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

Entertainment
Confessions from the Velvet Ropes: The Glamorous, Grueling Life of Thomas Onorato, New York's Top Club Doorman
Published in Paperback by St. Martin's Griffin (2006-07-11)
Authors: Glenn Belverio and Thomas Onorato
List price: $14.95
New price: $2.90
Used price: $2.19
Collectible price: $14.95

Average review score:

A Well-Weaved Saga of New York's Underground Nightlife
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-08
If you want to know first hand the inner-workings of New York's most famous parties and the people who make them happen (along with the clubgoers that help make them famous) go read "Confessions from the Velvet Ropes" now. This raw telling weaves significant and interesting nightlife history, including interviews with the people who lived it, with tales of current scenes and connects them to give readers an untainted view of the underground world of NYC parties, fashion, social change and the fabulously outrageous characters that embody them. Along with colorful personal anecdotes and fun, sarcastic sidebars with topics like "Thomas's Top Ten Tips for Getting Past the Ropes," Glenn Belverio with the help of personal commentary from famed doorman, Thomas Onorato, makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in NYC history, social scenes and celebrity gossip. Whether you're from NYC, just moved there or follow the scene with a curious eye from afar - you will not be able to put down "Confessions from the Velvet Ropes" until you have devoured all the edgy and eccentric pages in their entirety. And you will be thirsty for more...

New York energy condensed to a book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-30
I was pulled into this book from the very first page. Not only does it paint the real life experience with every word but it is written in such a lively manner that the sizzling times in NYC just pour through you. I especially loved the Heatherette piece. Could not stop laughing. Looking forward to Glenn's next book. Five Stars from Paris.

Insightful and Funny!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-15
The author of this book has a keen observational eye for the details of New York nightlife and its denizens. He takes what might first appear as a frivolous or superficial subject and manages to extract some real anthropological significance from it. But you can still read it at the beach.

My favorite book this summer
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-24
I love to read NYC celebrity gossip columns mainly because I love to imagine all the excitement going on in the Big Apple. I've heard about nightclub line ups and doormen and the horror of rejection. This book not only made me feel like I was standing next to the doorman getting an insider's view, but by the end of the book, I felt like I really knew Thomas and that I really had been there. I can't think of another book that's been able to make me forget I was reading a book. I laughed out loud - this book made me laugh out loud. It made me see that anyone can feel like a star - the glamor is in the attitude not the pocketbook. Confessions of the Velvet Ropes is like a guidebook to cutting edge NYC nightlife complete with tips on how to pull off a look, to get into the club and how to have a wild time without getting hung up on being an outcast from NJ. It was a thoroughly fun book to read.

Very Cool Book
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-14
I really enjoyed reading about all the amusing people in this book. It's sort of like a better written, funnier, more detailed version of the Warhol Diaries... except the Warhol Diaries is packed with boring old farts like Liza Minnelli and Bob Colacello, whereas this book has mental cases like Courtney Love and that tacky thing who does the Baby Phat clothes -- you know, the former model who thinks she's Tyra Banks but is really just Jocelyne Wildenstein in Beyonce drag. Anyhow, you know that when you've got Kimora and Courtney in the same book, you're gonna laugh (and if you've got them in the same room, bring backup... as you'll see in Confessions.)

Entertainment
Dark Vengeance
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Simon Spotlight Entertainment (2002-11-01)
Author: Diana G. Gallagher
List price: $5.99
New price: $1.65
Used price: $0.04

Average review score:

Best Charmed Ever!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-31
If there was going to be a Charmed movie, this is the story they should use.

ALL Charmed books are Awesome!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-22
I guess I'm just a huge fan no matter what, because I love ALL the Charmed books, and own them all! Each one has a great and unique story, I'm addicted to collecting AND reading them!

Love the series!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-17
I watch the show every day, sometimes twice a day, every episode, haven't missed one yet, and don't plan on it, ever. I would love to get all the books on the series, especially shadow of the sphinx. That sounds so good. I give the series books 5 stars, cause its the best show on tv except for wwe raw and smackdown.

One of my fave Charmed books!!!!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-29
This book circles around the 3 new strangers who are close to each of the sisters, and each time they meet, something strange happens. Piper's emotions are unruly, Paige seems to be exhausted for nothing and Phoebe has short-term memory loss, and all 3 of their powers are getting weaker and weaker. Just like that. And the more times the sisters meet these "strangers", their sudden-weaknesses seem to be worsening (both magical and non-magical). At last, they discover that there is something sinister going on, and they have to pit against these strangers to defeat them AND get their powers back, as all the Ks (strangers) want in revenge, to what happened to their ancestors nearly 3000 years ago. Dark Vengeance indeed.

Find out what happens to this awesome story penned by Diana G. Gallagher. Definitely worth your money and your time to read it. Happy reading!!

dark vengeance
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-03
this is my favourite charmed book!!! this is mainly because it gives each of the sisters an equal part bringing them all together at the end to kick but. although there are parts in this book that mirror the crimson spell this book has more levels plus a good twist at the end plus the charmed ones get a few good one liner jokes in. although the bad guys are pretty see through the ending is pretty solid.

overall this is a great book even if your not a mjor charmed fan and if you are it's better

Entertainment
The Day the Music Died: The Last Tour of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens
Published in Hardcover by Schirmer Books (1997-11)
Author: Larry Lehmer
List price: $28.00
Used price: $25.00

Average review score:

"The Day The Music Died"
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-28
This is such a great book. I really enjoyed reading it. It tells Buddy, Ritchie and J.P.'s story in a very interesting and easy to follow book. I would recommend this book to any Buddy fan. Five stars!

Great and Honest Book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-04
This is a great book. I have always been interested in "The day the music died" I had read several books and magazine articles about Buddy Holly's life but there was little in the way of the actual Winter Dance Party or the other musicians. I purchased this book and was shocked at how well and detailed the accounts of the musicians lives and the aftermath of the plane crash was. Larry Lehmer did an excelent job and should be commended on telling the truth not just what Buddy Holly's widow wanted or others who are wanting to cover the truth about what life was really like for all those involved. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in rock and roll, Buddy Holly or just 50's style music.

Great Story
Helpful Votes: 25 out of 27 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-04
This book is great because it not only tells of the careers of those involved in the Winter Party Tour, but also tells details leading up the crash (including stops in many small towns along the way). It was quite informative.
Buddy Holly is the best known,yet most elusive and enigmatic of all Rock 'n' Roll legends.This man was a genius.The way he constructed his songs was sensational.

Superb - get one before they're gone, again
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-11
The initial first run of this great book was not around very long and people have been begging since for a reprint and here it is! This one is hard to put down, it is intriguing, informative and FACTUAL, which most Buddy book are not (avoid the Amburn book at all costs). What is particularily nice is that it features a great deal of updated info about the last tour & crash, info about Roger Peterson, and a good deal about Ritchie & The Bopper that usually doesn't get included. Lehmer talks to people that were at the shows, helped with the Tour, etc. No wild theories here, just the facts. Top notch in every regard. You see any bad reviews here? 'Nuff said!

Extraordinarily readable and entertaining rock history
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-21
Larry Lehmer has crafted one of the better journalistic books about a historical rock 'n' roll event. He brings a newspaperman's observations and senses to the project, which connects all the dots in the tragic last tour for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. "The Day the Music Died" is not only entertaining -- somber and occasionally macabre in appropriate moments, and humorous elsewhere -- but it describes the days and weeks leading up to the tragic crash in Clear Lake through the eyes of people who were there. In each case, he paints a vivid portrait of a fallen star, making their stories all the more tragic. To read this book is to understand how American rock 'n' roll evolved from its early, innocent roots toward the fragmented, even chaotic market it encompasses today. I highyl recommend this book.

Entertainment
The Devil, Me, and Jerry Lee
Published in Hardcover by Longstreet Press (1998-10-25)
Author: Linda G. Lewis
List price: $20.00
Used price: $7.75
Collectible price: $59.99

Average review score:

The Killer-ess
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-09-29
There is no question about it: "The Devil, Me and Jerry Lee" is entertaining and fast reading. The author is the younger sister of Jerry Lee Lewis. It is for those of us that already appreciate the Killer. Folks who don't know who "The Killer" is should stop reading this review now. The faithful will be treated to a tale of life on the road and a little on the wild side of Jerry Lee. There are few surprises for those familiar with Lewis' past. His up and down career is covered form the mid -1950s at Sun Records in Memphis until the "present day". It's a bit foggy, perhaps intentionally so, as to what the Killer is doing right now. To quote the trailer in the movie "Great Balls of Fire" `he is probably playing his heart out-somewhere'. DMJL also tells the tale of the author's own strange career both on and off stage. The details of the latter are frank, earthy and mostly believable. (As to the former, it's a mystery: What "career" did Linda Gail have?Billboard credits her with 2 chart hits.) They are delivered in a take me or leave me fashion, just the way her big brother would want. The author has a definite manipulative charm to her, a trait she no doubt shares with her sibling. I am certain her 8 husbands could attest to that! The bottom line is that DMJL is recommended for Lewis fans only. The story won't win any new ones. Any serious country fan should possess at least one Killer CD. Amazon has several available! Jerry Lee is an entertainer one has to listen to, not merely read about. As for his little sister, she wore me down: 5 stars.

A candid look behind the scenes of one of Rock's Icons.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-07
I found this book to be a very interesting look at the upbringing and early influences on Jerry Lee's life which was not detailed in earlier books on his life. It was sometimes shocking, but always interesting.

Like talking one-on-one with Linda Gail Lewis.
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-01-12
Reading this book is like having a conversation with Linda Gail Lewis over a cup of coffee. If you like knowing the inside scoop, this book is a must read. Sit down to and have a heart-to-heart talk!

One-of-a-kind memoirs...a must read!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-01-11
Sister to Jerry Lee Lewis, Linda Gail has written a blunt, fascinating warts-and-all showbiz book about her life and that of the rock and country legend. Linda Gail, who hit the Top 10 with her duet with Jerry Lee "DON'T LET ME CROSS OVER", toured with Jerry Lee for 15 years as a background singer , and her love and concern for her brother shines through this fast-paced 166 page book co-written with Les Pendleton. The family grew up in a shack in Ferriday, La. with no insulation, no bathroom and no lack of hardship. A drunk driver killed their 9-year-old brother, their father spent time in prison for bootlegging, and Jerry Lee, when 22, married his 13 year old cousin, Myra. Writes Linda Gail, "Myra looked like she was 20, and she was more than a little bit on the wild side herself. In Ferriday, I could have married a cousin and not even known it. It was no big deal." Despite his career ups and downs, Linda Gail notes, "Momma would remain in new Cadillacs and housekeepers until she died." If there were book ratings, this one would be PG. And, if there were ratings on the most interesting books - on a scale from 1 to 10, this would be an 11. Linda Gail, now happily married and living in Big Sandy, Tenn., has written a compelling, no-holds-barred, true-life story with a very appropriate title. Gerry Wood, Country Weekly - January 12, 1999

Wonderful story! Laughter, heartache, shocker all in one!!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1999-09-10
What a great story and well written. Coming from a religious family, I enjoyed reading all the interesting circumstances that Linda and her big family went through. I've never read a much more shocking story and laughed so hard!! Double Thumbs Up!!!!!

Entertainment
Golden Girl : The Story of Jessica Savitch
Published in Paperback by Harpercollins (Mm) (1996-03-01)
Authors: Alanna Nash and Alanna K. Nash
List price: $5.99
New price: $39.49
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $14.95

Average review score:

Sobering and tragic
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-24
... is the story of Jessica Savitch, who was certainly the Golden Girl of Philadelphia broadcast news at one point and whose name lives on in infamy in this city. I was the little girl who looked up to her; my father adored her; my mother felt her to be a good career example. Thus was the face that fooled everyone, including herself. This biographer's work is extremely thorough and very well written. Every paragraph is captivating. I couldn't put it down -- and I knew how it ended.

Sad but Incredible account of a real Newswoman's Life
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-30
I could barely recall who Jessica Savitch was, but I love biographies so I read it. It was a breathtaking journey into a young girl turned celebrity's life. I read this book in one day and I couldn't get her out of my head for weeks afterward.

In high anticipation, I watched the movie "Up Close & Personal" which was supposedly based on this book. Even though the movie was good, it really had very few similarities to the book. I was dissapointed.

I strongly recommend this book.

compelling portrait of a downward spiral
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2002-08-26
Alanna Nash's biography of Jessica Savitch is a fine work, richly detailed and competently researched. In reading the story of this gifted, tragic woman one recalls the old Greek dictum, "Those whom the gods wish to destory they first make mad." I recall witnessing that now famous Sunday evening news broadcast, many years ago, when Jessica appeared in a foggy, bewildered state. I was busy with a young family at mealtime but stopped to watch as she seemed to self-destruct on the air.

Jessica Savitch led a charmed life, was blessed by the gods at first. Beautiful, intelligent, and charismatic, she found all doors opening to her. She entered television journalism with expectations on all sides of great success. She died at an early age after suffering through miserable relationships and becoming addicted to drugs. This modern-day morality tale makes somber reading, but is worth your time. Recommended.

Harrowing and So Damned Sad
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-13
I've kicked around a little bit - I know how easy it is to fall into the crapper, but this book- my heart was broken for Ms. Savitch. A person who wasn't what you would call whole to begin with goes into television and that television becomes her whole life, everything secondary to it. A little instable to begin with, maybe if she came across the right people early enough things might not have been so bad for her, but she didn't get the help she needed in time and ended up losing herself in drugs and promiscuity, her compartmentalized life finally seeming to collapse on her at the end.

I was very interested in the technical people and the description of the jobs they did and tried to look a few of them up, many of them spending their whole lives in camera, sound, film and videotape, but there is not much of a public record, which I think is a terrible shame; I think these people would have a lot of interesting things to say about recent developments in their prospective fields, the shape of the job market, etc. It is a shame these people don't get more attention - are you listening, union bosses, ABC, CBS, NBC, etc.? As important as Ron Kershaw was to the industry in his years in it, there is zero to Google about him, and I only came up with one piece of film of him as a reporter in his Houston days on the Vanderbilt web site - a double shame!

Get the book - very interesting for myriad reasons. And be thankful you are not Jessica.

Golden Girl
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2003-09-20
It was impressive!
I could tell that Alanna had doneso many researches and interviews to write this book.

Jessica Savitch was one of the most well-known anchor in the
American broadcasting history. After reading this, I felt like she is still alive and watching the journalists today.

If you want to be a jouranalist, you should read this
and learn the other side of TV world.
It's a stressful world. Besides, you need efforts, patience,
lucks, and talents.

Even though Jessica ended up her life with tragedy,
I think she lived her life hard.

I can't wait to read Alanna's new book.
She has done a great job to let us know how important
Jessica was for anchor-women.

Entertainment
Halo 2 Hacks: Tips & Tools for Finishing the Fight (Hacks)
Published in Paperback by O'Reilly Media, Inc. (2005-09-07)
Author: Stephen Cawood
List price: $24.95
New price: $7.24
Used price: $1.50

Average review score:

Excellent companion to Halo 2!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-05
A good book for those who love Halo 2 and those to need a little help gettin' the edge on the enemy!!!

JUMPING THE HALO!
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-22
Do you want to know the type of work that is currently being done by the Halo community? If you do, you're in luck! Author Stephen Cawood, has done an outstanding job of writing a book that will show you how to explore the new dimensions of Halo 2 games and some of the most interesting Halo 2 mods that you can create on a modded Xbox.

Cawood, begins by showing you some of the more interesting Halo 2 jumping techniques. Then, he covers the most mysterious of Halo 2 Easter eggs, the skulls. The author continues by showing you how to find some more interesting Easter eggs. Next, he introduces you to interesting things that you can do in the Halo 2 universe. Then, the author covers some interesting anomalies in Halo 2. He continues by showing you the best software tools available for changing the way Halo 2 functions. Then, he shows you how you can create your own weapon variations. The author continues by covering mods that can be made to Halo 2 vehicles. Next, he introduces you to some mods that alter the Halo 2 environment. Then, the author covers mods that relate to the presentation of Halo 2. He continues exploring mods that affect the Halo 2 game engine. Finally, he introduces you to some of the best modded maps that have been produced to date and gets you started on making your own.

In this most excellent book, each hack stands on its own. This book has been written with the same goal in mind, that is, to give you afresh way to enjoy your Halo universe.

this is a Magazine not a book
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 19 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-24
He was a little disapointed with the item. He thought it was a book not a magazine

Well Done
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-22
Halo 2 Hacks is a very well written book and easy to understand. The pictures and "visual aids" are very helpful. A definate must for EVERY Halo 2 fan! The section on modding is really well done too. A good introduction to modding, a good source for "how-to" find/use gameplay secrets. A well done book. 5 Stars.

Best Halo 2 Guide EVER!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-13
I bought this book, because I'm a big Halo 2 fan. I play Halo 2 all the time. And let me just tell you, this book is the greatest.

Don't let the name Halo 2 Hacks fool you, the first half of this book shows you plenty of Easter Eggs, techniques, glitches, and awesome stuff in the game. The second half shows you modding tools, where to get them, and how to use them. It does absolutely nothing to show you how to cheat on X-Box Live, which is good. I'll bet you didn't know that you can mod a map so when you crouch, you get an ariael view of the sky. You can jump a bazillion feet into the sky. You can put a Scorpion turret on the back of a Warthog. You can even make your shotgun fire dozens of plasma grenades, and this book shows you how to do ALL of those.

See people with interesting textures on their modded maps? This book shows you programs you can use to make those. You can inject meta (I bet you don't even know what that is, but this book will show you!) to make a picture of George Bush apppear over the map. Now I don't know why you would want to, but you can!

I bet you had absolutely no idea before that the Scarab gun is in the form of a Plasma Pistol on Metropolis. This book shows you how to get it. There's a giant soccerball on Metropolis, also. This book shows you how to get it. There's a skull that changes the physics of the game and makes everything explode bigger. This book shows you how to do that. This book shows you EVERYTHING!

In overall, I give this book a 11/10. It is the best guide book I have ever read.

Entertainment
Hilary Duff: All Access
Published in Paperback by Berkley Trade (2005-07-05)
Author: Matthew Rettenmund
List price: $12.00
New price: $0.01
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

All Access Rocks!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-03
It's a blast! It's great and a lot of fun watching Hilary do what she does best!

Gorgeous
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-16
It is a must have for all Hilary Duff Fans. The pictures are gorgeous!

Info on Hilary you never knew before!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-17
This book is pretty good! It wasn't the easiest to read, but had TONS of quizzes, cool snapshots, and information that most people don't know, like Hilary's middle name.(hint: it is not lisa or ann) It also has side schapters about Hailey, Adam Lamberg(Gordo, from Lizzie McGuire), Ashlie Brilliault(who plays kate on Lizzie McGuire), and others of Hilary's Co- Stars. I would reccommend this book to Kids over 9 years of age. It is a great read!

MOTHER OF ONE OF HILARY'S #1 FANS
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-13
I BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR MY DAUGHTER. SHE LOVED IT! IT'S ALL HILARY NOTHING BUT HILARY...NEAT PICTURES AND COOL INFO. HER FRIENDS LOVED SO MUCH, THEY WANT ONE NOW. YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THIS BOOK.

Hilary Duff: All Access
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-16
This book is the best thing for all big Hilary Duff fans

Entertainment
The Incredible Hulk: Future Imperfect (Marvel's Finest)
Published in Paperback by Marvel Entertainment Group (1994-06)
Author: Peter David
List price: $12.95
New price: $30.00
Used price: $22.40
Collectible price: $39.95

Average review score:

Hulk at his finest
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-29
The Ultimate Comic Book Fight, Hulk vs. Hulk. Hulk in thrown into the future where his future self controls everything. That pretty much sets everything off. One of the finer moments in Hulk History. So just buy this, now, and be preparded to see how a real Hulk Story is written.

The HULK smahing story ever told
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-11
This grafic novel, shows the powerful hulk can be, in a caotic future, that he can kill all the marvel universe if he is mad enough, the drawings are fenomenal, if you don't like the hulk character, with this book sure you will change your mind

Boy did i make a make mistake...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-20
by NOT buying this masterpice when i had the chance! My Library had a copy and i took it out, read it and loved it! i thought that i could just go back there for when ever i had a craving to read this great story, but now it's listed as "missing," i.e. some kid borrowed it and never returned it. Now it's out of print, hard to find, and when u can find it it's pricey. Well, it's availble here and i'm gettin' my copy before the're all gone, and if you like the
Hulk or super-hero comics in general, buy this baby while you still can.

Hulk: Future Imperfect
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-21
What can I say that hasn't already been said by others? I have read and re-read this book many times. It is one of the best Hulk stories you'll ever read and the art is great, too. Almost no prior knowledge of the Hulk is necessary to fully enjoy this masterpiece. Buy this thing now!

The enemy is me.
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-05
Another masterpiece from the mind of Peter David, Future Imperfect is praised by fans and critics not only as some of his best Hulk work, but as some of his best work overall!

Brought forward in time ninety years and arriving in a post-apocalyptic future, the Hulk is beseeched by a group of resistance fighters to take down the being responsible for all the devastation. A being known only as "the Maestro."

But the battle won't be a simple one, for the Hulk soon learns that the Maestro is none other than a bizarre future incarnation of himself! Driven insane by decades of persecution, made even stronger by the free-floating radiation of the era, and having nearly a hundred years more experience than his younger self, the Maestro will rank as the Hulk's greatest challenge ever...... assuming he survives it.

Featuring art by George Perez and colors by Tom Smith, Future Imperfect is a modern-classic that belongs in every fan's collection.

Entertainment
Looking Back to See: A Country Music Memoir
Published in Hardcover by University of Arkansas Press (2005-03-15)
Author: Maxine Brown
List price: $24.95
New price: $16.11
Used price: $11.50
Collectible price: $24.95

Average review score:

Maxine Brown is Country Music History
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-19
Maxine Brown has created a masterpiece about the history, and characters involved in the making of Country Music. Her story is honest and heartbreaking at times. She has bumped into just about everyone who has had anything to do with the industry. She's smart, funny, honest and in some cases, unforgiving of those that have crossed her in the business. And, rightly so. Just the insight into the beginning career of Elvis Presley is worth the read. She toured with this shy kid who would become king. She gave us a glimpse into what it was like to know him before all the fame. This woman had guts to stick it out in a business that could be very unkind to women in the early days. Her determination to carve herself out a place in the business of country music is witness to her drive. The Browns hold a very important place in the history of Country Music. They influenced an entire generation, and let us not forget, were one of the first crossover sensations. Not only did they create a fire here in the States, they took on Europe with huge success as well. They lived through the rough and tumble days in Nashville when a chosen few could make or break a career. There were also good guys, like Chet Atkins who believed in the Browns, and stood up to the big studio execs to ensure that their records were made with integridy. Maxine was there to see it all, and tell it through her amazing recall. This book is an important piece of history, and should be read by anyone who calls themselves a fan of country music.

A real look behind the facade of the music business
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-02
I've been a fan of the Browns ever since I was a young child in the early 1960's and my mom bought a Browns album. In recent years, I continue to enjoy the sweet harmonies brought by this incredible brother/sisters singing team.

Maxine Brown writes a riveting story of what country music was like in the 1950's, when they got started. It was a brutal, unforgiving business at the time and the Browns had their share of unscrupulous businessmen. She also writes about the relationship the Browns had with other country music singers of the day, some who have become major legends.

Looking Back To See
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-03
Very honest & open by the Author/Singer Maxine Brown. Very interesting & revealing, especially about Elvis Presley & Jim Reeves. Very good book.

I love it in Australia too
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-05
Maxine Brown was part of a family country band with her brother, Jim Ed and sister, Bonnie. Their most famous recording is that of Edith Piaf's `The Three Bells'.

She writes about her early family life growing up in rural south Arkansas during the Depression. Her journey in country music and the people with whom she traveled and the songs she wrote. The people she met and performed with such as Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Chet Atkins. Performing on the Louisiana Hayride, at The Grand Old Opry and touring Europe. Particularly touching was the story about Jim Reeves' tragic death. It bought a new reality to his life for me.

I particularly enjoyed her stories of their encounters with Elvis Presley and how he fell in love with Bonnie and asked her to marry him. She turned him down. One particular incident was at the time of his discharge from the army when he called a press conference and invited the Browns to attend. He asked Bonnie did she wait for him and she told him `no', she was married and expecting a baby. She must have known what would have been ahead.

I absolutely loved reading this book and did it in 3 days. I love country music and it is also takes a look at the background of some of the great American country performers and the people involved with their careers.

Here in Australia we only see the end result of some the greats and have no idea what life was like for budding country singers in America.

I found this book while listening to WSM America's Country Music Station broadcast live from The Grand Old Opry. There was a live interview with Maxine promoting the book.

Thank you Maxine, for the experience.

Saucy, Lively and Terrific!!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-23
Kudos to Maxine Brown for her fascinating no-holds-barred look at the country music industry of the 1950's and 1960's. Maxine, along with sister Bonnie and brother Jim Ed, were legendary country group The Browns, who chalked a number of hits for fifteen years, notably THE THREE BELLS, one of the biggest hits in country music history and as well as a number one pop hit for them. The Browns were all but ready to throw in the towel when they scored that monster hit. Their RCA recordings were not producing major hits. The group earlier came to success on the small Fabor Records label founded by one Fabor Robinson. Like many vocalists on small labels during the era, according to Maxine, the Browns "never made a dime" on their hit LOOKING BACK TO SEE, needless to say she has harsh feelings for Robinson "probably the sorriest b****rd then infesting the industry." She recalls a string of horrors the Browns had to put up with due to the association, so much so Robert Cochran, in the book's introduction feels to need to note country musican historian Colin Escott found similar stories from other Robinson associates in his research. Maxine titles one of her chapters "We Get Screwed" and her tales of blackmail attempts to harassment are truly astonishing.

There's lots of good times too, from dozens of close friends in the industry from Elvis Presley to George Jones and their years as the leading country vocal group. The Browns were especially close to Jim Reeves, and like Reeves they suffered from some backlash in some country circles because of their pop hits. Maxine recalls a run-in she had with Little Jimmy Dickens at a country music function during the peak of the Browns' crossover success when Dickens strolled up to them and said "What are you doing here? You Ain't country." As you might have guessed Maxine is not the type to just stand there and take that, calling him a "sawed-off son of a b***ch" which broke into a cuss fest that led to Maxine and Dickens not being on speaking terms for years although she happily notes they have since made amends.

After the Browns disband in the late 1960's and brother Jim Ed becomes a popular male star, Maxine found it difficult to launch a solo career (I personally love her only solo album SUGAR CANE COUNTY) and is surprised how quickly the industry seems to have forgotten she was one third of the hottest group in country music. Happily, the Browns have frequently reunited for concerts since the late 1980's and still perform today.

LOOKING BACK TO SEE is a great read, loaded with rare photos. Maxine writes in a friendly, talkative style and as you might guess, is as blunt as someone having an intimate conversation. This is a fairly large book - 348 pages - for a country star autobiography. The University of Arkansas (Maxine's home state and where she still lives) published this book and did a fine job with it. It's clear a local press is the way to go for country music star's of the past who might not be able to attract New York publishers. This book is a must for anyone who loves country music during it's classic "Nashville Sound" era.


Entertainment
Love Always, Patsy: Patsy Cline's Letters to a Friend
Published in Hardcover by Diane Pub Co (1999-01-01)
Authors: Cindy Hazen and Mike Freeman
List price: $25.00
New price: $8.00
Used price: $10.00
Collectible price: $89.45

Average review score:

"Death can never kill what never dies"
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-16

My title is part of the inscription her husband Charlie had placed on Patsy's grave marker.Time has shown that truer words have never been said.
All the letters in this book were written to Treva Steinbicker who started and operated her fan club.They corresponded very frequently from the time that Patsy started in the business in 1955 when she was was only 23.The letters continued till 1959.There may have been more and Treva probably continued until she was killed in a car accident in 1960;but no letters were found during that period. Patsy met her untimely death in a plane crash on March 5,1963.
More than anything else,these letters show what a huge struggle and sacrifice to health,family and security the artists of the 50's went through in establishing a career.The number of Country Artists ,who made a living,were only a few dozen,and it took many years to make it.However,the music they made came from the heart and soul and was so good because they really lived it.Today new superstars appear like autumn leaves,and in my opinion most of it is "studio" music and that which the Industry promotes.It is hihhly that the stoff promoted today will be enduring like that which we got from the artists of Patsy's time.
Try as they may,to replace Country Music with Pop,Rhinestone Cowboy stuff,Country Rock,New Country,Line Dance music,the music of the Legends like Patsy,Hank Williams,Web Pierce,Johnny Horton,Roy Acuff,Ernest Tubb,Loretta Lynn,and other artists of the 50's and 60's,the real Country music survives because of the simplr fact that Country Music is the music of the people,by the people and for the people---Not the music establishment and studios.
The thing that surprisedme the most is how little these artists were compensated These letters show that during the time Patsy made her greatest hits,she virtually lived in poverty.Just imagine how moch people who couldn't write a simple ditty or even carry a tune,made off Patsy.

Birth of a star
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-08
I found, Love Always, Patsy to be quite compelling. I wasn't reading about Patsy Cline the superstar but "Patsy" the young girl working her way up. To be able to do that in her own words left me with a special warmth for the person and all she hoped to achieve. To spend time recapturing a "lost" time in the business of music. A more simple time. I would recommend this book not only to Patsy Cline fans but anyone interested in music, life, biographies, or a hard working housewife.

A Patsy Cline Fan Must Read
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-31
I am the secretary for the Always Patsy Cline Fan Organization and I have to say, I'm pretty picky about my Patsy Cline merchandise, info., etc.

This book was so interesting to me because you really found out who Patsy was. She struggled just like the rest of us. It blew me away at how tight things were for her. Although times were tough, she kept going to make her dreams come true.

You could really tell how much she loved Charlie and her new daughter, Julie. Randy wasn't born yet.

It was really easy to read and I couldn't put it down. It's a real treasure to have something like this about someone we don't know much about, because of how short of a time she was with us.

If you are in any way a fan of Patsy Cline, this is a must read for you. It also contains a few new photos.

Enjoy!

A New Patsy Fan!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-22
Thank you Mike and Cindy for sharing the personal letters of Patsy Cline with all of us. What better way to get to know someone, then to peek into their letters written to someone very special. Not only are the words that she writes very intimate and from the heart, but the paper they are witten on and the way they are written(phrasing and penmanship) give you insight into Patsy's feelings and personality. Since reading this great book, I have become an REAL Patsy Cline fan.

A real woman
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-12
If you are looking for a book that tries to analyze Patsy Cline from a woman's perspective, read Margaret Jones' biography. If you want dirt and hack writing, read Ellis Nassour. But if you want to know Patsy Cline, read this book. Patsy wrote it herself with a guiding hand from Mike and Cindy. Patsy tells us in her own words what kind of a woman she is and she shares her dreams and disappointments in a way no other writer can touch.

Mike and Cindy let Patsy tell the story, intruding long enough to clarify a point or identify an obscure reference.


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