

I've read this book twice, actually, and the second time was even more enjoyable. This owes to many things: Alan Walker's superb writing style, eloquent organization (gives the pedantics many footnotes to absorb at the bottom of the page) and a fine cohesion of thoughts and ideas put into each chapter. Sometimes I can't help but enjoy the biography as I would a novel. Yet Walker does not write it like a novel and clearly sets out to chronicle Liszt's life from his youth all the way to his retiring from the concert stage. In between these pivotal times, Walker manages to debunk myths, explore Liszt's underrated music from his virtuoso days, and examine other characters who interacted with the Hungarian composer. Walker is always focused on Liszt but never detracts by discussing Clara and Robert Schumann's reactions, or Sigismond Thalberg, Chopin and even Alkan. Walker depicts their perspective of Liszt and goes on to explain why there were so many misunderstandings.

Stories of Liszt's true meeting with Beethoven, his exciting romance with Marie D'Agoult, the duel with Thalberg, his generous nature to play for charity, and so many enticing stories of his concert days all help to shed light on what a remarkable man Liszt was, and at such a young age, too. The whole book is an exquisite panorama of Liszt's character, detailed through his letters, his travels, his music, and his legacy as researched by the author. What Walker has done is set the standard for the way Liszt should be viewed in the history books. For so long, musicologists were almost feeding us false information. From the really low ones we were even getting propaganda that he was a womanizer, a cheat, some kind of vulgar pianist, and even a fraud. Walker candidly mauls those old and incorrect views into the dust; he explores and accurately dispels the myths and ignorance that so many people harbored and still harbor for him, and for that I feel thankful.

Never have I read a biography twice like this and found the second reading even more engrossing. There is never a dull moment, never a chapter that slows down. To be fair, the only chapter that was uninteresting was the prologue and biographical information of Liszt's family. Despite that, once you're absorbed into Liszt's young world with Czerny, his move to Paris, and his tours all over Europe, it's like being on a rollercoaster ride during the whole book.

Bottom line: Liszt lovers must read this book; it's the best wealth of knowledge to get on the young Franz Liszt and it is written in a way that doesn't just educate, but also entertains. Highly recommended.

A fun read wrapped around insights into the world of DC politics and the television news biz. Interesting plot,clever asides and enough suggestions of how government actually works to make one wonder. A variety of characters make appearances and give added interest to the book. Jennifer Beth Oko does work as a TV news producer so she has in depth knowledge of her subject. Read it!!

Loved it. Well-drawn characters and a well-constructed plot. Protagonist is human, vulnerability and an accidental perfect sleuth. Throw in an insider's tell-all about the vapid news morning scene and a little international intrigue, and this is a fun book! Highly recommended.

I read Jennifer Oko's first book, Lying Together, years ago. That book was a frank memoir of her life and romances in Russia. With Gloss, she shows she can write fiction as well as she writes nonfiction! The rumor is she's got another book on the way. Don't keep us waiting too long, Jennifer!

Jennifer writes what she knows very well. With her being in the TV show industry, you know she has seen many interesting and humorous things. It just seems natural for her to write a book that takes place in the TV morning show industry.

The leading character, Annabelle, is a producer of one of those very popular and highly competitive early morning shows. Jennifer illustrates the hard work Annabelle does, how she puts up with difficult personalities, egos, and treated like a 2nd class citizen at times.

Out of the blue, the big boss from way up top appoints her to produce a story about cosmetic relief for a refugee camp overseas. The pressure is on for her to produce and outstanding story.

Naturally, Annabelle does some digging. It's her job to do so after all. The more digging she does, the more things become obscure. Her tenacity gets the better of her as she suspects some wrong doing is involved regarding this cosmetic relief project.

Annabelle is not satisfied with getting answers the conventional way. She takes matters in her own hands in getting to the bottom of the story and exposing the ugly truth. She has many setbacks and hardships during her adventure to expose the truth in which includes prison time where she befriends an amusing character that acts as her mentor and keeps her moral up. Annabelle also has a couple of good friends with some quirky personalities on the outside supporting her theory.

The whole time Annabelle is searching for the truth, she makes every news headline throwing off the ratings and putting the newscaster's careers at stake of the very TV show she is employed with. The reactions of the camera talent are humorous and totally believable.

Annabelle goes from being a peon to one with leverage in her favor. She uses it for all it's worth and takes you to hell and back.

Great reading, Jennifer Oko!

Ouch! Ms. Oko has really nailed the shallow trench of network morning news and it stings. Only an insider like herself could weave a tale that rings so true. One part CONSTANT GARDNER and two parts BROADCAST NEWS, it makes for a great read.

On a warm summer evening in either 1954 or 1955, I was lying down listening to the radio when a strange new composition began, something I had never heard before. By the time it got through "The Pink Houseboat," I was definitely hooked. A local radio station was playing the entire SEVEN DREAMS. I told my wife about it, and she ordered it for me for Christmas that year. I still think that it is one of the best things ever recorded. It was after this that I became an avid Gordon Jenkins fan.

This biography by his son is worthy of its subject, very effectively written to celebrate the life of one of the best all-around musicians ever. It gives a brilliant insight into the music business, with striking vignettes of some of the legends of a few years back, like Sinatra and Garland and Armstrong and Nat Cole. I read it with great pleasure and have just ordered a copy to be sent to my son, who is also a pretty good musician, and who I am sure will love this book.

I also discovered that SEVEN DREAMS is also now available on CD and have already obtained a copy to go along with my old LP, which in turn was a replacement for the original one, which was worn out by frequent playings years ago. If Jenkins had never written another thing, his life would have been worthwhile just for this, I think, but I am so glad that he turned out such a great many excellent compositions and arrangements. He was simply the best--period.

What a great job Bruce Jenkins has done in revealing the "behind the scenes" goings on of his Dad's life, and the stories that lead us to
understand the man (Gordon Jenkins) and his genius! I have an inkling of that era...being born in 1937, but; this book opens the door to new appreciation of Jenkins' magic, and sentiment in his work. I indeed have met (musically); and have a new hero in Gordon Jenkins! Way to go, Bruce; you've made your Dad proud!

I enjoyed this bio from cover to cover. As a musician,i always wanted to know more about Gordon Jenkins life as a person and a musician. His son, Bruce did a wonderful job of enlightening me.

I first became aware of Gordon Jenkin's music as a boy through his marvellously exciting arrangement for Peggy Lee's "Lover". Later his style changed totally through superb albums for Sinatra, Nat "King" Cole and even "Nillson". Some thought that style old-fashioned even then but those artists thought differently.
Now thanks to this superb book by his son and professional writer Bruce, we learn that away from the podium and arranging desk Gordon Jenkins had a wonderful mordant wit and great courage in the way he coped with life's cruelties and particularly his last illness. I lent my copy to a friend who immediately had me get him his own copy. No higher recommendation than that!

I have been an admirer of the musical talent of Gordon Jenkins for decades, and I enjoyed his son's biography of the life of
a most talented arranger, composer and performer, along with
insights about Jenkins' relationships with the many artists who
benefited from their associations with him.

If you know Suzanne Farrell you will love and respect the lady even more after reading this book. Many artists can relate with her experiences and feelings. I'm sure anyone who was in the arts in college knew of someone who had this type of relationship with their teacher.
Honesty and truth abounds in this volume. Ms. Farrell has an accurate memory of the past. We have proof of that in her restoration project of Balanchine "lost" ballets. She is putting together choreography that she danced in her early twenties.
A remarkable lady!

Farrell had a rather dramatic climb into the spotlight so this is not the book to learn how a young dancer makes her way up through the ranks. It's also a little I-danced-this-then-I-danced-that, which makes it hard to remember important roles early in her career. That being said, she is a brilliant dancer, with an unusual career and the truest sense of Balanchine's choreography. If you're interested in Balanchine, American Ballet or the New York City Ballet, this is a must.

Suzanne Farrell was often regarded as Balanchine's ultimate "muse", although she was neither the first nor really the last. Balanchine in the 1960s became obsessed with this willowy, mysterious dancer, and choreographed many ballets for her. Their personal relationship was much gossiped about. But Balanchine was married (to another "muse", Tanaquiel le Clerg), and Farrell was a staunch Catholic. Eventually, she married another dancer, and left the New York City Ballet. When she returned 5 years later, Balanchine's personal obsession was over. They worked professionally till his death but it seems as if Balanchine never became emotionally invested in her again. Farrell for her part loftily insists that the relationship was consummated through "dance" and not the traditional way. One wonders if it was this remoteness and unattainability that made Balanchine so hurt when Farrell married and left the company.
Farrell's book is a moving personal story, and I'm too young to have seen her dance but surviving videoclips make it easy to understand Balanchine's obsession. She was indeed a beautiful, electrifying dancer. However, like a lot of singer autobiographies, Farrell can't help but sound a bit self-centered. She was isolated at the NYCB due to resentment from the other dancers, but it seems impossible that she'd remain so completely oblivious to the company's other members. Thus, 1960s mainstays of the NYCB like Edward Villela, Patricia McBride, Karin von Arnoldigen, that all figure so prominently in any chronology of the NYCB, are completely absent in Farrells story. From someone reading her book you'd think Balanchine choreographed solely for her, that she was the only important ballerina in his life, and that the company essentially revolved around her. This is not a criticism, but it's something to keep in mind when reading the book. I'd suggest also getting a biography of Balanchine, to keep this in perspective.
To Farrell's credit, she never self-aggrandizes or vilifies anyone. She admits Balanchine could be selfish and smothering, but overall she treats him very sensitively. She is also fair about her mother, a typical stage-mom. Overall, this is one of the best autobiographies of a dacner that I've read. Its candid and personal. However, like most autobiographies I wouldnt read it as an entirely accurate history of ballet either.
As an interesting footnote, Farrell's frequent stage partner and new NYCB dancermaster Peter Martins fired Farrell from teaching at the NYCB after a blowup in the late 1990s. In a preview of the book Farrell mentions the firing.
Farrell's co-writer was Toni Bentley, who's also written a fascinating personal account of being a NYCB dancer.

I stumbled across this book by accident almost a year ago and have been touched by it ever since. I'm not sure that I can explain the specialness of this of this story but it feels like a real life fairy tale. You can feel Ms. Farrell's emotions and passion of what it must have been like for her to work with her teacher, George Balanchine. What a dynamic duo they must have been together. I would recommend this book to everyone, whether you have been exposed to ballet or not, as a special glimpse into a very public but very private life. Truly a lovely story.

i read this book as a young adult, when i was entrenched in the rigours of technique and training and it inspired me in many ways. from farrel's honesty and dedication to her art to the descriptions of balanchine as both a person and an artist. i love this book and i highly recomend it.

Just thought I would redo my previous review. The main reason I got this book was because I got interested in Tom Green after watching Freddy got fingered. I think that film is possibly one of the funniest movies ever made, although I know quite a lot of people disagree with me on that one.

In my previous review I kind of referenced Howard Stern's private parts. In a sense they are somewhat similar. Both books deal with the theme of a somewhat ordinary guy rising to fame in a funny and lighthearted style. Green's book is a bit more personal though, dealing with both his illness, marriage and fall from grace.

There are some insider tidbits about other celebrities, although it is mostly nice stuff. The celebrities being painted the worst are probably Martin Short and Courtney Love. There is a segment about Courtney heckling Green's father during his speech at the Barrymore-Green wedding. I guess no-one would really contest the validity of that happening.

I don't think the parts pertaining Drew Barrymore are at all negative nor ill intended. Green's namedropping seem to not really be trying to capitalize off certain people's fame.

I think even people, even the ones that detested Green's other works, will find the book interesting. Especially if they would like to get an inside look at the Hollywood-elite's society. And the fans get an inside look at how some of the classic moments like i.e the moose humping and the bum bum song got created.

I couldn't be more pleased with the book, there's so much more depth to this man then most people realize. If you're even a casual fan of Tom Green's, this book is well worth picking up.

If you like Tom Green, read this book. If you hate Tom Green, read this book. Tom is a genuine talent. Amazing. I was riveted by Tom's story. I read this in one day.

Wow, this is now my favorite book, (Although that isn't saying much, I rarely read) It is a funny, but also serious book about Tom Green's life. I read this book in 1 day (I got home from a friend's house a 12 AM and read until 5 AM, went to sleep, then woke up and finished it) I just couldn't stop reading it. This is a great book whether you are a fan of Tom Green or not.

I was never a huge Tom Green fan, as I was a few years too old to appreciate his MTV show. I was intrigued by his story, which as I'd heard was that he was a small town Canadian boy who struck it big with gross-out humor and MTV.
After reading his biography, I have definitely changed any and all assumptions about him and his work. The insane rollercoaster of the best and worst luck in the world he experienced within a few years would be unbelievable were it not true. The decade of persistence that preceeded those huge years is in itself impressive. The anecdotes about giving a speech, a night with a rather wild woman, having and making use of a cell phone before cell phones were everywhere, plus so much more all adds up to one of the most interesting and captivating books I've ever read. Another point to mention is that in a world of gossip and salacious tales, Green gives more information and personal feelings than I expected, but never, not even once, uses the book to criticize anyone else or to try to make himself look like a hero. He shows a lot of appreciation and humility, and reveals an immense depth of character. I had intended to read this book over a period of time and started reading it on a four hour flight. As the plane landed I was only 30 pages away from the end. I exited the plane only to sit in the boarding gate and reopen it because I couldn't wait to finish the final little bit. It was that good. I highly recommend this book to fans, non-fans, and everyone else.

This is a wonderful book!

This book is written in a style that is both unique and easy-to-read. Craig's writing-style is so quick-witted, it's easy to just fly through this book, and hard to put it down once you start reading it.

The characters are well-defined and people you really start to appreciate as the story rolls along. There are moments of serious action and very clever comedy.

I don't want to give away a thing with this book. Just go read it. You will be glad to add it to your collection. Smart, funny, and full of action, it's a great read, and I look forward to checking out more of Craig's work.

The story Hot Plastic centers on a boy named Kevin, in the late 1980's. Kevin's father, Jerry, is a small-time con artist, ripping off department stores, and the occasional unsuspecting old lady. Kevin Helps him in this, playing major roles, but he strives for bigger things, and imagines that he is only stealing from people who don't deserve what they have.

Early in the story Jerry hires a girl named Colette from an associate of his to watch Kevin when he is very sick. Kevin secretly falls in love with Colette, and she becomes Jerry's young lover. She also shoves Kevin down a rung in their criminal troupe, taking Kevin's original spot.

The book really was a bit confusing at first, and I found myself setting it down often, taking breaks. Soon I got adjusted to Peter Craig's interesting writing style and couldn't put this book down. The confusing part, at first, was how the story jumped around at odd places to show different times in Kevin's life, I soon begun to rather enjoy this artsy structure.

I suggest this book to anyone that enjoys an immensely satisfying criminal suspense novel, and wants some tricks on how to survive underground. This is also a book you can judge by its gorgeous cover design by Allison J. Warner; she did a simply stunning job.

I'm a huge fan of classic noir novels, and a good friend of mine urged me to give this book a chance. I must admit to a great deal of skepticism, mostly because I'd heard that the author was the offspring of one America's best known actresses. But I must say, after finishing the book, that I'm extremely impressed with Craig's talent and his grasp of the genre. There is a slight self-consciousness to the book--an intentional one, a kind of acknowlegement that he's working in solid Jim Thompson territory; but the writing is far more extravagant. The end result feels partly like an homage to old hustler novels, and partly like a renewing of the genre, a mixture of pulp and literary sensibilities. For one thing, Craig's dialogue is a perfect contemporary version of the kind of quick, clipped banter in old James Cain and Jim Thompson books. The twists are surprising, but heavily rooted in this tradition as well. In the end, I was surprised by the weight of the book, considering how fast and shiny it all seemed on the surface: it was a book about lost kids, contemporary America, the ills of our system, commerce, love and loss, and it advanced all of these themes with an amazingly effortless quality, all the while serving mostly as a fun read about grifters. I'm very pleased that I read this book, and I'll continue to follow Craig's career.

Facinating view into the life of a con artist and family. Hot Plastic is an exciting, well written story with rich diverse characters. It's suspenseful and action packed with a few good love stories thrown in for good measure. It's easy to lose yourself in this book.

Loved it. Seems to me like where Mr. Craig may have been a little hesitant in Martini Shot, he's really hit his stride in this one. A great story. Great writing. Both books have palpable characters, but this one is truly a page-turner. Can't wait for the next one.

I was amazed at how many photos were included in this book that I had never seen before. I was equally amazed to discover that Gruen had taken some of the most well known photographs of John Lennon during this time period; and it's interesting to know the story behind them. The book is entertaining to look at, but it's also an interesting read with Gruen providing a "fly-on-the-wall" perspective of what it was like to hang out with John & friends during the New York years. Gruen provides a detailed account of what was going on in John's life when a certain photo was taken and, unfortunately, what it was like walking into the Dakota a few hours after John was shot to pick up a package at the front desk that John left for him.

I like very much this book, because has a lot of pictures with John in his intimate life, but i think Bob Gruen as a photographer is not the best. The pictures he had taken of John Lennon, are more a "fan photos". Of course there are "iconic pictures", like the New York series. But still a nice book to have to all the Lennon fans.

Fortunately for us, Bob Gruen was there. I must admit that the book show mostly really great photos, and some others are not (I mean the focus, light, etc), but you can saw John as he was, a normal guy, doing daily stuffs, playing with his guitar, in the studio, off course with Yoko, with baby Sean, public events, etc, a great review of those last years in NY.
I didn't know that so many of the famous pictures of John where taken by Gruen. The quality of the book is great, I think that every Lennon's fan will love this book, and I hope that Bob Gruen show more of his John Lennon's photo collection in a near future, he share a lot with him in those New York days and probably he got more to show!

If you enjoy black and white photos with interesting and informative commentary and John Lennon happens to be one of your musical heros, consider adding this book to your library. It just has a nice touch.

Bob Gruen invites readers and photo aficionados into his chronological photo portfolio into former Beatle John Lennon's life with the book John Lennon: The New York Years. Gruen provides a combination of never before seen and seen candid and photo shoot images of Lennon during his years in New York. Gruen closely associated with John and Yoko as a neighbor and as their personal photographer, and the images show the intimacy and the trust they had in him in capturing their moments in just about every situation, in the studio, a walk in the park, or simply hamming it up for the camera; every picture tells a story behind it.

The difference with this book of photographs and others is that Gruen offers much insight of the time and place in which he took each photograph. Gruen specifically shares with the public his personal account of knowing John as a friend or as he refers, "just a New York guy." He does not concentrate on over wrought information, but rather recounts the first time he met and became friends with John and Yoko and the events that made an impression on him, such as the story behind the most iconoclastic poses: the New York City t-shirt and Statue of Liberty pose.

Bob Gruen covers much ground in a little less than ten years, 1971-1980. However, in that time, he covers the most interesting and controversial period in John's post Beatle life. John Lennon: The New York Years is recommended for all Lennon as well those interested in documentary photography, and is yet another welcome addition to anyone's collection of rock and roll oriented books.