Entertainment Books

This book is a most delightful and remarkable look at a mother/daughter relationship during the pre-teen years, that time of delicate balance between dependance and curiosity. When a child isn't at the rebellious stage yet but is ready to expand their horizons beyond the apron strings.

Hollywood, with all it's perils and pitfalls, provides a perfect metaphor for this age. For Gigi acting is a means to experiment with her own emerging independence and sense of individuality. For her mother it's a roller coaster ride of love, hope, a bit of anxiety and, of course, the occasional bout of exasperation.

But most of all this book is real, nitty-gritty and gutsy. At times, Gigi's diary entries paint such an exact picture adolescence, everything from hair crises to the playful use of exclamation points, that it'll make any woman smile with reminiscence and empathy. Her mom's entries hold nothing back, she's obviously not trying to come across as perfect. Just tells it as it is, warts and all, but with honesty, warmth and rare wit.

Individually these are wonderful stories. Interwoven they present a unique portrayal of what it is to be a family.

I loved this little book. What a great adventure for an eleven year old and her mother. Because the book was based on private journals, it has a special freshness and honesty that most books lack. My only criticism is that it is too short. I wanted to read more and I hope a second book in the works. I want to find our what happens to Gigi's movie career. It will be interesting to see if the next book can keep its freshness and honesty.

This book is great for families. Especially ones that include a teen or pre-teen. It is written by a child and her mom. The kid is Gigi. An 11 year old angel/devil. This book deals with the ups and downs in the family. It is outragously honest and incredibly funny. I would suggest this to book everyone and their mom.

In the thoroughly enjoyable "Me, My Kid and Hollyweird", down-to-earth mom, Chartreuse Braun proves that not all stage mothers are frustrated wannabe performers forcing their children into the limelight. Chartreuse and her daughter, Gigi, bravely pull up their Florida roots and transplant themselves in Los Angeles pursuing the not-quite-teenage girl's dream of becoming an actor. Gigi has decided she wants to be a, "kid actor not an adult actor", so time is of the essence...

The book includes their practical experience about a child actor's world; headshots and agents, acting coaches, auditions and contracts. The story is told through candid, mother and daughter diary entries and follows the excitement and anxiety of these two as they learn together about show business and the business of growing up.

As with the MechWarrior 2 Guide; this one helps you thru the rough spots AND helps you figure out which weapons make the best combo for you. Don't want to give away the whole book but...a couple of "dogs" in MW 2 are my favorites now.

BTW, D/L the vers 1.1 patch for the game itself from microprose

The MW3 strategy guide has a lot of info, but there are a number of obvious flaws. The vehicle descriptions are all messed up when it comes to vehicle weapons (donar choppers don't have ER medium lasers!), and guide's suggested 'mech configurations don't have a lot of ammo and heat management is nearly non-existent. However, the battle-maps and run-throughs are exceptional, as are the combat and 'mech customization tips. Besides the minor glitches, this Prima is one worth using.

Simply put, this book is a must have. It gives you guidelines to go by, to suite your individual piloting and fighting styles. You get detailed info on mech stats, equipment and weapons, along with specifics on how to equip and use them. Even with what is all availible in this book... it is up to YOU to decide the final outcome in each battle. For once there is a book you can use without worrying if it's linear and will it give away the game. I recommend this book to everyone who purchased the game.

Wow pretty much sums this guide up. You think it's got a lot of info in it? It's 279 pages! You bet it does! They crammed so much info in this book it's easy to see why it has a listing price of 20 bucks. This book lists every 'Mech along with their cruising and top speeds, normal and max tonnage, primary weapon configurations, as well as a full page description of each of the 'Mechs pros and cons along with suggested weapons and equipment grouping. It lists every weapon, the heat it generates, their damage potential, and range. The walkthrough is very well done with suggested routes to take and what 'Mech to pilot as well as what 'Mechs to have your lancemates control. Before every mission, there is a page which states everything you'll find there, as in missle placements as well as the number and identities of every enemy 'Mech out there. It explains excellent customizing of 'Mechs, giving you awesome firepower for any range, the heat sinks to allow repeated fire, and the armor and speed to live through any battle. The book also explains all the controls and gives you ideas on how to get adjusted to any combat situation. I really haven't even begun to scratch the surface of this book, but this should be enough to help you with your decision to buy it. So....what are you waiting for? buy it!

Fascinating and illuminating book about the way movie classics were made in the 30's and 40's. This man knew his job and we are lucky that in the making he wrote those long memos. The people they were sent to found them annoying. We movie fans find them fascinating.

It's a genuine pleasure to see this 1972 volume back in print again. Practically the entire history of classic Hollywood can be seen within the pages of this fascinating series of memos, a veritable stream of behind the scenes trivia and the most impressive book of name-dropping ever seen in print. The cinematic genius of Selznick and Company is told as only it should be told...in the Master's own words.

David O. Selznick was behind some the films considered classics from that era. He was known for his memos that he sent to others in the industry and those working for him. The book is a fascinating look at the studio system at the time - and is also a reminder that people at one time actually communicated in writing - no cell phones, no email. This book is a must-read for those interested at all in film lore - and it's a great read!

I was a bit leery of a book of just memoes but ... This is truly an extraordinary book, full of insights into every aspect of film making. The most interesting parts are about scripts and script construction. That was what Selznick had a genius for, and that comes through clearly. Some of his faults come through too. There are a number of memoes about his life and emotions so you get a picture a man not just an executive.

For anyone who likes old movies a must.

I found a best friend reading this book. A "fellow explorer" who by exposing their own frustrations, highs and lows, helped me see myself better. The situations you faced have been my situations and I did not feel so alone. Instead I felt empowered and optimistic. Thank you.

WOW! Talk about revisiting one's own past. I am enjoying this book thoroughly and it has taken me to places I haven't revisited in years. This book is made up of the stuff one takes for granted today but didn't dare talk about back then. Good, fun reading. Thanks Rochelle!

MVT from Roswell, GA

Witty, funny, and life changing all in one book! From the different dating scenarios and insights, Men and Me has helped me to see what dating journey I have been on, and more importantly what I want it to be like. Be sure to add this book to your summer reading list.

There is something for everyone. Laughter, tears, wisdom! The book reads so quickly, you can not put it down. By the end, the author's story is your story leaving you with a smile, and food for thought.

I highly recommend this book to not only fans, but bands themselves! So much information to glean from. Past advice and current reflections make this a great book for groupies, fans, and bands alike. Darryl covers all metal and some hard rock; these are true metal bands too, not corporate forced fad entities. Some of these bands, I had only heard through the radio station I DJ for. The author gives insite from the little-known local bands to the major acts. Parents, give your kids this book and let's start a new generation with the music we grew up with....REAL Rock!

Buy this book. I couldn't put it down once I started it. Did you buy THE CURSED cd "Room Full of Sinners" with myself on guitar and Blitz from Overkill singing low and bluesy? Kinda sounds like my old band NON-FICTION.Dan

I just finished to read this book and it is a great trip through the 80's scene! in LA,tucson AZ and iowa from a guy who used to run a metal magazine,great pics of bands and funny stories!about the wannabe's out there, about the ones who are on "rock star trips".oh this guy really hate road manegers and record labels!. i didnt give it 5 star cuz the guy is too negative about metal most of the time,too much glam for me( i really dont like glam)i also dont like at all that he mention that poser band called metallica come on! they are not a heavy metal band they are alternative and nu-metal and every trend out there but not metal,oh darryl keck call slayer,megadeth and flotsam and jetsam power metal! and that is a huge mistake! they arent power metal at all...by the way it is a great book about heavy metal

I read through Darryl Keck's book, METAL GENERATION, and I think it might be one of the best books ever written about Metal. It's great primarily because it's not the typical shocking stories that glorying (and somewhat amplify what really happened) regarding the sex, drugs and rock & roll of the time as told by the band members. No, it's written by a fan who had some access to the bands - enough to be nosy, but not enough to be influenced into lying for their decedent friendships that they developed. Darryl Keck should be applauded for telling it like it was!

Pam Tent accurately captures the spirit and craziness of the Haight/Ashbury and of San Francisco during the Summer of Love. Her book is full of details and insights from one who lived the life to its fullest. It is an amazing story proving that you can be as "far-out" as you wish and survive to tell the tale.

This book is worth a read for the outfit descriptions alone. This book made me want to invest in gallons of glitter. Fascinating: these folks depended and thrived on a system of families and communes rather than a "straight" lifestyle of jobs and paychecks. Not only did they thrive, but they created a troupe of performers whose antics I wish I had been around to experience. The Cockettes lived their art, which seems like a rarity in these icky conservative times.

This important seminal era of avante garde theater and queer history circa 1968-74 was almost lost to posterity due to the AIDS deaths of so many of its' important voices. Thank Goddess it has been lovingly and meticulously posited in history/herstory in a tangible way in this book by one of the Cockettes best suited for the calling - Sweet Pam. Her tone IS sweet, but hardly naive. The author deftly weaves the significance of this cultural watershed throughout her priceless juicy gossipy gutter level dish. For those of us who were too young to be in SF then and who want to know more, the book provides a detailed chronological survey of the evolution of the Cockettes. The book serves as the perfect step child to the great documentary film about the Cockettes that came out a couple of years ago.

Pam Tent's voice in her writing of this unusual and culturally important story is much more clear, incisive and organized than the subject she is dealing with. Her letters home provided the basis for a period that many of us, because of the indulgences of the time, have forgotten. It's so interesting to relive it (or see it for the first time) through her eyes. She's such a good story teller and was right in the middle of the whole thing. We are lucky she is still around to tell it-many others have died. I'm sure you'll enjoy "Midnight at the Palace" and will recommend it to anyone interested in the late 60s/early 70s and how that brief cultural explosion affects us today.
Robert Burnside, founder of the "no science fiction, thanks" book club

Although "Monkey on a Turntable" is about Ken Keller's memories of his life as a radio announcer, it's much more than that: it illustrates how some of the turns our life can take do lead to very positive results.

Although a sort of technicality ended his broadcasting career, the author took a good sober look at what he was really good at. He turned to a career in advertising at which he excelled.

In addition to being a book about an aspiring announcer and the broadcasting industry in the second half of the 20th century, the book is chocked full of fascinating stories of the celebrities he met, and of the struggle by a young announcer to make ends meet. The author is not afraid to admit embarrassing or "difficult" moments, such as the time he rushed to get to his broadcasting microphone right after a major snowstorm--in a car that would only run IN REVERSE!

I won't spoil any of the stories, except to say that it does have a happy ending. Ken Keller has been married to the love of his life--Mary--for more than 48 years, and we would all wish to be as happy as this couple that fits together so well.

A wonderful book and time capsule for radio broadcasters. The personal "coming of age" stories are as enjoyable as the hilarious tales of live broadcasts and radio adventures. I think everyone can relate to some part of this very funny book.

This is a very enjoyable book! I literally laughed out loud in several places and interrupted my husband's TV viewing of a baseball game to read sections to him. A quick read and a thorougly entertaining experience!

Great book! A definite must-read for anyone in broadcasting, but great entertainment for anyone. I am still laughing over the antics of the mail-order monkey.

We at Fragland.com usually don't advertise for books or anything but we've received the book Monster Gaming which is written by Ben Sawyer and published by Paraglyph press and to be honest: it's great!

Everything that's got anything to do with gaming, from regular gaming over competitive gaming to even modding and real development, is covered here along with useful links and addresses for people who want to know even more.

So if you're going on holiday or want a book about gaming to read I suggest this book It's +300 pages will keep you occupied in the gaming atmosphere.

You won't regret it !

I've been looking all over the place for a gaming guide like this. Most of the books out are very basic or they just cover tips for using certain games. This book really captures what I want to know about gaming. The author seems to really know his stuff.

I was drawn to the book because it had a chapter on modding and enhancing game hardware (which turned out to be really good). But the more I read in the book, the more I liked. I didn't realize that there were so many interesting resources for gamers such as places to get old vintage games.

This is the sort of book that every gamer should get a copy of and read cover to cover. It's quite funny in places and just a blast to read in general. The author even included a chapter at the end of the book about what it is like to be a game developer, which was a treat for me because I'd like to develop games some day.

We at Fragland.net usually don't advertise for books or anything but we've received the book Monster Gaming which is written by Ben Sawyer and published by Paraglyph press and to be honest: it's great!

Everything that's got anything to do with gaming, from regular gaming over competitive gaming to even modding and real development, is covered here along with useful links and addresses for people who want to know even more.

So if you're going on holiday or want a book about gaming to read I suggest this book It's +300 pages will keep you occupied in the gaming atmosphere.

You won't regret it !

Stephen @ Fragland.net

At first, you might imagine that the title refers to the computer opponents in various twitch games like Doom or Quake. But no. Sawyer means the fanatic gamers, to whom he addresses the book. He being one himself.

Chapters span all the important topics of computer gaming. From personalising your hardware through overclocking the CPU to tips on searching eBay for items. Plus, of course, on the latter, you can sell various gaming memorabilia.

He also provides ancillary data on books and movies spawned from games. Though he thinks most of the movies are purely dross. There is a fascinating table of the books in Chapter 7. You may be surprised by how extensive it is, with several books being written by well known authors like Mercedes Lackey and Alan Dean Foster. (The money is good for such purely work-for-hire, I guess.)

Most importantly to some of you, he tells how to hook up to the competitive gaming scene, with lists of various regional conventions for the hard core. Interested?

I read an edition of Starlog magazine about Bob Burn's Halloween extravaganas. I always wanted to attend one of these Halloween shows. Monster Kid Memories is as close as I will ever get. The book makes you feel like you were right there when it was being built and shown. Bob Burns is probably the greatest SciFi fan out there. The book is hard to put down once you start. I do wish Mr Burns would put a video out showcasing the Halloween shows. If you watch a documentary of The Time Machine you can see a portion of one of his shows.

he didn't save lots of kids from burning buildings or shoot down Zeroes, but Bob Burns sure did a lot of other cool things. A neat story of the famous and near famous as told by one of the nicest guys ever to dress up like a gorilla. The writeups on his giant halloween extravaganzas are fantastic - could you imaging being a kid and being able to look forward to these giant home-transforming shows at the end of your street every year?

To my mind, there is no greater Monster Kid than Bob Burns. Burns has lived (and continues to!) the life that every Monster Kid dreams of. He has met some of the giants in the field; become friends with many other lesser-known, but equally interesting personalities; participated in the making of some of the classic films of the genre; appeared on television as part of Shock Theater; has accumulated an untold number of props and other memorabilia over his more than 50-year association with monster and science fiction films; and produced some of the most talked-about, elaborate, and awe-inspiring Halloween "haunted attraction" spectacles of all time.

Yet, despite his extreme good fortune, which could turn lesser men selfish and possessive, Bob Burns never hesitates to share his stories, anecdotes, collection, and super big heart with others.

At long last, Burns, in collaboration with horror/science fiction genre writer Tom Weaver, has gathered a collection of his wonderful experiences in Monster Kid Memories. Here, Burns shares many of the highlights of his life with fellow fans, in addition to hundreds of amazing, seldom-seen photos (the book contains over 300 illustrations), including one very special, never-before seen shot of the Martian costume from War Of The Worlds.

Ever the selfless, generous Kid, Bob turns the spotlight on others, allowing them to shine. We: listen with envy as he describes seeing Bela Lugosi on stage and relates his encounters with Karloff, Elsa Lanchester, Chaney Jr., George Pal, and William Castle; visit the sets of films (Destination Moon, Unknown Island, the 2002 remake of The Time Machine); learn the intricacies of portraying a gorilla; discover the man behind the genius that was Jack Pierce; help Bob rig the seats for a showing of The Tingler; and learn of Bob's innumerous movie prop acquisitions over the decades (he owned the original Time Machine!) and how he came to possess them - these are just a handful of the many treats awaiting the reader.

The book contains numerous highlights, but a few deserve special mention:

The chapter where Bob discusses his friendship with Glenn Strange (the man behind the Frankenstein monster in the Universal House films and Abbott And Costello Meet Frankenstein) is touching and sweet. The two men first met when Bob was a teen, but a genuine friendship started, and lasted until the day Strange died in 1973. The two men shared many experiences together, and such a bond developed, that Burns came to think of Strange as a second father. It's wonderful to read of a friendship between two men like this, and to have Strange step out of those huge Frankenstein monster boots (which Strange gave to Burns by the way, along with an unused Monster headpiece) and learn that he was just a down-to-earth, regular Joe.

A chapter detailing Bob's friendship with George Pal is illuminating. We learn that Pal was a warm and fun-loving man, in addition to fascinating facts about the making of Destination Moon, The Time Machine, and War Of The Worlds. Unfortunately, the chapter is also heart-breaking. To learn Bob's opinion of what really killed Pal is to want to storm the offices of today's Hollywood bigwigs with torches and pitchforks.

The fact that Bob relates the lives and stories of many "behind-the-scenes" people - people whose names won't ring any bells and often don't receive any of the credit and recognition they deserve, is refreshing and very welcome. Some of the make-up artists, stuntmen, bit players, prop and special effects people that Burns knew receive their just due here, and I was grateful to learn of some of the "invisible" people behind some of my favorite old-time films and serials.

Lastly, the chapter that details the history of each of Bob's Halloween "haunted spectaculars" made this reader greener with envy than Elsa as the monster in BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. Reading of the amount of time, effort, and talent that went into producing each of these shows, merely for the entertainment of friends and neighborhood children, is a testament to just how big Bob Burns's heart really is.

The mere fact that these memories, and much more, are captured in one book is reason enough to recommend it. But quite often the telling of one's life to another can make for a dull, difficult read. Not Monster Kid Memories. Although many of these memories occurred decades ago, you wouldn't know it to read it. When he's relating one of his many stories, there is such genuine excitement and enthusiasm emanating from Burns that you swear you're sitting in a chair across from him, listening, caught up in his excitement - several times while reading I found myself actually exclaiming, "Oh, wow!"

This sense of fun and "gee-whiz!" excitement, perfectly captured and transferred to the page by co-author Weaver, is the book's grand accomplishment. For several hours, the reader once again becomes a little 15-year-old boy (or girl!). Only a handful of books can accomplish magic like this, and Monster Kid Memories is one of them.

My only regret is the fear that the title might turn away a wider audience. While the book does concentrate primarily on Burns's association with monsters and science fiction, a potential reader should know that these stories will appeal to anyone. You don't have to love monsters and aliens - Bob Burns does, and the kid-like joy and genuine love that he has for his subjects spills over onto the page and will captivate any film fan.

Just a terrific book.

Being a long time lover of everything that is classic horror & sci-fi, I consider this is a great and highly recommended book from one the most beloved fans of the genre, Bob Burns. It really feels as if he is sharing all his wonderful memories about guys such as Glenn Strange (the Frankenstein monster of the 40's), George Pal (War of the Worlds, The Time Machine), and Charlie Gemora (Monster & the Girl, "the Gorilla man"), with you in your living room. It is a fun adventure to share all of Bob's wonderful memories, and gives insight to not only those actors, directors and makeup men I mentioned, but to Bob's life as well. He is THE fan that we all wished we could be, and along with "IT CAME FROM BOB'S BASEMENT", is a wonderful journey back to the days of classic horror and early sci-fi!

It was great to make Mario and Luigi beat Bowser! It was super cool.
That is the review of my boys, 8 and 6.

This is a great book, especially for fans of the Mario Brothers! My son was so happy to get this book, which is a choose-your-own-adventure. You also get to keep track throughout the story of your points and items, and every time you read it and make decisions you get a different outcome.

This features Luigi, my favourite Mario brother. (Ho! Ho!) It is also a very good Nintendo Adventure Book.

This is a really cool book about Mario and Friends. They've got personality! Unlike in the video games, everyone plays a big part in the story. Toad and Mario say funny stuff you wouldn't expect them to say! The puzzles are challenging, too. It took me more than one read to get to the ending! I recommend it.