Genres Books

Very clever book, I never read the notions explained here anywhere else,
or maybe it was because it wasn't clear enough. The material is precisely
organized and the examples sound great. This gave me another way to hear
bebop, recognizing some structures.

You have a lot to work on this stuff to make it comes naturally, but the
challenge is really worthy, so good luck !

peace

This book, though limited to just a few melodic structures, gives a very good insight to what improvisation is about: telling your own story, using coherent and consistent melodic structures. It goes to the basis, and because it doesn't overwhelm you with all possible modes/scales/structures but just sticks to a few powerfull tools, enables you to understand and implement. A must for the advanced guitar player.

I have all of Green's books and they are uniformly excellent. Structures gives you a wealth of applicable information. Not scales, or licks, or weenie theory, but applicable ideas. Intermediate++.

I bought Jazz Guitar Technique a little over a year ago and am still working my way through it. My wife bought this book for me for Christmas and let me tell you, these books are DEEP. There is so much information in this series of books that you'll be picking them up again and again before you feel like you've absorbed everything they have to offer. Andrew Green's instructions in this area are key: Don't try to learn too many things at once as it waters down the learning process.
Before I go further though let me warn you, these books are not for the total beginner looking to learn jazz guitar. Also, if you can't read music AT ALL then this book is not for you. My music reading isn't that great, but I can muddle along slowly and actually this book is helping me in that regard as well. Mr. Green's exercises are usually in eighth notes so the rhythms aren't complex. He encourages the readers to try the exercises not just in other keys and positions (which we should all be doing anyway) but in other rhythms as well, truly making them your own.
The content itself is very easy to understand and work with. If, like me, you've been practicing the same sort of stuff for years, the material in here will not only beef up your lines and overall knowledge of the instrument, it'll make you feel like you ran into the phone booth as Clark Kent and came out Superman. After I had a few things down and started trying to improvise with them it was scary how fast I was able to adapt the ideas into my style and how they instatly added a whole world of melodic depth to my playing. Even when I wasn't trying to sound "jazzy" I still found that the things I ws playing sounded much more interesting and relevant to the chords I was playing over.
It's strange that there are probably more guitarists today than there ever were previously and yet there are almost no heroes. There are a GAZILLION of us and yet so many of us are still trying to emulate Hendrix or Page or Montgomery or Christian. As a rock guitarist with a strong love for jazz I feel that this book and Improvising Jazz Guitar can help us learn new ideas while at the same time feeling inspired to achieve new heights in our own development as well as the development of the language of popular guitar. THANK YOU ANDREW GREEN!!

This book has been the stepping stone I need to get to applying arpeggios all over the neck and combining different sounds with them. I've only gotten through the 1st section (minor arpeggios) and I'm not only more able to connect arpeggios over the neck but also able to substitute them in over other chords. For instance, before this book I didn't know how to substitute and play only minor arpeggios over a ii V I progression. Now I know multiple ways and can very the sound depending on degree of the chord I build off of. There is a lot of information and so much to get out of the book. The other sections that I haven't even gotten to yet covers in the same way how to use and apply major triad +2 and minor tetrachords.

The best thing about Andrew's two books I have (Comping is the other I have) is they way he presents things. The examples he gives allow you to understand the concept and then later know how to easily apply it. So many books give too few examples that are so easily applicable outside the book.

To get a better idea of the contents of the book, check out Andrew Green's website at www.[...]com. This along with his Comping book have been two of my favorite books in a while. Know that both of these books require reading skills (no tab) and they are not aimed at beginners.

excellent book/cd combo that is perfect for the beginner at bass guitar who is interested in learning jump bass.


The book shipped promptly and it was like new.

Thanks,

This book just arrived and I just popped in the CD to give it a quick listen. What a pleasant surprise! The blues playing is top-notch all around, from the bassist (which you might hope for, from a bass book :-) to the guitar, drums, piano, harmonica, and even organ. If they lengthened the tracks this CD would almost stand on its own as a blues audio CD, it's that good. I've heard other "how to" books where the playing is only so-so (maybe intentionally, in a misguided attempt to not intimidate the beginner?), but on this CD everyone's really cookin', which I find really inspiring. It'll motivate me to work at getting as good.

Another good idea is that most of the band plays on the right track, and the bass playing is featured on the left channel, so it's easy to hear what he's doing and learn from it. I could see eventually muting the bass, recording my own left bass track and comparing to see how well I'm learning.

A quick scan through the book also makes me think I've made a good purchase - some good playing tips and lots of work to keep me busy this winter :-)

The CD and the examples in this blues bass instuction book are particularly perfect for those seeking the most common blues bass lines. The examples run from slow Willie Dixon blues, medium speed Chicago and New Orleans styles, into a few "swing" blues styles. Each example on the CD plays through the song in its entirety, and with cool variations. There are twenty-two examples in all, and each is representative of a very popular blues groove. What makes this bass book/cd standout from others is that it defines particular styles and artists and associates that sound for players to groove on. A HIGH SIERRA BASS PLAYER MUST HAVE!

I am a rank beginner on the bass, and have found that playing blues is one of the easier ways to feel like you are learning/playing a song without a lot of intense effort. I don't say this to say blues is easy, but more that the repetition in it is far easier to follow than many rock bass lines that move off into solos. This book sets out several (there are not LOTS of them) different styles and songs to practice, and it is done in a clear fashion with comments about the type of player(s) that made these styles famous.

If you're a well experienced player, you may be disappointed. But if you are not that experienced, this can give you that feeling that you really are making progress.

What a great bass blues book, with an unfortunate title. Keith covers some of the blues "greats" - "Duck Dunn", Tommy Shannon, etc. by using blues tunes to showcase the individual styles. Presented in notes and tabs with an accompanying CD. The CD allows you to "dump" the bass and play along with the band. Also, good commentaries on what makes a good blues bass player. The "Jump n" part of the title made me think the book only covered "old" blues styles, but it is a great overview of many styles.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Kaz Jorgenson works in the high powered white collar world in San Francisco when she is called home to Oregon. Her twin brother Gary is in trouble and Kaz is the only one who can help him. Shortly after her return, Gary's good friend and partner in their fishing business is brutally murdered and Gary is accused.

Michael Chapman, an arson investigator, is running from memories in his past and comes to Astoria as the new fire chief. His first day on the job, he's caught up in investigating the murder of Gary's partner. This has him butting heads with Kaz from the beginning and surprisingly, they find themselves drawn to each other.

Now Kaz and Michael must work together to get to the bottom of the mystery. What they find only leads them to more questions... questions to which the answers may mean their deaths.

A Killing Tide by P J Alderman is a winning debut novel. All the elements can be found to make for a stunning romantic suspense that will leave you gasping for breath. Though I had the real villain figured out immediately, and his motive, the journey we follow along with Kaz and Michael takes us many different directions on the quest for answers.

The romance blossoms between Kaz and Michael at a natural pace, making it seem all the more believable. They both have shadows in their past that affect them to this day. Both are flawed people who can finally begin to heal once they find each other and work through their issues together. I found myself sitting there alongside them, crying their tears and sharing their laughs as I learned more about them both.

A Killing Tide would not be complete without its exemplary cast of secondary characters. After all who can resist Zeke the dog who acts almost human at times? Each character is unique and individual, with their own thoughts and fears. None of them are like the two-dimensional characters some authors use as filler for a story. Every player, from the fisherman to the cops is key to the story. And of course we can't forget the town of Astoria itself. It is a character as well, teaching us about the life of a fisherman and the hardships they experience on a daily basis. We also get the feeling of the small town where everyone knows everyone else.

P J Alderman shows strong talent with A Killing Tide. Keep an eye out because this is a name I see making it to the top of the list for the genre in the not-too-distant future.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, January 2007. All rights reserved.

I got the book about 3 p.m., took it home, ate a quick meal and sat down to read. I surfaced at 1 a.m., when I finished the WHOLE thing.
I liked the characters, Kaz, Michael and the dog, Zeke. The intrigue kept me turning the pages, although I did sniff out the bad guy early on. The interweaving of the suspense/romance with the life of the fishing community in Astoria was fascinating to me, a native midwesterner who did not see an ocean until middle age.
The author's attention to detail in the fire scene showed careful research well applied.
A great Book I, and I look forward to more.

One of the things I appreciate in romantic suspense is a strong, independent heroine and this novel delivers. Kaz is not only a successful executive, she's also a river bar pilot, for heaven's sake. She's in Astoria, Oregon, to help her brother and this author brings the small coastal town to life. The rendition of the town is rich, complex, and atmospheric (another thing I appreciate in a novel).

The romance with Michael, the firefighter who's new in town, is also complex and intelligently handled. Nothing sappy about it. Michael is strong and handsome of course, but absolutely real. And talk about romantic tension. You can feel it from the very start.

The supporting characters are intriguing too, with a nice variety of people you'd expect to find in a small town plus some you wouldn't.
Another thing I liked was the humor sprinkled throughout the book. How often do you get to read a book that delivers suspense and romance and atmosphere and humor?

I read A KILLING TIDE straight through...couldn't put it down. I just had to find out what happens with these characters and their dilemmas. This is one of the best novels in the romantic suspense genre that I've read in a long time.

Author, P.J. Alderman comes off the starter's block with a powerful novel, hardly showing this is her first book. Many first-time novelists want to tell too much, flood the first part of a novel with back-story; it's only when you get into the action of the plot do the books come alive. You won't find that in Alderman's book. She is a strong writer, with a clear voice that only leaves you to wonder how much better can she get.

Kaz Jorgenson is consultant for a high-powered company in San Francisco. She loves her posh job and living on the bay. Only, as families sometimes do, "just when you thought you were free they pull you back in". Kaz is called home to Astoria, Oregon. Her brother Gary is in trouble. When she gets there, she finds a family friend murdered and her brother is blamed. Then he vanishes, leaving Kaz to solve just what is going on in the small town.

This brings her into conflict with Boston-bred Michael Chapman. He is the new fire chief and is investigating the murder-arson for which her brother is accused. The attraction is instant, but neither wants to trust the other. This man could harm Gary, so Kaz mistrusts his actions. Michael feels Kaz might be using him just to interfere with a case that is leading straight to the missing brother.

Alderman skillfully plays this romance against a strong mystery, keeping each element in balance and not to over shadow the other. Sometimes, Suspense loses its punch because the mystery overshadows the romance. Other times, Romance takes over and makes the mystery just a week subplot. Not under the skillful direction of Alderman. This is a powerful mystery, yet the characters falling in love develop in a believable and strong fashion, keeping both Suspense readers and Romance readers well satisfied. The characters are "real", flawed, with all the baggage from the past that gives them layers to their actions. The hero and heroine are well-supported with a cast of secondary characters that make this debut novel near flawless in its execution.

I eagerly look for more works from this author.

Kaz Jorgenson leaves her job in San Francisco, to come home to Oregon and help her twin brother Gary with his fishing business. When Gary's partner and friend is brutally killed and he's charged with the crime he runs leaving Kaz holding the bag and having to try to figure out who the killer really is. She's not alone in fact Kaz has help from Michael Chapman, Astoria's new arson investigator.

Michael is from Boston and Astoria is as far away from that place as he can get and still stay in the country. Hopefully it's also far enough away that he will be able to bury the past he's running from. He's not given much chance when he finds himself pulled into a case where the suspect's sister is a danger he never expected. Unprepared for the sparks that instantly ignite between them and will Kaz and Michael be able to stay one step ahead of a killer who is not yet satisfied?

If I had to come up with one word to describe this debut effort it would have to be "WOW." This author has deftly woven all the threads of the story together into a seamless page turning romantic-suspense. Kaz and Michael are entertaining characters and this is not your typical romance. Kaz is a strong heroine, one that is not waiting for her prince to save her bacon. You've got to appreciate this element of her character. Michael is a fine match for Kaz. This is a page turning read and one I recommend if you enjoy a good romantic suspense. This is one author I plan on watching.

What a Great book,Diane did a wonderful job on this & it's very informative .A no punch's pulled book about [ to me ] the greatest country singer there ever was, what a VOICE .But, regardless of your opinion of his singing, you'll love this book,it's very easy to read & very interesting.

JUST FINISHED READING LIVE FAST, LOVE HARD, THE FARON YOUNG STORY, BY DIANE DIEKMAN. WHAT A THRILL FOR ME TO FIND A BOOK ABOUT ONE OF THE GREATEST SINGERS IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY. DIANE REALLY TOOK THIS TASK TO HEART AND FOUND OUT TRULY HOW COUNTRY MUSIC ARTISTS HAD TO STRUGLE BACK IN THE EARLY DAYS OF COUNTRY MUSIC. I MET FARON SEVERAL TIMES DURING HIS LIFETIME AND TRULY ADMIRED HIM. KEEP UP THE GREAT WRITING DIANE AND I LOOK FORWARD TO READING YOUR NEXT BOOK , THE STORY OF MARTY ROBBINS.

I have to be honest...I didn't know much about Faron Young before I started this book. But now that I have finished reading it, I feel like I know him inside and out. Diane's research is incredible. She paints a vivid picture of a man who found tremendous success while battling the demons of alchoholism and depression. This book should be required reading for fans of classic country music.

I really enjoyed this book! Many hilarious stories about life on the road. Faron Young was a giant in the country music business. I hope this gets made into a movie.

I am so glad the author wrote this book about Faron Young. I thought he'd been forgotten. His music meant so much to me, but I thought I was the only one who cared.

This is a very comprehensive story about Faron's life and his ascent and descent in the world of country music.

Weaved throughout this story is Faron's alcohol addiction. It resonated with me, because my dad was an alcoholic, and some of the tales hit too close to home. Yet, it was consoling, in a way. It brought back memories that I'd buried about my own father, and allowed me to relive some painful times that I thought I'd long forgotten.

Regardless, I was so glad that someone thought enough about Faron and his life and career to put this in book form.

He was a major force in country music for many years, and it's time he got his due.

Thanks again to the author. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it will be a valuable addition to my collection of country music biographies.

What a great book. You never think about songwriters when you listen to a song but after reading this book you will. It's the story about the man behind some of the biggest hits of the 50' and 60's but it's so much more. Doc's story is more then his music, it's the life that he led and the trials he overcame to get there. If you're into music or not this is one book that will make you laugh, cry and just revel in one man's life and times.

Great book. I got choked up reading about Doc writing Save the Last Dance for Me.

The writer did his homework, and I'd recomend this book to anyone, also visit the Brill Building, There's Always Magic In The Air.

Great reading!

"Lonely Avenue" is one of the most moving books I've read in a long, long time. It's so good, I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. This book will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and parts of it will make you want to jump out of your chair and cheer for its hero (and a new hero of mine), Doc Pomus, a true American orginal if there ever was one. Even if you don't know anything about him or his music, do yourself a favor and buy this book.

This is a fantastic new book. Among its many strengths is the fact that this is a book that can be appreciated and enjoyed by anyone. While it is a biography of a great American song writer, it is also a multi-dimensional work that offers readers glimpses into the history of New York City and its various neighborhoods, the evolution of American culture, the personal struggles of all its characters and the music industry. The book is also very personal and very human and is an inspiring piece about extraordianry and ordinary people. Anyone can read this book; no one needs to have a background in music history or to even love Elvis!

Halberstadt's book is very beautifully written. I was just as caught up with the writing as I was with the subject. I learned a great deal about America's famous musicians, but I also just loved the prose and the intimate details that the author included. Clearly, this book was exhautively researched and the author obviously labored lovingly over each sentence. I hope that Halberstadt will continue to publish books as I am eagerly looking forward to his next one.

I highly recommend this book. It is perfect for summer reading, for serious inquiry into American history, for book clubs, for college classes.... You will not be disappointed, and you will probably go out and buy lots of new music after reading it!

I am a fervent reader of mystery books. But, this book came to my attention and I became engrossed in the story, its characters and was amazed at the emotions that I felt because of the intense gentle writing by the author of her characters. Bridgets search for her sister Meg never waivered. She just couldn't understand why she was gone. The book made me want to know more about each character. The characters, some just touched upon, could have become better known in their roles in this novel. I will look forward to a follow-up novel to follow the Donahue's extended family. Definitely a good read.

I loved this book. I grew up in the neighborhood where the story took place. I shopped many times on 5th Avenue, went to the public library on 9th Street and attended mass at Holy Name. I grew up Irish Catholic in Brooklyn and this book brought back so many memories - I could really identify with the characters in the book. You'll enjoy it too I'm sure. I especially like Elizabeth's comment about families at the end.

One of the finest books I have had the pleasure of reading. Ms. Symonds captures each character with the depth and richness few authors have had the gift to put forth in actual words. It was INCREDIBLY difficult to put down. I found myself stealing moments here and there, throughout my day simply to read and enjoy another page. What a wonderful read. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone. Bravo !!!

Excellent story. Georgette does a wonderful job at getting the reader to really care about the people. I didn't want the story to end. I passed it on to my family and they loved it too!

This book was by far one of the best I have read in a long time. I put it right up there with Mary Higgins Clark. Once you start reading it, its hard to put down, you want to keep on reading. It makes you laugh and it makes you cry. It touchs all your emotions. Georgette has done a fabulous job. I look forward to a sequel, hopefully continuing with some of the same characters.

Great reading...The Bertoli's

i absolutely loved reading this book!!! i felt like i knew the characters. i have read this book more than once! it is one of my favorite books of all time!!

I enjoyed reading this book. The author touches subjects that haunt many families, and it also shows how families stick together in times of trouble.

Too many people think a book about African-American families would only be read by African-Americans. With that thought there will be a lot of readers who would miss the opportunity to read a superbly written story about family interactions, modern women, and the unique bond of sisterhood.

Ms. McCarthy Louard has the ability to draw you in immediately and make you feel as if you are part of the Darling family. Her talent brings you into each one of their trials to the point where it is difficult to put the book down. The intensity of the emotions is compelling, but the book is so well-written that you do not experience any drags at all.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well constructed and enjoyable book with individual characters who linger in your memory long after the book is finished.

I really enjoyed reading Mama's Girls. I had been looking forward to reading this book because I had heard so much about it. Once I got the opportunity to read it I was captivated. It was difficult to put it down because I wanted to get to the end quickly. This book tells the story of family love and what we are all encouraged to do, help one another in times of crises. The Bible tells us to love each other as we love ourselves. Louard illustrated that we should all put a high priority on family. Although, the characters portrayed in this book did not appear to be extremely close in the beginning, their love for each other brought them to a point where they were willing to sacrifice everything for the love of family. I believe the author did an excellent job portraying each character. I am especially drawn to Brynne, the oldest of the three sisters. She is going through a time of renewal and she is willing to take some risks to discover her true self. Grandma Laurel is a lot like many of the West Indian grandmothers and mothers I know. They have a strong resolve and they will go to the ends of the earth for their families. Laurel is further characterized as a strong, independent and feisty woman who took on the tremendous task of raising her three granddaughters. It is Laurel's faith in God that takes her through the ordeal she is confronted with. Congratulations Janette McCathy Louard for penning such a great first novel. I loved the ending and I am looking forward to the sequel.

I read this book in two days. It would've been one but I was quite sick.In fact I know it made me feel better. This book grips you from the fist page. It begins with the death of the girls' parents' in an automobile accident. And they were raised by their maternal grandmother. And loved from far by their paternal grandmother who lived in another state. I loss both my parents' a day apart in 2000. This book made me realize how lucky I was to have my parents for 44 years. These girls were quite young when their parents died.I highly recommend this book to everyone to read. I even recommended it to my online bookclub. All the characters in the book were so realistic and each reader can identify with these women. The storyline was so realistic.Brynne,Camille and Olivia are the three sisters. Mama Laurel and Gram Naomi were the grandmothers. This book is a must read.Pam

This book's got everything a die-hard Metallica fan could ask for. I just finished reading it and I couldn't put it down. Normally, I don't read anything, but this being the best book about the best band in the world, I never stopped until the end. Complete history, all the songs played over the years, whatever you wanna know about the band, you'll find it here. If you've never read this book, you're not a full-fledged Metallica fan. Great job, Sem!

When this book originally came out several years ago, it was a pretty handy and interesting guide to the world of collecting Metallica CDs, Vinyl, Cassettes and Promo only items. To anyone not a collector, the book probably wouldn't hold much interest, even though there is a brief historical timeline to major events in the life of Metallica at the start of the book. The family tree of the various bands that members were once in towards the end of the book goes into a little more detail than some other books I've read, as those tend to usually gloss over the pre-Metallica bands, so it's nice to have. The demos and cover songs section is decent too, although it's missing a few items and lacks details for some. Also included is a radio interview CD.

The main problems with the book are mostly due to the format. It's understandable with the sheer number of bootlegs out there, that the author can't really do more than give them a passing mention (they'd be a book unto themselves). But any type of listing that tries to encompass everything that a (still) recording artist does is going to get stale pretty fast -- as new releases come and never before discovered versions of the albums and singles come to light. This type of listing is really better suited to the internet, which since the time the book was published, everybody and their grandmother has access to. There are several excellent sites that cover this material (the author has one himself) and is really the proper way to pass on this type of info. The book is also marred by some egregious typos and poorly reproduced scans that make the book look cheap (in quality, not price), which is too bad because this the only place to get a lot of this info in book form.

I bought this book buy mistake. I am really glad I did, It is a Metallica collectors must have. If you are a collector of anything Metallica, from rare vinyl, vinyl singles, cd's, cd singles, bootlegs, videos, promo's, cassettes, fan cans etc.... This guide gives you information on every Metallica release from every country. Mostly black and white it has a color section in the middle. Also comes with a interview cd. The author also provides his web address, he has a great website also. Get this one before its gone, you won't regret it.

Just when you thought you had a good little collection going, some guy from Norway goes and makes a book that makes you realize that you really don't have much! Ouch!!! This is an excellent book for the serious collector, Sem did an awesome job (like big surprise, right). Whether you think you have it all or you are just getting started into collecting "Metallica," you need this book!

This book is the most detailed Metallica book I have ever seen. It should be and there are so many items in the book not only the text but with tons of pictures so you know what to look for. Do yourself a favour and buy this book. I call it the bible for Metallica fans.

This is a phenomenal resource for the Mikado. The piano reduction is imminently playable, and the libretto includes the spoken dialogue between each of the vocal selections. The chorus parts are included, so this little score is the whole show in a complete package, with the exception of not being scored for the orchestra. Unless a person would want to alter some script, or lyrics (such as is commonly done in certain songs, i.e. I've Got a Little List) This Dover Vocal Score ranks right up there with the Stratford Video Production from 1982 - which is one of the best productions of this Gilbert and Sullivan classic.

This well-priced score is a great edition for student productions because it's legible and affordable!

Well, I don't know if it is perfect or not. However, it does have bar numbers, which is more than can be said for most of the vocal editions out there. AND they match the published full scores.

When you are rehearsing or doing any type of serious work with the music, being able to reference bar numbers is invariable. "Second bar of third system on page #148", just doesn't cut it.

Great for learning both dialogue and vocal score for anyone who is taking part in this production or who is just considering auditioning.

Being a serious fan of Gilbert and Sullivan's work and a performer in several of their collaborations, this is a wonderful score. It has every piece of dialogue, every song, and a great cover. If you are ever going to be in a production of 'The Mikado', buy this score!

A very interesting book that will rattle the chains of any self respecting "Baby Boomer" with rock n roll memories from the 50's and 60's! Being in the middle of this target group: (Class of "67"/BEHS), I enjoyed this book immensely! Warning: do not give these quizes to anyone born after : 1960! They will give you a blank stare! :-)

This is a "fun" book to read. filled with lots of information that even a casual rock & roll fan might be expected to know . It's a book of quiz's and i have to admit i was REALLY surprised at how much i just didn't know or remember. But, a word of warning,don't write your answers in the book if you intend to let a friend (or 2) take the quiz's after you, use a scratch pad instead. The Oldies Music Aptitude Test is very reasonably price and certainly fun to read.....dale

My Boomer friends and I had a ball with this book - and then the kids wanted to 'play', too. Now my kids (30-somethings) grew up with my music for their lullabies and their lives in general. Imagine my chagrin to discover that these former 'Sesame Street residents' actually did better than we Boomers, in some cases! It was no consolation that they had learned it from me. As my son put it, "A test is a test, so stop crying and lose like an adult". It could have been worse - he COULD have called me a 'grown-up'. Sigh. Bring the generations together with these questions about the greatest era in music. Just check your ego at the door. Thanks, Barb, for a wonderful trip down memory lane. And next time we 'adults' play, we'll be sure to keep the kids locked out of the house!

There had to be something to all the praise over at Oldiesmusic.com about this book. So I bought it and now I understand. This is one truly different and fun trivia book. You know all those "multiple-guess" (yawn!) trivia books? Thankfully, this isn't like those at all! This one has funny categories and it's actually humorous! There are clever cartoons too that oldies lovers will really appreciate. Just take a look at the cover art, hahaha!

Spread the word, this is a super fun book and why it's not available in "real" bookstores is beyond comprehension. My college reunion is coming up and I'll bring this along with my lava lamp and Desiderata poster to set the mood. ;->

Best $... I ever spent on a trivia book, I must say!

Hohoho

I consider myself to be a bit of a trivia buff, from history to TV to music. At least I did before I got this book. Barb Jastrab has assembled a set of "tests" within the book to help you determine whether you are a "player" or a "pretender" in the world of trivia. Once you begin, you can't stop! It's funny, it's enlightening, it's humbling, and it's full of "DUH I should have known that" moments. Challenging and fun, well balanced.

I do have one complaint, Ms. Jastrab. You are responsible for eight hangovers this past weekend.

Your book and an eggtimer became the fodder for a drinking game of sorts after an otherwise civilized dinner party. Yes, I know better, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. Anyway, at my age, I suffer a bit more than I did in my youth after such foolishness.

We have all agreed that next time we do this, we'll play for orange juice. But play again we must! Thanks for a great book and a fun challenge.